Enchanted Kingdom celebrates 15 years of magic

MANILA, Philippines - The country’s first and only world-class theme park is celebrating 15 years of magic.

It all started with a pioneering vision — to bring the unique “theme park experience” to the Philippines where guests of all ages can momentarily transport themselves to a world of fun, make-believe and enchantment — leaving real-world worries behind.

Enchanted Kingdom’s grand opening 15 years ago marked a major milestone in the local leisure and amusement industry. It was and still remains to be the Philippines’ first and only world-class theme park. 

Before EK, there was only a sprinkling of seasonal carnivals and fairs, all of which were not permanent and mostly mobile, and a few amusement parks around Metro Manila that were all small in scale. Enchanted Kingdom changed all of that in terms of quality, magnitude and execution.

With an exciting line-up of family thrill rides and attractions, charming kiddie playgrounds with beautiful landscaping, carnival staples such as video arcades and redemption games, unique food and souvenir shops coupled with non-stop entertainment, all of which were meticulously distributed in seven themed zones, there was nothing else like it in the country.

Now, 15 years after it first opened its doors to the public, Enchanted Kingdom, more than ever, is strongly positioned to maintain and reinforce its undisputed leadership in the local leisure and amusement industry. 

It has consistently remained to be the “top of mind” choice for its loyal followers and habitués, young and old alike, local or overseas, as “the” leading venue for wholesome family leisure and entertainment.

Also, over the past three years, revitalized marketing strategies and efforts have led to a “renaissance” for Enchanted Kingdom as it increases its “mind share” not only from its perceived target markets but also beyond to a greater potential market.

“As Enchanted Kingdom approaches another milestone in its corporate existence — a decade and a half of magic — we are poised to continue to break records. We shall continue to strive to exceed our guests’ expectations, not only through new, innovative and exciting rides and attractions and blockbuster entertainment, but also through superlative guest service that surely will result in positive and lifetime magical experiences,” says Cesar Mario Mamon, EK chairman and president.

15th anniversary highlights

EK’s EKstreme Tower Ride. Towering 150 feet into the sky (10 feet for every year of EK’s existence), this spine-tingling thrill ride will surely bring an adrenaline rush to all those who dare take the plunge. 

This spanking brand-new ride manufactured to the highest safety standards in the United States, is another Philippine first.

Happy Feet: Mumble’s Wild Ride. The Rialto Motion Simulator Theater at the Brooklyn Zone of EK is a park original that has seen a number of film features over the years. 

Coming on the heels of a successful run with the motion picture-based feature, Speed Racer, comes Happy Feet: Mumble’s Wild Ride. This new film feature is based on “Happy Feet,” the award-winning animated motion picture from Warner Bros. and Village Roadshow Inc.

First Enchanted Kingdom Asian Sky Wizardry Competition. Weekend fireworks displays and annual competitions have been regular fare at Enchanted Kingdom. For its 15th anniversary celebration, EK “ups the ante” once again by hosting an international fireworks competition on the grand night of Oct. 23, preceded by local elimination rounds on Oct. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 and 17, a lucky treat for parkgoers that will guarantee a minimum of two fireworks displays per night on each of the dates mentioned.

Annual Search for EK’s Little Prince and Princess 2010. Now on its third edition (for the princess, first for the prince), this contest will surely have guests rooting for their favorite little kids as they showcase their talents and wit during the elimination rounds on Oct. 3, 10 and 17, with the grand finals on Oct. 24.

Princess Victoria’s Dream Shop by Careline. A beauty parlor-cum-retail store for pretty young lasses who sometimes dream of becoming a “princess for a day” through make-up and adorned in regal gowns and accessories.

Eldar’s Specialty Shop. Know more about everything and anything that is about Eldar the Wizard, Enchanted Kingdom’s lovable signature mascot.

Simon and Silver Magic Show. Prepare to be mesmerized and enthralled by a completely new spellbinding show from resident illusionists Simon and Silver.

EK-BiKi WaterWorld. Watch out for the reopening of the improved water park after its short hiatus during the rainy months of August and September. In addition to the regular water attractions, new features are being progressively introduced leading to an exciting holiday season before the end of the year.

For the anniversary month of October, the celebrity storytellers are Mr. Fu (Oct. 17), and Luis Alandy (Oct. 31). They will read the story of the “Frog Prince,” as it is brought to life by EK’s Circle of Artists, to a select group of children from their chosen charities.

Enchanted Kingdom is open Thursdays and Fridays from 12 noon to 7 p.m. and on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. until Dec. 17. Fireworks displays are on every weekend at 8:30 p.m. For more details, contact Charlotte Catapang, corporate communications officer, at (02) 812-7232, (632) 584-3535 or (632) 584-4326 to 29. Or log on to www.enchantedkingdom.ph.