[PHOTO TR] Arabian Adventures - Yas Waterworld

[ItsMe]

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- Credits in Dubai & Sharjah

 

The pearl of Abu Dhabi: Yas Waterworld

 

 

I thought it would be nice to share my, well... our, Arabian Adventures on TPR. First things first: English is not my native language. I am not able to provide you with writings on the level of f.e. JK Rowling, neither can I provide you with high quality photos that are usable in the Lonely Planet Guide, as water, movement and darkness aren't any photographer best friend. Unfortunately I didn't bring a whole Harem composed out of hot European woman to the UAE, to make them show (in bikini) how hot it was over there. Well, now that is made clear... what do I've got in store for you? A load of questionable credits, the fastest coaster on this planet, and a lot of wetness. Yes, the UAE it is! If I had to choose an overall theme for my reports, besides the probably not so good use of the English language, it would be luxury. Why? Well, you cannot visit that part of the world without it. Crab yourself a Coke, sit back and enjoy the photos and many, many words I've dedicated to our trip.

 

Can`t you feel a brand new day? Everybody be glad, because the sun is shining just for us. Everybody wake up, into the morning, into happiness. Hello world! Special thanks to The Wiz for describing how I feel when my alarm wakes us up on the second day of our trip. Yes, I will admit it: I used the snooze button the first time because I still felt my legs after the credithunting the evening before. After getting dressed it is time to hit the most important attraction for this day: the VIP breakfast lounge. Upgrading your room to one of the suites comes with some perks, gladly. After that it only takes the friendly staff a couple of minutes to pick up our rented Dodge Charger -I can surely appreciate some decent horse power- and right after the morning rush we put the pedal to the metal (well, until we hit 120 km/h) for our one hour drive to Yas Island. This journey will be our first real drive thru Dubai. And to be honest: the skies aren't as clear and blue as in Playa del Carmen and the skyline just isn't that impressive like the one (jungle) where dreams are made off. Don't get me wrong: it is great, but not overwhelming.

Ready to go!

Front of the hotel looked nice.

The scenic Dubai route. When planning our trip -planning is part of the fun- we found out via TPR that there are three great waterparks to be explored. Considering our timeframe we really had some choices to be made. Our final conclusion: with the use of paid fastpasses we would be able to explore all of them. For today, it is going to be Yas Waterworld followed by the fastest coaster on our planet and FunWorks as the dessert of the day. Well, I never was good in making a choice anyway. "I want it all"... Alrighty, all of our hotspots for today can be found on the artificial island of Yas, just north-east of Abu Dhabi. We had done our research, had printed maps and our satnav. It is one island, with a limited amount of roads... and we still manage to get lost. Well done At least we've got the scenic route including IKEA.

It is about 10:30 when we arrive at the deserted island road. Wait a minute, wait.... *squealing brakes*. PULL THROUGH! The coaster geek inside can't control itself and we pull aside for some photos.

While this looks amazing it also makes us realize we have to come back one day to ride the beast named Flying Aces.

Let's get moving towards Waterworld now. Already looking hot, and I am not talking about the temperature. Yas Waterworld has an entire backstory. Ride names, theming, their website fits in perfectly and is all is just thought thru. For the kids there is the Pearl Masters experience, although is not included with the standard ticket or Golden Ticket -the ticket of choice for us-. Towels included, no lines etc. Those are my preliminary findings, for all you die-hard readers: the next thousands words will provide you with a more detailed look.

The backstory is all about Pearls. This is one giant pearl

Looks great! Well themed.

Good, back to the moment we managed to get to the right exit and have the carpark in sight. If we ever decide to visit and prefer camel power instead of horsepower, there is no problem with parking. I love funny (or is it serious?) details like these. Valet parking would set us back about ten bucks, however self-parking is free of charge. As we visit on a weekday, outside any holiday, we prefer self-parking. All you European and American parks: watch and learn. For all cars there is parking in the shade, it is right in front of the gate -hence there are only ten other cars upon our arrival- and free of charge. No extra fees for self-service parking near the entrance. Just valet, for a reasonable fee, or well taken care of self-parking space. It makes you feel welcome, instead of you feeling like a cash cow. I do not mind paying for fastpass-like services, however I do mind paying insane amounts for parking.

Camel, anyone?

As you already know we were lucky: the carpark was not busy. We decided to invest in the Golden Ticket anyway as insurance: no matter how many people come in behind you, we are sure that we can get everything we want done and could enjoy some extra perks as well. Besides this bracelet we got the blue one as well. It replaces all cash once inside, so no worries there. It also opens up your locker.

Any park serving Arabian coffee to guests in the morning gets my stamp of approval. It is offered directly on entering the main building that houses the toweldesk, lockers, dressing rooms and shops.

 

Really, I had no idea what to expect from Waterworld. It is almost brand new, however would it really be that great? I mean, sometimes something a bit mature -not talking about woman though- just simply feels and runs better, a car f.e. Or those five year old sneakers you always wear when attending those long theme park nights.

With the thought of more waterparks coming up combined with the sun, he decided to throw around some Dirhams by pimping himself with the official Yas sun protective watershirt. I saved some money by already packing one from home.

The food looks delicious.

Theming all the way!

Waterworld already got our attention with the decent parking facilities, their camel and the coffeer. However, it gets even better...

Falcon! Yes, it is real. Awesome. I love it straight away. Dé however -he is on the photo below- really does not like any animal. Find the difference: me relaxed...

...tension, tension. It is really sweet that they do this and above all no fees at all. The guy holding the bird was funny too. He noticed Dé being uncomfortable and moved, just after Dé handed the falcon over, his arm carrying the bird. The result is of course that the bird starts flapping it wings. His face... (Dé)... funniest sight ever.

 

Now, bear with me. Before scrolling down, close your eyes for one second. After that scroll to the photo below and imagine yourself walking thru the doors and seeing this while you feel the sun on your skin...

... is this heaven opening up?

 

Before I even can enjoy the view in full glory Dé pulls my arm and drags me towards the parks flowriders. Why? Well, he has some fetish He used to be flowrider instructor during his younger days. Waterworld packs two flowriders. There is the standard one -he is experienced there- and this bad-ass big one that even hosts official world championchips.

There os only one way to be granted access to the big flowrider; surviving the small and by that get yourself black nail by waterproof marker from the operator. Dé obviously had no problem. I on the other hand... well, within a couple of seconds my attempt was over. Good thing is that I didn't have to walk around with black marker on my fingernail for three days.

Success.

Edited January 27, 2016 by ItsMe

[ItsMe]

Second part.

Still going.

Over. Done.

 

This is what also happened to Dé on the huge flowrider .

The big one.

 

As it is not busy we decided to leave Vekoma coaster Bandit Bomber for later on and to take a walk and enjoy some other rides first.

Enough seating available.

The one dolphin is gonna be smacked in the face by the other ones tail and is laughing about it.

Gotta love this view.

These cabanas look tempting. If you are spending already and it is a bit busy you might as well take these. Simply said: you get what you pay for. The park already feels like one luxury resort and those cabanas could be the icing on the cake.

 

When walking around we notice how big the park is, but doesn't give in on theming. Also there is plenty of shade and there is even decoration underneath your feet.

Snaaaaaake!

Yas Waterworld is divided in several areas. Besides the hart pumping Falcon and Jebel zone the park does offer facilities for children and people young at heart.

After our walk-around it is time to get our adrenalin flowing in the Jebel Zone!

First up is Jebel Drop. When climbing the stairs I catch myself overthinking the height of this slide. I am not faint-hearted, however a slide like this has been a while ago for me. Anyone familiar with that moment at the top and your your light turns green... the second you say to yourself: should I be doing this?

It requires sharp eyes, however you can see Jebel Drop on the left. It is the green straight down slide. As always, you already down before actually being aware of it. The amount of adrenalin pumping thru my body is enormous. Wow!

Next up is Hamlool's Humps. Yes, you heard it right. I know it sound a bit dirt -however a dirty mind is a joy forever- but I am talking about a slide. Same height as Jebel Drop with the main difference being the addition of ehm... Humps. No matter how big of a rush Jebel Drop was, Hamlool's Humps is more entertaining.

Next up is a classic slide with a twist. Sebag, seen on the far left on the photo below, are belly-racer-slides. I can't think of any better word . However in this case the first ten seconds are in complete dark. Those six slides are awesome family slides.

 

When thinking about those NGC documentaries I used to watch back home there is one shot of Yas Island that just seemed to stuck to my mind: the snakeheads slides. Slithers Slides it is. When seeing them and walking up those stairs Joy -from Inside Out- totally takes over my control panel. I mean, finally being here... just wow! The slide we pick is fun, but nothing more.

By now it is afternoon and the lazy riv... sorry, Wave River draws our attention. Before heading out to the main pool area and riding the others slides and coasters we decide to relax for a while. Even the fact that this river has nice scenery including waterfalls, we simply do not have the patience to sit it out.

Tubetime!

After the flights, the credithunting from the day before and climbing the stairs all morning my calf muscle aren't that pleased with me. Well, who cares. We are on this holiday to have fun, not to relax all the time.

 

The next ride would me a first for me as well: the looping slide. We all know it is not the typical upside down loop, so I figured you won't feel much of it when riding it. Liwa Loop is waiting for us in the Falcon Zone.

We already walk underneath the loop earlier on and to be honest it did not look that impressive from down there, the white coaster track is for us even more eye catching.

 

Let's go. After climbing the stairs we stare at the loop element from this birds eye point of view. It still doesn't look as scary or intense as some other slides I've experienced in the past. Once it is my turn -and after performing a striptease by removing my shirt- I step on the hatch at the top. No matter how many big coasters you do, or how much I love freefall towers, stepping on a hatch like that for the first time in years feels a bit awkward. My heartbeat rises and... whoosh... the hatch drops and I tumble towards earth. Before I knew it I enterted the loop (a.k.a. overbanked turn) and it totally catches me by surprise. While screaming out of fear and joy, I get spit out at the end. I totally misjudged. My opinion now: this is awesome!

Edited January 18, 2016 by ItsMe

[ItsMe]

And the last part of this report.

Next up are the last to slides of interest: Falcon's Falaj and Dawwama, starting with the first one.

 

Yes, there is no need to carry any tube or raft up those stairs. So, above some lifthillporn.

 

So, what makes this ride so much fun as it is? First of all it is my first experience with Masterblaster technique. As far is I understand this rides uses not only water to get you moving, but also some kind of magnetic stuff? Correct me if I'm wrong. The ride feels powerfull and is simply a joy. The two 12-year old British ladies that accompany us during this ride surely know how to express my feels for this ride. The entire ride they kept screaming it out loud... because they had so much fun.

 

The stairs, the always recurring theme in waterparks, are beaten once more to ride Dawwama. Same starting point as the last slide, however this time with a more spectaculair grand final: the cone element, or whatever it is called. It was another first timer for me. When you look at offride footage this elements look a bit lame. You only get up halfway. After my ride I would like to rename this element to the 'fun element'. Being in one is so different than watching offride footage. Getting up halfway is good enough to get butterflies going wild in my stomach.

The stairs who lead up to the slides provides some nice views. Yes, we see you there Ferrari World. We will meet with you later today -report will come as seperate one due the lenght of this one-.

 

We managed to ride most slides although by now we are running almost one hour behind on schedule. Just one last thing remained: Bandit Bomber. No records, no insane top speed at all, no loops. Can this be fun?

There you go, lifthill lovers. What to expect from this so-called interactive roller coaster? Not sure. It is obvious this one has beautifull scenery. We check out the map and within minutes we lay our eyes on the good looking station building.

 

The gates open and we can take the front seat. After asking nicely we get told this is the only no camera allowed ride in the park. Bummer. Well, maybe there is a onride on TPR After putting the camera away we sit down in the comfortable seats.

 

What follows is a decent ride with great views. Surely, it goes thru and in between the theming and slides, but is packs no punch. However, it is not meant to do so. The water-elements? Well dropping water from your train doesn't seem to work at the moment. Maybe it was just bad luck. Even without that you still have a ride worth riding.

 

Once back in the station the operator asks 'Again?' Sure! During the second round I feel the sun burning, I see the parl below me... I couldn't be much happier. I just love this park.

After this it is time to wrap up. We decide to split up for twenty minutes or so. Dé wants to re-ride the flowrider and wants to head for the lockers after that. I stroll around one more time to get a bit more photos. When returning to my towel I check out if the video footage with the waterproof camera worked out well... it did, however there was a leak. Malls enough, so first thing in the morning is getting a new waterproof videocamera.

 

It is good to see that tourist and locals can mingle in with tourist. Ladies in burkini enjoy the slides side by side with more Western style ladies wearing sexy bikini's. Surely, you have to adapt to local culture outside the gates, but in here it just works out fine.

 

It is hard to explain as non native speaker how impressive, great and beautyful Yas Waterworld is. It is time to leave the pearl (of Abu Dhabi) behind... hoping we might return there one day. Oh, and before I forget... this proved sometimes those brand new sneakers are better than the older ones.

I rest my case. (PS thanks for the advice on visiting this place I got from several TPR members)

[ItsMe]

And as always: VIDEO BONUS.

 

If you only wish to watch one video, please consider this one. A full day compilation video including the afternoon: Ferrari World is also included.

 

All the offride shots I've got from Bandit Bomber.

[KarlaKoaster]

Despite your modesty there's some amazing photos and I loved your commentary. Thanks so much for the pics, the Emirates are my second home so I love following people's trip reports from there

[RyanTPM]

Thanks for the trip review, looks like a great waterpark! Can't wait for the Ferrari World part of the review

[ItsMe]

Despite your modesty there's some amazing photos and I loved your commentary. Thanks so much for the pics, the Emirates are my second home so I love following people's trip reports from there

 

Thanks!

 

Doing the best I can. Will have a few more coming up if there is enough demand for them.

[azza29]

Thanks for posting this report, I'm thinking of heading to Yas Waterworld during a long layover in Abu Dhabi later this year. I'm curious to know - how long did you guys end up spending at the park?

[ItsMe]

Thanks for posting this report, I'm thinking of heading to Yas Waterworld during a long layover in Abu Dhabi later this year. I'm curious to know - how long did you guys end up spending at the park?

 

Is your lay-over a full day? We entered the water around 11:00 in the morning, leaving around 15:00 or so. It was not busy at all and we had the Gold Tickets. Still we felt like we could have spend at least two more hours if we would take in account do some more double rides and enjoying the main wave pool. However we had to go to Ferrari World to make sure we would have enough time there.

 

If you are just interested in Yas Waterworld, leave Abu Dhabi at 09:00, right after rush hour, and be in the water well before 10:00. If it is even slightly busy take the Gold Ticket, that comes with some perks. If you are planning on hitting Ferrari World the same day make sure to get the Gold Ticket for both parks, otherwise you will not be able to ride all new rides. Be in Ferrari World no later than 3:30 in the afternoon and you should be fine. Best however, considering the new additions to Ferrari World, would be to take a separate day for each park if you are more into relax-mode.

[Rill'o'beily]

More like YAAAAAS Waterworld

[ItsMe]

More like YAAAAAS Waterworld

 

I've been thinking about a really beautiful and in depth title for my report... however I like this better Oh wel..

[coasterfreak101]

More like YAAAAAS Waterworld

My thoughts exactly!

 

Seriously, awesome report! I don't know how, but I never noticed that this park was built right across the street from Ferrari World.

[ItsMe]

I still wouldn't consider it walkable Thanks for your friendly comments!

 

- Will shut it now andere move on with writing Ferrari World... that subject might attract more readers. Keep the board growing -

[TheCoasterKid211]

More like YAAAAAS Waterworld