Episodes

  • The City of Hong Kong - An overwhelming display of skyscrapers, mountains and open sea
    Dec 22 2024

    People have seen probably more of this city than they realise. Its reach goes much further than only the 'made in Hong Kong' export products. It was always high on our list of places to visit, but would it disappoint?

    At some point during our visit we gazed upon a cloudy series of islands decorated with green mountains as far as the eye can see and down below a massive harbour that is lined with a one-of-a-kind skyline. An image that does very well on a postcard.

    But besides the impressive geographical situation and the interplay of culture and nature, Hong Kong has a lot to offer on human scale too. It is a megacity that truly comes alive during the day like a giant machine where all the cogs start rotating when turned on.

    Even on our short visit, we managed to get an idea of what makes the city tick. But the entire Hong Kong territory has so much more to offer. It leaves us longing for more. Find out what we managed to experience and what impact this has on our image of this impressive place.

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    1 hr and 14 mins
  • Theme park SeaWorld AD, an unexpected highlight
    Nov 3 2024

    SeaWorld is a name that carries a lot of history, but also its fair share of controversy. There are SeaWorlds in the United States that have gone through highs and lows. This latest SeaWorld location was presented to be entirely different; fully indoor and keeping the wellbeing of the animals in high regard.

    From all the parks we visited in the Middle East, this one was by far the hardest to form an image of beforehand. It is far from being a regular theme park or an amusement park for that matter. Maybe it is therefore that the park was such a surprise.

    Where we normally praise certain aspects of theme parks like: Customisation, height differences, artificial rock work, custom soundtracks and lighting. It is actually this very park that excels in all of those aspects. The entire experience feels incredibly high-class and it's almost hard to categorise it. It feels very artificial and genuine at the same time, calming and spectacular at the same time, but also like entertainment and education at the same time. We spent a whole day here, without feeling bored at any moment.

    We even consider this park 'monumental' in certain aspects. Of course that is a lot of praise, but does it also hold any negatives? You'll hear it in this episode about SeaWorld Abu Dhabi.

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    49 mins
  • Theme park Warner Bros. AD, a masterclass in immersion
    Sep 20 2024

    Is Warner Bros. back in the theme park game? They have proven with the Wizarding World of Harry Potter lands, in Universal Studios parks all around the world, that they are capable of delivering word class themed lands. So what about an entire park full of WB's legacy?

    When we were planning to visit Abu Dhabi, this park was always on the top of our list. I (Lee) got especially familiar with it when speaking to someone who worked on the project just before opening. He was so proud of what was achieved and he even used the words: "No expenses are being spared." Which is something you don't hear often in the theme park industry.

    Other than with for example Motiongate Dubai, this entire park was designed under one creative firm and under the watchful eye of one IP holder and it shows! Everything fits seamlessly like a giant jigsaw puzzle. Not only physically, but also thematically and aesthetically everything makes sense.

    Don't be fooled by the fact that it is an indoor theme park and that it doesn't have any record breaking coasters. The sense of scale is definitely present here and when visiting, you don't even feel like you're walking in a hall. How they achieved that effect? That is something that we love to analyse and discuss in this episode.

    One thing is certain, Warner Bros. World leaves us incredibly curious of what awaits in the future. Because after a massive announcement for an expansion and receiving some inside information, the future looks incredibly bright!

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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Theme park Ferrari World, true theme park or glorified brand experience?
    May 20 2024

    Ferrari World boasts the premium Italian brandname and is widely known for its record breaking fastest rollercoaster in the world; Formula Rossa. But does it have more going for it?

    The iconic roof structure, the record breaking Formula Rossa and the famous car brand connected to it all ensure a worldwide reputation for this park. So much so, that we have the feeling more people know about this park than any of the Dubai based parks.

    We went here because we wanted to add a short visit to our busy travel planning in Abu Dhabi. We have to be honest though, it did surprise us in a positive way. There is much more to experience here than we initially anticipated. It turned into a full day visit, which gave us all the opportunities to really experience this unique park in detail.

    It is very much a Ferrari showcase, with a little touch of Italian atmosphere here and there. It does however never amaze with theming and detailing and it even feels a bit childish in many aspects. It just doesn't hit the highs in terms of design, decoration, media production, soundscaping and music & lighting. With the exception of one attraction: Flying Aces. That ride is very well themed, all the way up to the station. The coaster itself though, even though it is just a coaster in the desert, is an absolute favourite and was a massive surprise.

    Crazy about Ferrari? Totally into Formula 1? Do you want to ride a collection of intense and surprising coasters? Then this is the place for you! It is a park with much going for it and with the right amount of attention and improvements in the future it can actually become a world class theme park. Who knows? Maybe these ambitions will result in something great.

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    42 mins
  • Theme park Global Village, a cultural mega success
    May 5 2024

    By far the most visited park in Dubai. Many millions of visitors find their way to Global Village. What makes this park so approachable and above all so successful?

    First of all, it is hard to compare it to any other theme park. You really have to experience it to understand what is actually on offer. The entrance fee is quite cheap and it even opens late in the afternoon, until 2AM (!). So you can extend a day in Dubai by roaming around here the whole night. This place is very crowded, full of families, full of entertainment and live performances and even a whole lot of attractions. Imagine a bustling market which gives you a glimpse into typical products from certain highlighted countries and continents. Complete with music, smells and languages. Try going here and not eating anything on location.. I challenge you!

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    56 mins
  • Theme park Motiongate Dubai, Hollywood in the desert
    Apr 2 2024

    A theme park resort project that was headed by the Sheikh and ruler of Dubai. It could be considered a spiritual successor to the controversial Dubailand project, but heavily slimmed down and more focused. Yet, it is still ambitious and maybe a bit too imposing for its own sake.

    Built with the entire world in mind as audience, ready to invite many millions of visitors annually. Did it actually live up to these business expectations? But more importantly, how do the famous (and some less famous) Hollywood IP's really hold up in a park that was built from scratch, in a desert landscape? Motiongate is the main gate on offer, but don't underestimate its direct surroundings, with the fascinating Riverland at the core of the resort.

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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Theme park IMG Worlds of Adventure, a troubled risk?
    Mar 29 2024

    Our very first TripOn Entertainment episode, in which we discuss our visit to indoor theme park IMG Worlds of Adventure in Dubai. An anticipated visit, because we are aware of this location already for years. It is a project with quite the reputation, so it was time for us to experience if it can really live up to its massive ambitions.

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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • The city of Dubai, a mega project like no other
    Mar 26 2024

    We have spent longer in Dubai than the average tourist, which gives a lot of insights in this interesting place. Find out what makes Dubai so unique in this breakdown of our multiple trips and experiences and we'll even give you our recurring 'trip on, consider or trip off' rating!

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    1 hr and 7 mins