The Enchanted Kingdom or EK is the last place to visit in my little girl’s field trip this year. I volunteered myself a chaperon for I was excited to enter again the magical world of EK to see their newest attractions EKstreme Drop Tower and Disc-o-Magic. High school level had their field trip here yesterday and my teenage son Pao told us he enjoyed riding in these two heart-stopping rides.

Little Facts:

The Enchanted Kingdom was opened to the public on October 19, 1995. It boasts of rides and attractions which give a fun and fulfilling experience not only for the kids but also for the adults as well.  It is located in Sta. Rosa City, in the province of Laguna.

You will be snatched away from reality as you explore the whole theme park.

It was almost 2:00 pm when we reached EK. Shen and her classmates can’t hide their excitement. They were almost screaming when we were approaching the entrance. I took one complimentary map, not for locating rides but as my souvenir.

Upon entry, the Grand Carousel with an eye-catching fountain behind it was the first attraction found in Victoria Park. It was the focal site of photo shooting with EK’s mascot, Eldar the Wizard, and other entertainers.

There were other school and religious groups that day so the theme park had a massive crowd. I wanted my daughter to fully enjoy our visit here, so we had a great time on kiddie rides.

We headed first to Boulderville, the prehistoric cartoon zone where boulders and dinosaurs are found in the area. Shen enjoyed playing in the Petreefied House. Satisfied, we went to the Stone Eggs, the kiddie Ferris Wheel where we both enjoyed our ride.

 Other attractions in the area are:

• Rock Quarry – another play facility
• Boulderville Express – a train ride
• Dinosaurs
• Air Pterodactyl
• Bouncing Boulders Mini Drop Tower 
  
• Bumbling Boulders 
  

We were excited to see the new attraction Disc-o-Magic or the Giant spinning ride in Portabello. It is a 24-seater ride with a specially designed seat where riders can comfortably move their legs and swing their arms up in the air. Shen was enjoying watching the riders who were screaming so loud as they were spinning higher and higher in the air.

After watching one full round, we passed by at Rio Grande Rapids, the largest attraction ride in the park, and watched the riders laughing out loud as they got wet on their water rafting adventure.

Other attractions:

• 4D Discovery y – another play facility
• Boulderville Express – a train ride
• Xtreme Paintball
• Shake, Rattle, and Roll – haunted house fun

Every ride had a long queue so we just explored the Midway Boardwalk, the park zone with the most number of rides to enjoy.

The attractions are:

• Anchors Away
  
• Dodgem
• Bump N’ Splash
• Roller Skater
• Up, Up and Away – an exciting hot air balloon ride
• Wheel of Fate – 130 ft tall Ferris wheel
• EKstreme Tower Ride – the newest attraction
• Midway Games

My curiosity about EKstreme Tower Ride brought our itchy foot to stay a bit longer in this area. It reminded me of Pagoda’s Revenge in Leofoo Village Theme Park in Taiwan. I was so excited to try this ride seeing my office mates slowly lifted up to about 53 m in height.  But a sudden quick fall made my spine shivered so I didn’t dare at all. Upon watching riders of EKstreme Tower Ride I realized it wasn’t scary after all.  In fact, they were laughing after that heart-stopping drop.  Hmmm… I guess I can do it on my next visit here.

We went back to Victoria Park and were delighted to see again my brother Choy and his wife Lyn chaperoning their kids too. Lyn, Shen, Magnus, and Ax rode in the Grand Carousel. I was left to take pictures. Choy and Isha took a ride at Flying Fiesta.  After one round, we went back to Boulderville and ride at the Stone Eggs again.

Shen and Magnus were already over in height in Rock Quarry so we went back to the Petreefied House. Ax and the three kids enjoyed playing here. Since we can’t ride on extreme rides, my buddies stayed in this area.

I explored the Spaceport Park Zone to see Space Shuttle Max, the country’s first and only triple loop coaster. As I observed, it really stands out, hence the longest queue. I enjoyed watching one full round and wishing to ride on it in the future. As Pao told me, this is the ride where he enjoyed most.

Other attractions are:

• Laser Mission
• Bandstand
• Kart Trak
• Eldar’s Tent
• Launch Time

There were cameras assigned on some attractions like Disc-o-Magic, Anchor’s Away, Jungle Log Jam, Rio Grande Rapids, and the EKstreme Drop Tower. One copy costs P199. So be sure when you scream do it gracefully or your picture might be a disaster souvenir. Haha!

Jungle Outpost offers a jungle experience. I was hoping tribal dancers will dance in front of Tropics (a souvenir store) just like on our first visit, but there were no performers that time to liven up the place. There were lots of game stands in the area.  But I didn’t play instead I went to Tropics and bought a bracelet (P85).

Then I headed to Houdini (another souvenir store) where I bought a keychain (P35), a coloring book (P35), and a sharpener (P50).

Attractions found here are:

• Swan Lake
• Jungle Log Jam

I enjoyed my second visit seeing more scattered food outlets in each park zone. There are added merchandise stores and kiosks with souvenir items to choose from. There are lots of various game stands to play.

I went back to Boulderville to fetch my buddies. We went to Purefoods TJ Hotdog kiosk near Dodgem. We ate a hotdog sandwich (55) with green leaf ice tea (P45) at one table. It was almost 6:00 pm and it was getting so cool. Since we will no longer ride, we stayed in this area to savor the cool breeze.

 

As we were on our way back to Boulderville we passed by the eye-catching Wheel of Fortune. This Ferris Wheel which lifted riders above 130 feet into the air was so stunning to watch for at night because each gondola was well lighted.  We watched it for a few minutes and later headed to Victoria Park to catch a glimpse of Eldar. But the crowd flocked the mascot and two entertainers wearing exquisite costumes. It was impossible for us to have a picture with Eldar so we just waited for the fireworks.

As closing time approaches, EK’s theme song “Everyday Everyday” is now playing on the air. Then later fireworks blasted into the night sky.  What a wonderful night!

Tired, we went back to our designated buses. Time to relax our tired feet. But my little girl was still so much alive. She was busy playing with her classmates who are still alive despite the rides they had.

Though we only had a few rides, we had fun!. I wanted to go back before my body and spirit will say no to  Space Shuttle and EKstreme Drop Tower.

How To Get There:

1) Through public transportation

- There is a shuttle service at open parking in Intercontinental Hotel, Ayala Center beside SM Makati.

-  By Bus – Jac Liner or Jam Liner Transit Bus in Pasay City near Buendia LRT Station. Bus Route – Balibago (Waltermart, Sta. Rosa, Laguna).  Take a tricycle from Waltermart to the Enchanted Kingdom

2) Through private transportation

- Coming from Manila you may take South Expressway (much lower toll fee) or Skyway all the way to Sta. Rosa Exit.  Turn left so Sta. Rosa town proper. Waltermart is your landmark.  From here you will turn right and go straight until you see the Enchanted Kingdom to your right.

Have fun!