Abu Dhabi – It is a program for boys. There are cars, some radical attractions, family rides for mothers to take their little ones, and more cars. It is Ferrari World, the theme park of the Italian brand at Yas Island, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. If you, like most mortals, do not have money to have one, the site is a good call to have a Ferrari overdose.
On arrival, go straight to the simulator ticket office (Scuderia Challenge) to schedule a slot to play on one. There are few and if the park is crowded, it may take a while. Tickets include all attractions, except for the two “advanced” simulators, one imitating an F1 car and the other reproducing one of the factory’s street models. The others, simpler, are included in the package, but you should also schedule a time slot.
With an eye on your watch, head on to the other attractions. For those who like emotion, the two roller coasters are all you need. First of all, choose the Fiorano GT Challenge, calmer, to get used to the speed and not to lose the adrenalin rush by riding on it in second place. The cars, obviously in the shape of Ferrari models, run along separate rails, sometimes parallel, other times crossing over each other, as if they were racing. True emotion!
But the real emotion comes on Fórmula Rossa, self-named the fastest roller coaster in the world. The cars look like a stretched Fórmula 1 car. After taking your seat, tightening the safety latch and putting on protective glasses, you do not have to wait much for the first surprise. The employee warns: “Keep your head against the backrest not to hurt yourself.”
The composition is pulled along the rails at an incredible speed, as high as 240 km/h! You may think: "If it is constantly like this, I’m done for.” But after the initial impact, you get used to the successive rises, drops and curves at breakneck speed. It all takes less than a minute, probably less than it takes to regain your breath.
Do not let the adrenaline drop, if it is time, go to the simulators. Don’t choose cars with doors and roofs. On scheduling your slot, choose a Formula 1 model. Climb into the cockpit, fasten your seatbelt, wait for the operator to put the steering wheel in place and feel the sensation of sitting (almost lying) at the wheel of a single-seat racing car. The 180 degree image ahead of you reproduces Yas Marina circuit, right next door, where the Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix takes place.
While you accelerate, change gears, brake and go around the curves, the equipment imitates the car’s movement. On accelerating, the driver stunt double is pushed back, on breaking he is pushed forward, as if there were inertia. What is good is that, if you crash, the car is automatically put back on the track and you leave unhurt.
The other rides also touch on the Ferrari theme, but in different manners. At Speed of Magic, for example, like a ghost ride, the car takes passengers along alleys in which there are 3D animations. And you feel you are in the movies.
At The Racing Legends, which has a similar structure, tourists travel along images and films that tell the story of the Italian brand in competitions.
Another high point is the number of cars. Ferraris are exhibited everywhere, including the single-seaters used by Fernando Alonso, Felipe Massa, Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello. There is also a small museum with the brand’s classic models.
To have lunch in the region, one option is the Yas Marina hotel restaurant, built in the centre of the racing track in Abu Dhabi. Apart from the good food, the architecture and decoration are already worth the visit.
If it is not too hot and sunny, not uncommon in the emirate, choose a table on the veranda, with a view to the marina and track. The buffet is large, but if you are going to the park later, eat carefully not to have problems on the roller coasters.
Service
Ferrari World
Local: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Highway access from Dubai, Abu Dhabi (centre) and Sharjah.
Time: From Tuesday to Sunday from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm. Before going, check on the amusement park’s web page to see whether it is not closed at the time chosen. Also verify whether there is any ride closed for maintenance. There are height restrictions in some toys, and they may be viewed on the site.
Ticket: the standard ticket costs 225 dirham and grants access to all rides, except for the advanced simulators. Kids under 1.50 metre pay 165 dirham.
Site: www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com
*Translated by Mark Ament
