MrBeast's $85,000,000 theme park under fire over 'odd' choice of location
Life is a rollercoaster
Featured Image Credit: X / MrBeast
When he's not trapping pilots on planes for 100 days, constructing his own Willy Wonka-inspired chocolate factory, or putting his own spin on a non-lethal Squid Game for Netflix, Jimmy "MrBeast" Donaldson continues to suggest he's a man who never sleeps.
From those early days of posting Minecraft Let's Plays on YouTube, MrBeast has ballooned to become the most-subscribed creator on the platform. More than that, he's amassed a not-so-small fortune to become a billionaire thanks to his multiple channels and other ventures like Feastables, Lunchly, and his Beast Games TV series.
Clearly boasting a little pocket change to throw around, MrBeast has tried to give back by splashing a jaw-dropping $85 million on his aptly named Beast Land theme park.
We've previously covered some of Saudi Arabia's many gigaprojects, and while some might never see the light of day, Beast Land is officially letting patrons through its turnstile.
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Donaldson is already something of a controversial figure, with numerous lawsuits filed against him and his companies. His latest venture likely won't help his public image, especially considering he chose Saudi Arabia as the supposedly ‘perfect’ spot to open Beast Land.
Officially welcoming its first visitors on November 13, Beast Land's position in Riyadh has caused a stir due to the country's sometimes problematic labor laws and other issues.
Kotaku reports on a 'Drop Zone' challenge where you aim to be the last one standing, as well as thrill attractions that include three roller coasters, flipping rides, a bungee, and the typical photo opportunities to squeeze some extra money out of visitors as they pose with giant Feastables bars.
Away from the 'Beast Land' theme park area, there's the 'Beast Arena' where you can take part in tasks that might be familiar to those who regularly tune in to his YouTube channel. Donaldson isn't quite getting free content, as winners can nab themselves 1 million Saudi Riyal (around $266,000).
Kotaku claims it "looks more like a video game convention than a theme park," and with MrBeast branding splashed on everything, someone on TikTok went on to describe it as a real-life version of Roblox Tycoon.
More than this, choosing Riyadh has been slammed as an 'odd' choice. If a checkered history with labor laws wasn't enough, 'protests and demonstrations' are illegal in Saudi Arabia, women were only allowed to drive as of 2018, and they're still subject to male guardianship thanks to a law passed in 2022.
MrBeast has defended the decision when asked, telling fans and critics alike that he picked Riyadh as the "middle of the world because a majority of my audience is outside America and we have a big Middle Eastern fan base." Saying that he wanted to give this demographic a chance to get involved, his response was then Community Noted with a press release on how it's a partnership with Riyadh Seasons to support Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 and boost the country's economy.
As Kotaku notes, this is the same Crown Prince who the CIA decided ordered the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Still, the buzz on social media suggests Beast Land will remain popular. Tickets for general admission are the equivalent of just $6.67, which is good news because some people have compared it to a carnival in a parking lot. For the more serious competitors, you can stump up $66 to compete in Beat Mode+ and compete for cash prizes.
Even though many will be giving the Saudi Arabian theme park a wide berth, others are dashing there before Beast Land goes dark on December 27.