Chapter 18.
Tuesday
Tuesday morning wasn’t pleasant. I was up and down all night. I kept thinking about Jennifer. I also thought about my neighbor, Oscar. Sally and his son, Keith, went out last night to ride the rides at the State Fair and visit Fun Town USA. I knew they needed to get away, and since Keith was also worried about his dad, it gave them both comfort being together.
Today, Sally and I have reservations for the attractions in The Dark Room and lunch with Steven C. and his family. Unfortunately, Jennifer won’t be able to join us, as once planned.
Since Sally and I were both feeling down, we hit the breakfast buffet pretty hard. We were quiet during our meal, but we knew what the other was thinking.
Afterward, we headed over to the Complex. Once we exited the Family Hotel Station, we jumped on the Circle Shuttle to get to the Show Town & Dark Room Hub. We went down the escalator and into the entrance of the Dark Room. The Dark Room was constructed in the third year and houses two original attractions and two newer ones that were just added. The two original attractions are: Castle Mare (name taken from “Castle” and “nightmare”) and Galactic War. The two latest are; NASA: In Space and Mother Nature’s Fury.
The entryway to the Dark Room is like walking into a portal to go to another world; like walking from day to night, all within a 20-foot tunnel. The tunnel is surrounded by lights and video and filled with haze. Once through, you enter a massive, mostly darkened room, that resembles nighttime. The only illumination is from the faux night sky in the ceiling, complete with a full moon; lights coming from the four main attractions; and the ambient lighting on the ground: street lights, vender lights and those from a few rides in the center of the enormous room. I have always loved the Dark Room, as it’s so distinct and separate from the other sections, plus it hosts the four most advanced attractions in the world.
We first headed to Castle Mare. This attraction, which is to the right of the entrance, stands over ten stories tall and is completely decked out like a medieval castle, complete with a moat and blazing torches on the outer walls. As you walk to the Castle, you cross several bridges over waterways, which are part of a boat ride attraction that’s connected to Castle Mare. We crossed over the main drawbridge over the moat and entered the main Castle. We scanned our fingers and went right to the boat ride, “The Cursed Voyage.”
Our wait was just a few minutes since we booked our time in advance. A boat pulled up, and we boarded. After seat-belting ourselves in, the 16-passenger boat slipped off the loading platform into the dark water. We traveled through a small fishing village with lots of action going on through the very realistic animatronics. The villagers looked hard at work, catching and cleaning fish, and other tasks. Then we entered the open area of the Dark Room where you gently float along a winding canal through the room. You pass under a few bridges we just recently walked over, each with a haunting ambiance under them, though nothing terrifying yet. Thus far, the canal voyage is peaceful and calm. But you know this is just to lull you into thinking that this is going to be just a peaceful boat ride. But it’s not, as you will soon find out.
As we start to head back into the Castle, things start to get a little rougher. We floated past the dungeon and enter the bowels of the Castle. We then entered a vast, dark lake. You see next to nothing as you glide across. We begin to hear splashing in the distance, and soon, our boat starts to get hit underneath by something on both sides. Is it a shark? A water monster? You don’t know. We heard a loud growl and more splashing. By now, our pulse is racing, as all the noise, action, and barely seen moon has left our imaginations in overdrive. As we continue, we start to hear what sounds like a waterfall. Slowly, we draw nearer, and start to hear faint screams from a boat in front of us in the distance. The roar of the waterfall gets closer and my heart feels like it’s going to pound out of my chest. Our boat continues to be hit harder and harder underneath, making it feel like we may be tipped over on the next hit. The ear deafening waterfall sounds like it’s right in front of you and we all start yelling.
Our boat begins being tossed from side to side from the rapids and then starts to dip forward as we hold on with everything we have. The only thing holding you in the boat is the seat belt. In almost complete darkness, the boat then tipped downward, and we plunged, for what seemed like 200 feet. Somehow, we landed in the water upright and kept floating along. You can’t believe you just made that plunge. Everyone was clapping and cheering because we survived and were so exhilarated. What a rush of adrenaline! The boat then docks, and you exit! My God, what a ride!
While our hearts were still pounding, we then went right to the other attraction; The Castle Tour. This ride takes you on a roller coaster type tour of the Castle and features special effects and drops to scare the courage out of anyone. Each vehicle is like what you would find on a water rapids ride; ten seats all facing inwards, in a tube-like structure. Everyone is harnessed in. The vehicles can turn 360 degrees and can tilt up or down, up to a 45-degree angle.
Sally and I boarded and just held on, not knowing what to really expect, because, like Galactic War, the Castle Tour can be a distinct experience each time you ride it. The ride is smooth and varies its speed. We briefly stopped at many different areas throughout the Castle to observe a room with a “creature or scene” and then moved quickly to the next, all the while spinning and dropping or rocketing upward in the dark. We went from scene to scene. A hologram of an ugly witches’ head appeared in the middle of our vehicle and warned us of impending danger if we entered this one room, which of course, we did anyways! The ride went into the room and stopped at a floating wizard who said. “Be doomed, those who enter this room, for you do not listen when told.” Just then, we dropped straight down, well over 200 feet, in the pitch black. Next time, we should listen to the witch!
Each one of these rides lasts at least 20 minutes and comes with unbelievable effects. During October, Castle Mare expands for Halloween. There are six different walk-through haunts guests can take to see even more of the Castle. Each one of these uniquely themed walking tours between 15 and 30 minutes. There are no “live” actors here, but the effects are like nothing you’ve ever seen before. One included a glass floor you walk on that lights-up to show “live” snakes that are crawling underneath you. It’s like you are in the pit. There is animatronics, and effects galore.
Castle Mare also features a haunted restaurant, called Dining in the Basement. It’s an entirely immersive atmosphere with special effects, and many startle scares, even in the bathroom.
Galactic War, which we rode next, is the top-rated indoor roller coaster in the world. It features a combination of virtual reality and a high–speed roller coaster. Each 16-person rocket has a plasma-dome cover, to create the illusion you’re in a different world. The video is so real, you feel totally immersed. The story takes place in a faraway galaxy, between two fighting planets, both looking to destroy the other. You are recruited to join one of them by being randomly chosen and assigned a side. There are over 100 battle combinations between the planets. The battle comes complete with proton missiles and laser beam weapons, as well as acrobatic flying. You will be chasing other rocket ships or be chased. You fly through the galaxy at super high speeds, which combined with the effects, can feel like 1,200 mph. The virtual effects will also make you feel like you’re dropping thousands of feet.
You will feel the rush and excitement as you speed toward the fires below and rocket to super-fast speeds upward. The coaster is very smooth, as it uses rubber tires, and each 16-passenger rocket can swivel and tilt. The rocket vehicles use their own power to generate intense speeds and quick bursts of acceleration. The Galactic War attraction is by far the most advanced ride system in the world. No headsets or special glasses to wear.
The entryway into the attraction is like walking into a science fiction movie. There are several areas you pass while walking deep into the attraction where you can watch the rockets fly in and out and straight down into the floor. A hole will open right before the rocket comes shooting straight down from above. The recruit training rooms are also geared to get you amped up and ready for a real Galactic War, by telling you all the terrible things the other planet did over the years to the one you’re helping to fight for. They make sure to garner your sympathy and anger.
The State Fair Section has a few very intense roller coasters, but nothing of this magnitude or scale of theming.
Because of the intensity of Castle Mare and Galactic War, there is a first aid station in between both. The primary purpose for this is in case of a heart attack. Each attraction vehicle is equipped with an emergency button for each passenger. If someone hits the button, the ride will stop at a safe place, and an operator will ask what the problem is. If need be, EMS will be dispatched to the site. There have been several documented cases where passengers have suffered heart attacks and been saved by the quick action of the employees and EMS personnel. As I stated earlier, each first aid center has a nurse, a paramedic, and an EMT on site. One of the three stations always have a doctor on duty each day, and another has a nurse practitioner. So, while they are there for emergencies and first aid, they also see employees who have medical concerns and for routine physicals. They always stay busy. If anything is severe, they will transport you underground to the medical facility.
One of the two newest Dark Room attractions is NASA: In Space. Everything you love about space is here. The pictures from NASA are in full view on the world’s largest LED screen. Experience flying through outer space in a “Convertible Space Craft (CSC).” Each 24-passenger CSC flies through space; past planets and stars. Then it lands on the moon, where you get to exit the CSC and walk around the surface of the moon and see Earth in the distance. I’m not really sure how they created this attraction, as they literally took this to a level never seen before. On the moon, there is a restaurant in which you can sit and eat in space. It’s called The MoonEatery. Surprisingly enough, you can reach the MoonEatery via a “Space Escalator.” There is also a small café on the moon to grab a quick bite, like Moon Pies or Space Candy, before getting back in your CSC and heading back to earth. We were due back here later to meet Steven C. for lunch.
The other new attraction to open with NASA: In Space, is Mother Nature’s Fury. Just like it sounds, this attraction is a real bad boy. It takes you face to face with an F-5 tornado, Category 5 hurricane, severe thunderstorms, and an exploding volcano. The story is simple; you are recruited to help storm chasers in their SUV’s while they attempt to get close to the storms for videotaping and performing experiments. You are restrained with a seat-belt harness because your tires are going to leave the road, guaranteed.
The storm chaser driver and videographer seem to know what they’re doing beforehand, and all you have to do is help them watch for flying debris and other hazards, as they drive and film. But as expected, the forces of mother nature tend to be more powerful and unpredictable than the storm chasers expected. You will soon get caught up in deadly situations. Now, the fun begins, and you’re along for this 45-minute thrill ride, with mother nature providing the thrills.
Each of the four mega attractions has its own built-in restaurant, completely themed and connected to the attraction. The Dark Room also has several other rides in the center of the room that is much smaller, yet scary. Each is similar to a modified flat ride (stationary ride) and is completely enclosed, so you can’t see anything. A few of them will lift you up and spin you, but you really don’t know what to expect, because you can’t watch the ride operate beforehand. The only lights you’ll see is when your loading and unloading, and the lights are lit from above and shine down, so you can’t see anything when you look up. One is a swing ride with video screens all around, so it seems like your flying through different themes and locations. Really fun!
The Dark Room is perhaps the most intense and exhilarating theme park section in the world. Engineers from other theme parks come to try and figure out how things are done. But they usually can’t. Even if they know, the technology is patented. The WOE doesn’t harness engineer’s creativity and imagination with money. And they save money because everything is done in-house.
It was now 1:30 p.m., and we were to meet Steven C. and his wife for lunch. Where else, but on the moon. We took the Space Escalator up to the MoonEatery in NASA: In Space and told them we were there to meet with Steven C.
The attendant said, “Are you, Peter?”
“Yes, I am.”
“Well, Peter, Steven C. is awaiting your arrival. Please allow me to take you to his table.”
“Thank you.”
As Sally and I walked over to their table, I saw Steven C. and a female, that I assumed was his wife.
“Hi, Peter. It’s nice to see you again. I’d like to introduce you to my wife, Claire.”
“Hi, Peter. It’s nice to meet you,” Claire said.
“Hi, Claire. It’s nice to meet you as well. This is my daughter, Sally.”
Everyone exchanged greetings, and then we sat down at the table.
“Jennifer would have loved to be here, but unfortunately, she’s in the medical facility,” I said.
“We’re sorry to hear that, Peter. I called over earlier, and it looks like she is still stable. She’s receiving the best care anywhere,” said Claire.
“Thanks, Claire, I appreciate hearing that.”
We talked for a few minutes and enjoyed a few appetizers Steven C. had already ordered in advance. We chatted about how our vacation was going and what I’ve learned so far by talking to others.
“Honestly, I’ve heard a few ‘heartbreaking stories,’ all with happy endings. There’s so much that is different here. The way things are done and how people are treated,” I answered.
“From the very beginning, we knew we had to be different. The world needed a place like this,” Steven C. said. “I have always loved theme parks, hotels, and entertainment ever since I was a kid. But I always felt the way they did things could have been different; better and more efficient. A concert held in a hockey arena? The seating and sound weren’t adequate. But the VIP seats, well, they could see and hear just fine. The prices for the tickets, the service charges, the prices for food and drinks; all exorbitant and unnecessary. But for those making money, they were content with it. The same goes for amusement parks with waiting lines in the heat. Don’t like the low pressure, lukewarm water from their water fountains, then buy a bottle of water for $3 or ask for a 6-ounce free cup of water. But you may have to wait 20 minutes just for that. $10 burgers, $8 hot dogs, $79 front-of-the-line passes, $25 for parking for the day, VIP? Come-on! The employees are mostly part-time, making minimum wage. The hotels have so many undocumented employees cleaning the rooms, most are paid so little they can’t even afford to buy a car. They must take the bus to and from work. How can they ever get ahead?
Guests and employees are being taken advantage of. The theme and amusement parks can be fun if you can actually ride most of the rides, instead of waiting in lines most of the day. Guests and employees need to be treated better. So, when the opportunity came along, I wanted to build the WOE,” said Steven C. “I understand your financial situation too, Peter. Claire and I were also burdened with everything from high medical bills for Claire, college tuition for our daughter, and everything else that was thrown at us.”
“I feel the exact same way you do. And I’m so thankful this place is here,” I said. “But can I ask you again who put up the money to build this place, and how did you find them?”
“As I said earlier, the person who put up the money wishes to remain anonymous. Let’s just say they found a good place to spend their money. A place that helps so many people and provides so many guests with an experience like no other. And let’s just say I was lucky to run into this person and share my ideas about the WOE. We strive to help as many people as we can; to provide an opportunity to those looking to advance and to support and comfort those in need. We want to provide each guest and each member with an experience like no other. And the best way we know how to do that is by having the best people come together from around the world and create this wonderful experience.”
“When you put money and wealth aside, and you focus on helping others and losing the prestige of owning a huge home and luxury cars; you will then be free from stress and the temptation to only look out for yourself. No one working here is here for money, but for peace of mind and doing what they love. Whether that be to practice medicine, perform on stage four days a week, create unique rides and attractions, or clean rooms while going to school. All while getting free rent, free healthcare, and free education, everyone is here because they don’t have to worry about being taken advantage of and enjoy being part of this family,” Steven C. said.
While eating our lunch, we talked for a while about Jennifer and Sally and their schools. After we finished our coffee, we were ready to leave.
“Thank you very much! I really appreciate your time and all you’ve done to help others and Jennifer, and for providing such a wonderful place,” I said.
“Peter and Sally, it is our pleasure to spend time in your company. Thank you for taking my invitation to do all your doing. I understand Jennifer will be staying with us for a while longer. I’m sure they’ll be moving you and Sally tomorrow to other accommodations. She can continue to get better, and you can both be by her side and support her,” Steven C. said.
As Sally and I were heading back to visit Jennifer, I thought about how lucky these people were to be here, to never have to worry about medical care or house payments, house repairs or car breakdowns. Man, it must be nice.
Tuesday
Tuesday morning wasn’t pleasant. I was up and down all night. I kept thinking about Jennifer. I also thought about my neighbor, Oscar. Sally and his son, Keith, went out last night to ride the rides at the State Fair and visit Fun Town USA. I knew they needed to get away, and since Keith was also worried about his dad, it gave them both comfort being together.
Today, Sally and I have reservations for the attractions in The Dark Room and lunch with Steven C. and his family. Unfortunately, Jennifer won’t be able to join us, as once planned.
Since Sally and I were both feeling down, we hit the breakfast buffet pretty hard. We were quiet during our meal, but we knew what the other was thinking.
Afterward, we headed over to the Complex. Once we exited the Family Hotel Station, we jumped on the Circle Shuttle to get to the Show Town & Dark Room Hub. We went down the escalator and into the entrance of the Dark Room. The Dark Room was constructed in the third year and houses two original attractions and two newer ones that were just added. The two original attractions are: Castle Mare (name taken from “Castle” and “nightmare”) and Galactic War. The two latest are; NASA: In Space and Mother Nature’s Fury.
The entryway to the Dark Room is like walking into a portal to go to another world; like walking from day to night, all within a 20-foot tunnel. The tunnel is surrounded by lights and video and filled with haze. Once through, you enter a massive, mostly darkened room, that resembles nighttime. The only illumination is from the faux night sky in the ceiling, complete with a full moon; lights coming from the four main attractions; and the ambient lighting on the ground: street lights, vender lights and those from a few rides in the center of the enormous room. I have always loved the Dark Room, as it’s so distinct and separate from the other sections, plus it hosts the four most advanced attractions in the world.
We first headed to Castle Mare. This attraction, which is to the right of the entrance, stands over ten stories tall and is completely decked out like a medieval castle, complete with a moat and blazing torches on the outer walls. As you walk to the Castle, you cross several bridges over waterways, which are part of a boat ride attraction that’s connected to Castle Mare. We crossed over the main drawbridge over the moat and entered the main Castle. We scanned our fingers and went right to the boat ride, “The Cursed Voyage.”
Our wait was just a few minutes since we booked our time in advance. A boat pulled up, and we boarded. After seat-belting ourselves in, the 16-passenger boat slipped off the loading platform into the dark water. We traveled through a small fishing village with lots of action going on through the very realistic animatronics. The villagers looked hard at work, catching and cleaning fish, and other tasks. Then we entered the open area of the Dark Room where you gently float along a winding canal through the room. You pass under a few bridges we just recently walked over, each with a haunting ambiance under them, though nothing terrifying yet. Thus far, the canal voyage is peaceful and calm. But you know this is just to lull you into thinking that this is going to be just a peaceful boat ride. But it’s not, as you will soon find out.
As we start to head back into the Castle, things start to get a little rougher. We floated past the dungeon and enter the bowels of the Castle. We then entered a vast, dark lake. You see next to nothing as you glide across. We begin to hear splashing in the distance, and soon, our boat starts to get hit underneath by something on both sides. Is it a shark? A water monster? You don’t know. We heard a loud growl and more splashing. By now, our pulse is racing, as all the noise, action, and barely seen moon has left our imaginations in overdrive. As we continue, we start to hear what sounds like a waterfall. Slowly, we draw nearer, and start to hear faint screams from a boat in front of us in the distance. The roar of the waterfall gets closer and my heart feels like it’s going to pound out of my chest. Our boat continues to be hit harder and harder underneath, making it feel like we may be tipped over on the next hit. The ear deafening waterfall sounds like it’s right in front of you and we all start yelling.
Our boat begins being tossed from side to side from the rapids and then starts to dip forward as we hold on with everything we have. The only thing holding you in the boat is the seat belt. In almost complete darkness, the boat then tipped downward, and we plunged, for what seemed like 200 feet. Somehow, we landed in the water upright and kept floating along. You can’t believe you just made that plunge. Everyone was clapping and cheering because we survived and were so exhilarated. What a rush of adrenaline! The boat then docks, and you exit! My God, what a ride!
While our hearts were still pounding, we then went right to the other attraction; The Castle Tour. This ride takes you on a roller coaster type tour of the Castle and features special effects and drops to scare the courage out of anyone. Each vehicle is like what you would find on a water rapids ride; ten seats all facing inwards, in a tube-like structure. Everyone is harnessed in. The vehicles can turn 360 degrees and can tilt up or down, up to a 45-degree angle.
Sally and I boarded and just held on, not knowing what to really expect, because, like Galactic War, the Castle Tour can be a distinct experience each time you ride it. The ride is smooth and varies its speed. We briefly stopped at many different areas throughout the Castle to observe a room with a “creature or scene” and then moved quickly to the next, all the while spinning and dropping or rocketing upward in the dark. We went from scene to scene. A hologram of an ugly witches’ head appeared in the middle of our vehicle and warned us of impending danger if we entered this one room, which of course, we did anyways! The ride went into the room and stopped at a floating wizard who said. “Be doomed, those who enter this room, for you do not listen when told.” Just then, we dropped straight down, well over 200 feet, in the pitch black. Next time, we should listen to the witch!
Each one of these rides lasts at least 20 minutes and comes with unbelievable effects. During October, Castle Mare expands for Halloween. There are six different walk-through haunts guests can take to see even more of the Castle. Each one of these uniquely themed walking tours between 15 and 30 minutes. There are no “live” actors here, but the effects are like nothing you’ve ever seen before. One included a glass floor you walk on that lights-up to show “live” snakes that are crawling underneath you. It’s like you are in the pit. There is animatronics, and effects galore.
Castle Mare also features a haunted restaurant, called Dining in the Basement. It’s an entirely immersive atmosphere with special effects, and many startle scares, even in the bathroom.
Galactic War, which we rode next, is the top-rated indoor roller coaster in the world. It features a combination of virtual reality and a high–speed roller coaster. Each 16-person rocket has a plasma-dome cover, to create the illusion you’re in a different world. The video is so real, you feel totally immersed. The story takes place in a faraway galaxy, between two fighting planets, both looking to destroy the other. You are recruited to join one of them by being randomly chosen and assigned a side. There are over 100 battle combinations between the planets. The battle comes complete with proton missiles and laser beam weapons, as well as acrobatic flying. You will be chasing other rocket ships or be chased. You fly through the galaxy at super high speeds, which combined with the effects, can feel like 1,200 mph. The virtual effects will also make you feel like you’re dropping thousands of feet.
You will feel the rush and excitement as you speed toward the fires below and rocket to super-fast speeds upward. The coaster is very smooth, as it uses rubber tires, and each 16-passenger rocket can swivel and tilt. The rocket vehicles use their own power to generate intense speeds and quick bursts of acceleration. The Galactic War attraction is by far the most advanced ride system in the world. No headsets or special glasses to wear.
The entryway into the attraction is like walking into a science fiction movie. There are several areas you pass while walking deep into the attraction where you can watch the rockets fly in and out and straight down into the floor. A hole will open right before the rocket comes shooting straight down from above. The recruit training rooms are also geared to get you amped up and ready for a real Galactic War, by telling you all the terrible things the other planet did over the years to the one you’re helping to fight for. They make sure to garner your sympathy and anger.
The State Fair Section has a few very intense roller coasters, but nothing of this magnitude or scale of theming.
Because of the intensity of Castle Mare and Galactic War, there is a first aid station in between both. The primary purpose for this is in case of a heart attack. Each attraction vehicle is equipped with an emergency button for each passenger. If someone hits the button, the ride will stop at a safe place, and an operator will ask what the problem is. If need be, EMS will be dispatched to the site. There have been several documented cases where passengers have suffered heart attacks and been saved by the quick action of the employees and EMS personnel. As I stated earlier, each first aid center has a nurse, a paramedic, and an EMT on site. One of the three stations always have a doctor on duty each day, and another has a nurse practitioner. So, while they are there for emergencies and first aid, they also see employees who have medical concerns and for routine physicals. They always stay busy. If anything is severe, they will transport you underground to the medical facility.
One of the two newest Dark Room attractions is NASA: In Space. Everything you love about space is here. The pictures from NASA are in full view on the world’s largest LED screen. Experience flying through outer space in a “Convertible Space Craft (CSC).” Each 24-passenger CSC flies through space; past planets and stars. Then it lands on the moon, where you get to exit the CSC and walk around the surface of the moon and see Earth in the distance. I’m not really sure how they created this attraction, as they literally took this to a level never seen before. On the moon, there is a restaurant in which you can sit and eat in space. It’s called The MoonEatery. Surprisingly enough, you can reach the MoonEatery via a “Space Escalator.” There is also a small café on the moon to grab a quick bite, like Moon Pies or Space Candy, before getting back in your CSC and heading back to earth. We were due back here later to meet Steven C. for lunch.
The other new attraction to open with NASA: In Space, is Mother Nature’s Fury. Just like it sounds, this attraction is a real bad boy. It takes you face to face with an F-5 tornado, Category 5 hurricane, severe thunderstorms, and an exploding volcano. The story is simple; you are recruited to help storm chasers in their SUV’s while they attempt to get close to the storms for videotaping and performing experiments. You are restrained with a seat-belt harness because your tires are going to leave the road, guaranteed.
The storm chaser driver and videographer seem to know what they’re doing beforehand, and all you have to do is help them watch for flying debris and other hazards, as they drive and film. But as expected, the forces of mother nature tend to be more powerful and unpredictable than the storm chasers expected. You will soon get caught up in deadly situations. Now, the fun begins, and you’re along for this 45-minute thrill ride, with mother nature providing the thrills.
Each of the four mega attractions has its own built-in restaurant, completely themed and connected to the attraction. The Dark Room also has several other rides in the center of the room that is much smaller, yet scary. Each is similar to a modified flat ride (stationary ride) and is completely enclosed, so you can’t see anything. A few of them will lift you up and spin you, but you really don’t know what to expect, because you can’t watch the ride operate beforehand. The only lights you’ll see is when your loading and unloading, and the lights are lit from above and shine down, so you can’t see anything when you look up. One is a swing ride with video screens all around, so it seems like your flying through different themes and locations. Really fun!
The Dark Room is perhaps the most intense and exhilarating theme park section in the world. Engineers from other theme parks come to try and figure out how things are done. But they usually can’t. Even if they know, the technology is patented. The WOE doesn’t harness engineer’s creativity and imagination with money. And they save money because everything is done in-house.
It was now 1:30 p.m., and we were to meet Steven C. and his wife for lunch. Where else, but on the moon. We took the Space Escalator up to the MoonEatery in NASA: In Space and told them we were there to meet with Steven C.
The attendant said, “Are you, Peter?”
“Yes, I am.”
“Well, Peter, Steven C. is awaiting your arrival. Please allow me to take you to his table.”
“Thank you.”
As Sally and I walked over to their table, I saw Steven C. and a female, that I assumed was his wife.
“Hi, Peter. It’s nice to see you again. I’d like to introduce you to my wife, Claire.”
“Hi, Peter. It’s nice to meet you,” Claire said.
“Hi, Claire. It’s nice to meet you as well. This is my daughter, Sally.”
Everyone exchanged greetings, and then we sat down at the table.
“Jennifer would have loved to be here, but unfortunately, she’s in the medical facility,” I said.
“We’re sorry to hear that, Peter. I called over earlier, and it looks like she is still stable. She’s receiving the best care anywhere,” said Claire.
“Thanks, Claire, I appreciate hearing that.”
We talked for a few minutes and enjoyed a few appetizers Steven C. had already ordered in advance. We chatted about how our vacation was going and what I’ve learned so far by talking to others.
“Honestly, I’ve heard a few ‘heartbreaking stories,’ all with happy endings. There’s so much that is different here. The way things are done and how people are treated,” I answered.
“From the very beginning, we knew we had to be different. The world needed a place like this,” Steven C. said. “I have always loved theme parks, hotels, and entertainment ever since I was a kid. But I always felt the way they did things could have been different; better and more efficient. A concert held in a hockey arena? The seating and sound weren’t adequate. But the VIP seats, well, they could see and hear just fine. The prices for the tickets, the service charges, the prices for food and drinks; all exorbitant and unnecessary. But for those making money, they were content with it. The same goes for amusement parks with waiting lines in the heat. Don’t like the low pressure, lukewarm water from their water fountains, then buy a bottle of water for $3 or ask for a 6-ounce free cup of water. But you may have to wait 20 minutes just for that. $10 burgers, $8 hot dogs, $79 front-of-the-line passes, $25 for parking for the day, VIP? Come-on! The employees are mostly part-time, making minimum wage. The hotels have so many undocumented employees cleaning the rooms, most are paid so little they can’t even afford to buy a car. They must take the bus to and from work. How can they ever get ahead?
Guests and employees are being taken advantage of. The theme and amusement parks can be fun if you can actually ride most of the rides, instead of waiting in lines most of the day. Guests and employees need to be treated better. So, when the opportunity came along, I wanted to build the WOE,” said Steven C. “I understand your financial situation too, Peter. Claire and I were also burdened with everything from high medical bills for Claire, college tuition for our daughter, and everything else that was thrown at us.”
“I feel the exact same way you do. And I’m so thankful this place is here,” I said. “But can I ask you again who put up the money to build this place, and how did you find them?”
“As I said earlier, the person who put up the money wishes to remain anonymous. Let’s just say they found a good place to spend their money. A place that helps so many people and provides so many guests with an experience like no other. And let’s just say I was lucky to run into this person and share my ideas about the WOE. We strive to help as many people as we can; to provide an opportunity to those looking to advance and to support and comfort those in need. We want to provide each guest and each member with an experience like no other. And the best way we know how to do that is by having the best people come together from around the world and create this wonderful experience.”
“When you put money and wealth aside, and you focus on helping others and losing the prestige of owning a huge home and luxury cars; you will then be free from stress and the temptation to only look out for yourself. No one working here is here for money, but for peace of mind and doing what they love. Whether that be to practice medicine, perform on stage four days a week, create unique rides and attractions, or clean rooms while going to school. All while getting free rent, free healthcare, and free education, everyone is here because they don’t have to worry about being taken advantage of and enjoy being part of this family,” Steven C. said.
While eating our lunch, we talked for a while about Jennifer and Sally and their schools. After we finished our coffee, we were ready to leave.
“Thank you very much! I really appreciate your time and all you’ve done to help others and Jennifer, and for providing such a wonderful place,” I said.
“Peter and Sally, it is our pleasure to spend time in your company. Thank you for taking my invitation to do all your doing. I understand Jennifer will be staying with us for a while longer. I’m sure they’ll be moving you and Sally tomorrow to other accommodations. She can continue to get better, and you can both be by her side and support her,” Steven C. said.
As Sally and I were heading back to visit Jennifer, I thought about how lucky these people were to be here, to never have to worry about medical care or house payments, house repairs or car breakdowns. Man, it must be nice.