Playground unusual

HYDERABAD:  Malaysia’s Legoland theme park is set to open in September this year, so keeping the kids entertained just got easier. There are options for the adults as well — Napoleonland, said to be Europe’s first theme park based on Napoleon, is in the works. For eclectic visits, we suggest the Kansai Cycle Sports Center, Japan, for cycle-themed rides, and Diggerland, England, a construction-themed park. This year’s most popular options:Take a bowFor little girls wanting an overdose of Hello Kitty cuteness, Harmonyland, Japan, is their Disneyland. Any Hello Kitty fan worth her hair bow favours Harmonyland for its Hello Kitty-themed teacups, castles, parades and stage shows. Harmonyland’s sister attraction, Sanrio Puroland, features Hello Kitty, My Melody, Cinnamoroll, Jewelpet and other characters created by the Sanrio company. A travel package from Ezeego1. com costs `13,419 per person. Details: harmonyland.jp / coxandkings.comNeed for speedIt’s next to impossible to sit shotgun next to a racing champion, but the Formula Rossa — a hydraulically-launched roller coaster at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi — proves to be almost the same thing. It is the fastest roller coaster in the world, reaching a top speed of 240 km/h and designed to induce the same g-force that Formula One drivers feel at full tilt. The world’s biggest indoor park boasts more than 20 Ferrari-inspired rides and attractions — Junior Grand Prix, a miniature Italy, a Ferrari car display, state-of-the-art racing simulations and real Neapolitan pizza. Tickets (`2,340-`4,600) are available. A 4N/5D Makemytripc.om package to Dubai costs `74,999. Details: ferrariworldabudhabi.com / makemytrip.comGet GaulishA great alternative to Disneyland (California), and a wonderful day out for people of all ages, 23-year-old Parc Asterix features 30 rides and six shows. The Goudurix roller coaster will turn your world upside down no fewer than seven times and the Tonerre de Zeus is one of the largest wooden roller-coasters in Europe. For an overnight stay, check into the park’s hotel, L’Hôtel des Trois Hiboux. Tickets (Rs 3,000) are available. A 6D/5N package from Cox & Kings is priced at Rs 70,000 onwards. Details: parcasterix. fr / coxandkings.com Great expectationsCharles Dickens turned 200 in February this year. If you’re in London for the Olympics, we suggest you pencil in Dickens’ World in Kent, an indoor park themed around the life, books and times of one of Britain’s best loved authors. The decor, complete with soot, pickpockets, cobblestones and gas lamps is a tad depressing, but that’s how 1850s London was. Attractions feature the Great Expectations boat ride, Fagin’s den, Peggotty’s Boathouse. Plus, the Haunted House of 1859 brings you face to face with Ebenezer Scrooge and Dickens’ ghosts. A 17-day Europe package, courtesy SOTC, is yours for `2,00,000. Details: dickensworld.co.uk / sotc.inPotter moreThe Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Florida), which opened in 2010, has been described as ‘the most faithful recreation of JK Rowling’s books and movies ever seen’, with approval by Rowling herself. Guests can stroll through Hogwarts castle, window shop at Hogsmeade, sip on Butterbeer, order Chocolate Frogs, buy one’s own wand from Ollivander’s and send an Owl post. Families can enjoy thrill rides such as Flight of the Hippogriff and the centrepiece, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Tickets are Rs 4,100 to Rs 4,400. A five-day travel package, courtesy Thomas Cook, is priced at RS 37,000. Details: universalorlando. com / thomascook.in Sweet sensationPeople of all ages will love the free 10-minute tour at Hershey’s Chocolate World, Pennsylvania, featuring a simulation of the chocolate making process, which ends with a free sample of a Hershey’s product. Attractions include the design your own candy bar session. Entry is free. A travel package, courtesy Thomas Cook, is priced at `1,33,713 approximately. Details: hersheys. com / chocolateworld/ thomascook.in