EMEA Quick Takes | November/December 2021
A Wand-erful Experience Debuts in the U.K.
Harry Potter fans who go down to the woods this fall can be sure of a magical surprise as “Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience” debuts at Arley Hall & Gardens in Cheshire, United Kingdom. The first-of-its-kind, limited-time attraction will transform the English stately home’s woodlands into a spellbinding place inspired by Wizarding World adventures. Families will find fantastic beasts from the Harry Potter books and films—including Hippogriffs, centaurs, unicorns, and Nifflers—on the luminescent, nighttime walking trail.
Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment created the outdoor experience in partnership with theatrical designers and experiential creators Thinkwell, experiential and production consultancy Unify, and entertainment discovery platform Fever.
“‘Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience’ offers fans a new way to enjoy some of the most iconic and magical Wizarding World moments,” says Peter van Roden, senior vice president of Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment. “It’s a perfect location where the natural beauty of the forest trail and illuminated sets filled with familiar creatures from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts series will make for a magical experience for fans of all ages.”
The event is scheduled to run through November 2021 (standard tickets start at £24). Guests will spend around 60-90 minutes discovering the “Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience.” The enchanting trail is designed to be fully accessible.
hpforbiddenforestexperience.com
Jordan’s Largest Aqua Park Opens
Saraya Aqaba Waterpark is the coolest new attraction in the Red Sea city of Aqaba and the largest water park in the Kingdom of Jordan. Covering more than 28,500 square meters, the facility offers more than 25 slides, rides, and attractions.
Saraya Aqaba Waterpark includes water-drenched versions of the country’s iconic landmarks. The water park’s designers, Amusement Logic of Valencia, Spain, have taken styling inspiration from ancient Jordanian cities including Petra and Jerash, using artificial rock massifs to frame the attractions.
Highlights include the “Aqua Jerash” play structure, with slides, interactive activities, waterfalls, rotating water jets, and a giant tipping bucket. Guests can take a 40-foot plunge down a “Dead Sea Drop” slide and race each other on the multilane “Wadi Rum Racer” slide. “Mount Nebo” is home to four water slides, offering panoramic views of the park and surrounding mountains. There’s a “Rum Waves” wave pool, a 200-meter “Al Mujib Lazy River,” and Jordan’s first underwater VR Experience. Guests can refuel at the Rose City Diner and stock up on merchandise at the Al Siq Souk.
Real estate investment and development company Eagle Hills developed Saraya Aqaba Waterpark. Farah Experience LLC, a subsidiary of Miral Asset Management LLC, operates the park.
