Enchanted Kingdom

The theme park was founded by Mario and Cynthia Mamon. Their family frequently visited local theme parks such as Boom na Boom, Big Bang sa Alabang, and Fiesta Carnival, all of which inspired the couple to open a theme park of their own.{{cite journal|last1=Ubaldo|first1=Aye|title=A leap of faith, a lifetime of memories|journal=PANA AdEdge|date=January–April 2015|volume=11|issue=1|pages=53–55|publisher=Philippine Association of National Advertisers}} While they were visiting Ocean Park in Hong Kong in the early 1990s, they attended an amusement conference being held in the country where they were then introduced to the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA). Realizing the group can help them enter the amusement park industry, they joined the association in 1992 following their first trade show attendance in Dallas, Texas.{{cite web|title=Leading in Asia: The Philippines' Enchanted Kingdom|url=https://blooloop.com/theme-park/in-depth/leading-in-asia-the-philippines-enchanted-kingdom/|website=Blooloop|access-date=3 October 2016|date=17 February 2016}}

Aside from being the founder and President of Enchanted Kingdom, Mario Mamon is the first Asian and first Filipino to head the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions or IAAPA.{{cite news|title=Enchanted Kingdom president becomes first Asian to chair IAAPA|url=http://www.philstar.com:8080/business-life/2013/09/23/1236932/enchanted-kingdom-president-becomes-first-asian-chair-iaapa|date=September 23, 2013|publisher=Philstar Global|access-date=2016-06-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821183221/http://www.philstar.com:8080/business-life/2013/09/23/1236932/enchanted-kingdom-president-becomes-first-asian-chair-iaapa|archive-date=2016-08-21|url-status=dead}}

The IAAPA assisted the Mamons in getting consultants, contractors, and suppliers to set up Enchanted Kingdom. Gary Goddard, who was then with Landmark Entertainment, designed and planned the park while Cincinnati-based firm International Theme Park Services, Inc., served as consultants, especially on issues such as safety and operations, for the first three years. Construction on the park began in August 1994 on a property covering {{convert|10|ha|acre}}. Construction was rushed to beat potential competitors, and the park officially opened to the public on October 19, 1995.{{cite journal|last1=Ubaldo|first1=Aye|title=The real magic emanates from middle-class Merlin|journal=PANA AdEdge|date=January–April 2015|volume=11|issue=1|pages=44–45|publisher=Philippine Association of National Advertisers}}{{cite web|title=Overview of EK|url=http://enchantedkingdom.ph/overview/|website=Enchanted Kingdom|access-date=28 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208050724/http://enchantedkingdom.ph/overview/|archive-date=8 December 2015|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}{{cite news|last1=Hidalgo|first1=Vanessa|title=Park created by families and for families to enjoy|url=http://business.inquirer.net/149427/park-created-by-families-and-for-families-to-enjoy|access-date=October 4, 2016|publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=October 26, 2013}}{{Cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rC5pqvtePEI|title="Philippines: Santa Rosa: Enchanted Kingdom Theme Park"|publisher=AP Archive|access-date=February 21, 2023}}

File:Enchanted Kingdom (01-03-2015).jpg in the background.]]

Operations of Enchanted Kingdom were difficult in its first years from 1995 to 2002, with the 1997 Asian financial crisis, affecting the business significantly only recovering from the financial breakdown in 2003. When business stabilized, the management began introducing two entertainment units per year. Business grew and was later registered the highest daytime visit to an amusement park in Region IV (Calabarzon and Mimaropa regions) according to the Department of Tourism. Domestic visitors comprise the majority of the amusement park's visitors.

In early 2020, the park's operations were halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite news |title=Experience the magic at home with Enchanted Kingdom's virtual rides and attractions |url=https://businessmirror.com.ph/2020/06/11/experience-the-magic-at-home-with-enchanted-kingdoms-virtual-rides-and-attractions/ |access-date=11 August 2020 |work=BusinessMirror |date=11 June 2020}} Its operations has been resumed and halted multiple times due to the pandemic,{{cite news | url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/travel/760236/enchanted-kingdom-to-reopen-oct-17-strict-health-protocols/story/ | title=Enchanted Kingdom to reopen Oct. 17 under strict health protocols | publisher=GMA News | date=October 16, 2020 | access-date=June 19, 2021}}{{cite tweet| number=1373858015175057410 | lang=Filipino|title=Sarado muli ang Enchanted Kingdom sa Sta. Rosa City matapos ilagay sa GCQ ang Laguna | first=Dennis|last=Datu|user=Dennis_Datu | date=March 22, 2021 | access-date=June 19, 2021}} last reopening on June 5, 2021.{{Cite news|author=BMPLUS|url=https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/06/03/magical-weekends-return-as-enchanted-kingdom-reopens-on-june-5/|title=Magical weekends return as Enchanted Kingdom reopens on June 5|website=BusinessMirror|date=June 3, 2021|access-date=June 5, 2021}} The amusement park's operations was suspended again from January 5 to February 24, 2022 due to the increase of Omicron cases.{{cite news |title=Star City set to reopen after 2 years; Enchanted Kingdom to temporarily close amid COVID-19 surge |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/life/01/06/22/star-city-set-to-reopen-ek-to-suspend-ops-amid-omicron |access-date=17 January 2022 |work=ABS-CBN News |date=6 January 2022}}{{cite news |title=Enchanted Kingdom closes doors until January 16 |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/hobbiesandactivities/817209/enchanted-kingdom-closes-doors-until-january-16/story/ |access-date=17 January 2022 |work=GMA News |date=6 January 2022 |language=en}}{{cite news|url=https://philstarlife.com/geeky/560725-enchanted-kingdom-reopens-on-feb-25|title=Enchanted Kingdom reopens on Feb. 25 after closing due to COVID-19 surge|first=Nick|last=Garcia|date=February 18, 2022|accessdate=December 29, 2022|publisher=PhilSTAR Life}}

In 2016, Enchanted Kingdom began a 10-year expansion which includes the redevelopment of the existing theme park and addition of new zones, a regional convention center, a water park and a lifestyle center.{{cite news|last1=Miller|first1=Keith|title=First Look - March 2016 - The Philippines' Enchanted Kingdom Embarks on 10-Year Expansion|url=http://www.iaapa.org/news/funworld/funworld-magazine/first-look---march-2016|access-date=3 October 2016|work=Funworld|publisher=International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions|date=March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161005002543/http://www.iaapa.org/news/funworld/funworld-magazine/first-look---march-2016|archive-date=5 October 2016|url-status=dead}}

File:EK View From Wheel of Fatejwilz.jpg

The initial design of the park presented to the Mamons by consultants, was heavily inspired by Philippine architecture. The concept was rejected since the Mamons preferred a fantasy-oriented design, with Mario Mamon saying it would result in visitors seeing what they see “outside in their normal lives” which he remarks would sort of "break the magic”.

The park currently has nine themed zones that host various rides, shops, restaurants, and event venues. The zones are Victoria Park, Portabello, Boulderville, Midway Boardwalk, Brooklyn Place, Spaceport, Jungle Outpost, Eldar's Village, and Cultural Village. Victoria Park, which includes the main entrance, is patterned after the Victorian Era. Boulderville is a small ride area for children which is similar to the fictional town of Bedrock from The Flintstones. Midway Boardwalk is based on 1930s Coney Island and features the most rides. Jungle Outpost is based on the Amazon Jungle in South America, while Spaceport is dedicated to the Space Age. Brooklyn Place is based on 1940s New York and the silent film era as Portabello is based on the Caribbean and West Indies. Eldar's Village is a child-centered area dedicated to the theme park’s mascot, Eldar the Wizard, and the twin princesses, Victoria and Madeline.{{cite news|url=https://www.philstar.com/business/2017/11/01/1754646/enchanted-kingdom-expansion-mode|title=Enchanted Kingdom on expansion mode|first=Catherine|last=Talavera|work=The Philippine Star|date=November 1, 2017|accessdate=March 18, 2023}}{{cite news|url=https://travelupdate.ph/5672/ek-reopens-june-5-showcases-new-attractions/|title=EK reopens June 5, showcases new attractions|website=Travel Update Philippines|date=June 3, 2021|accessdate=March 18, 2023}} The Cultural Village focuses on the culture and heritage of the Philippines.{{cite news|url=https://www.eap-magazin.de/48-News/4374,Philippines%3A-Enchanted-Kingdom-to-be-Expanded.html|title=Philippines: Enchanted Kingdom to be Expanded|date=November 17, 2015|accessdate=March 18, 2023|website=Magazine - EuroProfessional Amusement}}{{cite news|url=https://www.philstar.com/business/2016/11/09/1640640/enchanted-kingdom-expanding|title=Enchanted Kingdom expanding|first=Mary Grace|last=Padin|date=November 9, 2016|accessdate=March 18, 2023|publisher=The Philippine Star}}{{cite web|title=Park Map|url=https://www.enchantedkingdom.ph/park-map/|website=Enchanted Kingdom|access-date=March 18, 2023}}

In addition, the park's portico, situated beside the entrance, houses the park's guest relation office and dining outlets.{{cite news|url=https://mb.com.ph/2023/10/25/enchanted-kingdom-28-years-of-creating-magic|title=Enchanted Kingdom: 28 years of creating magic|author=MB Lifestyle|date=October 25, 2023|accessdate=July 29, 2024|publisher=Manila Bulletin}}{{cite news|url=https://tribune.net.ph/2024/03/07/find-comfort-in-every-sip-at-starbucks-ek-portico|title=Find comfort in every sip at Starbucks EK Portico|first=John Louie|last=Abrina|date=March 7, 2024|accessdate=July 29, 2024|publisher=Daily Tribune}}

{{see also|Space Shuttle (roller coaster)|Agila: The EKsperience}}

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The Enchanted Kingdom hosts 32 rides and attractions as of 2025.{{cite web|url=https://www.enchantedkingdom.ph/rides-and-attractions/|title=Rides and Attractions|accessdate=December 29, 2022|website=Enchanted Kingdom}}{{cite web|url=https://www.enchantedkingdom.ph/enchanted-kingdom-kicks-off-its-30th-year-with-a-new-thrilling-ride-eklipse-the-first-of-its-kind-in-southeast-asia/|title=Enchanted Kingdom kicks off its 30th year with a new thrilling ride, EKlipse, the first of its kind in Southeast Asia|date=March 5, 2025|accessdate=April 27, 2025|website=Enchanted Kingdom}} Among the attractions is the Space Shuttle, a roller coaster, and the Wheel of Fate, a {{convert|39.62|m|ft|sp=us|adj=mid|-high}} Ferris wheel with 36 gondolas (each with a 6-person capacity),{{cite web|title=Wheel of Fate|url=http://enchantedkingdom.ph/posts/wheel-of-fate/|website=Enchanted Kingdom|access-date=October 4, 2016}} and the Agila: The EKsperience, a flight motion simulator ride. In addition, the park hosts four event venues.{{cite web|url=https://www.enchantedkingdom.ph/corporate-packages/|title=Corporate Packages|accessdate=April 1, 2023|website=Enchanted Kingdom}}

Enchanted Kingdom experienced financial difficulties in 1997, 2007, and 2008 but since 2009, the park has received a steady increase in regards to its number of visitors. However, in 2013, the park experienced a drop in attendance due to bad weather conditions in the latter half of the year which included Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda). In 2015, it was reported that 10 percent of the park's visitors were foreigners, mostly Chinese and Koreans.{{cite news|last1=Amojelar|first1=Darwin|title=Number of visitors to Enchanted Kingdom drops in 2013 amid cancellations|url=http://www.interaksyon.com/business/79999/number-of-visitors-to-enchanted-kingdom-drops-in-2013-amid-cancellations|access-date=4 October 2016|publisher=InterAksyon.com|date=3 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161005105032/http://www.interaksyon.com/business/79999/number-of-visitors-to-enchanted-kingdom-drops-in-2013-amid-cancellations|archive-date=2016-10-05|url-status=dead}} In the same year, 1.8 million people visited the park, registering its largest attendance in its 20-year history.

File:EK Wizard Mascot logo.svg

Enchanted Kingdom does not pay royalties to outside sources regarding its characters and attractions, instead coming up with their own characters and other intellectual property. According to company owner, Mario Mamon, the attractions and shows are produced with educational and Filipino values in mind and not solely for entertainment and amusement purposes.

The main mascot of the park is Eldar the Wizard, who is designed to embody "knowledge and integrity". He is characterized as a jolly, old wizard from the distant land of Marsynthea. Another character devised by Enchanted Kingdom is Princess Victoria.{{cite news|title=Enchanted Kingdom's Eldar, the Wizard & Princess Victoria meet PO1 Bato|url=http://www.mb.com.ph/enchanted-kingdoms-eldar-the-wizard-princess-victoria-meet-po1-bato/|access-date=October 3, 2016|publisher=Manila Bulletin|date=August 13, 2016}}

• October 18, 2006: Two workers fell from the roof of a {{convert|50|m|ft|sp=us|adj=mid|-high}} structure while repairing a lightning arrester in the afternoon. Both were rushed to the St. James Hospital, also in Santa Rosa, after sustaining injuries from the fall. One of the two workers later died at the hospital. The management of the amusement park clarified that the accident was "not ride-related." The park resumed operations a week later.{{cite news | url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/18192/update-worker-in-enchanted-kingdom-accident-dies/story/ | title=(Update) Worker in Enchanted Kingdom accident dies | website=GMA News Online | date=October 18, 2006 | access-date=June 19, 2021}}
• December 12, 2007: A train of Space Shuttle was stalled on its Cobra Roll element at around 6:00 p.m. PHT. All 25 riders, mostly students on an educational tour, were safely rescued.{{cite news|title=Shuttle ride breaks down at Enchanted Kingdom|url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/72595/news/regions/shuttle-ride-breaks-down-at-enchanted-kingdom|accessdate=March 18, 2023|work=GMA News|date=December 12, 2007|first=Amita|last=Legaspi}} After that, Space Shuttle was temporarily suspended for technical renovation.

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{official website|http://enchantedkingdom.ph/}}

{{Santa Rosa City}}

{{Laguna Special Zones}}

{{Calabarzon attractions}}

Enchanted Kingdom

Category:Amusement parks in the Philippines

Category:Landmarks in the Philippines

Category:Buildings and structures in Santa Rosa, Laguna

Category:1995 establishments in the Philippines

Category:Tourist attractions in Laguna (province)

Category:Entertainment companies established in 1995

Category:Amusement parks opened in 1995