KIM LAWTON: Controversy didn't keep the crowds away during the opening week of The Holy Land Experience. Thousands of visitors paid the $17 dollar adult admission price for a little bit of Old Jerusalem in Central Florida.

The theme park was built by the Christian ministry Zion's Hope, which advocates evangelizing Jews.

The Holy Land Experience incorporates many Jewish symbols, especially in talking about the origins of Christianity. But park operators say there won't be any overt proselytizing. Jewish leaders are still concerned.

Mark Pinsky has been covering the park for the ORLANDO SENTINEL.

MARK PINSKY: Where the profits will ultimately go has been a sore point for Jewish leaders in this area. They're concerned that anyone who comes here will be indirectly subsidizing conversion efforts for Jews in the United States and in Israel.

LAWTON: The park is also controversial for some Christians, who worry about the Disney-ficaton of religion.

PINSKY: They feel that there is a real danger here [and] that this place, this theme park, may in fact trivialize serious Christian beliefs.