There are theme parks in Dubai dedicated to superhero characters from Hollywood. But there is another that covers all of Hollywood. Built as a part of Dubai parks and resorts, the Motiongate offers an unmatched experience by combining three major studios in Hollywood. Movie themes and characters from DreamWorks Animation, Lionsgate, Columbia Pictures, and Sony Pictures studios materialize here.
This beautiful park is one of the most recent attractions in Dubai. Opened to the public only in 2016, the park has visible signs of all the new aesthetics. Unlike most other theme parks in Dubai, the Motiongate is open-air. And for that reason, winters are the best time to visit here.
Why go to Motiongate Dubai
So, what makes Motiongate unique? The fact that you cannot find a park dedicated to Hollywood studios anywhere else in the world sets Motiongate apart from all the rest. Another thing that makes it even more attractive is its proximity to other theme parks like Bollywood and LEGOLAND.
There are four separate zones, each for the most famous Hollywood studios. The four zones are Lions Gate, Columbia Pictures, DreamWorks animations, and Smurfs Village. Although Smurfs village is a zone based on the movies produced by Columbia Pictures, it has a dedicated zone in the park.
There is no doubt that the park is designed with kids in mind. But you can enjoy a visit to this park regardless of your age. The Lions Gate is probably more suitable for adults. There are a lot of cafes and restaurants here. You will find rides-themed after-movies like Zombieland in the Columbia pictures zone.
The Smurfs village is for the younger kids. They can visit the Smurf Houses and the larger-than-life figures of the Smurfs characters. There is also a rollercoaster in this zone called the Smurfs Village Express, which gives the kids an aerial tour of the village.
Best rides in Motiongate Dubai
So, are you ready to be a part of your favorite Hollywood movies? Here are the most exciting rides at Motiongate that you should never miss out on.
Capitol bullet train
Nowhere else can you experience a ride inspired by the hunger games movies. The capital bullet train is a rollercoaster. And an absolute favorite of the adventure-minded. With two inversions and a zero-gravity roll, you know what you have signed up for. Brace yourself and be ready to let out a massive cry of excitement when you are on this ride.
You will also see the landmarks you will remember from the hunger games movies along the roller coaster ride. But you won’t be impressed by just one ride if you are a hardcore hunger games fan. That’s okay because another one is called Panem Aerial tour, another ride-themed after the same movie.
Madagascar mad pursuit
Most of you have seen the animated movie Madagascar. The film focuses on younger kids who need not stop you from taking a crazy ride on this rollercoaster. Some have said that this is the fastest and craziest roller coaster in this genre. So, there are two reasons for you to embrace this ride. One, get on it if you are a Madagascar fan. Second, do the same if you want some adrenaline-pumping action and to feel butterflies in your stomach.
You will go through several winding patterns. That too at an exhilarating speed of 80 kilometers per hour. Also, find out how the Zoosters will try to flee the evil Captain DuBois. If you want to ride the fastest roller coaster in the park, this one’s for you.
Swamp celebration
After all the extreme adventures, you also need a calmer one that the whole family can enjoy together. In Motiongate Dubai, this is a trip through the swamps. But don’t fret. It is not smelly because it’s party time. Shrek and Fiona are hosting a party for their cute triplets as you move through the swamp-themed area of the park. You will see mud bubbles popping from the water as you move by.
Explore the fun bits of Shrek’s home. And don’t forget to take pictures as you go. There will be plenty of time to do that as the ride won’t move fast.
Dragon gliders
You might have already guessed the movie this time! Based on the animation movie ‘How to train your dragon,’ this ride inside DreamWorks will transport you onto Viking island. But this time, you will know what it feels like to fly on the black of a dragon. Which one of them would you prefer the most? The Night fury?
Regardless, you can fly over the Viking village — the Berk — with your favorite hero, Hiccup, and his fun friends. There are a lot of landmarks along the way which movie lovers will identify.
Hotel Transylvania
Here is the ride that the whole family can enjoy together. Go on a horror-filled ride through the hotel that is exclusively for monsters. You will meet Count Dracula and his cronies in this hotel. This castle is probably the largest structure in the park, measuring a whopping 2800 meters.
The horror starts with the coffin-like carriage that will take you to the castle. It will take you a whole seven minutes to go around the place in the carriage. Along the way, quite a few surprises and jump scares are awaiting you. Look out for the characters like Frankenstein and Wayne the werewolf as well.
Other attractions near Motiongate
Bollywood parks
Every year, more movies come out of Bollywood than all Hollywood movies. Considering the size of the Indian population, one would expect that, though. Regardless, Bollywood Park in Dubai is a fantastic place to visit. It has taken a fresh approach to the whole concept of a theme park.
Instead of focusing on adding rides named after characters and movies, this park is a place of nostalgia. If you grew up watching Bollywood movies or are a lover of cinema as an art, this park is for you.
Here you will see the modern rendition of famous Bollywood flicks like Sholay and Lagaan. And even if you haven’t been there to witness the golden age of Bollywood, this park will take you on a journey through the sixties, seventies, and eighties of the Indian Cinema industry.
This park is different from all other theme parks in Dubai. There are no adrenaline-rushing rides. Therefore, adults will enjoy the park more than younger ones.
Legoland
Like motion gate Dubai, this park is also a part of Dubai’s most significant leisure destination, i.e., Dubai parks and resorts. But this park focuses more on the younger kids. Despite the park’s claims for children from two to twelve years old, children between four and nine will enjoy it the most. This park has more zones than Motiongate, divided into six zones.
The zones in the park are; Imagination, which is a play area where kids can try their creativity; Miniland, where there are scaled models of actual buildings made out of Lego blocks; Adventure, Lego City, and Kingdom, which are dedicated to different kinds of rides; and Factory, which showcases how Legos are made.
Last Exit AUH Bound
Although this is a restaurant, it is not like any other one you have seen. This restaurant will take you to a different space and time based on a post-apocalyptic theme similar to Mad Max’s.
Riverland
This is probably one of the unique shopping and entertainment destinations in Dubai. With four zones, it was themed after different places and cultures. Much like the Global Village, though not to that scale.
There are four zones: India Gate, The Peninsula, French Village, and Boardwalk. All of these four zones hug the shores of a one-kilometer-long winding river.
Each of these zones has something unique to offer. Some shops and restaurants reflect the theme of the place. Most notably, the architecture of the place shifts as you move from one zone to another. The most confusing naming among the four is the Boardwalk and The Peninsula. It reflects urban America during the 50s, while The Peninsula is about early nineteenth-century England.
Here are a few tips on visiting Motiongate Dubai
Motiongate experiences a pretty heavy crowd on weekends. And if you approach the rides the usual way, from the front of the park to its end, you will be going through a lot of waiting for each ride. The best thing to do is go to the park’s backside first. Then move your way up as you experience each ride quicker and fuller without the crowd.