A Fun day at DreamPlay - City of Dreams Manila
After two vacations, several staycations, relax time at home, and some trips to the mall, we were looking for one more fun thing to do together this summer before it finally comes to an end. So one afternoon, we thought of going to DreamPlay, Manila's latest interactive entertainment venue for kids and families.Located at the City of Dreams in Aseana City, right beside the Blue Leaf Filipinas, DreamPlay is a DreamWorks-licensed amusement park which opened just last February. On their website, the park promises to be an educational+entertainment venue where kids can enjoy, create and learn with their favorite Dreamworks characters such as Shrek, the Madacascar, How To Train your Dragon and Kung Fu Panda characters.We set out for DreamPlay coming from Pasig at around 2pm and arrived there an hour later. By this time, there was a line right upfront of the place, leading inwards to the ticket counters. This line goes in and snakes around one loop inside. It took us around an hour to get in.
Good thing there was this adorable humongous Shrek at the entrance to keep us distracted and entertained.
We finally reached the counter and there we were informed of the Ticket prices:Weekday tickets:
Weekend rates:
We opted for just the two-hour passes since it was already mid-afternoon. Once paid, they encode each guest's name in the computer and put a wrist band on each person.
Coby, who just turned 18, is considered an adult already but since he wanted to participate in the activities would have to pay the kids' rate which is higher. They called him a #ParticipatingAdult. For me, that can also mean he's still a #KidAtHeart:)We finally got to enter
and the boys wanted to try this elaborate rope course called the THREAD OF ENLIGHTENMENT.
This activity had a height requirement. Reese did not quite make the 140cm cut yet, though after seeing my boys up there I thought it best, since she'd surely be challenged with the course.
While it is super safe, the course would entail arm and leg strength plus an ounce of courage like in this part:
While Kuyas were there, Reese went to the Wall of Destiny
Then Kuyas tried the LEAP OF FAITH. This is Zach about to jump...
and Coby successfully hugging the giant punching bag.
This reminded us of those Japanese gameshows on TV:)Also part of the Wall of Destiny is the STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN
Check out the lady at the top of the pole!
I love these words of wisdom scattered around the park too:)We were happy to bump into Reese's friend, Summer!
With Summer and her brothers, we went to the WHATEVER FLOATS YOUR BOAT area.
The kids build their own boats, then they test if it floats and race with other boats through this long and winding river.
Nearby, there was GINGY'S KITCHEN where kids can do a gingerbread decorating workshop.
We weren't able to do this because slots within our two-hour playtime were full so I made a mental note to sign up earlier next time we come back.
They also had fun playing at AFRO CIRCUS which is a multi-level play area
Here are other fun activities located in the park:DREAMSTUDIO is a creator studio where kids can make their very own animated film
THE FURIOUS FIVE ACADEMY where kids can train to be a dragon warrior
At the HOW TO FLY YOUR DRAGON station, kids can create their very own dragon!
Kids get to drive and navigate balls through an obstacle course at the DINOTRUX area. There is also an area where kids can pilot their own reptools to build a Dinotrux.
DREAMTALES is a fascinating library where storytelling sessions are held
and this is the DREAM THEATRE where we watched a 5-minute 4D film, "Almost Home"
The black light inside the theatre was also fun:P
Reese's Feiyue X Milk on the Rocks sneakers lit up very nicely:)The entire park has stairs and hanging bridges all over. Don't be afraid to explore the upper deck which feels like a sturdy giant tree house
The park features a souvenir shop at the exit
We had a great time at DreamPlay! I loved that the activities provided not only fun and entertainment but also active play that gets their bodies moving, and also creative play that makes their minds work and think.
If you plan to visit DreamPlay, here are the park hours:
and also some tips:- If you want to avoid spending too much time in lines, best to go early, or on weekdays.- Two hours is enough time to go through the activities just once if the lines per activity are not that long, which is what happened in our case. However, if you would like the kids to linger and do activities more than once, have some relax and snack time inside, and have more budget to spare, then a 4-hour pass or even a day pass would be worth looking into.- Outside food and drinks are not allowed inside. There is a restaurant inside the park however, it will eat up your playtime allotment. So if you are planning to take the 2-hour play ticket, then it's best to eat before going. It would be a good idea to bring a water bottle for the kids.- If you plan to have your kids join the cooking class, check the schedule before doing anything else. Slots get filled right away, and classes only allow 12 kids per batch, so the sooner you sign them up, the better so you not only get a slot but you can also plan your other activities around the class time.- Dress comfortably. Best to have the kids wear pants and rubber shoes because some activities will have them on their knees or going up the wall, and crawling, so socks are needed. Bring extra shirts for the kids and light sweaters/jackets too.- I would say the ideal age for kids to really enjoy the park is between 6 and 16 years old. For kids younger than 4 they will enjoy just a few of the attractions like the Afro Circus or The Furious Five Academy.- DreamPlay has party rooms on the second floor. A nice option for your kids' next party:)- We grabbed some sandwiches at Cafe Society in the retail area found on same floor of DreamPlay and they were quite good. We highly recommend the Smoked Salmon and the Croque Monsieur.For more info, contact:City of Dreams ManilaAsean Avenue corner Roxas Boulevard, Entertainment City, ParañaqueLandline:+632 808 0909Website: http://www.cityofdreams.com.ph/entertainment/dreamplayTickets may be purchased onsite or in advance via SM tickets