DreamPlay at a Glance (2026 Update)
| Feature | Quick Fact |
| Location | City of Dreams Manila (Aseana City, Parañaque) |
| Best For | Active Kids (Ages 6–12) & Thrill-seeking Families |
| Price Range | ₱1,500 (Participating) vs. ₱350 (Non-Participating) |
| 2025 Status | Open Daily |
DreamPlay is not your typical passive theme park or mall daycare; it is a high-friction “edutainment” facility engineered for physical exertion and creative problem-solving. Located within the City of Dreams complex, this DreamWorks-inspired zone demands energy. You aren’t just watching Shrek; you are physically climbing his swamp house and navigating high-ropes courses.
For 2025, the critical operational update is the schedule. While early 2025 retains standard hours, starting October 18, 2025, operations shift to a 14:30 – 20:00 window. This effectively eliminates the “morning drop-off” strategy, forcing families to treat this as a post-lunch activity.
Travelers must also navigate the strict “Participation Tier” system. A ticket here buys access to training grounds, not just rides. If you plan to climb or help your child on the obstacles, you must purchase a full-price ticket, or you will be physically barred from the active zones.
Pro Tip: Don’t be a “Green Wristband” Victim. If your child is under 8 years old or afraid of heights, buy a Participating (Red) Ticket for at least one parent. If you buy the cheaper “Non-Participating” pass, staff will strictly prohibit you from entering the harness area to rescue or encourage your child, leading to potential meltdowns.
Table of Contents
2026 Operational Updates: What You Need to Know
Starting October 18, 2025, DreamPlay operating hours will drastically shift to a 14:30 – 20:00 schedule, effectively eliminating morning play sessions. Families must now plan their visits as afternoon-exclusive itineraries to align with this new operational window.
For most of early 2025, the park operates on the standard 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM block. However, as we approach Q4, this major strategic pivot completely kills the “morning drop-off” strategy. You can no longer promise your kids a morning of climbing followed by lunch inside. The facility will be closed until mid-afternoon.
This shift fundamentally changes your logistical approach. The new DreamPlay operating hours mean you are now battling the “Post-Lunch Slump.” Instead of arriving fresh with morning energy, you will likely be arriving after a heavy meal.
The New “Lunch-First” Strategy
Because the gates don’t open until 14:30, you cannot rely on Chez Gingy (the internal restaurant) for your primary lunch. You must eat before you queue.
Do not trap yourself into eating expensive hotel lobby food just to kill time. Instead, utilize the Shops at the Boulevard right outside the entrance for high-end options like Modern Table, or take the short walk to Ayala Malls Manila Bay for standard favorites like Jollibee or Manam.
Timing Your Arrival
With the compressed schedule, the queue at the registration desk will spike significantly around 14:00. Everyone who used to trickle in between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM will now descend on the counter simultaneously. If you arrive at exactly 14:30, expect a 30-minute wait just to get wristbands.
Pro Tip: Beat the “2:30 Crush.” Arrive at the City of Dreams complex by 13:45. Have one parent queue at the DreamPlay counter immediately to process waivers and payments, while the other parent takes the kids to the bathroom or finishes dessert nearby. You want to be wristbanded and ready the second the ropes drop.
Ticket Prices & The “Wristband System” Explained
DreamPlay ticket prices currently range from ₱1,500 for a full-access “Participating” pass to ₱350 for a “Non-Participating” guardian pass, though smart travelers can secure entry for as low as ₱1,400 by booking online.
The pricing structure at City of Dreams isn’t just about age; it’s about activity level. Understanding the color-coded wristband system is the single most important logistical detail to prevent arguments at the gate.
Red vs. Green: The Participation Trap
The counter staff will ask you to choose between two primary tiers. Do not make this decision lightly.
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Red Wristband (Participating – ~₱1,500): This is the “All Access” pass. It is mandatory for children ages 5+ who want to use the attractions. Crucially, active adults need this too. If you plan to scale the Wall of Destiny or race your child on the Dragon Gliders, you must pay the full participating rate.
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Green Wristband (Non-Participating – ~₱350): This is strictly a “Spectator” pass. It grants you entry to the facility and a seat at Chez Gingy, but you are physically barred from the play structures. You cannot enter the harness area to coach your child. You are there to hold the bags and take photos from behind the barrier.
The Digital Arbitrage: Klook vs. Walk-In
Never pay the “Counter Rate” if you can avoid it. Financial data for 2025 confirms a consistent arbitrage opportunity using third-party aggregators.
Booking via Klook typically yields a 10–20% discount, bringing the participating ticket down to approximately ₱1,400. Beyond the cash savings, digital vouchers usually grant you access to a dedicated redemption lane. On a chaotic Saturday afternoon, bypassing the main payment queue can save you 15 to 20 minutes of standing on the hard marble floors.
VIP Upgrades & Bundles
For tourists tackling multiple Manila attractions, the Klook Pass Manila is a mathematical no-brainer. It bundles your DreamPlay entry with other Aseana City or Pasay staples—like Star City or the Dessert Museum—compounding your total savings up to 29%.
Many travelers pair a morning at Manila Ocean Park with an evening at DreamPlay to maximize their trip to the bay area.
Finally, if you are visiting during the absolute peak “Ber Months” (Christmas season), ask the counter about the unlisted White Wristband. This VIP upgrade serves as a “Fast Pass,” allowing you to cut to the front of the line for high-demand rides like the Thread of Enlightenment. It’s expensive, but it buys back hours of your life.
If you’re looking for a more traditional theme park experience with roller coasters at a lower price point, check out our guide to Star City, which is just a short jeepney ride away.
Pro Tip: Check your height before you pay. The cashier cannot visually measure your child. If you buy a full-price Red wristband for a 3-year-old who measures only 95cm, you just wasted money. They are too short for the major climbing zones (120cm min) and would have been fine with a cheaper Toddler pass. Measure them against the wall chart outside the entrance first.
How to Get There & Parking Hacks
The most direct commute from the south is via the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX). To get to DreamPlay using public transport, follow this route:
Go to Gate 10 (First Floor) at PITX.
Board the EDSA Carousel Bus (Northbound).
Alight at the DFA / Aseana Avenue Stop.
Walk approximately 5 minutes to the City of Dreams entrance.
Navigating to Aseana City can be intimidating due to the massive boulevards, but the transport spine is reliable. If you are coming from PITX, you have two main options. The “Budget” option is the EDSA Carousel or the modern jeepneys plying the Baclaran-MOA-PITX loop (Fare: ~₱15). However, since City of Dreams is only 3km away, the “Comfort” option—a Grab or Taxi—costs roughly ₱120–₱150. For families hauling strollers and diaper bags in the Manila heat, that extra ₱100 is the best money you will spend all day.
From Quezon City and the North
For those coming from the north (Cubao/North Edsa), the traffic on EDSA is your enemy. The smartest move is to take the MRT-3 all the way to Taft Avenue Station. From there, descend to street level and transfer to the EDSA Carousel Bus (Southbound). Get off at the Roxas Boulevard / Aseana stop. This bypasses the worst of the Pasay traffic gridlock.
The “Free” Parking Reality
Parking at City of Dreams is technically free for guests, but do not make the mistake of driving to the exit gate without validating. The system is not automatic.
You must physically present your parking card and your DreamPlay tickets to the Guest Services Counter inside DreamPlay or the main Concierge before you return to your car. If you forget this step and drive to the exit barrier, the guard will charge you the standard hourly rate, which can easily exceed ₱300 for a full day.
Pro Tip: The “Basement 2” Strategy. When parking, try to secure a slot in Basement 2 (B2) near the “Fortune Egg” elevator banks. This elevator brings you closest to the DreamPlay entrance on the Upper Ground floor, saving you a long walk through the casino floor with kids.
The Attraction Audit: Best Rides for Every Age
The best DreamPlay attractions are strictly segmented by physical capability and height: the Wall of Destiny is the gold standard for agile pre-teens (120cm+), the Afro Circus is the safe haven for toddlers (80cm+), and the Dragon Gliders serve the creative engineers.
Unlike standard amusement parks where you just sit and strap in, DreamPlay is a kinetic environment. It requires sweat, grip strength, and strategy. To manage expectations—and tantrums—you need to map your route based on your child’s height and bravery.
[Image: DreamPlay Wall of Destiny climbing attraction. Alt Text: Child climbing the Kung Fu Panda Wall of Destiny at City of Dreams Manila]
For the Brave: The Kung Fu Panda Zone
This is the “High Sweat” zone. If your child is athletic and over 120cm, you will spend 60% of your time here.
Wall of Destiny (Min Height: 120cm): This isn’t a generic climbing wall. It utilizes “stones” and artifacts from the Jade Palace as handholds. The auto-belay system allows kids to climb safely without a human spotter, but it requires trust.
Warning: The height check is strict. If your child is 119cm, they will be turned away. Rubber shoes (sneakers) are non-negotiable here; open-toed sandals or Crocs result in immediate disqualification.
Thread of Enlightenment (Min Height: 140cm): Suspended two stories above the ground, this high-ropes course is the ultimate test of nerve. It requires a higher height limit (140cm) because participants must be tall enough to manipulate the safety tether through the overhead track.
The “Freeze” Factor: It is common for children to feel brave on the ground but freeze due to acrophobia once they are 20 feet in the air. Assess your child’s fear levels honestly; a mid-course “rescue” stops operations and creates a bottleneck.
For the Builders: How to Train Your Dragon
This zone shifts the focus from muscle to physics.
Dragon Gliders: This is a stealth physics lesson disguised as play. Kids select wings and tails to assemble a hand-held dragon, then launch it from the “Berk” structure. It creates an addictive “Build, Test, Refine” loop where they learn why nose-heavy dragons crash and wide-winged ones glide.
The Dragon Slides: These are graded by intensity. The Silver Slide is the steepest and fastest (140cm req), capable of generating serious speed.
Clothing Note: Long pants are highly recommended here to prevent friction burns (slide burn) on the way down.
For the Toddlers: Madagascar & Shrek
If you have a “Little Dreamer” (under 100cm), this is your territory.
Afro Circus: A multi-level foam ball factory where controlled chaos reigns. Air cannons shoot soft foam balls across the arena.
The Golden Rule: SOCKS ARE MANDATORY. Staff are vigilant. No socks, no entry. If you forget them, you will be forced to buy a pair at the counter markup.
Whatever Floats Your Boat: A water table attraction for assembling LEGO-style boats. While it’s generally “low splash,” it’s wise to roll up sleeves.
Shrek’s Swamp Stomp: A massive playground maze. Beware the “Outhouse” near the entrance—it triggers a sensory surprise (sound/air blast) that is funny for 7-year-olds but terrifying for 2-year-olds.
The Hidden Gem: Cooking with Gingy
Consistently rated as the highest-value activity in DreamPlay, this is a guided gingerbread baking class led by a voice-acted Gingy character. It is adorable, interactive, and you get to eat the cookie.
The Problem: Capacity is brutally limited (approx. 10–15 kids per session), and classes run on a fixed daily schedule.
Pro Tip: The “Gingy Sprint.” Do not wait until you are hungry to look for this. The moment you enter the gates, ignore the climbing walls and head straight to the Gingy kitchen (usually to the left or rear) to register for a slot. Slots for the entire day often fill up within the first hour of opening.
The “Soft Rules”: Clothing & Food Policy
The single most common reason visitors are turned away from attractions is improper footwear: you strictly require rubber shoes (sneakers) for the climbing zones and socks for the soft play areas.
DreamPlay enforces a rigid dress code that prioritizes safety over fashion. This is a gym disguised as a theme park, and the staff will not bend the rules.
The “No Sneaker, No Climb” Rule
If you are wearing open-toed sandals, flip-flops, or even Crocs, you will be disqualified from the Wall of Destiny and the Thread of Enlightenment. The climbing harnesses require a secure foothold that loose footwear cannot provide.
The Fix: Wear sneakers. If you only brought sandals, you will be forced to watch from the sidelines.
The Sock Trap: For the Afro Circus soft play zone, shoes are banned, but bare feet are also prohibited. Socks are mandatory. If you forget them, you will have to purchase overpriced pairs at the gift shop (approx. ₱150/pair).
The Food Monopoly & Water Hack
Security at the entrance conducts a thorough bag check. Outside food and drinks are strictly prohibited (except for infant formula). You are a captive audience, and you will be relying on the internal restaurant, Chez Gingy, for sustenance.
Be prepared for “Theme Park Pricing.” A standard pepperoni pizza at Chez Gingy runs approximately ₱420, and rice meals hover around ₱380. The food is decent, kid-friendly fare (heavy on fried items and carbs), but it adds up quickly for a family of four.
The Water Hack: While bottled water inside costs upwards of ₱50–₱80, the facility provides a free water dispenser near the restrooms.
The Strategy: Bring your own empty tumblers or water bottles. Security allows empty containers. Fill them up inside to stay hydrated during the high-sweat activities without bleeding cash.
Pro Tip: Dress for Friction. Avoid skirts or dresses. The climbing harnesses are tight and involve straps between the legs, which can be uncomfortable or revealing in a skirt. Furthermore, long pants or leggings are superior to shorts for the Dragon Slides, as they prevent “slide burn” from the high-speed friction of the descent.
Is DreamPlay for Barkadas and Couples? (The Vibe Check)
Let’s be brutally honest: DreamPlay is designed for children, and if you are a couple or a group of adults (Barkada) looking for a chill hangout or an “Instagram Museum,” you will likely be disappointed.
If you want pure visuals for your feed without the sweat, head to the nearby S Maison for the Space and Time Cube Museum instead.
The facility is loud, chaotic, and teeming with sprinting 8-year-olds. The aesthetic is heavily branded with Shrek and Kung Fu Panda, which—while nostalgic—doesn’t exactly scream “romantic date night.” If your goal is to walk around, take cute photos, and eat good food, you are better off at the nearby Art in Island or The Dessert Museum.
The Exception: The Competitive “Barkada”
However, there is one specific adult demographic that thrives here: the competitive, fitness-oriented group.
If your barkada is the type that enjoys Crossfit, obstacle course racing, or just roasting each other in physical challenges, DreamPlay becomes a surprisingly viable playground. The Wall of Destiny and Thread of Enlightenment are not “kiddie rides”; they are legitimate physical challenges. Racing your friends to the top of the wall or timing each other on the ropes course can be genuinely fun.
The “Sweat Equity” Warning
But you must be willing to pay “sweat equity.” You cannot enjoy this place passively. If you buy a ticket just to watch, you are wasting ₱1,500. You need to be in gym clothes, ready to harness up, and willing to look ridiculous while mimicking Kung Fu moves next to a toddler.
Pro Tip: Read the Room. If you do visit as an adult group, avoid weekends. The best time is a weekday afternoon when the crowds are thinner, allowing you to dominate the climbing wall without waiting in line behind twenty elementary school students.
Where to Stay: Accommodation Guide
The most convenient place to stay is the on-site Hyatt Regency Manila, but budget-savvy travelers can save over 70% by staying just across Macapagal Boulevard at Hop Inn or Red Planet.
Your choice of accommodation near DreamPlay depends entirely on whether you value elevator access or wallet preservation. Aseana City is a district of extremes, offering 5-star luxury and budget pods within a 500-meter radius.
DreamPlay is located in the modern Aseana City, but it is accessible to historic sites like Rizal Park if you want to mix history with entertainment.
The On-Site Splurge: Hyatt Regency Manila
If you want to eliminate travel friction entirely, book the Hyatt Regency. It is the most family-oriented of the three City of Dreams hotels (compared to the adult-centric Nobu or Nüwa).
The Perk: You can take the elevator directly from your room to the DreamPlay entrance. No traffic, no heat, no shuttles.
The Vibe: It features large pools and buffet options that cater to children.
The Cost: Expect to pay upwards of $150 (₱8,500+) per night.
The “Budget-Luxe” Belt: Hop Inn & Red Planet
Directly across the street are the “Budget-Luxe” options. These hotels are clean, modern, and strictly designed for sleeping—no pools, no gyms, just a bed and a power shower.
Hop Inn Hotel Aseana City: Located a mere 5-minute walk away. Rooms are compact but spotless. Rates hover around ₱2,200 ($40).
Red Planet Manila Aseana City: Similar in profile with strong WiFi and minimal amenities. Rates are often as low as ₱2,000 ($38).
The Strategy: Use these hotels if you plan to spend 12 hours a day out. Why pay for a resort pool you won’t use?
Pro Tip: Crossing Macapagal Blvd. If staying at Hop Inn, be careful crossing the massive avenue to get to City of Dreams. The traffic moves fast. Always use the designated pedestrian crossing or the overpass; jaywalking here is dangerous and often penalized.
Sample Itinerary (Post-October 2025 Shift)
To maximize the new 14:30–20:00 operating window, follow this strict “Lunch-First, Play-Later” itinerary to avoid queues and energy crashes.
This schedule assumes you are visiting after the major operational shift in late 2025. The goal is to hit the high-capacity restraints early and use passive attractions when the kids get tired.
13:00 – The Pre-Game Lunch: Eat a heavy lunch at Ayala Malls Manila Bay. Do not rely on theme park snacks. Fill up on carbs at Manam or Jollibee.
14:00 – The Approach: Walk or take the free shuttle to City of Dreams. Use this time for bathroom breaks.
14:30 – Gate Drop & The “Gingy Sprint”: Enter immediately. DO NOT stop for photos. One parent must sprint to the Cooking with Gingy kitchen to register for a baking slot. These disappear in minutes.
15:00 – High Energy Block: Head straight to the Thread of Enlightenment (Ropes Course) or Wall of Destiny. Do these active challenges now while the kids are fresh and before the lines swell.
16:30 – The Creative Break: Shift to Dragon Gliders. It’s less physically demanding but keeps them engaged.
17:00 – The Cool Down: As energy fades, move to the DreamTheater. The 4D movie allows everyone to sit in a dark, air-conditioned room for 20 minutes. It is the perfect reset button.
19:00 – Exit & Dinner: Leave the facility and grab dinner at the Shops at the Boulevard (e.g., Modern Table) or head back to your hotel.
Pro Tip: The 17:00 Lull. Most families start eating an early dinner inside Chez Gingy around 5:30 PM. This is the secret “Golden Hour” to hit the slides again with zero wait time while everyone else is eating pizza.
Conclusion: Mastering the DreamPlay Ecosystem
DreamPlay Manila is a high-reward, high-friction destination that favors the prepared parent over the spontaneous tourist.
This is not a place where you can simply “show up and see what happens.” The operational nuances—from the strict height requirements to the punishing dress code—are designed to catch the unaware off guard. If you arrive in sandals with a hungry teenager at 11:00 AM in late 2025, you will face a closed gate and a disappointed child.
However, if you execute the strategy—book via Klook to save 20%, wear the mandatory sneaker/sock combo, and sprint for the Gingy registration—it is arguably the best “edutainment” facility in Metro Manila. It offers something rare: a space where children build confidence through physical exertion rather than passive screen time.
For families on a tighter budget who still want an educational animal experience, the newly renovated Manila Zoo offers a great full-day itinerary for a fraction of the cost.
Plan your logistics, respect the schedule shift, and be ready to sweat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best age for DreamPlay?
The “Sweet Spot” for DreamPlay is children aged 6 to 12 years old. Children in this range typically meet the 120cm height requirement for the major attractions (Wall of Destiny, Thread of Enlightenment) and have the motor skills to enjoy the engineering challenges.
Toddlers (2–4): Limited to Afro Circus and Shrek’s Swamp. Good for 2 hours max.
Teens (14+): Unless they are physically competitive or helping younger siblings, they may find the theming too “young.”
Is there a dress code for DreamPlay?
Yes, and it is strictly enforced.
Climbing Zones: You MUST wear rubber shoes (sneakers) and socks. Open-toed sandals, Crocs, and flip-flops are banned from the Wall of Destiny.
Soft Play (Afro Circus): You MUST wear socks. Shoes are removed.
Clothing: Long pants or leggings are recommended to prevent rope burn and slide friction. Skirts are discouraged due to harness straps.
Can adults play inside DreamPlay?
Yes, but only if you purchase a “Participating” (Red) Wristband. If you buy the cheaper “Non-Participating” (Green) pass, you are strictly a spectator. You cannot climb, slide, or enter the harness areas. If you want to race your child on the Dragon Gliders, you must pay the full ~₱1,500 ticket price.
Can we bring outside food and drinks?
No, outside food and beverages are prohibited. Security checks bags at the entrance. The only exceptions are infant formula and medical dietary requirements. You must buy food inside at Chez Gingy, where a pizza costs approx. ₱420.
Hack: You can bring empty water tumblers and refill them at the free water stations inside to save money.
How much are the tickets in 2025?
Participating tickets cost approximately ₱1,500 at the counter, but online bookings are cheaper. Booking via platforms like Klook or Traveloka usually drops the price to around ₱1,400. The “Non-Participating” (Guardian) fee is approx. ₱350. Prices fluctuate slightly on weekends and holidays.
Pro Tip: The “Check-Out” Reality. If you are visiting on a Sunday, check out of your hotel before you go to DreamPlay. Leave your luggage at the hotel concierge. You will likely be exhausted and sweaty by the time you finish at 8:00 PM, and you don’t want to pay for an extra hotel night just to shower. Use the mall restrooms or head straight to the airport/home.
