Hong Kong is home to a world class Disneyland since 2005, but already since 1977 a sizeable themed park with a much more unique character can be visited on Hong Kong Island. Ocean Park is an intriguing mix of questionable beginnings, absolute glory years in performance and growing financial struggles that almost lead to foreclosure. Still, until this day, the park sits proudly on the slopes of the mountains. Multiple capital injections have transformed the park over time and big plans are again forged for the future. The local government betted on the Disney project big time, but does this mean that Ocean Park drew the short stick? It cannot be denied that Ocean Park breathes more local culture than its counterpart from the US, but is that enough to stand the test of time? In this episode we describe the park’s history, but we especially analyse what is on offer now.   ▻ Check www.triponpodcast.com   ▻ Follow us on Instagram ▻ Listen to us on Apple Podcasts ▻ Listen to us on Spotify ▻ Listen to us on Audible

In our previous episode we discussed why Disney chose the Middle East and Abu Dhabi in particular. Now we’ll discuss if this announcement is even realistic and what it would mean for the region. The UAE isn’t shy of big announcements; Universal Studios, Six Flags, 20th Century Fox and several other themed parks never saw the light of day. So what makes this time different? There are real-world challenges not to be overlooked: the heat, the sun, and the speculation around whether a full-scale theme park can thrive year-round in the hot desert. Clearly not a place to repeat what has been done elsewhere, so the perfect occasion for innovation and progress? We're exploring what’s possible, what should be considered and what remarkable scenario could unfold in the future.   ▻ Check www.triponpodcast.com   ▻ Follow us on Instagram ▻ Listen to us on Apple Podcasts ▻ Listen to us on Spotify ▻ Listen to us on Audible

Big news has dropped, Disneyland is coming to Abu Dhabi’s YAS Island, enforced by an agreement between Miral and Disney. The often rumoured 7th Disney resort has finally found its place in the desert. Why did Disney choose the Middle East now, and what do they see in the region that has convinced them to develop a new resort and continue their legacy in the United Arab Emirates? Above all, what is Miral? What is YAS Island? Does this signal a business decision or something bigger? Could it signal a cultural shift, a new kind of storytelling frontier, or even a reimagining of how global brands engage with the Arab world? Of course, with opportunity comes controversy. How will Disney navigate the complex social, political, and cultural landscape of the region? In this episode, we unpack the layers behind the headline: the motivations, the implications and the questions that should be asked.   ▻ Check www.triponpodcast.com   ▻ Follow us on Instagram ▻ Listen to us on Apple Podcasts ▻ Listen to us on Spotify ▻ Listen to us on Audible

To wrap up our series about the United Arab Emirates based parks, we have discussed a Face Off for the theme parks. For 20 categories in total, we choose our individual top 3 favourites across the 5 theme parks that compete.   Even though we are often on the same page, there are also some interesting differences between us. You’re able to see the winners for each category in images on our instagram or on www.triponpodcast.com. Hopefully this will also clear things up regarding the different theme park offerings in the Middle East. We might make it much easier for you to choose where to go if you decide to make the trip to this part of the world.   ▻ Check www.triponpodcast.com   ▻ Follow us on Instagram ▻ Listen to us on Apple Podcasts ▻ Listen to us on Spotify ▻ Listen to us on Audible  

Just over a year ago we started and we are still going strong!A big thanks to everyone of our listeners. Looking ahead, we're committed to enhancing listener interaction and elevating the podcast experience. Cheers to one year of podcast making! ▻ Check www.triponpodcast.com   ▻ Follow us on Instagram ▻ Listen to us on Apple Podcasts ▻ Listen to us on Spotify ▻ Listen to us on Audible

It reminds of the original and it surely has the Disney magic, but if you really analyse it, it has so much more! Even some of the unusual aspects actually contribute to this park’s unique character.

It opened as a modest park, with few major rides, but it was an attempt to blend the Hong Kong tradition with the typical Disney magic. How did the park evolve over time and does it now deserve its spot amongst the world class theme parks?

Hong Kong is not just another city in China. It is a region with its own unique history, governance and geographical situation. Besides that, it’s also the home to one of the world’s Disney Resorts. Enough reasons to make a trip out there and let you in on what makes this place worth talking about.

A giant blue box, is basically what it looks like from the outside, but little did we know... The amazing layout, the authentic environments, the amount of species, the spectacular shows and the surprising rollercoaster all exceeded our expectations.

It doesn’t have the same reputation as Ferrari World and there are definitely no record breaking coasters here, but don’t be fooled by it being entirely under the roof. Warner Bros studios has a legacy to be proud of and their famous characters got a worthy home, full of captivating rides that are some of the best in the world!

What was supposed to be a few hours, turned into a whole day visit. Did Ferrari World surprise us that much? Is it maybe more than it seems on the surface. You’ll hear our honest opinion about this unique park.

By far the best visited park in Dubai! A ’cultural theme park’ what is that exactly? It is a heavily decorated place of commerce and culture, full of life and music, wonderfully lit and a true dream for food lovers.

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.   ▻ Check www.triponpodcast.com   ▻ Follow us on Instagram ▻ Listen to us on Apple Podcasts ▻ Listen to us on Spotify ▻ Listen to us on Audible

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.   ▻ Check www.triponpodcast.com   ▻ Follow us on Instagram ▻ Listen to us on Apple Podcasts ▻ Listen to us on Spotify ▻ Listen to us on Audible

First there was nothing and within record time it grew out to become a megacity, all by design. How does a city from the drawing table look feel and function and how were decisions made?

A shorter episode, in which we introduce your hosts Lee & Alex and give you a little insight in how we go about kicking off with the podcast. For this one we were able to sit next to each other in a hotelroom with brand new audio gear, so ready for recording and getting this thing started!We go over the 5w's to let you know how we got to starting this podcast, but we also introduce ourselves. A lot of work went into preparation and we are still continuously working on making the podcast more accessible and better in every way. We are happy to engage with the audience and we value your feedback. If you notice anything that needs our attention, don't hesitate and get in contact on our website. We would love to hear from you.   ▻ Check www.triponpodcast.com   ▻ Follow us on Instagram ▻ Listen to us on Apple Podcasts ▻ Listen to us on Spotify ▻ Listen to us on Audible

A podcast about travelling, urban life and theme parks. Every episode offers a casual talk by two professionals analysing the experiences and offering a rating. Are you the type of person that gazes up at facades and decorations? Do you (subconsciously) compare city centres to each other? Are you fascinated by how amazing the manmade world can actually be? Do you also enjoy the beautiful complexity of theme parks and attractions?Then this might be the podcast for you!   ▻ Check www.triponpodcast.com   ▻ Follow us on Instagram ▻ Listen to us on Apple Podcasts ▻ Listen to us on Spotify ▻ Listen to us on Audible