by Joe Tracy, Editor of Theme Park Magazine
Mattel Adventure Park, a nine-acre mini theme park, will open in 2024 at the 60-acre VAI Resort. The resort is located in Glendale, Arizona, close to the stadium for the Arizona Cardinals and the Westgate Entertainment District. At the intersection of nostalgia and modern entertainment, Mattel Adventure Park sets the stage for a unique thematic experience.
Drawing inspiration from some of the most iconic toys ever created, Mattel Adventure Park aims to be a haven for both the young and the young at heart. It will be the first Mattel theme park in the world.
A Closer Look at the Attractions at Mattel Adventure Park
When the park opens in 2024, it will contain the following rides and attractions:
The Thrill of Hot Wheels:
Mattel Adventure Park is set to house two distinctive Hot Wheels-themed roller coasters. The Hot Wheels Bone Shaker™: The Ultimate Ride stands out as the first family coaster to exhibit the renowned hot rod’s skull emblem, ascending a notable 84 feet into the sky. For those in pursuit of an even more exhilarating experience, the Hot Wheels Twin Mill™ Racer awaits. This rollercoaster, with its double loop and pair of corkscrews, is a pioneering attraction, marking its debut as the inaugural coaster of this design in Arizona.
Journey to the World of Sodor:
For little ones, Mattel Adventure Park features Thomas & Friends to the World of Sodor™. This area boasts a diverse range of seven attractions specifically curated for families. It further enhances its appeal with an exclusive indoor play zone, tailored for the younger park-goers ensuring they have a memorable experience.
Barbie Beach House:
Stepping into the world of Barbie, a life-sized Barbie Beach House stands tall, ready to enthrall Barbie enthusiasts. One of the highlights is the Barbie Dream Closet Experience™, a segment that employs holographic technology to bring Barbie to life. To further enhance the experience, visitors can ascend to the rooftop bar and diner, which offers a sweeping panoramic vista of the park grounds.
Battle in Castle Grayskull:
For devotees of the Masters of the Universe™, a grand showdown beckons. The park offers a 4,500 square-foot laser tag battleground, meticulously designed to replicate the majestic Castle Grayskull fortress. Participants can thus engage in a fierce battle for Eternia, surrounded by iconic imagery.
Mattel Mini-Golf:
Mattel’s rich legacy is further celebrated through an innovative mini-golf course. Comprising nine holes, each pit-stop is infused with inspirations from cherished Mattel games, including the Magic 8 Ball™ and Pictionary™. Adding to the lineup of attractions, an imposing custom climb structure themed around the classic UNO™ card game promises to be both a nostalgic trip and an adventurous climb, suitable for visitors of all ages.
“Mattel Adventure Park features a unique and strategic year-round indoor/outdoor design providing acres of air-conditioned space to ensure a cool guest experience all summer long here in the heat of Arizona,” says Mark Cornell, President at Epic Resort Destinations (EPIC). “Our Attractions Development team are simply redefining the entertainment channel by bringing Mattel’s powerhouse, evergreen brands to life like never before.”
EPIC is a resort developer that specializes in the development of IP brands into entertainment destinations. Cornell promises that “you’ve never seen a park quite like this one.” He cites one example of the Bone Shaker coaster in which the lift goes through the roof to the outdoors, much like Desperado at Buffalo Bills in Primm, Nevada.
Mattel Adventure Park: Compact Yet Comprehensive
Upon its opening, Mattel Adventure Park is set to distinguish itself as one of the most compact yet intricately designed theme parks in the U.S. Spanning a mere nine acres, the park’s footprint equates to approximately four city blocks or the expanse of seven football fields.
For perspective, when Disneyland swung open its gates in 1955, it sprawled over a vast 160-acre landscape. Even the small Sesame Place theme park in San Diego occupies a 17-acre plot.
In crafting Mattel Adventure Park, meticulous attention is being paid to the utilization of every available square foot, maximizing the potential of its constrained boundaries.
Notably, the park’s positioning within the expansive 60-acre VAI Resort endows it with an illusion of grandeur. This perception is amplified by VAI Resort’s scenic five-acre lagoon within the resort’s precincts.
Inside the VAI Resort
Nestled within 60 acres of Arizona’s desert landscape, the VAI Resort stands as a testament to luxurious recreation, coming in with a price tag of a staggering $1 billion. VAI Resort had its groundbreaking in Fall 2021. When it is completed in 2024, VAI Resort will be the largest resort in Arizona.
The expansive resort encompasses:
- Four architecturally distinct towers, namely Muse, Rhythm, Cadence, and VAI Villas, cumulatively housing 1,100 luxury accommodations, from standard rooms to opulent villas.
- A state-of-the-art multi-level amphitheater bolstered by a $40-million stage. An exclusive perk? One hundred sixty rooms within the Muse Tower offer unobstructed vistas of this venue, allowing guests to recline on their balconies and immerse themselves in the melodies below.
- A sprawling 5-acre lagoon inviting guests for a refreshing dip.
- Konos Island, a fabricated island designed explicitly for spirited celebrations.
- A culinary journey awaits visitors with 12 high-end restaurants to choose from.
- Ten sophisticated bars and lounges catering to diverse tastes.
- A shopping esplanade for those inclined towards retail therapy.
- A tethered hot air balloon that takes guests 400 feet in the air.
- A 4D interactive theater.
- A large 2,500-square-foot wedding venue.
- A 50,000-square-foot meeting or event space.
And, of course, the much-anticipated Mattel Adventure Park, promising entertainment for both the young and the young-at-heart.
VAI Resort Renderings
So how will VAI Resort look when it is complete in 2024? Here are some renderings they provided:
A Timely Endeavour
The unveiling of Mattel Adventure Park coincides with a significant upswing in Mattel’s brand recognition. Highlighting this momentum, the 2023 Barbie film tallied over a billion dollars on the global front within just three weeks of its release.
Furthermore, Mattel Adventure Park exemplifies the rising inclination towards establishing more intimate theme park experiences in areas previously underserved by such recreational ventures.
Mattel Adventure Park FAQ
Explore More: Videos
Mattel Adventure Park in Glendale to Open in 2024
Explore More: Resources
- Website: Mattel Adventure Park
- Website: VAI Resort
About Joe Tracy
Joe Tracy, the creator, and editor of Theme Park Magazine, is a lifetime enthusiast of theme parks and immersive experiences. The publication was launched under his leadership on June 1, 2021, as a manifestation of his deep-seated love for all things themed. Joe has amassed over 20 years of expertise in both traditional print and online publishing.
