In a press released on Thursday, organisers revealed that only LEGOLAND and Riverland will launch on the initially slated date of October 31, while motiongate Dubai (December 16), Bollywood Parks, LEGOLAND Waterpark and the Lapita Hotel (November 15) will 'follow closely after'.
Reflecting on the short delay, the park owners said: "We are focused on delivering a destination which exceeds international standards on every level – from guest experience to state-of-the-art rides and attractions and the highest of safety standards – and we want to make sure we take the time to get everything just right and launch a destination the UAE and our shareholders can be truly proud of. We cannot wait to show our guests everything Dubai Parks and Resorts has to offer from October 31 this year."
The news will of course come as a blow to those who had hoped to sample the likes of Blast Off (a Zombieland-themed, 58m free-fall tower), a world first (and second) ride based on The Hunger Games, Ghostbusters: Battle For New York interactive experience, the Rajmahal Theatre, and Dabangg (a 1,000-setaer capacity live action theatre) from the end of next month.
#DubaiParksAndResorts will now open on 31st October with @LEGOLANDDubai and @riverlandDubai. For more information: https://t.co/3FY8F68x2P pic.twitter.com/ejqvn8jxJD
— DXB Parks & Resorts (@dxbparksresorts) September 29, 2016
However, they shouldn't be too disheartened, as one of the resort's signature elements will be operational in time. Riverland, which Time Out revealed earlier this month had already completed the filling of a new 1km-long river, will be ready on October 31.
Packed with 57 restaurants and bars spread through four key areas - French Village, Boardwalk, India Gate and The Peninsula - it is a destination to rival the likes of Madinat Jumeirah.
And then there's LEGOLAND, the world’s seventh, following a similar path to the previous six, essentially creating a space that allows children to earn a driving license, get up close with sharks from a submarine, fight fires and generally enjoy a park dedicated solely to them. And there's also rides, most of which are interactive and indoors, although there are some rather hefty coasters outdoors, namely The Dragon.
Day tickets for it will be on sale from October 4.
SO HOW MUCH WILL IT COST WHEN IT IS OPEN?
- Hollywood-inspired motiongate Dubai, home to 27-themed rides from film studios Lionsgate, Sony Pictures and Dreamworks, has unlimited annual access for Dhs865, or Dhs1,095 when combined with LEGOLAND Waterpark.
- Bollywood Parks Dubai, the world's first dedicated Bollywood-inspired theme park, comes in at Dhs755, while bolting waterpark access on brings the total to Dhs985.
- And LEGOLAND with its famous constructions and coasters, is Dhs765 and Dhs995 including the waterpark.