An Unplanned Trip To Enchanted Kingdom
A trip to Corregidor. That’s what I had in mind when I woke up Friday morning. At 7 AM. Oh, no. Wasn’t 7 AM supposed to be the check-in time? That was nagging me when I got ready to go to the CCP Bay Terminal. We got a taxi to drop us off at Harbor Square (we didn’t know where the terminal was at that time). I just assumed it was near where the evening dinner cruise docked. Wow. I haven’t ever been here this early in the morning. I was amused to see a throng of people in different groups doing their daily exercise routines (ala Fitness First promotions in malls).
Morning Routine
I also chanced to see a dragon boat team doing their early morning practice in Manila Bay. Hmm…the Harbor Square is a pretty good place to visit at this time.
Dragon Boating
After a bit of looking and asking around, we finally saw the CCP Bay Terminal. It’s directly beside Harbor Square.
The Terminal
But when we got to the check-in counter, we were told that the 8 AM departure to Corregidor was already fully booked and the only other option for us was to be one of the chance passengers for the 11 AM trip. Chance passengers? No thanks. I scanned the boarding area and saw the culprits for this inconvenience: students on a field trip. I left the terminal determined not to waste this rare day (when I woke up before 12 PM) with a newfound loathing for people in P.E. uniforms. An idea light bulb appears beside my head. Why don’t we head to Ayala and catch the shuttle to Enchanted Kingdom? It was still quite early (8 AM) and I remembered the last time we took the shuttle we left at about 10:30 AM. We hailed another taxi and we were dropped off at The Landmark in Makati. After another round of asking security guards for directions, we were near the Glorietta restaurant row (which is across Goldcrest) where the EK Shuttle pick up point was. The pickup schedule for a Friday was actually 11:30 AM (weekdays) and not 10:30 AM (that was available only for weekends). We paid P680 per head for the shuttle which included an EK Day Pass and of course, back and forth transportation. We were too early to be issued tickets yet so we decided to have breakfast (although we already ate) at an airconditioned establishment (Max’s Restaurant) which was just around the corner.
Breakfast. Again.
We spent almost two hours there just talking and sitting and eating chicken burgers. Max’s serves breakfast up to 10 AM although they also offer their regular menu during the breakfast period. We left the restaurant, got our tickets and headed for the underground boutiques because Beryl wanted to find a pay phone. We found one at one of the stores.
Store with the phone
We also bought P100 shirts for changing in (in case we got wet at one of the rides). I found a Booksale outlet and resisted the urge to browse the books and magazines and leave with heavy plastic bags. Someone informed us that most of the stores here have closed and the rest were about to because the building was going to be demolished. The van wasn’t ready to leave yet when we went back to the pickup point, so we ordered stuff to munch (yet again) at Icebergs for takeout to eat when we were travelling. Is there such a thing as restaurant-hopping?
Icebergs: No patrons yet!
At last, we were ready to go, so along with two other parties of EK goers, we left for Sta. Rosa, Laguna. The shuttle bus is probably the most hassle-free way to go to EK next to bringing your own car and driver.
Upon arrival, I realized that my newfound loathing followed me. There were tons of school buses with tons of P.E. uniformed students! Aaaggghhhhh! Why!? I don’t know if it’s just Fridays or weekdays when students go on field trips but here’s a big tip: don’t think going on a Friday will let you avoid the weekend crowd!
The good thing about the shuttle is that you have a few minutes where you can enjoy having the park all to yourselves. Before the crowd rushes in. After validating the ticket and entering the park, we enjoyed the crowd-less place while the students in P.E. uniforms still waited in line outside (bwahaha!). I always like strolling along Portabello during the early hours. You feel you are transported to some bygone European era through the fake facades. They still had some Chinese decorations from the Chinese New Year celebration.
No one in sight. Just us.
Wandering around, we met several people in costumes and had a fine time taking our pictures with them.
Latin Dancers
They’re part of several live performances being held all over the park. There were also men in blue tights (supposedly aliens) paying homage to a blue Teletubby-like mascot, jungle people in leopard prints and bare stomachs, and zombies dancing to the beat of MJ’s Thriller. There were also princesses (and their escorts) lurking around the front gate (for picture-taking purposes, I suppose). Just ask for a photograph and they will be happy to oblige.
Wise ol' wizard and...some girl
Except for this one. This pink princess was very particular about the picture-taking process. And also appeared to be enjoying her role immensely. Not.
Now, on to the rides:
SWAN LAKE
Swan Lake
I didn’t hear any bells ringing for this ride. We stopped of our own free will. Maybe that’s just because it was still early. Anyway, this ride is a great work out for your legs. You can really feel them exerting incredible effort in pedalling the swans. Learn how to maneuver and beware the mini waterfall. During hot days, the ride can be a bit uncomfortable and you may be forced to find some shade among the plants in the mini islands.
JUNGLE LOG JAM
Jungle Log Jam
One of my favourite rides in Enchanted Kingdom. I love rides where there’s a possibility of you getting wet. And the exhilaration you feel when your log ride comes plummeting down from the steep drop (there are two, one is higher than the other). It’s great. Be sure to lean back when going down and don’t forget to smile for the cameras on the second drop. Make it a point to sit at the back if you only want to get a few splashes, not get drenched. The bridge you cross when exiting seems a good place to take some pictures. Check out the photo booth for pictures of you and your friends during the ride. The prices are very expensive (as you would expect). An electronic copy on a CD is available for P119.
BUMP ‘N SPLASH
Bump 'N Splash
The popular bumper cars go on water. They let you wear life jackets (reminiscent of Fear Factor). Steering the bumper boats is simple enough. To make them go faster, just twist the left handle (as you would when starting a motorcycle) and bump the other boats to your enjoyment.
ANCHORS AWAY
Anchors Away
I like to sit on the last row (on either end) for rides like this. It gives the most satisfaction. Not recommended for those with queasy stomachs and those who don’t like the feeling of ‘stomach drops’. But if you were really thrilled to get on this ride and realized too late that you couldn’t take it (like someone I know), then my advice to you is this: SCREAM. At the top of your lungs. If that doesn’t work, yell “I’m gonna throw up!” and make loud gagging sounds. Let’s see if that catches the operators’ attention (and makes them stop the ride). By the way, people do throw up on this ride so don’t be surprised if the queue gets hung up because park personnel are still cleaning up someone’s vomit.
4D DISCOVERY THEATER
4D Discovery Theater
The separate admission fee for this is P40 for day pass ticket holders and P80 for carousel special ticket holders. You are given yellow 3D glasses once you enter the theatre. I recommend sitting on the front row. If you don’t like me spoiling the surprises, then just try not to read the black text after this: Your seat might suddenly drop, rise or vibrate. Water may be sprayed and air may be blasted on your face. Some flimsy thing might stroke your feet. Objects may seem to be closer than they really are. During our visit, Pirates 4D was showing. It was about a kid trying to get some pirates, led by a clumsy but slightly nasty captain, off an island. It lasted about 15 minutes. The last time I was here they were showing a horror movie, Escape from Bane Manor. You have to pay P300 if you damage the glasses, so be careful. On your way out, you’ll pass by a photo booth and a pirate skeleton statue conducive for picture-taking.
SOUVENIR SHOPS
Chinese New Year
There are a lot of souvenir shops scattered all around the park. You can buy all kinds of Enchanted Kingdom merchandise here (for a steep price, of course). They also sell candies by the gram if you need a sugar rush.
RIO GRANDE RAPIDS
Rio Grande Rapids
Expect to get wet on this ride, says a sign. Your extra change of clothes (pants!) might come in handy when you ride the rapids. It all depends on where you sit. With a bit of luck, you can get through the ride without getting completely soaked. One way you can maybe avoid this is to sit facing the direction you’re going. But you can never be too sure since your ride turns around. Although the queue for this ride is looooooong, it’s one of my all-time favourites.
Lining Up
So I suggest you line up early on (upon arrival) to avoid the long lines. A camera takes your picture just before you are left to the mercy of the turbulent river. You’ll pass another photo booth after the ride. If for some reason you weren’t able to bring extra clothes (and if you have the money), you can also buy them here. But personally (after looking at the price tags), I think you’d just be better off drying yourself up walking around in the heat. Or eating stir fried rice from one of the many food vendors around the park (like we did).
KART TRAK
Kart Trak
Nothing out of the ordinary. Just the usual go-kart track. You pay P280 for a one-seater kart and P370 for a two-seater. You are required to sign a waiver and wear helmets (balaclavas are optional, besides they’re kind of smelly). There are racing suits in the room where they store their gear, so if you’re a Schumacher wannabe, you can try putting one of the suits on and sneak a picture (just don’t let anybody see). I don’t keep the visor down since it distorts my vision. Be careful not to let your skin touch the engine. It’s mighty hot and it could burn you. Be sure to check your brakes before you step on it. Right foot to accelerate and left foot to brake. The kart operates somewhat like an automatic transmission car although the pedals and steering wheel are a bit ‘stiffer’. You’ve got ten minutes to feel like a race car driver. The track in EK is really easy and great for beginners (compared to the Boom na Boom track).
WHEEL OF FATE
Wheel of Fate
For the most spectacular view of the park, get on board the Wheel of Fate. If you’re lucky, you might stop at the peak while some of the passengers dismount. When you ride at night, you can enjoy the cool night air and the pretty lights below. Take your cameras and videocams with you when you ride and get some quick pics or vids. It’s a nice way to end your visit, offering a living map (instead of the brochure they give you at the entrance) as you recount the rides you’ve been in and take note of the ones you missed due to lack of time.
SOME OTHER RIDES/ATTRACTIONS (FROM MY FIRST VISIT)
SPACE SHUTTLE
Whhhooooo! I really like roller coasters. How cool would it be to ride the world’s longest and highest roller coasters? Although the ride is short, it’s really really fun. Two upside down spins. I wish it could have lasted longer. Although it was scorching hot that time, nothing could stop me from riding it. I screamed out loud…especially on the upside down thingies. There was a time, though, when I felt the handle (I don’t know exactly what it’s called) that was supposed to support you move. Luckily I was able to push it closer so it could support me during the anti-gravity turns. I think it was a coaster powered by hydraulic systems. (Uh, what? Sorry. Too much physics.)
STEEPLECHASE ARCADE
Just arcade games. Tried the ring toss. Won nothing. Mostly went there for some airconditioning.
DODGEM
The bumper cars. Oh my. It was so hot at that time. It’s fun bumping into people. Only it was very short. But then again, as I said it is fun trying not to get squished or bumped by people. BuMp bUmP BuMp.
EXODUS RIDE
From the Filipino movie, Exodus, I think (which I haven’t seen or plan to see in the near future). This one lets you drive an ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle). It’s a kind of motor-type vehicle with four wheels and it’s supposed to tread any type of terrain. Riders need to view an instructional video about the ride. I wore shades and a balaclava and also a helmet. Without the helmet, I looked like an armed robber. We started off slow trying to get the feel of the vehicle…then began to tread rough road, small hills, some not-so-small hills, a bridge-type structure, not-so-shallow mud water, a seesaw-type thingy and I guess others I forgot to mention. Just try it yourself. Downside of this ride: the track is short and it would have been better if it was longer and they added more variation. We went through the same path and obstacles again and again. But like all other rides, it’s fun just experiencing it. The ride closes early (at about 6 PM, I think), so if you want to try it better not make it last on your list.
ROLLER SKATER
The cars in this one are shaped and made to look like shoes (or maybe rollerskates? I don’t know. I saw them as shoes). It’s a very, very less thrilling version of the Space Shuttle. I think it’s more for the kids (or those who wouldn’t dare try the Space Shuttle). It’s a really short ride even compared to the others. I don’t think we even reached a minute staying on the Roller Skater.
Alas, it’s nearly 7 PM. It’s time to head back to the shuttle for the drive home to busy Manila. We got off at Ayala, had a hard time hailing a cab (very choosy!) to get home, finally caught one and when we arrived, I rubbed alcohol on my right wrist to get the EK stamp off and browsed through our digital pictures to relive the day.
Visit the Enchanted Kingdom website for more details. The rest of the pictures can be found at Flickr.
It’s my mother’s birthday today, so I’m just gonna say: “HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MAMA!”
Nothing beats playing some online games to pass those weary dull hours of the day indeed.