Our school’s annual field trip is an absolute thrill for us students. And this year it was even more special because we were going to Ferrari World, the region’s best amusement park. After having a wonderful time in IMG Worlds of Adventure and Motiongate, we were all set to challenge Ferrari World, home to the fastest roller coaster in the world (Formula Rossa) which can reach speeds up to 240km/hr and it also houses Flying Aces, a terrific but chilling ride featuring a 51° incline lift reaching 63 m and a 52m tall non-inverting loop.
We just could not wait to go to Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi. But I must admit, that my pre-trip research gave me second thoughts on whether I should go. And that’s why I am writing this: to share my experience in an honest manner in case you too are planning on going to Ferrari World soon.
And finally the day came when we were going to Ferrari World. I was on cloud 90 and, I just could not wait to get on the bus. Once the initial hustle and hullabaloo, a common spectacle in every single field trip, died down, we finally set off. After about an hour and 45 minutes of music and pure joy, we finally reached Ferrari World, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. We had to get down from the bus right outside Yas Mall. Once we got onto the first floor with the escalator, there was no stopping us.
We got into the entrance of Ferrari World from the mall as our bags were checked for snacks (Ferrari World, like other amusement parks has a strict no-snack policy). After that was done, we eagerly grabbed our tickets (anniversary edition) and our food coupon as we raced to the entry gates. And once we got through that we raced but after a short washroom break. Then we went straight to tackle and negotiate Formula Rossa.
Highlights of Ferrari World- Rides That You Must Try
1. Formula Rossa:
We were pretty early into Formula Rossa, so we skipped the expected queue. We clambered onto the roller coaster as we were given goggles to ensure we could still enjoy the ride even as we reached high speeds. This was surely a great thing for me because many rides often required me to remove my glasses and the ride was never the same without a very clear vision. People with hijabs and a turban too were given a mask sort of thing at every ride as well.
One of the most thrilling part of the ride was the very beginning. Well the tyres are cooled down with water and as the ride begins and the coaster begins to pick up speed all the water splashes onto your face and that was well, a unique way to cool yourself down as we blasted out in the summer morning.
The ride with two seats in each row only had few ups and downs, with only slight turns due to the risk posed by huge inclines and curves at the high speeds achieved by the ride. But all the same, the ride was pretty thrilling. In other words, it was a fast way to explore the area around the track you could say. And once the 1 minute and 32 second ride ends, the weird feeling in your stomach after the ups and downs as well as your rushing adrenaline will surely make you return once again to this ride.
2.Flying Aces:
The very next ride we went to wasn’t well honestly a very calm ride at all. I do not mean to scare you but I really dreaded this ride after what I read. But honestly, it was not bad, but you surely had to be ready for it. The ride is set in the time for World War I where we had to go through this old ship.
Aboard the ship there were maps showing the Panzer army and I had to give it to whoever designed this place, it sure was very cool. After a minute’s walk we finally reached the queue,which was longer than the one at Rossa ,but still manageable.
After about waiting for 15 minutes, we came across this amusing sign as if daring us, that stated”Last Chance to Leave”. Well I have to say, that sign did really make me think of going back. But eventually I made my mind. I had to go on this ride.
As we were let in we first had to wait at this barrack sort of thing were there were four seats in each row. I was a bit scared so I gladly let my friends take the seats at the very end. And why you may ask.
Well those seats do not have any flooring underneath them which basically means you are dangling on the coaster and I was not yet ready to sit at the very end in those crazy inclines. So I took a seat and a tip to those with glasses: Wear your glasses at the queue because it is only there that they might consider giving you the goggles for a smoother experience.
We had left them back at the locker first and well I surely regretted that decision because my sight wasn’t exactly very helpful in the dark, war-like atmosphere.
Another tip. Try to get on the first row for a next level experience. So the ride began with a steep upward climb. We briskly climbed up and this part was quite similar to Predator back in IMG. And then we picked up speed as we zoomed down the almost 90-degree drop as we tackled the incline which was not very bad.
The curves made me feel like I was slipping from my seat but the most epic part was when we reach to this part close to the building where we went 360 degrees. The ride was my absolute favourite right after Formula Rossa. It was thrilling with a hint of adventure and you must surely try the ride out.
3.Mission Ferrari:
One of the most modern and innovative ride in Ferrari World was Mission Ferrari. Mission Ferrari had a huge queue with waiting time up to 30 minutes because of its fame as a 5D ride which was also considered as one of the most complex rides ever built. It also had to be closed for some time due to some maintenance and it took us quite a while to get us on the ride. In fact, this was the last ride I went on in Ferrari World.
This ride was about 5 minutes and we were through the queue in about 20 minutes and the ride revolved around a story of a Ferrari agent. The ride was absolutely thrilling and innovative. It was cinematic as we had loops and even had the track moving. We also had the track drop vertically down and sideways as well. A ride of adrenaline and pure joy. This ride was amazing and I really regret not going on it again.
4.Turbo Track:
Another ride that you surely must go on is Turbo Track: A 30 second Ride of Doom. Well drama aside, that statement is surely an overstatement once you actually go on the ride. Because as an onlooker, the ride surely looks bone-chilling. The ride begins with an extreme pickup where we go right outside the building on a 180 degree track and then the brakes are released and we free fall back. It surely seemed terrifying, but in reality the ride got over as soon as you tied your shoelaces. And since the ride was so short, the queue was well, non-existent and the ride was just a bit too short for much thrill but surely a must-try.
_______________________________________________________________
These are the top 4 rides arranged in order of thrill that you surely must try. There are also a variety of other rides and even junior versions of these rides that you surely can try out as well. But for me, time did not permit me to go on any of the junior rides but from what I heard, they too were quite fun. For me Ferrari World lived up to my expectations. There were other rides I enjoyed as well like Fiorano GT challenge. This place would definitely be quite adventurous for F1 fans and Ferrari fans alike with Ferrari cars on display in the facility.
Their lockers at every ride,as well as their staff, were quite cheerful and helpful and I noticed that after every single ride cycle they applauded as a sort of encouragement. But overall the experience was jolly, inclusive and the facility itself was quite spacious and we did not need to stand in queue much that day.
But I really wish there were washrooms at more locations to make the experience a bit more smoother. This is a must visit attraction where you can have fun with friends and family. And if you’re wondering—yes, I’d go visit it again if I got the chance! All in all, it was a wonderful experience and an amazing way to cool off the extra steam in us, students away from classrooms.
_______________________________________________________________
Cover Image Credits: https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/ferrari-world-opens-to-public/
Inside Image Credits:
1.https://blooloop.com/theme-park/news/ferrari-world-abu-dhabi-unveils-record-breaking-flying-aces-coaster/
2. https://www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com/
Here are some helpful travel sites you can use to plan your next trip:
1. https://www.mydubaipass.com/ferrari-world-rides
2.https://theabudhabipass.com/
Do also check out the official Ferrari World page for more information: https://www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com/
Ferrari World location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/kAshteMEQ4amEqVW9
Do follow https://ethansliteraryhaven.com/ for more such writings.
