The Un-Disenchantment

ENCHANTED KINGDOM THE MAGIC IS HERE AT SANTA ROSA LAGUNA

After about a decade of “disenchantment,” my BF Ben and I finally made it to the “Enchanted Kingdom” (“the magic is here at Sta. Rosa, Laguna”). We used to pass it taking the South Superhighway from what ever other adventure we went on in the South and wonder when we’d actually get to see the place for ourselves. Fortunately, with our trip to Pinatubo postponed and all other alternatives a dismal option, we found ourselves headed there thanks to Mar’s suggestion, driving and her mom’s car.

Arriving there at 9AM, Mar, her brother Tin, my BF Ben loitered somewhat outside, waiting for the opening time of 10 AM (excited or what?). Actually, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. The cynic in me thought after 10 years the place would probably be in dire need of maintenance and rehabilitation, but I was wrong. It was quaintly and effectively updated and taken care of. I can honestly say their restrooms weren’t bad having spent some time in one of them after the roller coaster and cinema shook around the insides of my stomach which had to be thrown up and out literally.

Determined to make the most out of our first trip we practically did not sit until after 6 hours, only after we checked out the:

Flying Fiesta
Roller Skater
Bump N’ Splash
Rialto
Wheel of Fate
Grand carousel
Anchors Away (just the 4 of us)
Space Shuttle (also just the 4 us, but Mar and I decided to pass up the 2nd opportunity to be propelled in circles forward then backwards again, leaving the boys to happily enjoy it themselves, save for the high pitch screaming of the girls behind them)
Rio Grande Rapids (2 times, which completely finished off the wetlook that the Jungle Log Jam started)
Jungle Log Jam (3 times…just to get the picture perfect _expression and position as we dropped down from the highest waterfall)
Dodgem Bumper Cars (6 times)
Up, Up and way (which finally made us all dizzy)

As if we weren’t wet enough, at around 5PM it started raining cats and dogs forcing us to huddle near the taco area where I must say, the Chimichangas tasted rather delicious. When the weather let up a little we made a break for the car and headed home. So much for watching the fireworks later that night.

I am pleased, however, to note that government employees can get a discounted rate of P375 per person for 4 people from the regular weekend rate of P500, as long as you bring your ID or at the very least your Social Security card. The food was actually quite affordable though it helped that we lunched out (in the car). I was rather amused, I must say, with the digicams at the Jungle Log Jam and the Riogrande, which despite it’s cost of P155 and P205 respectively, was something we had to buy in memory of the moments. Thanks to Mar’s sponsorship, Tin’s skills and my BF’s support hehe, I also have Marty, my EK stuffed toy dog which you win if you shoot an average sized basketball into a high hoop about half a centimeter wider in radius than the ball.

All in all I’d say we successfully enjoyed the weekend despite the fact that I confirmed I was now part of the elderly. I no longer feel the magic of riding things that change directions at more than 60 kms per hour. This I proved as I whined all the way into the space shuttle. I even thought my BF and Tin were insane as they frolicked back their 2nd time ‘round and even wanted to try it a third time as the rain poured.
We would have liked to try the Kart Trak and even the Xtreme Paintball, but you need more money for the earlier and more people for the latter. At any rate, it didn’t lesson the magic…naks…Thumbs up to EK where “the magic stays with you!”