The DreamWorks Experience at Macau is a family affair

When I learnt that I would be travelling to Macao to witness the DreamWorks Experience at Cotai Strip Resorts, I was surprised. Macao seemed like an unlikely destination to meet and greet characters from DreamWorks’ movies like Shrek, Madagascar and Kung Fu Panda or to be a part of an essentially family affair. Usually, the destination brings to mind images of a thriving nightlife with casinos and clubs pulsating till the wee hours of the morning. Instead, what I was a part of, was a change in making the destination equally attractive to families.

Kids Fun pack and Merchandise

A colouring book, crayons, themed eye mask and balloons form part of a pack that’s specially designed for kids. Other merchandise that could be bought at the hotel included photo frames, headbands, keychains and soft toys featuring the characters.

Harlem Globetrotters

A basketball-themed game show may not top most non-sports fan’s list, but this show combined some amazing ball handling tricks and slam dunks with humour and excitement, as fans could decide the rules of the game. The packed auditorium with cheering fans said it all.

Dinosaurs Live

This exhibition at the Venetian Macao which is on till October 1, allows visitors to get a sneak peek at the lifelike dinosaurs and how they moved and sounded. As a dinosaur fan, it was fascinating, but could have had a more interactive interface.

Turbo regional premiere

There’s nothing like getting a special preview of the latest DreamWorks 3D flick Turbo before its theatrical release. Though not part of the regular package, I got to see the animated flick about an ordinary garden snail who dreams of becoming the fastest snail in the world. Held at the famed Venetian Theatre, the regional premiere saw a host of Asian celebs walk the red carpet. The best bit? The takeaway snail-themed headbands.

Shrekfast

Breakfast at 8 am sharp is hardly my idea of a good morning. But what seemed like a regular ballroom converted into a breakfast hall was much more interesting at second glance. As Shrek, Fiona, Alex and other characters made their way down the room, greeting and posing with guests, the spread beckoned. Patrons could choose from Dragon Eggs, sunny side up, Panda buns, Fiona muffins and Shrek’s Donkey pop cakes — among the usual American and Chinese breakfast foods.

DreamWorks All Star parade

The unique aspect of this experience is having characters from all four films under one roof — Po from Kung Fu Panda; Shrek, Fiona, and Puss in Boots from Shrek; Alex the lion, King Julien, and the penguins from Madagascar, and Toothless and Hiccup from How to Train Your Dragon. The parade that takes place at the Shoppes Cotai Central mall daily, brings these characters, dancers and more in an engaging parade with guests getting a chance to interact with their favourites. Interestingly, at the Meet and Greet sessions, it wasn’t just kids who were lining up for the characters.

Family suites

For the full experience, one needs to book one of these suites at the Sheraton Macao hotel. The main feature being the children’s room that’s themed in accordance to popular characters. The kid-friendly furniture in bright colours — cute bunk beds, closets, throw cushions — and even customised bathroom accessories will be a hit with kids.