New & upcoming theme parks in Asia
Forget the same ol’ rollercoasters and predictable plots – your theme park experiences are about to get a serious tech makeover with a wave of next-gen fun. We’re talking about strolling through new cartoon worlds IRL, going on 4D motion rides to solve missions, and experiencing personalised storylines in VR games.
Yup, these new and upcoming theme parks in Asia are here to tame your inner adrenaline junkie. Here’s what you can look forward to:
Table of Contents
- New & upcoming theme parks in Asia
- – New theme parks in Asia –
- 1. The Making of Harry Potter in Warner Bros. Studio – Tokyo, Japan
- 2. World of Frozen in Hong Kong Disneyland – Hong Kong
- 3. Carnival Magic – Phuket, Thailand
- 4. Zootopia in Disneyland – Shanghai, China
- 5. Chimelong Spaceship Theme Park – Zhuhai, China
- 6. Ghibli Park – Nagoya, Japan
- – Opening in 2024 –
- 7. Minion Land in Universal Studios – Sentosa, Singapore
- 8. Hello Kitty Theme Park – Sanya, China
- 9. Immersive Fort Tokyo – Tokyo, Japan
- 10. Fantasy Springs in DisneySea – Tokyo, Japan
- 11. LEGOLAND – Shenzhen & Shanghai, China
- 12. HavenXR – Singapore
– New theme parks in Asia –
1. The Making of Harry Potter in Warner Bros. Studio – Tokyo, Japan
Get your wand from the biggest Harry Potter shop in the world
Image credit: Warner Bros Studio Tour
Aspiring wizards, grab your broomsticks and wands. The Hogwarts Express at Platform 9¾ is ready to whisk you away to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo for yet another immersive exhibition.
It’s your chance to get up close to movie props and costumes, Grindelwald’s wicked wand, and iconic film sets: the Dursley’s cramped living room, the bustling shops of Diagon Alley, and Gringotts Wizarding Bank. Admission tickets start at a price of ¥6,300/adult (~S$59.13) and ¥3,800/child (~S$35.66).
From within the walls of Hogwarts Castle, and the Wizarding world to the Muggle’s street.
Image adapted from: @n.ladapun & @karina_hasyim via Instagram
Imagine yourself dodging Dementors or zipping through the wizarding world; the Broomstick Flying Zone can do just that with the help of a greenscreen. You can opt to buy the photo and video later. Then, feast like a Hogwarts student at the Great Hall with their Platform 9¾ All Day Breakfast and a frothy cup of Butterbeer
P.S. The Butterbeer is non-alcoholic, so perfect for wizards-in-training of all ages.
Shopaholic Potterheads, you might want to have a list to avoid any unplanned splurges at the biggest HP merch shop in the world.
Image credit: @lmoms.murmurs via Instagram
We assume all you old-timer wizards have a wand up your sleeve, but if you don’t, swing by Ollivander’s for an interactive wand experience. For the ultimate fun of casting spells all over the park, get a personalised and interactive wand for ¥4,900 (~S$45.99).
Opened: 16th June 2023
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2. World of Frozen in Hong Kong Disneyland – Hong Kong
Stroll through the land of Arendelle
Image credit: Hong Kong Disneyland
Arendelle’s calling your name to the magical realm of Frozen, where the beautiful mythical city comes to life at Hong Kong Disneyland’s World of Frozen – the first of its kind. A 1-day ticket starts at a price of HK$719/adult (~S$122.84), and HK$539/child (~S$92.09).
The family-friendly Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs ride.
Image credit: Hong Kong Disneyland
When it comes to rides, you have to start with the ultimate crowd-pleaser and singalong-fest: Frozen Ever After, a boat ride that takes you through Frozen‘s famous scenes in the Ice Palace. For a speedier adventure, hop on Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs to catch a glimpse of the beautiful Arendelle as the roller coaster takes a playful dip or two.
Then, bring your little ones to the Playhouse in the Woods and watch a theatrical experience featuring the beloved Elsa, Anna, and Olaf. You might hear him crack jokes in Cantonese.
Take pics with the Ice Palace (left) and by the dazzling Friendship Fountain (right), adorned with Elsa’s magical snowflake artistry.
Image adapted from: Jaybee Domingo via Facebook, @i_am_wlgml_1006 via Instagram
Hit up all the iconic spots to capture epic Arendelle moments for the ‘Gram because where else can you have your Let It Go moment? Before you leave, try some delightful Nordic flavours and culinary traditions, like krumkake at Golden Crocus Inn. It’s a delicate Norwegian waffle dusted with cinnamon sugar.
Opened: 20th November 2023
3. Carnival Magic – Phuket, Thailand
Sundown attraction with 40 million colourful LED lights
Image credit: @_seed_nxnx via Instagram
Think of the Christmas lights at Orchard Road, but a hundred times bigger. That’s Carnival Magic in Phuket for you. When we say bigger, we really mean a whopping 40 million dazzling lights to celebrate Thailand’s vibrant cultural heritage. And they’re draped across everything from the buildings to the floor, and over huge floats – you name it.
This park has been rocking it since late 2022, and if you haven’t checked it out, grab tickets starting at ฿2,100 (~S$80.31) the next time you’re in Phuket.
Win prizes at the Carnival Funfair and catch the 45-minute parade at River Carnival Parade around 8.30pm.
Image adapted from: @imber_le10 & @carnivalmagicpark via Instagram
Let your inner child loose on classic rides like spinning teacups and carousels, or try your luck at some funfair games. And, of course, no carnival is complete without a parade, and this one’s a doozy. Prepare to be dazzled by a 70m-long parade show of music, costumes, and dances.
Opened: September 2022
4. Zootopia in Disneyland – Shanghai, China
Explore the first-ever Zootopia-themed land
Image credit: Shanghai Disneyland
It’s not every day you see a whole mammalian metropolis with animals of all sizes springing up in a theme park. But, animal lovers would be pleased to know that Shanghai Disneyland has just opened the first-ever Zootopia land this December.
So, why not visit the world of Nick Wilde and his bunny cop partner Judy Hopper with tickets selling from ¥460/adult (~S$87.57) and ¥335/child (~S$63.77).
Image adapted from: Disney Park & @DAPs_Magic via X
Hop on a “trackless” ride like Zootopia: Hot Pursuit, which throws you right into a chase across town with Nick and Judy. And best of all, you don’t have to go looking for Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde around Disneyland anymore; they’re right in the Zootopia land waiting for a paw-five.
The signature frozen paw-shaped Disney Zootopia Pawpsicle and the Big Donut.
Image adapted from: @DrewDisneyDude via X & @shanghaidisneyresort via Instagram
While you’re there, make a pit stop at Jumbeaux’s Café for a sugar fix. You’ll have plenty of options, but don’t miss out on their signature paw-shaped Zootopia Pawpsicle like the ones in the movie. And take a bite out of Officer Clawhauser’s iconic go-to, the Big Donut, available in bite-sized bliss or belly-bursting portions.
Last but not least, you can’t leave Zootopia without grabbing some paw-some souvenirs. Head over to Fashions by Fru Fru, your one-stop store for all things Zootopia.
Opened: 20th December 2023
5. Chimelong Spaceship Theme Park – Zhuhai, China
Futuristic attractions in a UFO-like building
Image credit: Chimelong Spaceship
Chimelong Spaceship Theme Park truly lives up to its name – the building structure looks as if an alien spaceship just plopped down on Earth. Inside, you’ll find a mix of futuristic thrill rides, mind-bending shows, and alien encounters that’ll make you question if you’ve actually crossed the Milky Way.
The immersive Bermuda Storm theatre is one for adrenaline junkies.
Image credit: Themeparx
This theme park has taken the entertainment world by storm, well, almost literally. They’ve got an immersive attraction called the Bermuda Storm theatre. This ride gives you the closest experience to a real-life storm you’ll ever get with its super-sized curved projection screen.
With a ticket that costs RMB387/adult (~S$73.67) and RMB264/child (~S$50.26), you’re not just signing up for an adventure with aliens and spaceships – the aquatic world is also part of the deal.
Make sure not to miss Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, home to approximately 300 marine creatures.
Image credit: Themeparx
If you love the S.E.A. Aquarium in Singapore, you’ll definitely enjoy walking through the Chimelong Ocean Kingdom’s tunnel aquarium and other 15-themed zones. Those seeking an even deeper aquatic adventure can take the plunge into the Deep Sea Submarine, China’s first underwater submarine ride.
Opened: 16th September 2023
6. Ghibli Park – Nagoya, Japan
Stroll through mini Studio Ghibli-inspired towns
Recreate the famous scene and strike a pose with No Face from Spirited Away.
Image credit: @chloeeeloee via Instagram
We know Japan is always ahead of its time when it comes to bringing the wonder of Studio Ghibli and anime to life in incredible theme parks. Take Ghibli Park, for example. There are over 6 Studio Ghibli-themed areas you can visit, like Castle in the Sky, Princess Mononoke, and Spirited Away, all in the same park.
Image adapted from: @sancerree & @myphotomystory.japan via Instagram
Swing by the double-storey Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse, and you’ll feel as if you’re really walking through the strange village of Spirited Away, much as Chihiro did. Just a heads up, each area has its own entry fee. If you’re eyeing the warehouse, the admission kicks off at ¥2,500/adult (~S$23.43) and ¥1,250/child (~S$11.71).
Here’s a sneak peek of how the Howl’s Castle from Howl’s Moving Castle is going to look.
Image credit: Ghibli Park
Also, mark your calendars and grab your potions; the Valley of Witches is gearing up to enchant visitors on 16th March 2024. Ghibli fans, get ready to brew up some fun exploring charming structures such as Howl’s Castle and Hatter’s Millinery from Howl’s Moving Castle.
If you’ve already visited all the Studio Ghibli-like places in Singapore and Studio Ghibli and anime-inspired places in Japan, it’s time to check this one out.
Opened: 1st November 2022
– Opening in 2024 –
7. Minion Land in Universal Studios – Sentosa, Singapore
Visit Gru’s house & laboratory in a 3D ride
Image credit: @universalstudiossingapore via Instagram
Get ready to go bananas at the all-new Minion Land, as the newest, yellowest, and most mischievous zone invades Universal Studios Singapore next year. Smile and wave goodbye to Madagascar, but say bello to the land overflowing with googly eyes, gibberish, and side-splitting shenanigans.
Image credit: Universal Parks & Resorts
Brace yourself for Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, a 3D ride that’ll whisk you away on a chaotic adventure alongside Gru and the girls and put you in the POV of a Minion. Minion Land is also making history as the first theme park attraction to use sustainable energy in Singapore.
Also, the Minion’s Perspective Experience is finally here to stay. This immersive exhibition takes you on a journey through the making of the Despicable Me films, showcasing props, costumes, and backdrops of film sets. It’s a photo-op goldmine, so get ready to flood your Insta with minion mayhem.
8. Hello Kitty Theme Park – Sanya, China
Sanrio-themed roller coasters & water rides
Image credit: The Keystone Group
Dust off your passport and get ready for a Sanrio-fied adventure. The very first Hello Kitty Theme Park is set to kick off in Sanya, China, in 2024. It’s said to be a massive playground for Sanrio fans of all ages, with over 400 characters like My Melody and Gudetama waiting to greet you.
Image credit: The Keystone Group
The park is still under construction, but we’ve got some inside scoop on what type of rides you can expect. Think spinning Hello Kitty teacups ride, splashy water rides, a Ferris wheel, and a high-element rope course, to name a few.
Image credit: The Keystone Group
Apart from the rides, you can stroll through 3 distinct worlds: explore ancient Egypt with Hello Kitty as the mighty Sphinx, soak up Hawaiian vibes under Melody statues, or explore a floral-filled European town with Sanrio characters weaved everywhere.
For more information, check out the Keystone Group website.
9. Immersive Fort Tokyo – Tokyo, Japan
Solve murder mystery cases
Image credit: Immersive Fort Tokyo
If you’ve braved Halloween Horror Nights and love the thrill, you’ll be stoked about Tokyo’s first immersive horror and mystery theme park; the Immersive Fort Tokyo. This theme park reimagines the typical experiences, swapping thrilling rides for interactive theatres, and adventures where the player’s choices drive every storyline.
Look forward to an hour’s worth of immersive theatres, too.
Image credit: Immersive Fort Tokyo
Channel your inner Sherlock Holmes as you piece together clues in high-stakes cases and face nightmares head-on in 12 different adventures. What’s more, the adventures are themed with various manga and anime known to both locals and foreign people. So, hit up the theme park next Spring at the defunct VenusFort shopping mall.
Further info about the ticket prices and specific attractions is still under wraps, so keep an eye out for updates on their site.
For more information, check out Immersive Fort Tokyo website
Opening date: Spring 2024
10. Fantasy Springs in DisneySea – Tokyo, Japan
Immerse yourself in 3 Disney worlds
Image credit: Disney
Step into a world of enchantment and imagination next spring at Tokyo DisneySea as you explore the new additions of magical realm within the newest expansion, Fantasy Springs. Forget choosing just 1 new adventure – this land packs in 3 whole worlds: Frozen’s frosty wonderland, Rapunzel’s sun-kissed forest, and Peter Pan’s Neverland where dreams take flight.
DisneySea paints us a picture of what it’s like in the upcoming Rapunzel’s world.
Image credit: Disney
Rapunzel fans can look forward to a 5-minute-long boat ride called Tangled that takes you past the dreamy scene from the movie – the lantern festival that stole our hearts. And then, spot Arendelle Castle in all its icy glory on a 6-minute water boat ride called Frozen Kingdom with Anna and Elsa in Frozen Wonderland.
The Peter Pan’s Never Land is nothing short of a fun land, too. It has a 3D ride where you go through a 6-minute journey with Peter Pan, the pirates and Lost Kids. And for Tinkerbell stans, there’s a themed ride that’ll have you sprinkling pixie dust and buzzing with excitement.
Read our Tokyo DisneySea Fantasy Springs guide on how to get tickets to enter this section of the theme park.
Opening date: 6th June 2024
11. LEGOLAND – Shenzhen & Shanghai, China
The first LEGOLAND theme parks in the country
Image for illustrative purposes only.
Image credit: @tilezhou via Instagram
The name LEGOLAND doesn’t need any introduction, but it’s worth mentioning that it’s soon making its mark in China. You read that right – 2 brand-new LEGOLANDs are bursting onto the scene in Shenzhen and Shanghai.
LEGOLAND Water Park in Malaysia.
Image credit: @kayleeashleyhartono
LEGOLAND Shenzhen isn’t your average theme park; it’s a staggering 580,000sqm of Lego-built bliss, brimming with 3 LEGO-themed hotels and over 100 interactive rides, shows, and a water park. Also, look out for their Miniland, where you can see miniatures of Shenzhen’s famous landmarks built with millions of Legos.
Image credit: LEGOLAND Malaysia
The list of rides isn’t out yet, but one thing that will make a return at both LEGOLANDs is the Ninjago: The Ride. It’s an interactive 4D ride that takes players through Ninjago‘s world, dodge laser attacks, unleash Spinjitzu, and shoot the ultimate villain, the Great Devourer, with their own hands.
For more information, check out Merlin Entertainment’s website
12. HavenXR – Singapore
Interactive VR adventures
Image credit: Sim Leisure Group
HavenXR is a revolutionary VR cinema in Malaysia and Singapore that throws out the rulebook and lets you feel the wind, smell the surroundings and see 360 degrees of a completely different world. Think of each adventure as a quick thrill ride with a very personalised plot twist, lasting around 20-30 minutes.
Bonus for introverts: You can get into the VR session with your squad and still choose your own preferred adventure story. HavenXR already dropped a peek at one of the upcoming adventures, and let us tell you, The Keeper horror flick is giving us chills already. Watch the trailer and try out their VR game next year if you dare.
For more information, check out HavenXR’s website
Get ready for new and upcoming theme parks in 2024
Just when you thought there’s nothing new to see at Universal Studios Singapore, boom, the Minion Land drops. And the best news is, Singapore’s not the only one taking off with new theme parks. 2024 is bringing in a bunch of new and upcoming theme parks across Asia to drench your senses in dopamine and blow your mind with never-before experiences.
So, get ready to stroll through the animated-like lands and experience otherworldly adventures digitally next year.
For more theme parks, check out:
- Gay World Amusement Park
- Junglia – Nature theme park in Okinawa
- Trans Studio Bali – Indoor theme park in Seminyak
- Danga Bay Theme Park in JB
- Austin Heights Water & Adventure Park
Cover image adapted from: Disney
Originally published on 1st January 2024.