Russia opens ‘military Disneyland’
Ever wish Disneyland had fewer roller coasters and more tanks? If so, Russia’s newest theme park is the place for your next family vacation.
President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday launched Patriot Park, a “military Disneyland’’ offering tanks, guns, and grenade launchers, all of which visitors can use, according toThe Guardian.
An event called Army 2015 served as the park’s opening day. It featured displays of military mastery in the form of military-grade vehicles and missile-launching systems. There’s also a gift shop selling iPhone cases and sweatshirts emblazoned with Putin’s face. Russian citizens and delegates from several non-western countries, including Saudi Arabia, were in attendance.
The Guardian reported:
Hotels and entertainment centres will be opened on the grounds, which should allow families to visit for several days and make a holiday of it, according to promotional literature distributed at the launch. The park is due to be fully completed in 2017, and will cost the defence ministry 20 billion rubles (£236m), according to the Kommersant newspaper. Visitors will be able to ride tanks, shoot guns and play extreme sports.
One visitor, a Russian orthodox priest, told The Guardian he considered the park “a gift to Russian citizens, who can now behold the full power of the Russian armed forces.’’
Putin also marked the occasion by announcing the Russian military’s acquisition of 40 brand new intercontinental missiles “capable of overcoming even the most technically advanced missile defense systems.’’
Because nothing says family fun like passive-aggressively threatening to destroy your enemies.
‘Army 2015’ kicks off military theme park opening:
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