Magic Island Houston is an indoor play center located in Texas, United States. It is a popular attraction for children, offering a variety of entertainment and activities. The facility is designed to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for kids to explore, play, and learn. Inside Magic Island Houston, there are numerous play areas and attractions for children of all ages. One of the main highlights is the large jungle gym, which features slides, tunnels, and climbing structures. This area allows kids to navigate through the different obstacles, encouraging physical activity and motor skill development.
Houston's Magic Island
Kathy and I were into our second week of our stage performance at Houston's Magic Island with our comedy show and two-person mind reading act. It was on Friday afternoon, September 12, 2008 that I received a call from the Magic Island saying that they would be closed that evening due to Hurricane Ike that was expected have landfall in Houston that night. They would notify me the next day if they would reopen for guests on Saturday night.
I knew that the dressing room already leaked so I went down to pick up our costumes. While I was there I thought I should go ahead and pack up my props and take them home. I live less that three miles from the Island so it is an easy chore to pick up and drop off props.
I awoke early the next morning around 2:00 when the sound and the fury of Hurricane Ike as it came through. It rocked our three story townhouse like we were back out to sea on one of our cruise ships. It tossed buckets of water against our windows sounding like waves against our portals. After things calmed down later that morning, we breathed a sigh of relief and gave a prayer of thanks that our neighborhood was spared except for the power outage that lasted about three weeks and affected hundreds of thousands of local residents. But there were certain parts of Houston that still had electricity including the Magic Island.
Later that Saturday afternoon, Kathy and I were watching the news on a battery powered portable television set. To our shock and surprise, the Houston Fire Department's (HFD) Hook and Ladder team were responding to a fire at the Magic Island. Apparently there was standing water on the flat roof that leaked into the neon lights on the outside of the building. The HFD arrived in time to save the Island from significant damage, but the high pressure hoses did more damage than the hurricane.
Empty and Abandonded places in Houston: The magic Island from a Flikr account. Click on the graphic above to see the current state of the Magic Island as of 2017.
Insurance agents fanned out across the region and told people to clean up the damage as best they could because if left unattended, more mold and mildew damage could occur. Well, the Magic Island was long overdue for basic repairs (remember the leak in the dressing room I mentioned?) so all of the carpeting was removed. When the insurance adjuster arrived, I understand that they said they would pay for that portion that was damaged but not all of the carpeting throughout. Unfortunately their insurance would not pay for enough to bring the Magic Island back up to its former glory so it has sat vacant for all these years. I understand that some have looked into reviving the once fabulous landmark, but you can imagine how much repair would be needed now, nearly five years after Hurricane Ike. So, I believe that the property is worth far more than the building and it's now a "tear down". Hopefully someday someone will rebuild it. It is proven that such an entertainment facility can make it in Houston.
But the delightful thing is that before its demise, I had a chance to sit down with the Entertainment Director, Scott Hollingsworth to talk about the history of the Magic Island. And perhaps more importantly, I video taped the interview following his guided tour through the Island. Enjoy this one hour "never to be seen again" piece of history from the Magic Island:
Magic Island (Houston, Texas)
Originally opened in 1984, Magic Island was an upscale Egyptian-themed dinner theater that featured magic and comic performances; after Hurricane Ike in 2008, it suffered water and fire damage and hasn't reopened since. Plans are underway to renovate and reopen the facility.
abandoned / shut downunder construction
Nearby cities:
Coordinates: 29°43'48"N 95°24'49"W
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Magical Houston club conjures up improbable comeback
It's one of Houston's most well-known landmarks, left abandoned for years. But now, Magic Island will cast a new spell.
Known for its giant pharaoh's head rising just above the Southwest Freeway, Magic Island has sat vacant since a 2008 fire caused by Hurricane Ike.
"Magic Island has been asleep for about 10 years," explains architect Russell King. "It was pretty much destroyed in the hurricane. So it sat here and it's in pretty bad shape. But everybody realizes if we're going to do it, let's do it right, and it's going to be brought back bigger and better than ever."
The legendary private dinner theater club will be reimagined. King says the new-look Magic Island will focus on first-class entertainment and dining at its finest: "The motif is still the magic of ancient Egypt but not quite as circusy as it was," he said. "[It will be] a much more sophisticated type of design."
Some of the changes expected for the entertainment venue include a large outdoor terrace, as well as Las-Vegas-style magic shows in an indoor theater that seats up to 150 people.
"It's a new Magic Island. But it's the same Magic Island. We're keeping a lot of the old stuff so you can recognize it when you walk in, but it's not quite the same," says business manager Sue Smith.
Owners say they are aiming to re-open by November 15, but have already begun taking party reservations.
For more on this story, including video, visit our content partner ABC13.
This area allows kids to navigate through the different obstacles, encouraging physical activity and motor skill development. In addition to the jungle gym, Magic Island Houston also has a separate toddler area. This section is specifically designed for younger children, with age-appropriate toys and play equipment.
It provides a suitable space for toddlers to crawl, walk, and play with other kids their age. Another popular feature of Magic Island Houston is the arcade zone. Here, kids can enjoy a wide range of arcade games and win tickets to redeem for prizes. This area adds an element of fun and competition to the overall experience, giving children a chance to test their skills and earn rewards. Magic Island Houston also offers birthday party packages, making it a popular choice for celebrations. These packages include access to the play areas, as well as dedicated party rooms and staff assistance. It provides a hassle-free option for parents who want to organize a memorable and enjoyable party for their children. Overall, Magic Island Houston is a go-to destination for families looking for indoor entertainment. It provides a safe and interactive space for children to have fun, socialize, and develop essential skills. With its range of attractions and activities, Magic Island Houston promises an exciting and enjoyable experience for kids of all ages..
Reviews for "A Magical Escape: Discovering Magic Island Houston"
1. John - 1 star
I was extremely disappointed with my experience at Magic Island Houston. The place was overcrowded and noisy, making it impossible to enjoy any of the attractions. The staff seemed overwhelmed and disinterested in helping customers. The arcade games were outdated and not properly maintained, with many of them not working at all. The food options were limited and overpriced, and the quality was below average. Overall, I would not recommend Magic Island Houston to anyone looking for a fun and enjoyable time.
2. Sarah - 2 stars
I thought Magic Island Houston would be a great place to celebrate my child's birthday, but it turned out to be a huge letdown. The facility was dirty and poorly maintained, with broken chairs and dirty tables. The staff was rude and unhelpful, leaving us feeling unwelcome. The attractions were old and worn out, with some of them even being out of order. The prices were exorbitant for the poor quality of the experience. I definitely would not return to Magic Island Houston or recommend it to others.
3. Mike - 1 star
Magic Island Houston was a complete waste of time and money. The entire place felt run-down and neglected. The mini-golf course was in terrible condition, with holes missing and broken barriers. The go-karts were slow and barely functional, making the experience far from thrilling. The staff seemed uninterested in maintaining the attractions or assisting customers. The prices were outrageous for the poor quality of the entertainment. Save yourself the disappointment and find a better place to spend your time and money.