The new Queen Charlotte hotel in Narniaworld is based on Victorian seaside resorts like this one.
It’s been a whole year since Narniaworld, the theme park and resort based on C. S. Lewis’ famous book series, was introduced to the public on this blog. Let’s see what new features and activities are planned for this summer.
Previous Narniaworld posts are here.
Narniaworld, Part 3 (Shows and events)
Narniaworld, Part 4 (Shopping)
Narniaworld, Part 5 (Guest Services)
Narniaworld Extra Credit (AI generations of the park)
First of all, The Great Souk of Tashbaan is finally open. Located on the south side of park, the Souk offers all the delights of an open-air Middle Eastern marketplace, including stalls selling leather goods, jewelry, incense, and imported textiles. Stop for shish kebab or shawarma, or, if you’re not so hungry, pita bread with a hummus dip makes a quick snack. Be sure to buy a box of authentic Turkish Delight or baklava to take home!
Also new this year is The Tisroc’s Baths, located to the left as you enter the Great Souk. Rent a locker and towel to enjoy relaxing in the beautiful tiled pools lined with tropical plants. For an extra charge, you can have a massage or other spa treatment. (Note: Adults only, and swimsuits are mandatory.)
Across from the Baths is Lasaraleen’s Treasures and Trinkets, which has moved here from its former location in Archenland. The new store is larger and now includes women’s fashions and shoes. A little further down is another new shop, The Seven Isles Mercantile Co., which sells goods from all over the world. Linger here to take it in its ship-based maritime decor. Linger longer to watch the wandering street magicians and storytellers — or even visit Shasta and Aravis as they trade quips with (the animatronic heads of) Bree and Hwin in the Royal Stable.
Other news:
We are sorry to say that Queen Swanwhite’s Paddle Boats will not be returning this season after a January storm destroyed its pier and many of the boats. The area will be re-developed for other use.
A new hotel, the Queen Charlotte, has opened. Based on a Victorian seaside resort that Digory and Polly night have vacationed at, the Queen Charlotte is for park guests seeking a more upscale holiday stay. Stroll the half-mile boardwalk or sunbath on the man-made sandy beach. In the lobby you can find an authentic Penny Arcade complete with replicas of turn-of-the-century amusement machines and candy for sale — each piece for a penny! Note that the few undamaged swan boats now serve as decorations. Also in the lobby is Traps and Toasted Cheese, a small shop selling gourmet cheeses of all kinds — the name is from a line Reepicheep utters in Prince Caspian.
If you can’t attend Tea with Tumnus in the main park, The Queen Charlotte also offers one in its sumptuous Tea Room, which resembles a Victorian conservatory with a glass dome and exotic plants. This room is also available for private events like weddings.
The Queen Charlotte is located on the bay a short distance from the park. Guests can either walk or take a shuttle to the main park’s gates.
Every weekend night in the summer, weather permitting, Dr. Cornelius gives talks on astronomy from the wooded clearing that holds his small observatory. Topics are summer constellations, comets, planets, and anything current happening in the skies. Attendance is free, but limited; guests must sign up for the night they want. Flashlights and lanterns are provided to navigate the woods.
