Experiencing the ‘New’ Star City
If you thought Star City’s memoir remain buried in ashes after the 2019 fire, then this will prove you wrong. Star City regained its glory last 2022 with new interiors, attractions, and updated color aesthetics. Here are the things I experienced in the reborn Star City with my friends.
Experiencing the ‘New’ Star City
Main Entrance
Here’s the side of the building with the big ‘STAR CITY’ logo and the doors leading directly to the food plaza.
Here’s the façade of the park. It has carnival-like decorative statues at the top and Christmas decorations.
The line was a bit long when we arrived since it was the holiday season. It took about 10-15 mins before we were able to purchase a ticket. One star pass costs P699 per head with unlimited rides; P859 is inclusive of Snow World. You can purchase onsite or through the updated Star City website.
After purchasing and scanning your ticket, you will be stamped on your arm with this cute red heart.
Here’s your star city checklist and guide. They have about 32 rides and attractions in general.
Lockers
If you don’t want to be disturbed by your heavy bags, the park has these orange lockers too. Some rides prohibit bags and tumblers for your safety. It costs P30 for a small locker and P50 for a large one, each for three hours. It can be unlocked through a face identification system with the guidance of a Star City staff.
Souvenir Shops
There are bazaars in the hallways of the entrance and exit area that sell shirts, hats, toys, and jackets. There is also a souvenir shop exclusive to Star City merchandise.
Rides & Attractions
Central Park Carousel
A refresher of our childhood! It’s a good start if you want a chill, up-and-down ride, with the circus music as you giddy up. This mini one is located outdoors, while the grand carousel is indoors. I recommend riding the grand carousel because it has a second floor.
Lolly Swing
I honestly thought this was another childish ride too. You know the ones that a five-year-old child can ride. It was chill until it swings you higher and faster and afterwards, you’ll feel dizzy (no phones allowed while riding this too).
Surf Dance
If I were to name a near-death experience, this should be it. It was a good idea that I took this on while I was still mustering enough strength because a lot of people are already backing out while in the long queue. And they were right! I was speechless.
This ride will throw you in every possible direction and believe me, our legs were shaking the entire time. At some point, I thought it will end already, only to throw you even higher. If you’re a thrill seeker, this is for you.
Here’s the day view of Star City’s Giant Star Wheel and the Star Flyer. A lot of people are lining up on the star flyer but I chickened out after the Surf Dance.
Time Warp Adventure
This one’s the most surprising. I didn’t expect that this attraction has a lot to offer since I expected it to be a small, boring room. But, it’s a museum of different countries and eras with many beautiful backgrounds to take photos with. Here are some photos from the Greece and Egypt area and I’ll leave out the others for your experience too.
Gabi ng Lagim
If life isn’t scary enough, then line up for Gabi ng Lagim. I don’t want to spoil too much, but you should go here with a friend so you have someone to pinch, grip onto, and scream with through the dark-lit alleys with those corpses begging for help.
The Star Frisbee is still alive and kicking with many brave people lining up for it.
Bumper Cars Smash
EDSA traffic? Pass. This ride is perfect for crazy drivers, as it will let you bump into those who literally stand in your way. It was a long line for a two-minute fun, but smashing my car to my heart’s content was worth it.
Food Stalls
Feeling hungry? The park has many outdoor and indoor food stalls, in case those extreme rides have sucked all your energy. Just expect the food and beverages to cost a little higher since the park houses them.
Sea Horse or Vikings
After the Surf Dance, I feel so much braver to ride this one. If you think a sea horse is gentle, then take this on. I did enjoy this (with eyes closed) and you can feel your stomach sinking when the sea horse pushes backwards and higher. If you’re braver, you can feel it most when you sit at the sea horse’s edge.
Digital Surround Theatre
This attraction feels like an elementary field trip experience. The show was Space Voyage and inside was an open field with a 360° projector area, which can accommodate about 70-80 people. The only thing that I didn’t like was the low picture quality so it was like I had vertigo the whole time.
Dinosaur Alive
Another elementary field trip must-have! You can also enjoy this if you love dinosaurs or Jurassic Park movies. You can’t touch these ‘live’ dinosaurs but you can take pictures with them as they move and make dinosaur noises. Unfortunately for me, I couldn’t name a single dinosaur.
Jungle Splash
Experience the mini jungle adventure with this two-person log ride. Expect yourselves to get wet as you will encounter splashes of water while going down the rails at warp speed. It doesn’t have any safety buckles, so you just have to position your feet and hold on for your life.
Giant Star Wheel
There’s nothing better to end an amusement park experience than riding a Ferris wheel. It’s the best ride, especially at night, when you can see Manila bay and city lights as if they’re stars. It was only a short ride and you won’t expect you’re at the top until you peep. It’s not airconditioned too if you’re wondering.
My Star City experience was the highlight of my holiday break and I’m thankful that all staffs were approachable. The majority of the rides were still there too. Hopefully, they also revive the Pirate Adventure when I come back.
What’s a Star City ride that you’re willing to try? Let us know!
