I visited the only 'world-class' theme park in the Caribbean, and its immersive attractions felt on par with competitors like Disney and Universal

Carly CaramannaJun 30, 2023, 21:14 IST

Katmandu Park is in a class of its own when it comes to theme parks.Carly Caramanna

I visited a major theme park in the Caribbean, Katmandu Park in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
As a theme-park journalist who has been visiting parks for over 30 years, I was impressed.

I've loved theme parks my entire life, so I was thrilled when Katmandu Park, the first "world-class" theme park in the Carribbean opened in the Dominican Republic earlier this year.

Notably, there are other theme parks in the Carribbean, but none like this.

Located in Punta Cana, the micro park has the same immersive atmospheres and top-level attractions as major theme parks but on a smaller scale. Katmandu is also centered around immersive dark rides that tell its original stories.

Here's what my visit was like.

My trip started on a high note as my local hotel stay came with free admission to Katmandu.

Guests of the hotel near Katmandu receive free admission to the park.Carly Caramanna

Because I was staying next door, I was also able to take advantage of a complimentary shuttle.

I didn't have to pay to travel to the theme park.Carly Caramanna

Before exploring Katmandu, I set up the park's BeyondME system.

My band didn't cost me extra.Carly Caramanna

The park uses original intellectual property and characters.

I met some unique characters in the park.Carly Caramanna

I encountered live entertainment throughout the park.

I saw lots of dancing.Carly Caramanna

Katmandu is home to four marquee attractions.

The attractions are quite unique.Carly Caramanna

Legend of the Desirata is a 4D dark ride.

I felt fully immersed in a new world during this attraction.Carly Caramanna

EtherQuest was unlike anything I've ever experienced.

The attraction reminded me of some escape rooms.Carly Caramanna

Challenge of Mad Mage brought out my competitive side.

Challenge of Mad Mage has blasters.Carly Caramanna

Voyage of the Fathom Wanderer is a suspended theater ride.

The giant screen had impressive visuals.Carly Caramanna

There are also other activities to do in the park that are included in admission.

I liked that there weren't hidden extra fees to play golf.Carly Caramanna

The most unique part of the park may have been the indoor adults-play area.

It was nice to feel like a kid again.Carly Caramanna

The play area also has a second-story bar.

The lights made the experience even cooler.Carly Caramanna

A vertical outdoor ropes experience was also included in admission.

I was a bit too scared to climb the ropes.Carly Caramanna

The food was outstanding and far from typical theme-park eats.

The churros I tried tasted fresh.Carly Caramanna

I was also impressed by the amount of detailed merchandise for sale in the park.

There were a few shirt designs for Katmandu fans.Carly Caramanna

Overall, Katmandu made for a perfect well-rounded vacation.

Katmandu is a unique theme park.Carly Caramanna

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