Trip Lang #7 - Enchanted Kingdom Duo Trip

It's been six years since me and my best friend Michael had bonded. He is now permanently residing in Cebu City which made it hard for us to spend time together. When he told me he was coming this month of July, I've come up with a "suggested itinerary" for his vacation. Enchanted Kingdom is one of the places to visit. This is my first time to visit the park via public transport, so being a control freak that I am, I was a bit excited and anxious at the same time.

July 28, 2013. It was early morning when we woke up and started preparing for one heck of a day. Good thing that we had ample time to rest the day before. I am expecting a none-stop amusement rides and a whole day of walking around the theme park. It was predicted to be a busy Sunday for us.

We took a taxi from Eastwood to the bus terminal. It was 11 AM when we arrived at the JACLiner Terminal in Kamias, Quezon City where we boarded a bus bound to Balibago Sta. Rosa Laguna. We waited for about 15 mins for the bus to leave. It took us almost two hours to reach Waltermart Balibago. With free hours on hand, we busied ourselves with watching an on board movie, "The Call" (a great movie, if I may add). We were starving so we decided to grab something from McDonald's. Michael and I were laughing about how I was eating spaghetti for lunch. He said I might throw up all the food I ate once we ride the space shuttle. I might get dizzy and throw up on someone. I told him not to worry because I munched on them well, if I throw up, they wouldn't know that I had spaghetti for lunch because no spaghetti pasta will come out of my nose. Hahaha! (Gross!)

After eating our lunch, we headed to the trike terminal outside of McDonald’s. The trike driver brought us in front of Enchanted Kingdom where the sign “Drop off Point” is posted. We went straight to the cashier to purchase our ticket. We were given them and got a map at the entrance. First thing we did? We went to the restroom! Hahaha. Got to make sure that our bladder is empty before we start racing with our adrenaline. Don’t want to be leaking our pants wet while on one of the rides.

First ride: Disc-O-Magic. It’s my second time around this ride and just like the first, I enjoyed it so much. The feeling of being thrown in the air like a baby was awesome! I was laughing the whole time and my endorphin's are all over. Looking at the other riders on the platform, some were probably trying their best not to puke (I suddenly remember our conversation about the spaghetti). Some were probably thinking what on earth are they doing there, and others were just playing it cool like I did. I almost run out of air when Michael said “Naiipit itlog ko!” Hahaha! I was literally showering the area with my saliva laughing out loud!
The experience was totally incredible. If you wanted to feel happy and laugh your ass out, this ride is for you.

Second ride: Flying Fiesta. Not so much fun compared to the Disc-O-Magic. This was a sweet ride where kids are even allowed. It’s kinda look like a regular swing but this one’s go round and will make you feel a bit dizzy. If you’re in to not-so-much-thrill kind of person, you may like the Flying Fiesta.

Third Ride: 4D Discovery Theater. We paid and watched an old movie clip from The Wizard of Oz. Of course, I don’t consider this as a ride despite the shaking chairs inside. It’s more like watching a movie clip with the real feeling of air and water being blown all over your face whenever the clip shows one. I wasn't so ecstatic about it but nevertheless, it was a new experience for me. Also it saved us from the heavy rain that poured down a few minutes after we entered the theater. The rain has stopped when we finished the movie clip that took about 17 mins so we never got wet.

Here are the rest of the rides we had in no particular order.

Dodgem. The classic theme park ride also known as “bump car”. The line was short and we were able to experience it without the long wait. For people who don’t know how to drive a car, this is one way for you to enjoy driving without worrying about killing someone. I was feeling like a pro riding it! *crossed arm-smirking*

Up, Up and Away. They said it was similar to a real hot air balloon ride but I say, not quite. The ride feels like Flying Fiesta, the only difference is the box seat that can accommodate a maximum of four people. Michael was laughing at me when the box we were in was lifted. It tilted my way! Blood concentrated in my cheeks. It was embarrassing. Guess, I’m too heavy now! (It had given Michael a reason to make fun of me the whole time we were in it!)

The Grand Carousel. I know, it looks and feels cheesy riding in it but we didn't care. Our goal was to make our visit worth it so we enjoyed it to our heart’s content. The two minute ride would make you feel like you're in a romantic movie or something.

Wheel of Fate. If you have fear of heights, this ride may not be the best for you. Like any other Fairy’s Wheel, it’ll take you round and up the highest point of the park. I enjoyed it very well. I’m not so sure with Michael though. He was suddenly clinging on to the center pole and slightly leaning inward with an awkward smile. Hahaha! He and acrophobia didn't go well together.

Space Shuttle. The last time I was in the park, I chickened out and choose not to ride the space shuttle. This time, I won’t miss it for a chance. My last memory of this ride was not pleasant. I was vigorously shaken on my seat and had a headache after the ride. Praying it would be better this time, I hopped in to one of the seats and secured my seat gears. It was a 2 mins ride that felt longer than a decade. All in all, it was a mixture of fear, adrenaline rush and excitement altogether.

Rialto. A 3D theater that features different movie clips just like the 4D Discovery Theater. Only difference is that, no more water and windblown your face. They were screening The Journey 2: The Lost Island that day. The seats were more fun than the 4D because it has more movement and really follows the movie clip. This one is a must try.

Roller Skater. I call it “baby coaster”. It’s a ride similar to a roller coaster, only less thrilling. It’s more like a roller coaster for kids. Since the line was also short, we took advantage and enjoy it.

Anchors Away. The best ride every! I never get tired of riding this. The feeling of being thrown up in the air and being pulled down by gravity after has this different rush that could make you addicted to it. So addicted that we hopped on it twice! I can’t get enough of it and Michael too! Awesome!

Swan Lake. Caution! If you are looking for a chill time, wanted to relax from all the extreme rides of the park, this ride is definitely NOT what you’re after. Believe me. You don’t want to ride this unless you want the feeling of cycling in the gym after. I am not sure if it was our lack of navigation skills or something that is terribly wrong with the swan we were in, but we have one hell of a work out riding it! Cycling to get the swan moving and trying to make it move to the right direction was tiring! Sweat was breaking all over our body and our clothes were partially wet. We were literally grasping for air when we reached the docking area. Hahaha! The ride looks deceiving. It was a total workout!

EK-Streme. I didn't dare to try this ride again. The first and last was when I joined Alvin’s team building. The Ekstreme may look simple and tame because what it does is bring you up till you reach the very end of the structure and drop you right away that you won’t have a second to scream. The moment you realize you need to scream, you’re already on the ground. No wonder why other enthusiasts have delayed reactions. It was crazy! It live up to its name, EXTREME!

Jungle Log Jam. This was the last ride we took because it is known to get your clothes wet at the end. The feeling of riding a log down a wild river excites the person throughout the duration of the ride. You will be carried uphill, down the two ramps, and drop and splash all the water at the bottom. It’s a bit scary because there's no seat belts to secure you down. All riders are advice to tilt their body backwards to avoid accidents. Also, there’s this sign in different area of the stream that says “Warning Deep Pit” which me and Michael read as “Dep Peet” (Spoken like a true blooded Bisaya!). Hahaha! Again. Repeat after me, “Dep…Peet”!

Of course, in between these rides and attraction, we munch on some delicious food available with in the vicinity. We dine at Amazon Grill, had hot dog sticks and frozen bananas with sprinkles (which I loved so much). The two of us watched the fireworks display and waited for almost 9 PM before leaving the park.

So there.. Those were the rides we enjoyed on our duo trip. The whole day walking and laughing was tiring but this didn't stop us from having a good time together. Who knows, it'll take another 6 years before we can do this together again. (hope not! Next year, Cambodia, wait for us!)

(Rio Grande was closed for maintenance until sometime in August)