Dubai Parks and Resorts – 3 days in the biggest amusement park in the Middle East

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A visit to Hollywood, Bollywood, and Legoland in just three days and without long journeys? This is only possible in Dubai, or more precisely in the Dubai Parks and Resorts.

Dubai Parks and Resorts is the largest theme park in the Middle East. The complex boasts three theme parks and a water park:

  • Motiongate Gate
  • Bollywood Parks Dubai
  • Legoland Dubai
  • Legoland Water Parks

and Riverland Dubai, which connects the four parks.

We visited all four parks and tried out as many attractions as possible. Here are our top tips and recommendations for the parks and a wonderful hotel as well:

Bollywood Parks Dubai

Bollywood Parks Dubai is the only Bollywood theme park worldwide. Here you will find the Raj Mahal, the heart and soul of the park, catchy dance shows, and many Indian attractions. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss at Bollywood Parks Dubai:

Lagaan – Thrill of Victory

Bhuvan and his team play a game of cricked and you are inmidst all of the action. They play against the British Raj from the movie Lagaan – who will come out the winner? To find out, you’ll have to let yourself be hurtled around like a cricket ball. My boyfriend really loved this ride because you feel like you are part of the action and don’t just sit in your seat watching a movie.

Mumbai Express

Mumbai Express – both a restaurant and a  set for a dance show? Yep, that is correct. A crew of amazing dancers perform a range of popular Bollywood songs atop the famous train. I don’t usually listen to Bollywood/Indian music but found the show super catchy and enjoyable. A good crowd of people gathered to watch the dancers and seemed to be having a good time.

Ray Mahal – Royal Plaza

It is huge, white and gold, has a famous big brother in India and home to an absolutely amazing musical called Jaan-E-Jigar. Jaan-E-Jigar is the worlds first Broadway style Bollywood musical and unlike anything you have ever seen before. It tells the story of the two brothers Jaan and Jigar and their battle to save their kingdom from the evil Marjani. Will they succeed? Watch the 30-minute live show to find out.

Motiongate Dubai

Motiongate Dubai is the largest Hollywood theme park in the region. Here everyone gets their money’s worth. The park was founded by three of the largest and most successful motion picture studios in Hollywood – DreamWorks Animation, Columbia Pictures, and Lionsgate. Don’t miss these attractions at Motiongate Dubai:

Shrek’s Merry Fairy Tale Journey

A puppeteer tells the very touching story of Shrek and Fiona. It shows their struggles but also what a Fairy Tale love is supposed to be like. Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, Donkey’s dragon wife, their babies, Puss in Boots and many more characters are part of the ride. A must see for Shrek fans!

Smurfs Village

I have been a big Smurfs fan since I was a little child, hence why we went to the Very Smurfy Café, which is situated in Smurfs Village, to have lunch. Chef Smurf whips up smurf-tastic Arabic sandwiches, delicious burgers, great grilled chicken, desserts and ice cream for you to enjoy. 

Hotel Transylvania

The worlds only monster hotel were humans are allowed to enter. Join Dracula’s party, have a blast with Dracula’s daughter Mavis, Frankenstein, Wayne the Werewolf, Murray the Mummy and many more – but watch out or you may fall in love with a vampire too. Get in a coffin-style cart and explore the huge castle!

Legoland Dubai and Legoland Water Parks

Legoland Dubai and Legoland Water Parks are perfect for all kids between 2-12 years and their families and offer countless attractions such as the MINILAND built from 20 million Lego bricks, more than 40 theme rides, shows and attractions as well as many great water slides. What you shouldn’t miss:

Miniland

Here you can admire the skyline of Dubai, the city of Petra, the clock tower in Mecca, the mosque in Abu Dhabi and countless other monuments – all built from Lego bricks!

Submarine Adventure

Viki’s favourite attraction in Legoland! You can go for a ride in your private submarine and watch fish, sharks and divers. If you are very lucky you might also meet a mermaid!

Legoland Waterparks

Legoland Waterparks is the perfect place to escape the hot Dubai sun. They have lots of different water slides, you can build your own raft, they have a wave pool and lots more.

Riverland Dubai

Riverland Dubai is an attraction in itself, consists of four zones and with more than 50 shops and restaurants offers plenty of choice for everyone. I find it particularly amazing to be taken back to old times in Riverland – which is not to be taken for granted in ultra-modern and fast-moving Dubai! 

The Riverland Dubai is divided into:

  • The Peninsula – the heart of Riverland Dubai – here you can enjoy great concerts and shows and on the Piazza, you will surely find the perfect spot to end your day in the parks with a drink or a bite to eat.
  • India Gate – here you will be welcomed in the typical Asian style – so very warm! – to start your journey through India. Lots of restaurants invite you to enjoy a relaxed meal, but there are also street food carts if it’s just a quick bite you’re after. 
  • Boardwalk – a trip to the Americas in the 50s. The streets are lined with palm trees and neon signs, jugglers and live shows. Kitschy, but beautiful! Just the thing for America fans. 
  • The French Village – Europe in the late 17th century. The winding alleys invite you to stroll around, there is even a water wheel to marvel at and a variety of restaurants serve Mediterranean food. What is not to be missed in Europe is a delicious cup of coffee – and there are some pretty good coffee shops in the French Village! 

Lapita Hotel, Dubai Parks and Resorts, Autograph Collection

Located in the heart of Dubai Parks and Resorts, the Lapita Hotel is built in Polynesian style. It is one of the most luxurious hotels in Dubai and boasts fantastic pools which are laid out like lagoons, the bar on the roof terrace which takes you into the rainforest, and of course within the close proximity to the parks. The breakfast buffet was absolutely amazing and definitely offered something for all guests – I especially loved the Indian food station and the fresh fruit. Yum!!

We are accommodated in a beautiful and large Deluxe King Room with Pool View but I’d rather show you the hotel than only write about it!

I can’t wait to hear about your trips to the parks! Or have you been already? Did you like it?

ps. read our other articles on Dubai as well: What to do in Dubai, How much is it to travel to Dubai, travel tips for Dubai.

pps. pin and save this for later!

Dubai Parks resorts


Note: Mona’s entrance tickets and hotel stay were complimentary. We thank Dubai Parks & Resorts for this wonderful collaboration.

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Viktoria Urbanek Travel Blog Chronic Wanderlust

Grüß dich, I'm Viki!

At Chronic Wanderlust, I write about my two great passions: travelling and diving – and have been doing so since 2013.

I usually spend a solid majority of the year travelling to experience extraordinary underwater adventures, taking road trips through countries I don’t know (yet) or exploring my home country of Austria.

As a certified divemaster, passionate underwater & travel photographer, road trip enthusiast and individual traveller, I collect unique moments all over the world.

I don’t believe that severe cases of wanderlust – aka chronic wanderlust – can be cured, only treated. On this blog, I want to show you how this can best be realised.

Curious to get to know me better?