Why is our official Ferrari World verdict here in the Kids section? Simple, really: other than brand-addicted Ferrari fans, the biggest audience for Abu Dhabi’s latest attraction will be families, with kids of all ages (brand-addicted Ferrari fans included) sure to get a kick out what is ultimately a great afternoon out.
Beneath the mega roof lies a real fantasy land, and the two children that joined Time Out on our first visit – Kai (seven) and Hana (two) – were quickly ensconced. From a toddler’s perspective, the prominent primary colours alone are enough to trigger a reaction. All that red, coupled with loud engine sounds screaming around the ticketing area – she was beside herself with excitement, desperately trying to get it all out in the few words she has.
Spilling into the central area, where the G-Force drop zone rockets up above your head, the park laid out before you is a captivating prospect. Cars are everywhere, naturally, but the little side streets common to theme parks the world over are all here, with a range of eateries littering them; a cinema, even a fulsome kids’ climbing frame – which Hana has already made a beeline for.
Gathering up our complete party, we wander over to the Junior GT area, where Kai takes a very brief lesson in driving safety (via an animated instruction video) before being let loose on a miniature driving course. It’s hard to see how this will translate on a crowded day; we fully expect the instruction video to be drowned out, and the delicate miniature Ferraris to be mistaken for low-speed dodgem cars, but the potential is there.
Putting the assistants into Ferrari-branded police uniforms might help instil some sense of road-based authority…though it rarely works in the adult world.
If Junior GT is a hit with Kai, then Bell’Italia is a bonafide chart topper with Hana. One of the assistants tells us that they’ve been surprised to find families consistently put their little ones behind the wheel on this slow drive through a model village, and that’s exactly what Time Out instinctively does too. For the duration of the ride, the toddler clings to the wheel, throwing herself into corners as though she’s Fernando Alonso in the making. The miniature sights – a tiny leaning tower, a downsized Colosseum – trundle past unnoticed. She’s absolutely distraught when we leave the car and move on – it’s possible she’s found her calling.
Next up is the Fiorano GT Challenge, the duelling coaster that reaches speeds of 100kph. Obviously, there’s no chance the toddler will ride this one (she seems pretty determined), though Kai – tall for his age – is a good 5cm above the cut off height. His parents are a bit nervous, but he has his mind made up. With goggles strapped on to protect from flying dust, Time Out confirms that he’s securely fastened in – and we’re off. It’s a lurching ride that accelerates like a sports car, but it’s relatively tame. For a speed-demon seven-year-old, it’s just the ticket, although it’s worth reiterating that the rules to ride are completely height-related. Kids below 130cm simply won’t get on, no matter how much they stand on tiptoes.
The Speed of Magic is also kid-friendly – though toddlers need not apply – and the animation will appeal, even if the 3D effects are slightly nauseating. Best to try it before lunch, which is big news in itself. We’re delighted to report that the park is largely junk food free. We sat down to an extremely promising dinner of pizza, freshly cooked pasta, and a really top-notch salad at Mamma Rossella, which bodes well for the high-end Cavallino restaurant, unfortunately not serving during our visit.
With the inside of the park looking like an airport terminal from a more developed space age, most of the rides are to be found at the end of extended limbs that resemble boarding gates. Along one such passageway lies Formula Rossa, one of the few attractions that will not appeal to anyone other than crazies. The feeling of being launched at 240kph along a narrow track is unbelievable, but it’s an experience parents will not enjoy together, as one of you will have to stay back and look after the kids. As if the architects had already foreseen this hurdle, the corridor outside the gate houses the aforementioned climbing frame, and it’s there that Time Out spends the final 30 minutes with the kids, both delighted with their latest find: the world’s largest indoor theme park – a great alternative to Abu Dhabi mall life.
Ferrari World is open Tue-Sun, noon-midnight. Tickets start from Dhs165. www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com
