Have fun this holiday season at Asia’s biggest recreational attractions
From the world’s fastest roller coasters to the world’s biggest recreational facilities, Asia has got more than its share of engaging theme parks that will guarantee a great time.
YAS WATERWORLD, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Opened since early 2013, Yas Waterworld stands as the UAE's first mega waterpark with over 40 rides, slides and attractions. The park prides itself on several exclusive rides never seen before in waterparks elsewhere including Dawwama, a 20-metre high funnel that stands as one of the most exhilarating tornado raft rides in the world. Other notable attractions include the Liwa Loop looping waterslide, the Bandit Bomber, which is the Middle East’s longest suspended roller coaster and the Marah Fortress, a large children’s playground, which is widely considered as the biggest in the region. The Yas Waterworld theme park also showcases a unique pearl diving experience that showcases traditional Emirati pearl diving culture, and an Interactive Treasure Hunt game that puts visitors on quests to find lost treasures.
DISNEY SEA, TOKYO
The Mickey Mouse empire chose to setup big in Tokyo in the mid-80's. Over the course of 30 years it has continued to expand its presence in the capital of Japan. In 2001, Disney added Disney Sea to its growing kingdom, which includes Disney Land itself, an internal monorail service, a hotel complex and a mall. Disney Sea, which spreads over 176-acres, offers highlights and attractions that aren’t found in other Disney parks in Asia, Europe and the U.S. Dedicated to adventure and exploration, Disney Sea is separated by areas such as the American Waterfront, Lost River Delta, Port Discovery, Mermaid Lagoon, Arabian Coast, and Mysterious Island and boasts rides that are reflective of those themes such as the Journey to the Center of the Earth adventure ride, Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Crystal Skull roller coaster and StormRider, a large-scale simulator ride.
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN, OSAKA
Ever since opening its doors in 2001, Universal Studios Japan has attracted over eight million visitors each year. Spread out over 108 acres, the theme park has sections modelled after its sister theme parks in Orlando and Hollywood, however, Universal Studios Japan wields its own signature rides and attractions. The park is divided into ten areas such as Hollywood, New York, Jurassic Park, Amity Village, Universal Wonderland and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which recently opened in July 2014. There are over 40 rides and attractions housed at Universal Studios Osaka and the popular ones include the Spider-Man 3D motion master, the Hollywood Dream and Hollywood Backdrop twin roller coaster rides and Jurassic Park: The Ride.
FERRARI WORLD, YAS ISLAND, ABU DHABI
If you’re going to carry the name of the world’s most desirable sports car, then it only makes sense that you also get the world’s fastest roller coaster. That’s what Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi prides itself on as it houses the Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest ride along with the speed of Magic, the region’s first four dimensional fantasy ride and 18 other Ferrari-themed rides and attractions. Ferrari World also has bragging rights to being one of the world’s largest indoor theme parks and the only attraction of its kind in the Middle East. The popular theme park, which opened in late 2010, also offers six food and beverage outlets presided over by Michelin-starred chefs.
LOTTE WORLD, SEOUL
If you want a wide variety of fun attractions and excitement then Lotte World is where you need to be. Based in the capital of South Korea, Lotte World is a major recreation complex that’s made up of indoor as well as outdoor theme parks. The recreational facility offers over 40 rides and attractions, shopping malls, a luxury hotel, a Korean folk museum, sports facilities, and cinemas. In operation since 1989, Lotte World has continuously attracted over eight million visitors each year, many of whom come specifically to tackle extreme rides like the Giant Loop, the high-octane French Revolution roller coaster ride and the Gyro Spin. And if you’re the sort who likes skating, you’ll be interested to know that Lotte World also houses South Korea’s largest ice-skating rink on its premises as well.
