About Ark Encounter

Ark Encounter features a full-size Noah’s Ark, built according to the dimensions given in the Bible. Spanning 510 feet long, 85 feet wide, and 51 feet high, this modern engineering marvel amazes visitors young and old. Ark Encounter is situated in beautiful Grant County in Williamstown, Kentucky, halfway between Cincinnati, OH and Lexington, KY and right off I-75. Ark Encounter’s sister attraction, Creation Museum is just 45 minutes away in Petersburg, KY. Ark Encounter is the largest timber-frame structure in the world, built from standing dead timber, in part by skilled Amish craftsmen. The Ark is an architectural and engineering wonder containing three decks of world-class exhibits.

Tickets

Ark Encounter          Creation Museum      Combo Ticket      Annual Combo Pass
4 years & under       FREE                                   FREE                            FREE                    FREE
5–12 years                 $15                                         $15                                  $25                       $35
13–17 years               $25                                         $25                                  $40                      $70
Adults (18-59)         $48                                          $35                                  $70                      $100
Seniors (60+)           $38                                         $30                                  $60                      $90
All tickets to the Creation Museum are 2-Day tickets, including combo tickets. Combo ticket can be used across a seven-day period.

Our Visit to the Ark Encounter

When you arrive at Ark Encounter you purchase your tickets and board a bus for a 1-mile trip up to the ark. After exiting the bus we wandered up towards the entrance to the ark. I was amazed at the sheer size of the ark. To think that Noah was 600 years old when they entered the ark is just amazing. As you walk towards the ark there are a series of monuments, similar to totems that depict Creation, The Fall of Man, Punishment and Promise, Cain murders Abel, Wickedness fills the Earth, and Noah and the Ark. Sadly, when we were there many people walked right by these monuments. They are beautifully done and give the backstory from Creation through the Flood of why God had to destroy the earth. Thankfully this history is told again, in different ways inside the Ark Encounter. You may also want to browse here the timeline of Noah!

Before entering the Ark there is a time-lapse film about the building of the ark, it truly is a marvel of architecture and construction! Upon entering the ark you are hit with the reality that not only did this boat have to hold Noah, his family, and all the animals, it had to house food and water for them all too.

A timely reminder from the exhibit on nursery books and decor that are cute but miss the gravity of the Flood.

While we wandered through the 3 floors of the ark we learned about the species of animals that were on board, that these animals were mostly juveniles, and that the ark had a complex water purification system. There were exhibits about how Noah’s family lived on the ark, and about the disservice modern day nursery books and decor do to teaching our children the truth about the Flood. Everything we saw was eye opening and made me wish I had my Bible in my hands so I could read and re-read the biblical account over and over again. The gravity of the depravity that had entered the world hit me hard. Looking at the evil world we live in today, I wonder if God would like to send another flood, of course, He promised not to, so He won’t. It does make me wonder what else I can do to share His love with everyone I come in contact with.

I loved how there are exhibits that compare and contrast creationism with evolution and exhibits that share the Gospel message as well. You cannot visit the Ark Encounter without having your faith challenged and/or strengthened. I highly recommend that you spend a day visiting the Ark Encounter next time you are in Kentucky. I hope to visit the Creation Museum the next time I am in the area.

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About VeggieTales Noah’s Ark

In NOAH’S ARK, Shem (played by Wayne Brady) and Sadie (played by Jaci Velasquez) return home from their honeymoon to find that Noah (played by Pa Grape) has begun, at God’s direction, to work on a massive ark, which his wife Naamah (played by Madame Blueberry) and sons Ham (played by Larry) and Japheth (played by Bob) are helping construct before the start of 40 days and 40 nights of rain.

But Shem doesn’t understand Noah’s unshakable faith in God, particularly when animals start arriving two-by-two – while the rain is nowhere to be seen. When the deluge does come, Shem begins to understand Noah’s determination to preserve humanity’s future … and the importance of trusting in God.

“Saying ‘yes’ to VeggieTales was a no-brainer – my daughter’s a fan and I love the music and messages,” says Brady, who performs seven original songs in NOAH’S ARK. “The best part is, Bob and Larry are down to earth and they never let the ‘I’m a global Veggie superstar’ thing go to their heads.”

Adds Velasquez: “Every parent searches for entertainment that’s both wholesome and imparts valuable life lessons, and with Noah’s Ark, VeggieTales serves up a delicious dish on both counts. The story, the music and the visuals are perfect for the entire family.”

NOAH’S ARK also features a brand-new “Silly Songs With Larry” segment, in which Larry dons a safari outfit as he goes on a quest for a gigantic, golden egg.

Mom Maven’s Thoughts

Hubby and I enjoyed the episode. We liked that we got to see what may have been Shem’s perspective and how our plans are not always God’s plans. In the end we know God’s plans are best for us.

Noah’s Ark is more of a musical than most VeggieTales movies which gives it a different feel. We loved that the ark looked like an orange slice and that many of our favorite VeggieTales characters are part of the story.

We are huge Wayne Brady fans so we were excited for this movie. Unfortunately, one thing we love about Wayne is his sultry voice. For the character of Shem he used a higher voice. My husband even asked. “Is that supposed to be Wayne?”

Overall, VeggieTales Noah’s Ark is a fun re-telling of the Biblical story of obedience-especially when it doesn’t make any sense!

The Giveaway

One lucky winner will receive their own copy of VeggieTales Noah’s Ark, which is available on DVD March 3, 2015. This giveaway ends at 12:00am on March 6, 2015. This giveaway is open to US residents only. The winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter and verified. The winner will be notified via email and they will have 48 hours to claim their prize. The Mom Maven is not responsible for prize fulfillment, that is the responsibility of the giveaway sponsor.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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