Jurassic Thrills: Dino-Sized Adventures at Cretaceous Park ⭐️
Edit - Sadly, this resort has closed. Check out the Le Chateau website for more information on what else is on offer.
I’ve wondered for a while why Second Life doesn’t have any good safari resorts. Now, Le Chateau, the burgeoning 1980s Miami/French-themed community and estate, has stepped in to fill the gap.
But the result isn’t your run-of-the-mill safari park. Yes, there are lodges, a pool, viewing platforms, and even rezzable tour vehicles. But rather than elephants or lions, this safari involves Dipodoclis and Tyrannasoraus Rex—in other words, dinosaurs.
Cretaceous Park transports visitors to a world where prehistoric giants roam free. Inspired by the iconic Jurassic Park film franchise, it is an extraordinary resort and park that promises a unique adventure.
Created by Victoire Sire Montagne and managed and owned by Antoine Lovecraft Montagne, another of Le Chateau's owners, this 1.5-region marvel showcases astonishing creativity and attention to detail.
Overall look and feel
Upon arrival at the visitor's centre, guests are greeted by a gift shop with dino-themed souvenirs, information displays, and a staircase leading down to the tour area.
The upper level boasts a bar, viewing area, and a restaurant (though not roleplay, a link to Le Pompadour at the Le Chateau Country Club allows for RP dinner reservations).
The downstairs tour area invites visitors to rez a jeep for a tour. Don’t forget to click on the HUD panel so you can operate the vehicle (also, pro tip: if you are a Mac user, use the FN key and arrow up and down to shift gears). The tour offers an up-close encounter with the park's carnivorous inhabitants safely contained behind electrified fences.
The resort also features two swimming pools and an array of lodges and villas available for weekly or longer stays.
Accommodation
Accommodations at Cretaceous Park cater to various preferences, with options ranging from pool suites to premium and safari bungalows.
Prices start at 750L per week for unfurnished units with 175 prims and 950L per week for furnished units with 30 prims.
The unfurnished options are there for anyone who wants to make the park their home long term.
The Triceratops, T-Rex and Volcano campsites are available for more modest budgets or those wanting a more rustic experience. These cost 200L$/week for 15 prims
I visited it while the resort was undergoing final touches and saw two furnished villas. Based on that, the stylish and well-appointed lodgings are consistent with Le Chateau's very high standards of quality.
Finally, there’s the option to live at the resort for the long term. A number of large “Dino Mansions” are available, starting at 3500L, giving you 1000 prims.
The facilities
These include a movie theatre, restaurant, gift shop (which will sell dinosaur-themed souvenirs), yoga room and bar. There are two pools near the villas.
The park also has a zip line and a ‘ranger tower’ from which you can have great views of the whole experience.
The real attraction, though, for most people will be the safari tour, where you can rez a jeep and take a drive.
The majority of the resort and facilities is free for anyone to enjoy and visit. Exceptions include the bungalows and villas and an executive lounge on the top floor of the information centre, which is restricted to members of the Le Chateau Executive Club (which also gets you country club membership).
Finally, it’s also worth mentioning that Cretaceous Park is connected by road and helicopter to the other 15 regions at Le Chateau. Visitors are encouraged to explore the other areas of this growing community, from the country club to the 1980s-themed shopping mall.
Other considerations
The resort is adult-orientated.
I use a Macbook, which sometimes struggles in SL. With the caveat, that I was there when the resort was empty, lag was not a big issue when running graphics on high.
Accommodation suits every budget, starting at 200L per week and can be rented directly at the resort.
Overall
This is a truly unique and immersive adventure, unrivalled by any other in Second Life. This dino-sized wonderland is highly recommended for those seeking a thrilling escape from the ordinary.
