Discovery World

From our archives, Compass Magazine, JUN. 2002

By Douglas Habecker

Discovery World is Taiwan’s newest theme park and certainly one of its biggest. Connected to the Mala Bay water park, this impressive attraction is about twice as large and follows a similar approach, providing world-class, foreign-designed entertainment facilities almost identical to those found at any American theme park. The park is divided into six main areas–Discovery Walk, D Street, Yamay Island, Enchanted Forest, Fairy Tale Village and the unfinished Palace of Dreams. There are dozens of rides for all ages, plus carnival-type games, food and drink outlets, shops and regular performances by local and foreign entertainers.

Top rides include the Gravity Max roller coaster with a 360-degree loop, the milder Mine Express roller coaster, the Wild River Canyon water ride, a giant rotating swing called The Stinger, Energy Storm, which resembles a giant multi-axial propeller, a giant swinging ship called The Hook, and–of course–the Merry Go Round. Food outlets range from the Sugar Shack to the Yankee Clipper grill restaurant. One-day general admission is NT$700 for adults (19 and older), NT$600 for middle school through college students, NT$550 for kids 110 cm and up, and NT$350 for kids between 90 and 110 cm. There are discounts for groups of 30 or more, and NT$450 “Starlight” general admission (110 cm and up) after 4 pm. Getting to the park is easy–head north on the Freeway for about 15 minutes, get off at the Houli/Waipu exit and follow the Yamay Park signs.

115, An Mei Road, Houli Hsiang (Township), Taichung County