My First Time in Enchanted Kingdom

I mentioned yesterday that Mai's family was here for a vacation a week ago. It was the first time for her siblings Mike and Ann to be here in Manila so we did our best to take them to popular places here in Manila and nearby cities. They got all excited when we told them we'll take them to Enchanted Kingdom.

It was actually my first time, too, to be in Enchanted Kingdom in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. I know, I know. I just don't like theme parks or riding rollercoasters and stuff. I prefer the beach, swimming, shopping, picnics, road trips, watching movies and dining out over rides that could scare the hell out of me. *LOL* But, we did it for Mike and Ann. And, yeah, Mai, too. Just look at her on this photo. *LOL*

We dragged my brother Kenneth with us 'cause I know he's the more courageous one when it comes to theme park rides. But, it was too hot when we got there, all of us didn't want to take any of the rides 'til it was past 3:00 in the afternoon, when it's not too hot out.

By the way, we went to Enchanted Kingdom through the shuttle service at Ayala in Makati. We availed of their Pasyal Pinoy promo and so we only paid Php 810 each for a shuttle round-trip ride to and from Enchanted Kingdom (EK) and the Ride-all-You-Can ticket.

When we got to EK, there were long queues of people at the ticket sales windows. EK opens at 11:00 in the morning on weekends. It was a Sunday so we expected a lot of people there with us. Good thing we already bought tickets at Ayala 'cause we were able to quickly exchange our receipts for the actual tickets.

We first bought EK caps before we headed out to take the rides. We needed the caps 'cause our eyes were hurting from the sunshine. Afterwards, we went straight to the bump cars. I wasn't able to take photos there, but it was fun. I think that's the only part that I loved about theme parks – bump cars! *LOL*

Afterwards, we went straight to Up, Up and Away! I thought it would really be a fun ride 'cause of the "hot air balloons" and all, but I was wrong. Dang. We all got so freaking dizzy, we had to rest for about 30 minutes afterwards.

You see them laughing, but it's only because that's all we could do. *LOL*

After we rested for a bit, we went to the Grand Carousel. I was still feeling a bit dizzy, but managed to take some decent photos of us. (Other photos, I'll upload to Flickr)

We had lunch afterwards because we started to really feel the heat of the sun. We needed the extra energy. Then, we headed out to Anchors Away!

Oh, how we regret riding Anchors Away. It was so freaking scary that I almost felt like my life was flashing in front of me! *LOL* I'm not kidding! Riding Anchors Away would make you feel that you should have checked the ongoing life insurance rate before you even thought about riding it. Okay, I might be exaggerating a bit, but we were all freaked out. My knees were even shaking while I was walking off that freaking ride. I mean, I've already tried Star City's version of Anchors Away (I forgot what they called it) and I really enjoyed it. So, we thought it's going to be that enjoyable, too. Heck, I was so dead wrong.

Mai and I got a bit concerned with Mama Ging 'cause she was tightly holding on to Mike and Ann during the entire ride. We convinced her to take the ride with us so for the last minutes of the ride (it felt more like hours!), Mai and I were already starting to worry. Good thing she was okay after. Whew!

Mai and I went shopping for a more comfortable pair of slippers for me before this ride. I was wearing my Havaianas slippers and they're not that comfortable for long hours of walking. These were the only ones I bought from EK – the slippers and an EK cap, which we gave to my father as a birthday gift (he loves collecting caps), and a coin purse.

Anyway, going back to the attractions in EK, we heard them announcing something that's happening in Boulderville, one of the areas there in EK. So, there we went and we found this group and mascots dancing in the street.

I actually had a closer shot of them, but the dirt on those mascot costumes were too evident. I wonder why they're not maintaining these mascots anymore. None of the kids really seemed to be enjoying them around.

We decided to head on to the Space Shuttle. I didn't want to ride yet so Kenneth forced Mai to join him. Ann decided to join them. Can you see them on this photo? *lol*

I tried taking photos of them while on-board the Space Shuttle. These were the closest I could take with my digicam.

EK is actually offering photo printouts of you while enjoying their most popular rides, including Space Shuttle. Mai asked where the cameras are located and was told that one of 'em was right there on the loop. The photos cost Php 199 per set, but they all looked horrible in the photos so we didn't bother.

I actually regret not joining them. Mai also regret not taking the ride again. It really looked fun! I remember the Zykloon Loop at Star City. I always make sure I ride it 3 times before leaving, otherwise, the ride-all-you-can ticket isn't worth it. *LOL*

There were a couple more rides that we weren't able to try because we were exhausted. Look at us. I managed to get a group photo, thanks to my brother's trusty mini-tripod. My hair was a mess 'cause I had to run to get to my position.

We were so exhausted and thirsty the whole day that we spent Php 500+ for drinks alone. Gosh. We should've brought our own water supply.

These were the 2 rides that we wished we also had a chance to enjoy. Mai and Ann got to ride the Ferris Wheel, though, come night time. We had to stay there from 11am 'til 9pm because we wanted to watch the fireworks at Enchanted Kingdom.

The only ride that I enjoyed was Rio Grande Rapids. I wanted to go back to ride 3-5 more times, but the queue was so freaking long that we only got to ride once. We don't even have photos while enjoying it! Mai and I enjoyed it with Ann and Mike. They both didn't get wet, though. Mai was the first one who got drenched, then, me. *LOL* It was so fun I really wished we could try it again. Overall, I really had fun, but it was more because I'm with family. I just don't enjoy theme parks. But, I would go back to enjoy Rio Grande Rapids again and to try the Space Shuttle!

How was your experience when you first went to Enchanted Kingdom? Share your stories with me, will you?! :)

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