7 Newest Theme Parks In Asia To Visit In 2023
Including a Frozen-themed attraction where the kiddos can meet Elsa and Anna
By Michelle Lee SM -
There's nothing quite like stepping into a theme park for a dose of escapism. And with tourism at full throttle, a number of theme parks have opened across Asia in the past couple of years. From the upcoming World of Frozen at Hong Kong Disneyland to Japan's highly anticipated Ghibli Park and the Aquaverse water park in Pattaya, Thailand, these buzzy new attractions in Asia are set to capture your imagination.
While Hong Kong Disneyland isn't all that new — it opened in 2005 — it's debuting an entire Frozen-themed attraction this November that'll steal the hearts of fans.
Inspired by Frozen and Frozen 2, the park will whisk you and your kiddos to Arendelle, the Norwegian-inspired kingdom of the animation franchise. Explore iconic scenes, including the Arendelle Castle, the Ice Palace, the Friendship Fountain and the North Mountain. You can also look forward to fun-filled attractions such as Frozen Ever After and Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs.
Plus, you'll get to see beloved characters brought to life through advanced animatronics technology, indulge in frosty treats, and even stay in themed hotel rooms.
Visit Klook's website for more information or to book tickets.
Japan's highly anticipated Ghibli Park opened in November last year, bringing Japanese animation studio Studio Ghibli's beloved films to life. It's located within the Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park in Nagakute city near Nagoya, and the attraction itself is split into five zones: Hill of Youth, Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse, Mononoke’s Village, Valley of Witches and Dondoko Forest. All are based on the studio’s most famous shows and designed to blend seamlessly with the park's existing natural surroundings.
There are no big attractions or rides. Instead, guests are encouraged to 'Take a stroll, feel the wind, and discover the wonders' of the park. Highlights include the indoor Great Ghibli Warehouse, which features 13 life-sized replicas that recreate key moments from the studio’s classic films, including scenes from Spirited Away, From Up on Poppy Hill, and Porco Rosso.
There's also the Dondoko Forest, based on My Neighbor Totoro, and a recreation of the iconic sky garden from the movie ‘Laputa: Castle in the Sky’. Psst: Keep a look out for the 17-foot high wooden structure in the shape of Totoro.
The Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park is open to the public for free. However, each Ghibli-themed area has its own entry fee. Advanced booking is required. Visit its website for international tickets, updates, and more information.
Potterheads can now delve into the secrets of the Wizarding World and sip on Butterbeer as the world’s largest indoor Harry Potter attraction, which opened in Tokyo in June. The Warner Bros Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter theme park is the first of its kind in Asia, and Warner Bros’ second Harry Potter attraction after the one in London.
Like its London counterpart, the Japanese theme park will see a wide range of exhibits, costumes, props, special effects and models used to make the Harry Potter films. Besides checking out sets like Hogwarts’ Great Hall and Diagon Alley, park-goers can also hop on the Hogwarts Express and experience green screen technology as they journey to the wizarding school.
Visit Klook's website for tickets and more information.
If the heat's getting to you, there's nothing quite as fun as cooling off at a water park. The SplashMania waterpark, located at Bandar Gamuda Cove in Selangor, Malaysia, officially opened on Feb 6 this year.
It's home to a whopping 39 attractions, including a massive pirate ship, bodyboarding rides, and thrilling slides. if you'd like to chill out, check out the beach-like Omba’king Cove or the Ravage River, where you can float down on a swimming tube.
When you're peckish after all that action, there's Jungle Jamboree, a large food court with a number of Western, Malay and Chinese food options.
Admission is free for children below 90cm in height with a paying adult. Those aged 12 and below must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 years old and above at all times. Closed on Wednesdays (except during Malaysia public holidays and school holidays). Click here for tickets and more information.
Aquaverse, opened by American film production studio Columbia Pictures, opened just a year ago in Oct 2022. Situated in Pattaya, Thailand, the water park houses themed zones, rides and attractions based on popular movies and TV shows under the studio's belt. Think Hotel Transylvania, Jumanji, Zombieland, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, The Emoji Movie, and Ghostbusters.
The family-friendly Hotel Transylvania zone, for instance, boasts nine fun slides, as well as over 100 fountains, splash buckets, and other water attractions. Thrill-seeking older kids can check out the drop slides, while the younger ones can have fun in the kid's zone.
There's even a wave pool cinema where visitors can watch movies on a huge screen while lounging in the pool. Other highlights include movie-themed restaurants, specialty merchandise, live shows and digital light displays.
Visit Aquaverse's website for tickets and more information.