Ipoh's much-awaited Movie Animation Park Studios opens its doors

After several delays, Movie Animation Park Studios (MAPS), touted as Asia’s first animation theme park, has finally opened its door to visitors. Pix by Abdullah Yusof

IPOH: After several delays, Movie Animation Park Studios (MAPS), touted as Asia’s first animation theme park, has finally opened its door to visitors.

The public were seen lining up at the ticket counters as early as 8am during its soft opening today to check out rides and attractions based on movies by Dreamworks Animation, and special live-action stunt shows.

Dah Hock Phiao, 44, from Sitiawan said he was excited when he heard about the park and had planned to come on opening day to experience the thrills that the rides have to offer.

"I wanted to be among the first to check out the attractions here. The theme park will be another tourist attraction in the state and I would recommend everyone to come here with their families," he said.

Another visitor, who wished to be known as Kamila, 20, from Johor Baru said: "This place gave me a sense of nostalgia, as I grew up watching animated movies like Mega Mind, as well as the popular local series BoBoiBoy, which inspired the construction of the park."

Built on 20.8ha of land, the theme park was originally slated to begin operations in October last year, but for unspecified reasons, the opening was postponed to December, and pushed back again to this year.

As a special promotion until July 2, tickets can be purchased at RM131 each for MyKad holders and RM104 for MyKid holders.

-nst online.
www.mapsperak.com