Ferrari World & A Roller Coaster Lunch in Abu Dhabi

Mama takes Ferrari World: speeding around Yas Island

Have a little one who is obsessed with motor vehicles of all kinds? Or simply feeling the need for speed? Ferrari World should do the trick then, mamas!

It’s been on my family’s list of things to do forever and the other weekend we decided it was race time! Based on Yas Island, this Ferrari-branded theme park has tons of rides, simulators, adventure areas and fun things indoors (we know… HUGE selling point for the summer months). We made sure to arrive at 11am when they open shop to beat the crowds, and although it was a weekend, it never got too crowded throughout the day – yay!

There are a couple of different Ferrari World tickets options you can go for. We went for the Bronze one, which suited us perfectly, but silver and gold include Yas Waterworld and fast track passes that can be handy during the very busy days.

There are a few mega-super-duper-fast and scary rides aimed at adults/teens only and for some reason I decided to go on The Flying Aces, only to realise afterwards that it is the highest looped rollercoaster in the world… Though that’s not happening for me again ANY time soon, Ferrari World really is very good for the younger kids too. My boys’ favourite ride was the Benno’s Great Race interactive ride (we did it four times), and they refused to leave the Junior Grand Prix track after their fifth ride. All of us, grandma included (!), loved the ‘Viaggio in Italia’ simulator where you are taken on a serious ride in your chair.

If doing loops, racing and flying aren’t your thing, or if you have a really tiny one tagging along, you can gander at the various vintage cars displayed in the Galleria Ferrari. And needless to say you can book in to drive an actual Ferrari around the island if you fancy!

Ferrari World is connected to Yas Mall, so if you need a break or a meal away from the racetracks you can just walk right over (and come back whenever you want). Given the theme of the day, we couldn’t think of a better place than Rogo’s Rollercoaster Restaurant to have lunch. You know, the place where food arrives at your table on a mini rollercoaster? The usual. Crazy idea? Yep. Fun and friendly – totally!

Each table has its very own station where the food literally slides up when ready. You order using tablets and a few minutes later, your food starts the speedy journey all the way down to your table. Kids LOVED it and, frankly, so did we. It’s so wacky it’s awesome, and most importantly the food is really good. We shared a couple of starters (the Chicken Lettuce Wraps and Caprese salad were super), and then went on to try the massive Tornado burger, Al Fredo Pasta and Mac N Cheese for the kids. Good stuff!

Word of caution: IT-savvy-5-year-olds can secretly order in-the-jar cheesecake that suddenly appears at the table. We forgave him after having tasted it though…. and oh, the Toffee Date Pudding – watch out! Thankfully my cappuccino was delivered by one of the staff, but who knows – perhaps rollercoaster coffee is the way to go?

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com, +971 (0)2 496 8000

Rogo’s Rollercoaster Restaurant, Yas Mall, Town Square, www.rollercoasterrestaurant.com, +971 (0)2 565 0888