MOTION GATE MUST DO ATTRACTIONS

Motiongate is a Hollywood-themed amusement park located in Dubai Parks and Resorts, just outside the city. The closest major city is Dubai itself, around a 20–25 minute drive from most central areas. The park opened on 16 December 2016 and has quickly become one of the region’s top destinations for immersive attractions, iconic film worlds, and family-friendly entertainment.

Today, Motiongate blends DreamWorks Animation, Lionsgate films, and Columbia Pictures IP with elaborate sets, indoor ride buildings, air-conditioned lands (a lifesaver in the UAE heat), and some of the best dark rides in the Middle East. It’s far more than a coaster park, it’s a cinematic world you step into.

Your visit begins at Studio Central, a glamorous boulevard inspired by classic Hollywood. With its film-set architecture, art-deco façades, and giant movie props, it feels like entering an active backlot. From here, Motiongate reveals its true strength: richly themed indoor zones, highly detailed environments, and attractions that mix storytelling with thrills.

Motiongate isn’t just a collection of rides. It’s a living movie set. Some attractions are so atmospheric, detailed, and ambitious that they define the park itself. If you have limited time, these are the experiences you simply can’t miss:

How to Train Your Dragon – The Ride (DreamWorks Indoor World)

This suspended family coaster takes you into the skies above Berk, soaring past dragons, ships, smoke effects, animatronics, and glowing caves. The entire DreamWorks area is indoors — incredibly themed and packed with energy. The ride blends motion, storytelling, and a few surprisingly intense moments for a family attraction.

Must-do because:
It’s the most atmospheric family coaster in the UAE and one of the best indoor themed rides in the region.

Now You See Me: High Roller (Lionsgate)

Motiongate’s newest blockbuster thrill: a twisting, multi-launch coaster themed around the Now You See Me franchise. Expect heist-style storytelling, casino visuals, and a sleek, modern queue. The coaster is smooth, fast, and filled with airtime moments.

Must-do because:
It’s Motiongate’s headline thrill coaster — modern, stylish, and full of energy.

Kung Fu Panda: Unstoppable Awesomeness (DreamWorks Indoor World)

A fully indoor 4D dark ride with motion seats, huge screens, wind effects, and classic DreamWorks humor. You join Po on a chaotic mission to save the Valley of Peace. The scale of the scenes and the energy of the show make it perfect for families — and a great break from the heat.

Must-do because:
It’s one of the park’s strongest story-driven attractions, with huge sets and a cinematic feel.

The Hunger Games: Capitol Bullet Train (Lionsgate)

A launched coaster themed around an escape from the Capitol. It’s fast, sleek, and surprisingly intense, with tight turns and bursts of speed. The dark, futuristic queue adds to the tension before boarding.

Must-do because:
It’s one of Motiongate’s best pure thrill rides and visually spectacular from the moment you enter the Lionsgate zone.

Hotel Transylvania (Columbia Pictures)

A charming dark ride where you board a coffin-shaped vehicle and travel through Dracula’s gothic hotel. The animatronics, lighting, and humor make it a standout for families. It’s long, detailed, and full of personality — easily one of the most underrated rides in the park.

Must-do because:
It’s a beautifully crafted animatronic dark ride that feels like stepping into the film.

Shrek’s Merry Fairy Tale Journey (DreamWorks Indoor World)

A gentle boat ride through a puppet-style retelling of how Shrek and Fiona met. Expect animatronics, whimsical sets, and cozy storytelling. It’s calm, cute, and perfect for a slower moment in your day.

Must-do because:
It captures DreamWorks’ heart and humor in a family-friendly, atmospheric way.

TICKET PRICES

The ticket for one day at Motiongate typically costs from roughly USD 64–80 (AED 235–295) for a “1-park pass,” giving you full access to all rides and attractions for that day.

The best option to stay is the hotel resort Lapita, it sits within the grounds of Dubai Parks & Resorts, just a short walk from Motiongate, LEGOLAND, and other parks.  Room rates at Lapita vary depending on season and offer, but recent deals show starting prices around USD 170 - 260 per night (AED 620–995) standard rooms, for two adults.

Many packages even bundle park tickets with hotel stay, sometimes for as little as USD 200 - 250 (AED 739–899) including breakfast + access to one park — which can be a great value for a full day of thrills plus a comfortable stay. 

Staying at Lapita doesn’t just make logistics easy — it turns your trip into a full “theme-park holiday” rather than just a day-visit.

FOOD RECOMMENDATIONS

One of the best things about visiting Motiongate Dubai is that there’s no shortage of tasty, fun food to enjoy from burgers and pizzas to Asian noodles, BBQ grills and themed snacks.  Inside the park you’ll find restaurants like King Julien’s Side Show Café with pizza, sandwiches and live-show vibes; Dragon Flame Grill if you’re craving something heartier; and comfy cafés for a quick bite or snack when you need a break. 

But if you want food with a view and a little extra atmosphere head to Riverland Dubai, right next to Motiongate. There, spots like Viva Ristorante, Al Mashowa or Chickadees offer a wide variety of cuisines, Italian, Emirati, comfort-food favorites — and you can dine while strolling along the water, enjoying a chilled-out meal under the lights, with a more relaxed vibe than inside a busy theme-park land. 

HOW TO GET TO MOTION GATE?

Getting to Motiongate Dubai is easy and straightforward, especially if you’re flying into the UAE. Dubai International Airport (DXB) is the main arrival airport for most visitors and is located about 45–60 minutes from Dubai Parks and Resorts, where Motiongate is situated.

The fastest and most convenient way to reach the park is by taxi or ride-hailing service. Taxis are readily available at all DXB terminals, and Uber and Careem work reliably in Dubai, offering clear pricing and comfortable, door-to-door transport. This option is especially convenient if you’re traveling with bags or planning to head straight to the park or a nearby hotel.

Public transportation is available, but it’s less practical for most visitors. Reaching Motiongate by metro and bus requires multiple transfers and can easily take over two hours, making it inefficient if you’re short on time or visiting with children.

For most travelers, taking a taxi or Uber from Dubai Airport is the best choice. Fares are reasonable by international standards, particularly when shared, and the convenience more than justifies the small extra cost. Arriving directly at Motiongate or your hotel nearby means you’ll start your park day calm, organized, and ready to enjoy the rides and attractions.

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