The First Theme Park Resort Is Opening Soon in Punta Cana

 

Katmandu Park, the first theme park in the Caribbean, is opening at the beginning of next year in Punta Cana. The $350 million project is the brainchild of Falcon’s Beyond, a global entertainment company, and Melia Hotels International, the second Katmandu after the popular resort destination in Mallorca.

The new, all-inclusive Falcon’s Resort by Melia in the Dominican Republic is a dramatic transformation of two resorts: the former Paradisus Grand Cana and The Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real.

The all-suite, more than 600-unit resort, has three signature dining concepts, along with amenities like pools, swim-up suites, a kids’ camp, and importantly for families with kids, a water park (the water park is already open). It’s a multi-phase project that will complete its final phase sometime next year.

So what about the park, which Melia calls “the first world-class theme park in the Caribbean?” Each guest will have a complimentary pass for Katmandu Park, along with a private shuttle to the park; guests in elevated room classes have broader pass benefits.

It’s a new concept for the Caribbean tourism industry, where the word “resortainment” hasn’t yet existed. Katmandu Park is expected to open in early 2023 in Punta Cana. Cecil D. Magpuri, CEO of Falcon’s Beyond, said in a statement: ” Combined with other day and night entertainment, dining and shopping, Katmandu Park will offer an extraordinary experience for families and theme park lovers in the premier resort location of Punta Cana.”

The park aims to be an alternative to the traditional “mega park” experience with a concept offering “world-class experiences in a smaller landscape,” according to Falcon’s Beyond.

The venue will feature four main attractions that create an overarching storyline:

1. Voyage of the Fathom Wanderer is a suspended theater attraction that will take guests on an underwater mission with a surprise ride element that will lift visitors through the air.
2. Challenge of the Mad Mage is an interactive 4-D theater attraction where guests are challenged to a blaster duel.
3. Legend of the Desirata is a 4-D dark ride attraction that will tell the Katmandu origin story by combining multiple projection screens, immersive audio, scenic elements and lighting effects.
4. EtherQuest is an interactive walk-through attraction with an interactive gameplay journey.

Katmandu Park will include a mini golf course, an outdoor ropes course and indoor climbing courses.