AusLeisure

Asia’s first animation-based theme park has opened in the Malaysian state of Perak.

Spread across 21 hectares in the new town development of Bandar Meru Raya, the Movie Animation Park Studios (MAPS) features more than 40 attractions, based on both international and local characters, in six themed zones.

The RM520 million (US$120 million) project from Sanderson-backed Animation Theme Park Sdn Bhd is now in soft opening phase after welcoming its first paying guests on 26th June.

Animation Theme Park Director Ramelle Ramli explains “this is where visitors will experience not just many of the country’s attractions, but also those from Asia and other parts of the world.

MAPS houses Asia’s first Smurfs animation attractions, the world’s first La Cremeria Café, and The Home of BoboiBoy, which is also a first in the world, and South-East Asia’s first permanent car and bike live stunt shows.”

MAPS themed zones include:

Animation Square
Upon entering the theme park, visitors are greeted by the Dream Parade, a gathering of all animation characters featured in the park, along a street full of colour-pop buildings at opening and closing time.

The zone’s main attraction are Malaysia’s BoboiBoy characters and  while the area also feature a Space Face Fancy Dress area and an original MAPS animation creation, The Adventurers Cartoon Factory.

Blast Off Zone
A big red airship sits over this family-friendly area of the park. Attractions include The Smurfs Theatre, The Smurfs Partyland (playground and car ride) and Adventurers Bumper Blast (bumper cars).

Dream Zone
One of the larger areas of MAPS, covering around a third of the entire park. Rides and attraction on offer are the 52 metre-high Megamind Megadrop Tower, The Croods Crazy Chase (indoor rollercoaster), Mr Peabody & Sherman’s Time Adventure (indoor coaster), Casper’s Birthday Blast (interactive dark ride) and the Dream Theatre.

Fantasy Forest Zone
A childrens’ area including Zugo’s Crystal Quest (SBF-Visa spinning coaster, pictured above)), Upside Down Pyramid, The Adventurers HQ Tree House, Red Baron, Fantasy Carousel, Coral Kingdom (themed restaurant/play area), Coliseum Water Play and Cave of Wonders (walk-through attraction).

Lakeside Zone
Three rides here, all from Italian suppliers: Space X-Plorers (Disk ‘O), Hyperspin (Wave Swinger), Asteroid Attack (Kami Kaze).

Live Action Zone
Home to South-East Asia’s first permanent car and bike live stunt show, performed inside a 2,000-seat arena.

To make it a more memorable experience for visitors, Animation Theme Park has looked into the tiniest of details, Ramli adds “rain or shine, the fun goes on as 60% of the theme park is covered. When it gets too hot, there is always a themed restaurant to hang out in.

“At MAPS, we have 10 themed restaurants serving local and international delicacies as well as house specialties like the Mega Tower Burger available at The Metrocity Diner.

“At the Coral Kingdom, our restaurant within the Fantasy Forest Zone, we have also created a magical marine-themed playground for the little ones to run free while the grown ups relax for a bit.”

Meanwhile, there is also free high-speed Wi-Fi in the theme park so visitors can share their memories on social media instantly.

Explaining expected visitation Ramli concludes “we are expecting about 7,000 visitors a day during this long festive season.

“On a daily basis, 5,000 holders of our Annual Pass and Perak Pass will be given priority to experience MAPS on a first-come first-served basis. They can book their visits on our website prior to that.

“Passes are valid for a year and can be utilised immediately at MAPS."

For details go to www.mapsperak.com

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