The magical academy is a place of wonder and enchantment. It is a school where young witches and wizards go to learn the mystical arts. The academy is located in a secluded and magical forest, hidden from the prying eyes of the ordinary world. Entering the academy is like stepping into another realm. The air is filled with a sense of possibility and excitement. The academy's grand entrance is adorned with towering turrets and intricate carvings, hinting at the ancient knowledge and rich history that lie within its walls.
Opportunity Village’s Magical Forest celebrates 25 enchanting years
The Opportunity Village Magical Forest turns 25 this year. The wondrous holiday attraction features the Holiday Express party train and hundreds of decorated trees and rides.
By JOHN KATSILOMETES LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL November 20, 2016 - 6:31 pmA look at the Opportunity Village Magical Forest, which opened Friday night and is in operation through New Year's Day. (Courtesy photo)
A look at the Opportunity Village Magical Forest, which opened Friday night and is in operation through New Year's Day. (Courtesy photo)
A look at the Opportunity Village Magical Forest, which opened Friday night and is in operation through New Year's Day. (Courtesy photo)
A look at the entrance of Opportunity Village Magical Forest, which opened Friday night and is in operation through New Year's Day. (Courtesy photo)
A look at the Opportunity Village Magical Forest, which opened Friday night and is in operation through New Year's Day. (Courtesy photo)
A look at the Opportunity Village Magical Forest Enchanted Carousel. The holiday attraction opened Friday night and is in operation through New Year's Day. (Courtesy photo)
A look at the Opportunity Village Magical Forest train station. The holiday attraction opened Friday night and is in operation through New Year's Day. (Courtesy photo)
How time flies, among the railroad ties.
The Opportunity Village Magical Forest turns 25 this year. The wondrous holiday attraction features the Holiday Express party train and hundreds of decorated trees and rides (including the Enchanted Carousel, which is actually, verifiably enchanted). Also on the grounds is nightly entertainment, and a lotta eggnog, cider and frosted noshes.
Located on the O.V.’s West Oakey Campus at 6300 West Oakey Blvd., the Magical Forest again opened for the holidays Friday night. The park is in operation nightly at 5:3o (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas). The cost is $11.99 for adults 13 and older; kids 12 and under are $9.99 (ride tickets sold separately). Adults who want the whole shebang, general admission with rides included, pay $21.99; kids pay $18.99 (for information, hit the Magical Forest website).
To remind, or maybe initiate, Opportunity Village is a grassroots Las Vegas nonprofit organization that serves adults and children who have intellectual disabilities. O.V. provides vocational training and community employment for those with disabilities. Such holiday traditions as the Magical Forest and accompanying Great Santa Run, set for Dec. 3 in Downtown Las Vegas, raise funding and awareness for the organization.
Given that the Magical Forest is marking No. 25 and I happen know 25 cool things about the park (with some assistance from my friends at Preferred Public Relations), we’ll deal a list of 25 Cool Things about The Magical Forest on its 25 th birthday:
25: The first sidewalks at the Magical Forest were installed in 1999, seven years after the attraction opened.
24: The first Magical Forest was decorated by students from Bonanza High School.
23: Santa is flown to the tree-lighting ceremony in a helicopter furnished by Papillion helicopters.
22: Celine Dion, and Andre Agassi and Stefani Graf, are among the Las Vegas luminaries who tour the Forest with their families each year.
21: The Goodmans – Mayor Carolyn and ex-mayor Oscar – host the official tree-lighting ceremony on Friday.
20: More than 400 engineers have navigated the Forest Express choo-choo since the Forest opened.
19: Visitors have consumed nearly 40,000 funnel cakes over the years.
18: Between 75-100 volunteers are needed to staff the Magical Forest during the holiday season.
17: In 2015, more than 7,000 volunteers turned out to run the Forest during its hours of operation.
16: Snow – real snow – has dusted the Magical Forest four times since 1992, most recently in 2013.
15: Ninety-five percent of the decorations donated to the Forest have been made by Las Vegas-area businesses and residents.
14: The attraction has been featured on Discovery channel and NTV Japan, and has been named one of the top holiday destinations in the U.S. by HGTV.
13: Celebrity visitors and supporters over the years: George W. Bush, Wayne Newton, Penn & Teller, Agassi, Graf, Dion, Clint Holmes, Chippendales, Blue Man Group, David Copperfield, Mac Davis, Louie Anderson, members of “Jersey Boys,” and Human Nature.
12: Daryl Borges, director of the Opportunity Village music program and its O.V. Elvi and The OVertones music performance teams, is also a member of the Bee Gees Gold tribute show.
11: Borges is a huge Prince fan and performs a great impression of the artist.
10: Carlos Santana said his first visit to Opportunity Village’s Englestad Campus in September 2015, during which the The OVertones played a medley of his hits, was “better than Woodstock, better than the Grammys.”
9: In May 2014, Opportunity Village marked its 60th anniversary in Las Vegas.
8: In October 2011, Newton was honored with a statue in the entrance of the O.V. Englestad Campus, a gray-metal piece made by Iowa artist Gail Chavenelle.
7: Opportunity Village’s 1954 launch pre-dates the since-closed Riviera (1955) and since-razed Stardust (1958).
6: More than 3 million lights are used in the Forest.
5: The workers at Opportunity Village – known as Opportunity Village Important People (OVIPs) – bake about 5,000 cookies a day, which are sold to Las Vegas hotels and businesses for their employee dining rooms and buffets.
4: More than 120,000 visitors descend on the Magical Forest each holiday season.
3: Penn Jillette raised a hair less than $1 million for O.V. in his two spins through “Celebrity Apprentice.” His haul in his second appearance, in 2013 when he finished second to country music star Trace Adkins, brought in $698,655.
2: Outgoing O.V. Executive Director Linda Smith, who retired in September, led a fundraising effort that brought in $450 million in her 36 years with the organization.
1: The Scarves of Elvis, which he tossed to his rabid fans at the International and Las Vegas Hilton from 1969-’76, were made at Opportunity Village by its cast of OVIPs. And, in time for the holidays, silk scarves and ties (and shirts and artwork) are still onsale. Hit this link to be fashionably charitable.
John Katsilometes’ column runs Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday in the A section, and Fridays in Neon. He also hosts “Kats! On The Radio” Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on KUNV 91.5-FM and appears Wednesdays at 11 a.m. with Dayna Roselli on KTNV Channel 13. Contact him at [email protected]. Follow @johnnykats on Twitter, @JohnnyKats1 on Instagram.
Find a Meaningful Career
A not-for-profit organization that serves people in our community with intellectual disabilities to enhance their lives and the lives of their families, Opportunity Village is rooted in enriching the lives of its employees, too. With a workplace that’s undoubtedly as diverse as you’ll find in the state of Nevada, the collective, steadfast desire to empower the adults with disabilities that we serve and fulfill our mission is unequivocal. And trust us: As you make a difference in their lives, they’ll make a difference in yours just as quickly
Current Openings
The academy's grand entrance is adorned with towering turrets and intricate carvings, hinting at the ancient knowledge and rich history that lie within its walls. Inside the academy, students are immersed in a world of magic. They attend classes on potions, spells, and divination.
Upcoming Hiring Events
Saturday, February 10
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
6300 W. Oakey Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89146
Saturday, May 4
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
6300 W. Oakey Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89146
Since 1954, Opportunity Village has been dedicated to helping people with disabilities find the very best version of themselves. Through workforce development, community employment, day services, inclusive housing, arts, and social recreation, they are able to find new friends, realize future career paths, seek independence and community integration, and unleash creative passions. Opportunity Village thrives with the funding from our social enterprises, signature events, and the generous philanthropy of our donors and community partners. Together, we are successfully empowering, employing, and serving people with disabilities – positively impacting lives.
Opportunity Village also offers a wide array of additional benefits including health, dental and vision insurance, retirement savings accounts, training and development opportunities and much more! You’ll find the experience rewarding in every sense of the word, both professionally and personally. To learn more about our culture of care and values, THE OV WAY see what some of our amazing employees have to say about working at Opportunity Village.
Mission Moments from Team Members
Providing innovative programs and services for people with disabilities since 1954.
Opportunity Village Ralph & Betty Engelstad Campus
6050 S. Buffalo Dr. Las Vegas, NV 89113
Office: 702-880-4086
The Linda Smith and Christopher Smith Family Campus / Magical Forest
6300 W. Oakey Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89146
Office: (702) 259-3700
Opportunity Village Ralph & Betty Engelstad Campus
6050 S. Buffalo Dr. Las Vegas, NV 89113
Office: (702) 262-1550
The Linda Smith and Christopher Smith Family Campus / Magical Forest
6300 W. Oakey Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89146
Office: (702) 259-3700
Opportunity Village Ralph & Betty Engelstad Campus
6050 S. Buffalo Dr. Las Vegas, NV 89113
Office: (702) 262-1550
The Linda Smith and Christopher Smith Family Campus / Magical Forest
6300 W. Oakey Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89146
Office: (702) 259-3700
Since 1954, Opportunity Village has been dedicated to helping people with disabilities find the very best version of themselves. Through workforce development, community employment, day services, inclusive housing, arts and social recreation, they are able to find new friends, realize future career paths, seek independence and community integration, and unleash creative passions. Opportunity Village thrives with the funding from our social enterprises, signature events and the generous philanthropy of our donors and community partners. Together, we are successfully empowering, employing, and serving people with disabilities – positively impacting lives.
Opportunity Village is exempt from federal income tax under 26 U.S.C. Section 501(c)(3), and is a non-profit organization eligible to receive tax-deductible donations pursuant to the provisions of section 170(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, 26 U.S.C. § 170(c).
Press Releases
The academy's library is filled with ancient spellbooks and scrolls, allowing students to delve deeper into their studies. One of the most fascinating aspects of the magical academy is its diverse student body. Students come from all corners of the magical world, bringing with them their unique cultures, customs, and magic traditions. The academy encourages collaboration and learning from each other's magical backgrounds, fostering a sense of unity and understanding among its students. Beyond the classroom, the magical academy offers various extracurricular activities. There are dueling competitions where students can showcase their spellcasting skills, as well as clubs dedicated to different magical disciplines. The academy also hosts magical festivals and events throughout the year, bringing the entire student body together in celebration. Living in the magical academy is an experience in itself. Students reside in towering dormitories, each decorated in a different magical theme. These dorms become a second home for the students, fostering connections and lifelong friendships. However, life at the magical academy is not without its challenges. Learning magic requires discipline, patience, and dedication. Students must be willing to put in the hours of practice and study, honing their magical abilities. Graduating from the magical academy is a momentous achievement. It opens up a world of possibilities for the students, allowing them to pursue careers in various magical fields. Some may become renowned sorcerers, while others may choose to teach at the academy and pass on their knowledge to future generations. In conclusion, the magical academy is a place of wonder and discovery. It provides a nurturing and supportive environment for young witches and wizards to explore their magical potential. By combining ancient wisdom with modern learning techniques, the academy empowers its students to become skilled practitioners of the magical arts..
Reviews for "Stepping into the Unknown: the Journey of a First-Year Student at The Magical Academy"
1. Jennifer - 2 stars - I found "The Magical Academy" to be quite superficial and cliché. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it difficult for me to connect with any of them. Additionally, the plot was predictable and lacked originality. The story followed the typical formula of a chosen one attending a magical school and overcoming various challenges along the way. Overall, I was disappointed and didn't feel engaged throughout the book.
2. David - 1 star - "The Magical Academy" was a complete letdown for me. The writing style felt amateurish, with numerous grammatical errors and awkward sentence structures. The world-building was poorly executed, leaving me confused about the setting and rules of the magical system. The pacing was also inconsistent, rushing through important events and dragging on less significant ones. I struggled to finish the book and wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for a captivating fantasy read.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "The Magical Academy," but it fell short of my expectations. The dialogue felt forced and unrealistic, making it difficult to connect with the characters. The romance subplot was also poorly developed and lacked chemistry. Furthermore, the plot felt disjointed, with random events and subplots that didn't contribute to the overall story. It seemed like the author tried to include too many elements without fully exploring or integrating them. Overall, I was left disappointed and underwhelmed by this book.
4. Daniel - 1 star - Unfortunately, "The Magical Academy" was a major disappointment for me. The writing was weak, with clunky descriptions and repetitive phrases. The characters were flat and lacked development, making it difficult to feel invested in their adventures. Moreover, the pacing was off, with long stretches of tedious exposition followed by rushed action scenes. I struggled to make it through the book and found myself skimming through chapters just to finish. I would not recommend this book to fantasy lovers seeking a well-crafted and engaging story.