DUBAI // Some of the big screen’s most popular cartoon characters will be on hand to entertain visitors when the Motiongate theme park opens later this year.
From helping ghostbusters catch ghouls and goblins, to soaring above the tree like the stars of How to Train your Dragon, film fans will have 27 thrilling rides and attractions to choose from.
The park opens in October and promises attractions based on films such as The Hunger Games, Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, The Green Hornet and Hotel Transylvania.
Motiongate is part of the Dh10.5 billion Dubai Parks and Resorts, a 2.3 million square metres development off Sheikh Zayed Road opposite the Palm Jebel Ali.
“We are taking guests beyond the screen, into a world of cinematic adventure at Motiongate Dubai with an action-packed line-up of Hollywood-inspired rides and attractions, from fast-paced roller coasters and multisensory theatre shows to imaginative play areas,” said Guido Zucchi, Motiongate general manager.
The park will be split into five zones: Studio Central, the park's entry boulevard, is designed to replicate a working movie set in New York City; Sony Pictures Studios features seven attractions based on Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Hotel Transylvania, and Ghostbusters; Dreamworks has 12 attractions inspired by How to Train your Dragon, Kung Fu Panda, Madagascar and Shrek; Lionsgate has the world's first theme park attractions based on The Hunger Games; while the Smurfs Village has five attractions geared to younger visitors.
Elaine Hinds, the park’s director of entertainment, said Motiongate would open the same day as separate parks dedicated to Bollywood and Legoland.
“Each ride is different and offers something for everyone. The movie studios themselves are excited about the park,” she said.
The year-round venue has the potential to expand in future as more films are produced.
“Once the park opens I’m sure we will have sequels so we can introduce new rides and other entertainment,” Ms Hinds said.
Stanford Pinto, the park’s chief operating officer, said “movies are a favourite leisure pursuit in this region, and Motiongate Dubai is combining the best of Hollywood cinema, theme parks and live entertainment to create an amazing experience for our guests throughout their journey at Dubai Parks and Resorts”.
For more details visit dubaiparksandresorts.com
nhanif@thenational.ae
