New Wizard of Oz attraction in Johor's Sanrio Hello Kitty Town
Oz attraction opens in Johor's Hello Kitty theme park
Hello Kitty has a new adventure at Sanrio Hello Kitty Town in Johor Baru.
The theme park, located at Puteri Harbour, launched a new indoor attraction named Hello Kitty In Oz: The Lost Chapter, adapted from The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz story by US author L. Frank Baum.
Although it was not tied to a birthday celebration, it seemed good timing because the much-adored character turned 41 yesterday.
Kitty is joined by the Scarecrow, the Cowardly Lion and the Tin Man on an adventure to save the magical city of Oz by solving puzzles and playing games.
It is an area apart from other attractions such as the Kitty House.
Mr Fahruddin Najumudeen, the general manager of the theme park, which opened in 2012 and is the first one outside Japan, said that Hello Kitty In Oz came about because "we are always on the lookout to search for new activities".
"It's magical storyline... a perfect story," he said.
Local media were taken on a walkthrough of the attraction last Friday.
Visitors, who go through in groups of 15, have 20 minutes in there.
ACTIVITIES
There are four interactive activities to try out and plenty of photo opportunities.
The games have different degrees of difficulty, but one would not really need a high IQ to win. You just need to unleash your inner child.
Of the four, I found Kuromi's Tent most challenging.
You enter a dark tent - it's Dark Gypsy Kitty! - and you are given a memory test. The whirlwind of excitement around the attraction is distracting.
Lifestyle reporter Alex Yip's pick was Wood Factory, where you get to simulate wood chopping.
"It's the only game that has some sort of action. The rest are quite flat, actually," he said.
As expected, the adventure ends at the merchandise shop, which sells exclusive memorabilia and collectibles.
Although the activities appear aimed at children, the grown-ups seemed to appreciate them the most and made a celebration of it.
Anyone in a costume was met with unbridled enthusiasm from guests.
And, of course, anything that could be eaten, from canned drinks to cucumbers for the satay, was stamped with a Kitty symbol.
The adorable feline still has the power to bring adults to their knees in adulation and to part with their money without restraint.
At a time when retail around the world is facing a slump, this middle-aged cat seems to be growing from strength to strength.
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