Quick Guide & Visitor Essentials
| Feature | Fast Facts |
| Operating Hours | Mon-Thu: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Fri-Sun: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Location | Ground Floor (Former Shopwise), Araneta City, Quezon City |
| Entrance Fee | 100% FREE (Pay-per-ride or buy a Ride-All-You-Can Pass) |
| Top Strategy | Buy vouchers online (StarDeals/Klook) to save up to 80% |
Â
The revival of Fiesta Carnival Cubao represents a strategic pivot from retail back to leisure in the heart of Quezon City. Once the definitive open-air fairground of the 1970s, Fiesta Carnival Cubao has shed its humid, canvas-tent origins to become a permanent, climate-controlled entertainment anchor. It has effectively reclaimed the footprint of the former Shopwise supermarket, transforming a grocery aisle into a neon-lit playground.
Who is this for? This is distinctly an “intergenerational” space. The Araneta Group has designed Fiesta Carnival Cubao to target Millennials and Gen X parents who hold core memories of the original site, inviting them to recreate those moments with their own Generation Alpha children. You will often see grandparents pointing out the modernized carousel to toddlers, bridging a 30-year memory gap.
The Indoor Advantage Unlike its predecessor, the modern Fiesta Carnival Cubao offers a crucial logistical advantage: it is completely weatherproof. In the Philippines, where outdoor plans are often ruined by the searing April heat or sudden August downpours, this facility ensures your weekend itinerary remains intact. The air-conditioning is robust, making it a comfortable “third place” for families to escape the Metro Manila humidity while transitioning between the Gateway Malls and Farmers Market.
Table of Contents
How to Get to Fiesta Carnival (Commute & Parking)
The most reliable way to reach Fiesta Carnival Cubao is via the MRT-3 or LRT-2 rail lines to Araneta Center-Cubao Station, followed by a fully covered walk through the mall complex toward the Smart Araneta Coliseum Red Gate. For those driving, Parking Garage South is the designated facility, situated less than a minute’s walk from the Fiesta Carnival Cubao entrance.
Rail Connectivity: The “Dry” Route
Araneta City acts as the convergence point for Metro Manila’s two major train lines. The primary advantage of this route is the interconnected pedestrian network.
MRT-3 (From North/South): Alight at Araneta Center-Cubao. Exit directly into Farmers Plaza. From there, cross the bridge to the Coliseum area.
LRT-2 (From East/West): Alight at the Cubao station connected to Gateway Mall. Walk through the mall atrium towards the “Big Dome.”
This network allows you to travel from the train platform to Fiesta Carnival Cubao while remaining indoors for 90% of the journey—a critical benefit during the wet season or the humid summer months.
Bus Options: A Reality Check
While the EDSA Carousel operates 24/7, it is physically demanding. You must alight at either Main Avenue or Nepa Q. Mart.
The Warning: The walk from these stops takes 15–20 minutes and involves navigating street-level crossings along EDSA and Aurora Boulevard. The sidewalks are often uneven and exposed to direct sunlight and vehicle exhaust. This route is highly discouraged for visitors pushing strollers to Fiesta Carnival Cubao.
Parking Logistics
If you are bringing a private vehicle, choosing the right parking spot is essential to avoid long walks or exorbitant fees.
| Parking Facility | Est. Rate (First 3 Hrs) | Walk Time | Notes |
| Parking Garage South | Php 50 (+Php 10/hr) | < 2 Mins | Best Option. Adjacent to the venue. Fills up fast on concert days. |
| Gateway Mall 2 | Php 60 (Flat/Hourly) | ~5 Mins | Premium, well-lit, and spacious. Direct elevator access to the mall. |
| Farmers Plaza | Php 50 | ~8 Mins | Often congested due to market traffic. Tight turning radiuses. |
Fiesta Carnival Cubao sits right next to the Coliseum, so parking rates are heavily influenced by event schedules.
Insider Pro Tip: Avoid the “Overnight Trap.” If you plan to stay past midnight or park for 24 hours (e.g., for a nearby hotel staycation), do not park in the standard mall structures. The overnight charges can spike to Php 200+ on top of hourly rates. Instead, negotiate parking validation with your hotel or use designated hotel slots to lock in a fixed rate.
Fiesta Carnival Cubao Prices, Promos & The “Free Entrance” Model
Entrance to Fiesta Carnival Cubao is completely FREE; visitors only pay per ride (Php 60–150) or purchase a ride-unlimited pass. The best market value is currently the Php 299 StarDeals “Ride-All-You-Can” voucher, though visitors must note this strictly excludes premium attractions like the Roller Fever Rink and WiiJump Trampoline Park.
The Economics: A La Carte vs. Bundles
Unlike traditional theme parks like Enchanted Kingdom that demand a hefty gate fee, this Fiesta Carnival Cubao venue operates on a flexible “pay-as-you-play” model. This is financially strategic for extended families; grandparents or guardians who simply want to supervise can enter the air-conditioned space without spending a peso.
However, the “A La Carte” pricing is steep. Single ride tickets purchased at the booth range from Php 60 to Php 150. If your child plans to ride more than two attractions, the walk-in cost immediately exceeds the price of an online unlimited pass.
The “Promo Hunter” Strategy
To avoid overspending at Fiesta Carnival Cubao, you must choose the right digital voucher before arriving. The price disparity is significant.
| Voucher Type | Est. Price | Best For… | The Catch |
| Walk-In / Single Ride | Php 60 – 150 | Toddlers / Passing visits | Most expensive per minute. |
| StarDeals Unlimited | Php 299 | Kids aged 7-12 (High energy) | Excludes Skating, Trampoline, and Arcade. |
| Klook Ride Bundles | Varies | Large Groups / Barkadas | Credits are often shareable among the group. |
The “Height Restriction Trap” (Crucial Reality Check)
This is the most common financial mistake parents make. The Fiesta Carnival Cubao “Ride-All-You-Can” wristband does not override safety protocols.
If you buy a pass for a toddler who is under 3 feet (90cm), you are likely wasting money. Why? Because that child is physically barred from 60-70% of the rides due to height safety standards. They may only be allowed on the Tiger Train and Carousel. For a toddler restricted to just two gentle rides, paying the full Php 299+ for a pass is mathematically more expensive than just paying Php 120 for two single tickets. The unlimited pass provides true ROI only for children who meet the 4-foot height clearance and have the stamina to loop the Bump Cars multiple times.
Insider Pro Tip: Download your vouchers before you enter. The park is housed in the old Shopwise supermarket structure, which is essentially a concrete bunker. Mobile data signals (Globe/Smart) are notoriously dead inside the ride area. Open your StarDeals or Klook QR codes while you are still outside in the Gateway Mall atrium to avoid standing awkwardly at the redemption counter waiting for a signal
Attraction Guide: Rides, Skating, and Arcades
The operational layout of Fiesta Carnival Cubao is divided into three distinct psychological zones: the Nostalgia Core (mechanical rides for families), the Active Play Sector (physical activities for teens), and the Electric Carnival (arcade games). Visitors must note that height requirements are strictly enforced on all mechanical rides for safety, and the “Ride-All-You-Can” pass typically applies only to Zone A, excluding the premium active zones.
Zone A: The Nostalgia Core (Mechanical Rides)
This section forms the heart of the facility, occupying the central floor space. It is designed to bridge the generational gap, offering gentle thrills that mirror the original 1970s lineup but with modern engineering.
The Grand Carousel
As the visual anchor of the park, this double-decker merry-go-round is more than just a ride; it is the primary photo opportunity. The upper deck offers a unique vantage point of the entire indoor facility, while the lower deck features wider chariots suitable for parents holding infants. The lighting creates a warm, golden glow that contrasts with the neon harshness of the arcade, making it the most “Instagrammable” spot in the venue.
The Tiger Train
Located on the perimeter, this track ride is the “value champion” for parents of toddlers.
-
The Experience: Unlike shorter rides, the train completes multiple loops, providing a ride duration of nearly 4-5 minutes.
-
Who is it for? Ideal for children aged 2-6. It is slow-moving, predictable, and offers a “safari” aesthetic that appeals to younger sensibilities without being frightening.
Happy Wheel (Indoor Ferris Wheel)
Do not expect the skyline views of the MOA Eye. This miniature, indoor version focuses on vertical motion within a controlled environment.
-
The Vibe: It is a gentle, rhythmic ascent that allows riders to see the kinetic energy of the park from above.
-
Sensory Note: Because it is indoors, the noise level increases as you rise closer to the ceiling acoustics. It is a smooth, non-spinning ride, making it safe for those prone to dizziness.
Bumper Cars: The Safety Split
A critical operational improvement in this modern iteration is the segregation of bumper car classes to prevent injuries.
-
Fiesta Bumper (Adults/Teens): These are standard, high-impact cars with neon underglows. The collisions here are forceful, and the arena is often dominated by aggressive teenage groups.
-
Bounce Car (Toddlers): A separate, smaller enclosure features round, tube-like vehicles. These do not “crash” so much as gently bounce off one another. They are steered via joystick rather than a wheel, making them accessible for children as young as four years old.
Zone B: The Active Play Sector (Physical Engagement)
Moving away from the mechanical rides, this zone targets Generation Z and active kids who prefer physical exertion over passive entertainment. Note that these attractions usually require separate admission fees or premium vouchers.
Roller Fever (Indoor Skating Rink)
Capitalizing on the retro-resurgence of roller skating, this rink is the aesthetic highlight of the facility.
-
The Surface: The floor is a polished, synthetic laminate—much smoother than concrete but faster than wood. Beginners may find it “slippery” compared to outdoor pavement.
-
The Reality Check: While “Marshals” are present, their role is largely supervisory (traffic control) rather than instructional. Do not expect a free lesson. If you or your child has never skated, be prepared for a steep learning curve and plenty of falls.
-
Gear: Rental skates are included in the hourly fee, along with wrist guards and helmets. However, the rental skates are standard plastic molds; bring thick socks to prevent blistering.
WiiJump Trampoline Park
This wall-to-wall trampoline matrix includes foam pits, basketball hoops for slam dunks, and freestyle jumping zones.
-
The Hidden Cost: You cannot enter barefoot or with standard socks. You must purchase or bring Grip Socks (rubberized soles). If you forget them, you will be forced to buy a pair at the counter (approx. Php 50-100), adding to the total cost.
-
Safety Protocol: It is a high-energy zone where collisions happen. It is best visited during the “Quiet Window” (weekdays before 3 PM) to avoid the chaotic mix of older teens and small children.
Zone C: The Electric Carnival (Arcade & Skill Games)
The perimeter of Fiesta Carnival Cubao is lined with a sprawling arcade, operated in partnership with World of Fun.
The “Token” Economy
This is the most common point of confusion for first-time visitors. The “Ride-All-You-Can” wristband does not work here.
-
Payment System: The arcade operates on a completely separate economy, utilizing re-loadable magnetic cards or tokens depending on the machine type. You cannot use your ride voucher credits to play Mario Kart or shoot basketballs.
-
Attraction Mix: The selection leans heavily towards “Redemption Games” (ticket-spewing machines for prizes) and “Claw Machines.”
-
Skill Games: Traditional carnival booths (Ball Toss, Balloon Pop) are also present. These are cash-drains designed with low win probabilities, strictly for the novelty of winning a plush toy rather than value.
| Attraction | Primary Audience | Thrill Level | Avg. Duration |
| Carousel | All Ages | Low | 3 Mins |
| Roller Fever | Teens / Adults | High (Physical) | 60 Mins |
| Viking | Kids (4ft+) | Medium | 3 Mins |
| Trampoline | Kids / Teens | High (Physical) | 60 Mins |
| Arcade | Gamers | Variable | N/A |
Insider Pro Tip: Watch the “Cycle Timing” at Roller Fever. The skating rink operates on entry batches. If you see a large group entering, wait 15 minutes before buying your pass. The rink gets chaotic during the first 10 minutes of a new batch as beginners struggle to find their balance. Entering after the initial rush allows you to skate freely while the novices are clinging to the handrails at the edges.
Operating Hours & Crowd Management
Fiesta Carnival Cubao operates from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM (Sunday to Thursday) and extends its hours from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. For a stress-free experience with virtually zero queues, the absolute best window to visit is weekdays between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
Traffic Patterns: Timing Your Visit Understanding the rhythm of Araneta City is crucial, as the park’s density shifts dramatically throughout the day.
-
The “Quiet Window” (11:00 AM – 3:00 PM): This slot is highly recommended for families with toddlers or neurodivergent guests who may have sensory sensitivities. During these early hours, the facility is freshly cleaned, the cacophony of arcade sounds is manageable, and the air-conditioning is at its crispest. You will often have entire rides like the Tiger Train to yourself.
-
The “After-School” Rush (Fridays, 3:00 PM+): As classes end, a wave of uniformed students from nearby universities and high schools floods the World of Fun arcade and Roller Fever rink. Expect the noise levels to spike significantly.
-
The Weekend Chaos: Because the entrance is free, the park becomes a major pedestrian thoroughfare. Even if the queues for paid rides are moving, the aisles often become a “human traffic jam” of mall-goers crossing between Gateway and Farmers Plaza. Navigating a stroller through this crowd on a Saturday night can be frustratingly slow.
Accessibility & Logistics The facility preserves the flat, single-level layout of the former Shopwise supermarket, making it inherently wheelchair and stroller-friendly. There are no stairs to navigate at the main entrance. However, the baggage deposit counter is small and fills up quickly by midday.
Insider Pro Tip: Baggage Counter Hack. The park’s baggage counter has very limited capacity and often refuses large bags once full. If you are carrying heavy shopping from Farmers Market, drop your bags at the Gateway Mall Supermarket baggage counter (Lower Ground Floor) instead. It’s a 5-minute walk, but it saves you from being turned away at the park entrance.
Where to Eat (Dining Strategy)
Reality Check: There are no full-service restaurants inside the ride area, only small kiosks selling high-sugar snacks like popcorn, hotdogs, and sodas. To get a proper meal, you must plan to dine before or after your session at the extensive culinary hubs surrounding the park.
Inside the Park: The Sugar Rush The concessions within Fiesta Carnival Cubao are designed strictly for fuel-on-the-go. You will find staples like Kettle Korn and generic hotdog stands, but nutritious options are non-existent. Tables are scarce, and eating while standing in the arcade area is the norm.
The “Dampa” Experience (Authentic & Heavy) For a quintessential Filipino feast, walk 8 minutes south to the Farmers Market.
The Vibe: It is wet, chaotic, and loud—a stark contrast to the air-conditioned malls.
The Paluto: Buy fresh shrimp, crabs, or lapu-lapu directly from the wet market vendors, then bring your haul to the adjacent “Dampa” rows. Restaurants like Tsokolateria or the classic Dampa sa Farmers will cook your catch (garlic butter, sinigang, or chili garlic) for a cooking fee. This is excellent for large family groups but can be hot/humid.
Mall Dining vs. The Hipster Enclave
Gateway Mall 2 (The New Wing): If you prefer air-conditioning and premium aesthetics, head north to the new Gateway wing. Options range from Wolfgang’s Steakhouse to reliable chains like Taco Bell and Bonchon.
Cubao Expo: Located a 10-minute walk away, this is the perfect post-carnival “decompression zone” for parents. It houses indie cafes, craft beer pubs, and the legendary Bellini’s (Italian cuisine), set amidst vintage shops and art galleries.
Insider Pro Tip: Avoid the “Mall Price” on Water. A bottle of water inside the carnival or at the mall food courts can cost Php 40-60. Before you enter the ride area, stop by the 7-Eleven just outside the Red Gate or the Supermarket at the basement of Farmers Plaza to buy 1-liter bottles for half the price. Security generally allows water bottles, provided they are not glass.
Sample “Cubao Weekend” Itinerary
Fiesta Carnival Cubao is best experienced not as a standalone destination, but as the high-energy anchor of a full “Cubao Weekend” loop. By pairing the amusement park with nearby cultural sites, you balance the sensory overload of the rides with quiet, educational experiences.
The One-Day Family Loop
This itinerary minimizes walking back-and-forth by following a logical North-to-South or loop trajectory within the Araneta City complex.
| Time | Activity | Logistics Note |
| 10:00 AM | Arrival & Rides | Park at Garage South. Hit the Carousel and Tiger Train immediately while lines are short. |
| 12:30 PM | Lunch at Dampa | Walk to Farmers Market. Heavy seafood lunch to refuel. |
| 2:30 PM | Gateway Gallery | Free Entry. Located in Gateway Tower (5th Floor). A quiet, air-conditioned walk through the “SiningSaysay” history murals. Perfect for digesting lunch. |
| 4:00 PM | Art in Island | A short tricycle ride to 15th Ave. Interactive 3D/Media art museum. |
| 6:30 PM | Dinner/Wind Down | Walk to Cubao Expo for pizza at Bellini’s or coffee at Habanero. |
Nearby Culture: The “Cool Down” Spots
After the noise of the arcade, Gateway Gallery offers a necessary silence. It is rarely crowded and provides a visual history lesson that is engaging for school-aged children. Alternatively, Art in Island offers a modern “Media Square” experience with immersive projection mapping, though it requires a separate ticket (approx. Php 850).
Insider Pro Tip: Socks are Mandatory at Art in Island. If you plan to add the Art in Island museum to your itinerary after the carnival, ensure everyone in the family is wearing socks. It is a shoes-off facility. Buying socks at their counter is expensive and the quality is often poor.
Explore More Family Destinations
Looking for your next weekend adventure? Check out our comprehensive guides to other top family-friendly attractions across Luzon:
Nearby in Cubao: Ultimate Guide to Art in Island: Tickets & Tips (2025)
Amusement Parks:
New & Viral Attractions:
Seasonal Favorites:



Nakakamiss ang fiesta carnival sa cubao. swiiisssh