Where would you expect to find the world’s largest indoor theme park? If you answered "Dubai," you’d be close (but no cigar). It’s basically next door in, Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s capital. And you might be surprised to find that it’s not another Disney park or Universal Studios attraction – no, the world’s largest theme park is Ferrari World, and it opened today (27 October 2010) to the media. The public opening has been delayed as a sign of respect for the passing of Sheik Saqr bin Mohammed Al-Qasimi, Emir of Ras al-Khaimah. Gizmag has given readers an insight into Ferrari World in the past, but shortly you’ll be able to visit for yourself.
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi stretches 700 meters (766 yards) long and occupies 176,000 square meters (210,494 square yards) of interior space, a fair chunk of Abu Dhabi’s 25 square-kilometer (9.96 square-mile) Yas Island.
Unmistakable from the air, the "Ferrari Red" three-pointed-star-shaped metal skin roof sits atop the entertainment center that houses, among other rides, a 60-meter (197-foot) high "G-Force Tower" that provides thrill-seekers with a stomach-lurching free fall experience. As mentioned in our earlier reports, the indoor theme park also hosts the world’s fastest roller coaster, with speeds in excess of 200 km/h (124 mph) and G forces similar to those experienced by F1 drivers. There’s also the 4D fantasy ride "Speed of Magic."
Prices to enter Ferrari World are approximately US$60 for adults and US$44 for children.