The Ark Encounter: An Honest Review (2022)

Earlier this year I reviewed Ken Ham’s first Family Homeschool Experience at the Ark Encounter. My focus was primarily on the event, but today I would like to discuss the Ark Encounter as a destination. WARNING: I’m going to be absolutely honest and not sugarcoat anything. This is, however, my opinion. You can take it or leave it. All right. Let’s jump in.

The Ark Encounter Vs. Disney World

Ken Ham has been pitting the theme park giant, Disney World, against his Ark Encounter. He claims families are cancelling their vacations to Disney World and coming to the Ark Encounter instead. In fact, he insists his attraction is a better value and vacation, overall.

I’m sorry, Mr. Ham, but we have to get real here. The Ark Encounter and Disney World face-off is a total apples to oranges comparison. I cannot imagine telling my children we are going to Disney World and then switching it up on them to the Ark Encounter.

Disney features two huge pools, two mini-golf courses, themed hotels with numerous amenities, immersive theming throughout four theme parks, more rides and experiences than any family could accomplish in a week. On the other hand, the Ark Encounter website suggests dedicating approximately six hours to the experience. My kids would be crushed if I took away a week-long trip through nostalgia and amusement and replaced it with a day trip.

Am I saying Disney World is better or the Ark Encounter is not awesome? No. Though, I recommend that Ken Ham stays in his lane in the world of destinations and attractions. He’s setting up inflated expectations which can taint the experience at a perfectly lovely place.

Why Choose The Ark Encounter Over Disney World?

Despite my misgivings about Ham’s insistence on positioning himself as a competitor to the Mouse House, I don’t disagree with his call to ditch Disney. There is something more under the surface at Disney than many of us realized. Actually, I’m not sure it’s really “under the surface” any longer.

Listen, I am a 90’s Disney kid. I love the movies from my youth, and Mickey bring a smile to my face. My family and I have been to Disney World twice, and I had more fun than I knew was possible on a family vacation. Then, not long after my second trip, Disney stopped playing like it cared about families or children. The content aimed at children on Disney+ has become more LGBTQ+ heavy, and the theme parks are embracing immorality and price gouging.

I haven’t cut Disney out of my life, but I definitely have a hard time with the idea of dropping oodles of money on a trip to theme parks run by a company that is actively acting against my children through indoctrination. Ken Ham makes a good point when he suggests Christian families ought to invest their money in Christian businesses and spend time together enjoying the truths of God’s Word together.

So, what do you get if you decide to do that and visit the Ark Encounter?

Ark Encounter Lodging

There is no Ark Encounter lodging, so to speak. Any visitors needing accommodations will have to find lodging in the area on their own. This is easy and difficult…it just depends on your needs.

A small group or family will not have a problem, unlike large groups. As a larger family, though, we have found that to be true in most cases when we travel. In speaking to many women on this topic, I find families commonly utilize vacation rental sites such as Vrbo and Airbnb. As far as cost and space are concerned, they are your best options.

The main challenge is the location. The Ark Encounter is in the middle of nowhere. If you are hoping to get up and be there in a couple of minutes or not even have to drive, then you might be disappointed because it is slim pickings nearby. On the other hand, Cincinnati, OH with all kinds of lodging options is about forty minutes away by car. My family doesn’t mind that drive, but for some that may feel tedious.

Ark Encounter Parking

Allow me to offer a word of caution. If you think you might want something with you while you visit the Ark Encounter, then bring it with you. You will not be trying to get back to your car once you arrive on the property. The only way to leave the parking lot and enter the attraction is by bus. The drive is super short, but it’s a whole thing with waiting and everyone getting settled in. There are also lines galore to get into the Ark Encounter, and you’d have to navigate that to return with the items from your car.

Surprisingly, the busses were efficient and frequent. The drivers were all incredibly friendly, and the busses were quite clean. In my visit, they were even short-staffed on drivers. So, I would love to see how much better the bus experience could be with enough drivers because I already thought it was well done.

As with all things, nothing is free. Parking will run you $15 a car and $20 for an oversized vehicle. The parking lot opens about thirty minutes before the Ark Encounter opens, and the line to get in backs up quickly. Also, it is worth noting that the road is small and if the gate is closed when you arrive (i.e., you’re too early like I am to everything), there’s nothing for you to do but turn around and putz about until the gate opens.

Ark Encounter Tickets

I’m torn on the ticket prices. On one hand, they need to make money so they can operate, but on the other hand, it can add up quickly. However, this year (and last) the tickets had a great deal for families with young children. Typically, anyone four and under is free, but ten and under are currently free. We didn’t even run into the common fine print restriction of one free child per paying adult. Four of my five children were free.

Currently, there are three ticket options. Remember, under standard pricing only children four and under are free.

Ark Encounter Tickets

$54.95 (18-59)

$44.95 (60+)

$24.95 (11-17)

FREE (10 and under)

Ark Encounter/Creation Museum Combo Tickets

$84.95 (18-59)

$74.95 (60+)

$44.95 (11-17)

FREE (10 and under)

3 Day Bouncer Tickets (gives a week to enter either attraction three separate days)

$99.95 (18-59)

$89.95 (60+)

$49.95 (11-17)

FREE (10 and under)

Ark Encounter Food

Speaking of prices… The food pricing is where the Ark Encounter goes off the rails for me. How can I really be mad about it, though? Food at tourist attractions and destinations always costs too much. The Ark Encounter fits right in. In my review of Ken Ham’s Homeschool Experience, I talked about a $9 salad that consisted of iceberg lettuce and a handful of vegetables. I’ve had entire meals of the same quality for a similar price. Options, though, are in the Ark Encounter’s favor, so long as you visit when the options are open. Smaller food vendors are closed during the slow season.

Now, take a look at the options available for meals and snacks. I’ll comment in detail on the places I tried.

Emzara’s Kitchen

Emzara’s is the only sit-down restaurant option, and it’s a buffet. That’s great news to a lot of people, but I’m less inclined to want to eat at a buffet than most people I know. I rarely eat enough to make it worth the price, and that was no different at Emzara’s.

Pricing:

$16.99 (11-59)

$14.99 (60+)

$8.99 (5-10)

FREE (4 and under)

My family of seven with a free child ended up a little over $80. That isn’t out of the ordinary for buffet pricing, but it felt excessive given the lack of food options and mediocre quality.

The food was basic and not particularly flavorful. The meal was not memorable aside from feeling disappointed and hungry because I didn’t find enough food I wanted to eat.

I should be transparent here, though. I’m a picky eater, and I don’t enjoy heavy and/or fried foods when it’s hot. And, oh, was it hot! I saw plenty of people enjoying their meals, and my husband said he liked it. My guess is most people would find a meal at Emzara’s perfectly acceptable, even good. If you’re trying to eat healthier, though, you will probably struggle to find enough to eat at this location.

One of the positives to Emzara’s is the size. It has two levels, and there is ample seating. Large parties like mine had no trouble finding a table. One note I would give is to eat earlier or later than the typical meal time to avoid crowds. Because it is the only sit-down restaurant, nearly everyone will be heading there at some point.

The rest of the restaurants I mention are either outdoor food stands or are located inside a gift shop.

Zofar’s

This location sells burgers, hot dogs, pizza, and breadsticks. We tried the pizza because with five kids, it seemed like a safe choice. I was wrong. It was probably the worst pizza I have ever eaten. My kids were even unenthused about it, and they will eat cauliflower crust pizza! Essentially, it tasted like cheap frozen pizza.

Southwest Grill

We ate here twice because our family can almost always find something to eat when the menu is Mexican food. All the food here is easy to carry (e.g., walking tacos, street tacos, and taco bowls), and this a good thing because other than two or three tables nearby, there is nowhere to sit.

The Village Smokehouse

My husband ate the brisket here, and he said, “It was as good as barbecue is going to be if it’s not at a barbecue joint.” I think that means he liked it. Along with the brisket, this location sold pulled pork and beef sandwiches.

Village Ice Cream and Sweets

There was no ice cream when we visited the Ark Encounter. This shop was open, but all the store offered was Italian ice. My kids liked it, but it was disappointing to find no ice cream at a place with “ice cream” in the name.

Various Snack Stands

There are stands for salty and sweet treats. Think funnel cakes and pretzels.

Uncle Leroy’s Fudge

This was located inside the Ark Encounter gift shop. The gift shop and, consequently, Uncle Leroy’s fudge was always busy. I didn’t see one frown from anybody leaving with their treat. Overall, it was a crowd pleaser.

Kezia Coffee

The coffee is what I am most concerned about on any trip. Where will I get it, and will it be good? That might sound a little high maintenance, but our last vacation trip featured a Keurig inside the hotel bathroom just a couple of feet away from the toilet. Ladies, the struggle is real.

The coffee tasted good, service was fast, and the prices were no different than any other coffee shop.

My food review sounds more negative than I meant it to. It’s just that I personally loathe dropping so much money on food that is lackluster and forgettable. This is especially true when I feel like I can’t leave to get food elsewhere without it being a huge inconvenience. I felt like we were over a barrel in the food department.

The website says you can’t bring food inside, yet a I saw many (most?) families with packed lunches and snacks. My suggestion is to bring snacks and a light lunch in a backpack. Save your money for souvenirs or special treats…like coffee.

The Ark Encounter’s Main Attraction

Lodging, parking, tickets, and food are a part of anyone’s trip to the Ark Encounter, but the ark is why someone goes there. So, what is it like?

The big reveal is awesome. It is, funnily enough, reminiscent of Cinderella Castle’s reveal on Main Street at Disney World. In both cases, you arrive, and the attraction is out of sight until it appears and just blows the onlookers away. The ark is hidden behind the trees along the road the busses take to the Answers Center (where the busses drop visitors off), and at the end of the trip the ark is suddenly completely visible. And it is jaw dropping.

I admit it; I got teary when I saw it the first time. Seeing something from biblical history brought to life like that was overwhelming. God‘s plan for Noah and to save mankind is on full display, and every Christian should have the chance to see it.

Inside The Ark

Walking into the ark begins with a thunderstorm. My kids thought that was a fun and immersive way to enter the ark. The storm sounds gave the impression that time was running out to get on board. Before going inside, though, you get stopped by a line of photographers. This, to me, is like the credit card push at the cash register of every Kohl’s. “No thanks” is met with bewilderment and insistence. My advice? Just pose for the picture, even if you hate being photographed.

The inside of the ark is a museum with ramps that take visitors up to the various decks. Some of the exhibits include how they fit the animals, the Noah’s Ark story across children’s books, why the ark had to be built exactly the way it was, the ark’s living quarters, and different flood stories from all over the world.

The two most notable exhibits to me included the gospel presentation videos and man’s decent into evil. There are two videos shown on the ark with the same actors playing similar characters in each short movie. The first video takes place while Noah is building the ark. The second video is set at the Ark Encounter. The second video, especially, does a solid job giving a clear gospel message. That is due, in part, to Ray Comfort giving the presentation. Take the time to watch these.

The exhibit of man’s fall into evil is both well-done and comes with a warning. The imagery and artwork used to depict what the world could have looked like in Noah’s time is beautiful and heartbreaking. What kind of terrible things might mankind have been up to that would lead God to flood the planet? This exhibit shows some of what that could be. But don’t worry. There isn’t anything in the exhibit that is inappropriate for children to see. The warning, though, is that it is not entirely factual. Scripture was used to create this exhibit, but this entire section of the ark is based on what could have been. (For the record: There is a sign saying as much.) Even so, keep in mind that Ken Ham’s Ark Encounter is not a replacement for God’s Word.

Quick Facts

1. The ark gets busy and stays busy most of the day. Knowing that, prepare to wait and walk behind slow walkers. There’s so much to see that only someone like me would power walk through it.

2. Reading is a major element of the ark experience. This doesn’t mean: ark = bad. Just be prepared to read a lot or miss reading a lot because your kids don’t want to stand there. You know your family. Plan accordingly.

3. Kids will love it! I have read articles that claim the ark is wasted on young kids, but my younger kids thought it was cool. They had plenty to see and we engaged with them while we went through the exhibits. They needed us to explain things as we went along. Be your child’s tour guide, and have fun!

4. Have a plan for the gift shop. Like any attraction, the exit is through the gift shop. It’s large. Stuffed toys are in plain sight, and they are right next to Leroy’s Fudge and the coffee. So, bring lots of money or blindfolds for the children.

The Ark Encounter’s Ararat Ridge Zoo

As in all things with the Ark Encounter, I must encourage you to manage your expectations. For some that isn’t necessary, but if you grew up near a large zoo like Brookfield Zoo or San Diego Zoo, then Ararat Ridge Zoo will come across more like a petting zoo. Nonetheless, my family liked it a lot.

The zoo didn’t only have typical animal exhibits. The Ark Encounter also took the extra steps to include a fossil find and camel rides and feedings. The camel rides have limited hours, so keep an eye on that. The most impressive part of Ararat Ridge Zoo is the staff. They are knowledgeable, friendly, and more than willing to answer questions and engage with the visitors. Not to mention, they obviously love these animals and point back to Christ in their conversations about them.

Ark Encounter Playground

This might be weird to say, but I think the playground was the highlight of the trip for me. It was beautiful, clean, safe, and huge. All my children were able to find ways to be engaged and have fun. Plus, after reading a thousand exhibit placards, most kids need a place to expend some of that pent-up energy.

Truth Traveler: A Virtual Reality Experience

I get motion sick easily, so I avoided this “ride.” My family, however, all went on it. They reported back that it was really fun. The show includes seeing the ark get built, experiencing the flood, and going inside the ark. My kids ran out of the theater with huge smiles and telling me everything they saw. My husband enjoyed it, too, and he said he thought I probably wouldn’t have gotten sick. I didn’t risk it, though…

Keep in mind this experience is not included with the cost of entry.

$14.99 (11 and up)

$9.99 (10 and under)

Screaming Eagle at the Ark Encounter

Want to zip line, complete an aerial course, or experience a free fall? Screaming Eagle located at the Ark Encounter can offer all that for a price. For example, the zip line course ranges from $59-$139 and lasts 1.5-3.5 hours. During our visit in May, this never seemed too busy.

Carousel: Journey Of The Animals

This is a brand new attraction at the Ark Encounter. It was not completed yet when we were there in May 2022, but Ken Ham was already incredibly excited about it and anticipating the delivery from Italy. The website quotes him on his thoughts about the carousel.

“This will be an amazing teaching carousel with lots of artwork and signage about the flood account in Genesis and the animal kinds on the ark. Families will love it! I believe it’s going to be extremely popular and another great addition to our family playground area at this world-class Christian themed attraction.”

Ken Ham

The carousel rides are included in the cost of entry and last two minutes. It can seat thirty-seven people and has space for six extra riders if they stand.

Final Thought

I was hesitant to share this review of the Ark Encounter because I have rarely, maybe never, heard or read a Christian give it any criticism whatsoever. But I just don’t think that’s particularly helpful. Overall, I highly recommend a visit to the Ark Encounter, but I also believe we should walk in with realistic expectations.

Ken Ham is constantly making improvements and working toward making it an even bigger draw, and I am happy hear it. I think it will be a destination worthy of repeat visits one day, but for now I cannot see a reason to go more than once unless there is an event for which to visit. Ham is actually doing a great job in that arena. Visit the Ark Encounter site and you can find events scheduled for men, women, mothers and daughters, pastors, homeschoolers, Christmas, musical acts, etc.

As for me, I really enjoyed my trip to the Ark Encounter, but I think the things I liked best were related to the Homeschool Experience being hosted there. I would not hesitate to visit again, but I would rather pair my visit with an event or program. My opinion, for whatever it’s worth, is to head to the Creation Museum if you’re limited on time or funds, but check out the Ark Encounter if you can.

Have you been to the Ark Encounter? What did you think of it?

You can see my review of the Creation Museum HERE.

Image courtesy of Elias Null via Unsplash.