As Nate walked up towards the ticket booths for Mythtopia, he wasn’t sure what to expect. He had seen the advertisements, poured over the websites, watched countless YouTube and TikTok videos. It all seemed too good to be true. Now he was here, with his family. But he was at the perfect age for something like this now, at the tender age of sixteen and ready for a little adventure. He hardly knew where to start.
Trailing behind him by a couple paces were his parents, Doug and Ellen, as well as his younger brother Eric. Eric and Nate were pretty close in age with Eric having just turned 14. Meanwhile, Doug and Ellen were both in their early 40s and desperately trying to find a way to reconnect and put that spark back into their marriage.
Nate went up to the ticket window with his father, where they were greeted by a large Minotaur. He knew it was rude to stare, but he could hardly believe that it was a real life Minotaur sitting in the booth. It wasn’t a costume, it wasn’t animatronics or make-up. It was completely real. His excitement went into overdrive and he couldn’t wait to get into the park.
“Hi, my wife made reservations. Four all day passes under Anderson.” Doug watched as the Minotaur turned and flipped through a bin to the side until he found their passes. He handed the packet through the slot in the window.
“Enjoy your stay,” said the Minotaur, in a deep grumbly voice. Nate and Doug nodded in thanks and rejoined Ellen and Eric who were waiting off to the side. Doug handed the envelope to Ellen.
She opened the envelope and pulled out four passes and four elastic wristbands. She handed one of each to Nate and Eric. “Alright boys, here you go. I know we all have areas we want to visit in the park so let’s agree to meet back here at closing time, 10pm sharp, and then we'll all head back to the hotel together. Be on your best behavior. I included my permission for you both to do any and all of the experiences you wish.”
Nate and Eric both looked thrilled at the news as they slipped on their wristbands. Nate and Eric walked over to the kiosk nearby and each grabbed a map of the park as well as one for their parents. As they walked into the park, handing over their passes as they did, they each silently wondered where they wanted to go first. There was so much to choose from, including by not limited to:
Merfolk Lagoon – witness the wonders of the seas swimming people that mix humanity and aquatic into single beings
Centaur Fields – be amazed of the fusion of racer and rider of the great tracks first hand
Harpy Mountains – Not only witness the vast scope of our lands but do so alongside the great winged people
Nymph Valley – A grand mixture of woodlands and rivers cared for by the beautiful medians that embody the very area
Arachne Cavern – visit the underground homes of the descendants of the legendary spider-woman and see their talents or skills firsthand in if they match their founder
Naga Sands – explore the sands of myth alongside the famous half-human, half-snake casters of old
Werebeast Woods – a grand place for woodland lovers and a rare chance to witness the famous hunters of the moonlight nights in any light both figurative and iterative