Get away from the scorching summer heat and plan a visit to IMG Worlds of Adventure in Dubai, one of the world’s largest indoor theme parks which offers year-round entertainment, dining and retail experiences.
The gigantic property is split up into five zones: Marvel, Cartoon Network, Lost Valley – Dinosaur Adventure, IMG Boulevard and The Haunted Hotel. Thrill seekers can look forward to exciting rides and little ones can hop on adventurous attractions, while shopping enthusiasts can indulge in a spot of retail therapy. Movie buffs can also catch the latest blockbuster on screen. Numerous dining options are also available for when the hankering for food and beverages strikes.
Our trip was on a Saturday afternoon, and although we’re adults, we couldn’t wait for that particular weekend. After a swift entry, we headed straight for the Marvel zone and my partner, who is a huge superhero geek thoroughly enjoyed himself on the Spider-Man Doc Ock’s Revenge and the Thor Thunder Spin rides, among others.
The Cartoon Network zone includes attractions such as The Powerpuff Girls – Mojo Jojo’s Robot Rampage! and a Ben 10 5D Hero Time in an epic multi-sensory space. The Lost Valley – Dinosaur Adventure zone features the famed Velociraptor where we were propelled forward at an exhilarating 100km per hour in 2.5 seconds – our favourite ride for sure.
The Haunted Hotel is a must-visit if you love yourself a scare. I’m afraid I had to sit this one out, but my partner had the fright of his life. Finally, we made our way to the IMG Boulevard zone which is home to old-school video games, the latest interactive gaming, live entertainment, retail and what we were waiting for, various dining options. From Arabic and European to American and Pan-Asian cuisine, each outlet has a theme to it and offers a range of fine-casual and healthy dining choices.
Culinary offerings:
As you walk (or run) around and try all the entertainment in each zone that the park offers, you begin to find yourself building up quite a big appetite. We found ourselves spoilt for choice, but ultimately decided on lunch at Boulevard Gourmet in IMG Boulevard, a restaurant spanning two floors with a menu brimming with varied continental dishes for all ages and tastes.
Quite ravenous, we began with a Double oreo milkshake and Mozzarella sticks with a sriracha sauce. To say the milkshake was loaded with Oreos and whipped cream is an understatement. Delicious and thick, we couldn’t stop sipping on it and we’re sure of it being a hit among adults and kids alike.
Not anticipating how generous the portions might be, we went ahead and ordered two mains between the two of us. In no time, a serving of Kastaleta (lamb chops marinated with garlic, Arabic spices, chilli paste and tomato paste) and Chicken Cashew Nuts showed up. A word of advice, do check with your server before your order a dish, as each was incredibly lavish a serving. The lamb chops were succulent and cooked well, with the ideal balance of flavours; while the aromatic Asian-style chicken in soy sauce with a side of steamed rice, was packed with cashew nuts and offered delightful umami notes.
If you do get a change to be seated by the window or out on the pavement, go ahead and do so. With the theme park currently celebrating their Summer Festival 2021, you might just be able to catch a glimpse of fun-filled activities such as a meet and greet with your favourite characters, dance shows, a drummer’s show, circus performers including unicyclists and jugglers, the park parade and more. We spotted the fiesta and it was indeed a spectacular sight.
Details:
Sunday to Wednesday from 12-9pm and Thursday to Saturday from 12-10pm. AED325 (General Admission). Call +9714 403 8888 or visit the website.