Knoxville couple creates Unicorn World, a new adventure for kids galloping across the US
Knoxville entrepreneurs Lauren and Patrick Mines were searching for a new business idea when they took their son and daughter to a children's event and realized they could do it bigger and better – and with unicorns.
"It was also that no one else was doing this," Lauren said. "There were no unicorn events that we had ever heard of or experiences that we could do."
The Mines are building Unicorn World – a colorful, interactive walk-through experience in the realm of unicorns for kids and adults – from scratch, with the hope of eventually taking it nationwide.
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"It's just been so fun to see how creative this can be and imaginative and fun and just dive into that for kids, but then also for families and adults," Lauren told Knox News. "We think the experience is going to be much more than just the kids enjoying it."
Unicorn World will premiere in Kentucky before arriving in Knoxville Dec. 10 and 11 at the World's Fair Exhibition Hall.
From idea to unicorn stable
Unicorn World will feature 10 custom, life-size animatronic unicorns and a story that guides guests through the magical world. These unicorns were designed to be realistic - they breathe, neigh and bray.
Unicorn World begins with rainbow arches inviting guests into the Enchanted Unicorn Forest filled with fairies and the first five unicorns, which lack the typical bright colors.
After the forest, guests arrive in the arts and crafts section, where they'll hear the story of how an evil magician took the color from the unicorns and how it's up to the kids to bring the color back. Then, kids can draw and name their own unicorns.
This leads into Rainbow Acres, where the next five unicorns - Sprinkles, Blaze, Aqua, Lavender and Jewel - feature distinct colors, names and personalities. Guests can interact with each custom unicorn in its stable.
"Our idea was to have each of them have an interest or characteristic that a kid could relate to potentially. Like, Aqua loves the water and he loves swimming," Lauren Mines said. "So each of our characters have something that's tied to them and we hope kids can find something in that character to relate to."
Kids can play games and enjoy rides and activities throughout the rest of the experience.
Unicorn World nationwide
After its stop in Knoxville, Unicorn World will visit Alabama, Georgia, Indianapolis, Kentucky, North Carolina and Ohio.
After the first year, the Mines want to bring Unicorn World nationwide.
"These parents messaged us, and they were like, 'Our four-year-old daughter's New Year's resolution was to pet a unicorn, so we're definitely coming,'" Patrick Mines told Knox News.
Unicorn World also is partnering with local organizations like the Girl Scouts of the Southern Appalachians to provide volunteer opportunities.
"I think this has really progressed since we started," Patrick Mines said. "We've just realized how much more magical and impactful this is. Our goal really is now to impact these children's lives and to make a difference."
"In a magical way," Lauren Mines added.
There's a $30 entry fee per person, along with an optional $25 unlimited pass for some rides and activities only for kids.
CORRECTION: An earlier version misstated the founders' children. They have a son and a daughter.
Keenan Thomas reports for the Knox News business growth and development coverage team. You can reach him by email at keenan.thomas@knoxnews.com. Support strong local journalism and unlock premium perks at knoxnew.com/subscribe.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Unicorn World created by Knoxville, Tennessee couple
