Asia's first Movie Animation Park Studios opens its doors

IPOH: Asia's first Movie Animation Park Studios (MAPS), located in Bandar Meru Raya here opened its doors to the public today.
People excited about the park's attractions were seen already queuing up at the entrance at 9.30am.
Animation Theme Park Sdn Bhd chairman of the board of directors Ramelle Ramli said: "The number of visitors are beyond our expectations."
"Those who buy tickets this week will receive a free day pass which can be utilised until Sept 30," he added.
More visitors are expected to throng the park since schools will be enjoying a one week holiday in conjunction with Hari Raya.
Despite the promising start, Ramelle said there is room for improvement, "We are looking to do better ... we expect challenges and are getting feedback."
He also said the park's opening today is just the soft launch as more facilities will be made available at a later date.
"We are carrying out technical rehearsals which is normal for international standards. It will not take long for us to operate them," he told reporters after a tour of the park.
The park with the tagline "Live Your Dreams" has more than 40 attractions in six themed zones, namely Animation Square, Dream, Blast Off, Live Action, Lakeside and Fantasy Forest.
According to Ramelle, "One will take a minimum of six hours to enjoy all the outlets at the world class theme park in Malaysia especially in Ipoh.
Built on a 20.8ha site, MAPS which cost RM520 million houses both international and homegrown Intellectual Properties (IPs) including DreamWorks characters.
Several of the attractions available will be "first experiences" either in the world, Malaysia or Asia.
One example is the world's first "La Cremeria Cafe" for ice cream lovers with an interior atmosphere themed on "galactic space".
Guests can enjoy Nestle's La Cremeria ice creams including Capsule Sandwich, Galaxy Banana Split or Jupiter Double Barrel.
Meanwhile, popular animation characters from BoboiBoy are featured at the Home of BoBoiBoy, the first in the world and source of pride for Malaysia.
Guests can also follow their beloved characters into the an exciting 4D motion adventure on the Floating Island.
Another first in the world is the "Starship" where one can have a meal in three levels of restaurants in an outer space themed environment.
For young children aged between 3 and 12, the Fantasy Forest Zone gives them an opportunity to explore the "Cave of Wonders" in a mystical journey which encounters an ancient civilisation or marvel at the "Upside Down Pyramid" by discovering and solving the mystery of this gravity-defying masterpiece.
Those leaving the park will have fond memories as photo-ops are available for visitors around the park and printed copies of it can be purchased at selected photo kiosks.
To make it memorable they can share their memories on social media instantly as MAPS provides free Wifi up to 1,000 Mbps.
The park is expected to receive 7,000 visitors a day and an average of 49,000 people will visit the park within the first week of opening between June 26 and July 2.
To promote the park, MAPS management will go on roadshows/tradeshows in major shopping malls to sell tickets.
Announcements will be made on MAPS Facebook at facebook.com/mapsperak or on its website at mapsperak.com. Online purchases can also be made at the website.
Discounted tickets priced at RM131 for adults and RM104 for children are currently available.
There is also a special Soft Opening Hari Raya promotion for tickets starting on June 16 till July 1.
The tickets bought during this period can be utilised from June 26 to July 2.
Another "gift" awaits visitors who spend at least RM600 on tickets in a single receipt. Such visitors will be presented with a "Smurf" hat while those who spent at least RM1,000 will receive two hats.
These special rates are available at Aeon Kinta City and Aeon Klebang road shows here.
Explore MAPS in 360° view below: