Parks For Recreation This Holiday Season
It is without a doubt that the holidays allow you the best opportunity to spend quality time with your loved ones – be it your family, your friends, or even your significant other. And year on year, theme parks have been the go-to destination for people to create moments that they will remember and cherish for the rest of their lives. In fact, according to the Global Attractions Attendance Report by the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) and the Economics Practice at AECOM, 2018 saw an attendance of 252 million just for the Top 25 theme parks in the world alone.
So, if you’re one of these people, and you’re planning to create and share unforgettable moments with the important people in your life this Christmas season, here’s a list of some of Asia’s most popular theme parks that are guaranteed to be worth your while:
1
Enchanted Kingdom
Laguna, Philippines
2018 Asia Ranking: Data Not Available
2018 World Ranking: Data Not Available
2018 Gate Ranking: Data Not Available
While not listed as one of the most visited theme parks in the world, EK is arguably the most popular one we have in the country – and many of us would have already visited this magic-inspired entertainment park at least once or twice in our lives when we were young. Visiting it anew now that we are part of the workforce will most certainly take us down memory lane, while at the same, let us create new ones to treasure and share with others.
2
Everland
Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
2018 Asia Ranking: 9th
2018 World Ranking: 19th
2018 Gate Ranking: 5.85 million
It doesn’t matter whether you would like to simply relax or be adventurous, Everland is the perfect place to go. You can opt to visit Zootopia, and enjoy a leisurely walk with your family to see over 200 unique species of animals, or you can dare take the T-Express which is boasted as the second tallest wooden roller coaster in the world.
3
Universal Studios Singapore
Sentosa, Singapore
2018 Asia Ranking: 12th
2018 World Ranking: Data Not Available
2018 Gate Ranking: 4.4 million
In Universal Studios Singapore, you will get to experience first-hand attractions some of the film studio’s most famous movies, most popular of which is the Transformers: 3D Battle Ride which will take you to a highly thrilling journey with fan-favorites Optimus Prime and Bumblebee.
4
Hongkong Disneyland
Hongkong
2018 Asia Ranking: 6th
2018 World Ranking: 16th
2018 Gate Ranking: 6.7 million
True to its promise, it is indeed the happiest place on Earth. There are plenty of rides to take that are child-friendly so this is the perfect place to spend time with the entire family. Presently, the park is undergoing several constructions which promise visitors more exciting things to experience come 2021. Amongst these renovations are the main castle which features the Disney princess, Sleeping Beauty, and Frozen Land which will be home to several attractions centered around the hit movie of the same name.
5
Ocean Park
Hongkong
2018 Asia Ranking: 10th
2018 World Ranking: 20th
2018 Gate Ranking: 5.8 million
Ocean Park is unique compared to its contemporaries as it doubles as a huge aquarium housing a variety of marine life ranging from exotic fish to arctic and Antarctic animals. More than the thrill rides like the Hair Raiser and the Whirly Bird, you can also spend your time viewing amazing performances from the incredibly intelligent seals and dolphins at the Ocean Theater. Going around the park is also one of a kind as you can opt to take either the Ocean Express or the Cable Car to get to the Summit or the Waterfront.
6
Universal Studios Japan
Osaka, Japan
2018 Asia Ranking: 3rd
2018 World Ranking: 5th
2018 Gate Ranking: 14.3 million
It cannot be denied that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter has cemented itself in this era’s pop culture – so there’s no stopping the Potterheads all over Asia from coming over to Universal Studios in Osaka as it is the only place in the continent where you can find the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. This, along with other highlight areas like Jurassic Park, Minion Park, Hollywood, New York, and San Francisco, make for an extremely exciting and enjoyable time with the loved ones.
7
Tokyo Disneyland & Disney Sea
Tokyo, Japan
2018 Asia Ranking: Disneyland – 1st; Disney Sea – 2nd
2018 World Ranking: Disneyland – 3rd; Disney Sea – 4th
2018 Gate Ranking: : Disneyland – 18 million; Disney Sea – 14.65 million
The honor for being the most visited theme park in Asia goes to Japan’s own version of Disneyland. Much like the other Disney theme parks, this is definitely a go-to destination suitable for Disney fans of all ages. But if you’d like to have a unique take on the Disney experience, you may also opt to visit Tokyo Disney Sea which offers an exciting nautical exploration of our favorite Disney classics.
8
Shanghai Disneyland
Shanghai, China
2018 Asia Ranking: 4th
2018 World Ranking: 8th
2018 Gate Ranking: 11.8 million
Don’t get discouraged by what you read online about Shanghai Disneyland as some people may say that the place lacks proper sanitation, when in reality, it’s really just your typical theme park with a whole lot of incredible attractions to offer. For one, it houses the tallest Disney castle which also features all of the princesses and not just one – unlike the other aforementioned Disney theme parks on this list. Make sure you also do not miss out on the Tron Lightcycle Power Run ride as this is a unique roller coaster ride where you go through a neon-lit track on a motorcycle-like vehicle on high speed.
And there you go. Remember that these are just suggestions on where to go to have a great time this holiday season with your family, friends, or significant other. You can always try to be a little bit more adventurous and explore what other great spots are yet to be discovered out there, and let us know so that we can try visiting ourselves!