The end

Jackson threw himself into rehearsals for the London shows, and was even reportedly considering a temporary UK version of Neverland to enjoy while staying in the country. But the performances would never go ahead.

On June 25, 2009, Michael Jackson died in his bed at his rented Los Angeles mansion. The cause of death was eventually identified as acute propfol and benzodiazepine intoxication, leading to cardiac arrest. His personal physician, Conrad Murray, was subsequently convicted of involuntary manslaughter in 2011, serving a two-year prison sentence.

Although media reports initially suggested that Jackson would be buried at Neverland, objections from some family members and the difficulties associated with obtaining a permit led to that plan being scotched (despite Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger offering to help cut through red tape to make it happen).

Jackson was instead buried at Forest Lawn’s Great Mausoleum, but that didn’t stop thousands of fans descending on Neverland to pay their respects. Hundreds of messages were scrawled on walls surrounding the site, and the roads leading to the ranch were packed with dozens of parked cars.

The same fans hoped that Neverland would be turned into a lasting, publicly-accessible memorial to Michael Jackson, in much the same way that Graceland was dedicated to Elvis Presley. After all, what better way to celebrate their idol’s life than by exploring the theme park that he had built in his image?

But fans were destined to be disappointed…

A new beginning

In the immediate aftermath of Michael Jackson’s death, plans to sell Neverland were shelved. Jackson’s part-ownership was transferred to his estate, with Colony Capital retaining its share.

According to some reports, Jackson’s family took little interest in the ranch in the wake of his passing. The exception was his children, Prince, Paris and Blanket, who are said to have visited Neverland in 2011 to find it in a state of decay. Paris, it was said, was determined to restore it as a place for underprivileged children to enjoy. The fairground area was replaced with a meditative “Zen garden”, featuring animal-shaped topiaries, oak and fir trees. The tennis and basketball courts were refurbished, along with the swimming pool. And dozens of staff were hired to maintain the house and gardens.

Despite this apparent involvement, the Jackson family had lost control of Neverland. In May 2015, it was announced that the ranch would be put up for sale under its original name of Sycamore Valley Ranch, with a price tag of a cool $100 million.

Fans were outraged, demanding that the family step in to stop the sale. One online petition demands “The Presley’s got to keep Graceland so why can’t we keep Neverland?” Some die-hards vowed to boycott Michael Jackson merchandise unless the decision was reversed.

The estate’s response levelled the blame solely at Colony Capital. “The reality is that Estate is not in a position to stop the sale of the property…Under the terms of the agreement that Michael himself signed with Colony Capital, Colony has the right to sell. Unfortunately, the Estate has no legal standing in this position. The Estate will maintain Michael’s family home in Encino, including its iconic recording studio. No matter how many requests or notices of boycott the Estate receives, it cannot prevent the sale of Neverland, nor would it be fiscally responsible for the Estate to spend Michael’s children’s money on purchasing the property again.”

Sotheby’s and Hilton & Hyland are sharing a joint listing of the ranch. Realizing that many fans will be desperate to take a look at their idol’s former home, they are conducting detailed financial background checks on prospective buyers. “We’re not going to be giving tours,” one real estate agent insisted.

Some estimates put Colony’s total investment in the Sycamore Valley Ranch at over $50 million. But the result is a ranch that still looks impressively lavish.

While the fairground has been replaced, many elements of Jackson’s Neverland remain. The train station is still in position and fully restored, complete with the Neverland clock floral display outside. The movie theater is operable. The fire station building is still standing, albeit without any engines or firefighters. The zoo has largely gone, although a solitary llama remains.

Unsurprisingly, the media have been quick to link other celebrities with a deal to buy the ranch. Kanye West is reported to be considering buying the property as a gift for wife Kim Kardashian, who spent her 14th birthday at Neverland (“It was the most magical place on Earth”). The likes of Jay Z and Beyoncé, Justin Bieber and Eminem have all been linked with buying Jackson’s former home in the past.

Reports in 2006 suggested that the ranch had been valued at just $33 million, so Colony’s $100 million asking price may seem a little steep. However, some observers believe that the company’s decision to wait for some seven years before listing the property will pay off. “If they’d put in on the market right after the trial, I think it would have not been well received,” said Rick Goodwin, publisher of Ultimate Homes. “At that point in time, the dark cloud hung over that place.”

“Death has a tendency to let people be more forgiving.”

Despite this, the brochure sent by Sotheby's to prospective buyers reportedly contains no references to Michael Jackson.

Life after death

Most Michael Jackson fans don’t have a spare $100 million lying around, so buying Neverland is not a realistic aspiration. But it is actually easier to experience a slice of the Neverland fantasy world now than it ever was when Michael Jackson lived there. Many of the attractions that made Neverland what it was have found new homes elsewhere.

A number of the rides that were located in Neverland’s funfair were sold to Helm & Sons, and are now a fixture on the county fair circuit. Prior to Jackson’s death, the link to Neverland wasn’t publicised. “We always had a confidentiality agreement with Jackson,” says Helm & Sons’ Corey Oakley. But after Jackson’s death, the company and the fairs it works with began Neverland promotions. “It’s a big deal for people,” said Oakley. “They’ve heard so much about Neverland. They want to touch it, to see it, to feel it, to ride it.”

Helm & Sons acquired the Spider, Wave Swinger, C.P. Huntington train and Zipper. It also acquired the Katherine steam train and one of Neverland’s most iconic attractions, the carousel. The rides have since appeared at the Tulare County Fair, the Giants County Fair and the San Bernardino County Fair, among others. The company lists upcoming events on its website.

Another firm, Butler Amusements, bought six of the rides. “It didn’t dawn on us to mention they were from Neverland until after his passing,” said spokeswoman Andrea Owen. “We were at the Alameda County Fair when the news came out. The owner mentioned our Neverland connection to the fair people and they got really excited.”

Among the rides Butler Amusements purchased are the Bumper Cars, Balloon Samba, Dinosaurs, Jeeps, Lolli Swings and the Dragon Wagon roller coaster. Butler Amusements also lists scheduled events on its website.

The Sea Dragon found a permanent new home at Beech Bend Park in Kentucky. A second Zipper is owned by Doug Barton of The Pride of Texas Shows, which also serves temporary fairs and carnivals.

Perhaps the most recognizable Neverland ride, the Ferris Wheel, was acquired by Missouri-based Archway Amusements, and has been touring carnivals in the Midwest ever since. The company’s website proudly bills it as the Neverland Ranch Wheel.

So, Michael Jackson’s Neverland lives on, both in the remaining elements at the Sycamore Valley Ranch, and in the rides that continue to thrill thousands of people.

It may officially have been renamed, but for fans of the King of Pop, 5225 Figueroa Mountain Road will always be Neverland.