Open during the peak holiday season, Gateway’s Festive Play Park inspired by Disney is a delight for children, from tots to tweens. A panoply of play activities can be accessed with a single ticket per session from Friday 8 December to Sunday 31 December.
“Exquisitely created at the Expo Explore court, Gateway’s Festive Play Park inspired by Disney hosts a mix of kids activity zones, the towering Disney Chari-tree and fun photo booths for capturing unique merry holiday memories,” says Gateway’s Marketing Manager, Michelle Shelley.
A haven designed just for the littlest adventurers, the Soft Play Zone is a toddler’s play paradise! Soft moulds in numerous shapes and sizes create an enchanting space for toddlers to explore, crawl, and giggle. It’s a joyful curious corner where wonder and pure, unbridled fun challenge motor skills and burn energy.
Kids of all ages can have a blast aboard the Festive Disco Bus where Disney’s beloved songs will have them dancing, playing and singing along. A joyful experience capturing the season’s spirit, this ‘bus’ trip is one of laughing, bonding and creating unforgettable holiday memories.
The festive LEGO Build Zone is a hotbed of creativity, where children can build their dreams, brick by brick. Embracing the holiday spirit, kids can construct their Christmas fantasies, from whimsical winter scenes to merry holiday characters, using LEGO.
The Christmas Creative Hub is a craft area and a crafting enthusiast’s bliss. A treasure trove of Disney-themed crafting delights featuring vibrant colouring equipment, glitter glue, buttons, and eclectic craft materials summon unfettered self-expression. From collages to sculptures and everything in between, kids pursue their own creative direction.
Visitors can also experience the towering Disney Chari-tree, proudly presented in association with VISA and Investec, with support from Toys R US, at the centre of the Park. Decorated with popular Disney characters as plush toys, the Chari-tree is an opportunity for visitors to spread festive joy and generosity through the Reach for a Dream Foundation. “Visitors to the area can pledge a plush for R50. All donations and plush toys will be handed over to the Reach for a Dream foundation,” says Shelley.
The Play Park inspired by Disney opens daily. The first 45-minute session starts at 10 am and the final session of the day runs from 6 pm. The Park will be closed on Christmas Day, 25 December.
A limited number of tickets are on sale for each session, so pre-booking is advised. Tickets are available from Webtickets at R50 for participants and R10 for accompanying adults. Tickets are also available at the Park. Kids aged 3 and under can enter for free with a parent, if they are accompanying an older sibling and parent who have valid tickets.
“Children will be able to engage in more than one activity zone during the 45-minute session,” says Shelley, who adds that there are a few more surprises in Gateway’s Festive Play Park inspired by Disney. “Two photo booths – one a giant Disney storybook and the other themed ‘Wish upon a Star’ are standout stages for holiday pics to celebrate Christmas 2023.”
Festive décor around the mall
“Visitors to Gateway expect something special at the mall over the holiday season and this year we’ve, once again, pulled out all the stops with stunning decorations and several unexpected photo opportunities set up from one end of the mall to the other.”
Favourites like Santa’s red couch, the festive swing and the enormous teddy bear are back, along with glittering new ‘Gateway to the Stars’ and ‘Star Gaze’ installations.
“Another first this year is our truly Giant Christmas Tree. Rising 12 metres and boasting 2,100 shiny baubles, it screams holidays in the Palm Court.”
Gateway’s Gifting Concierge has been taken over by Reach for a Dream making children’s dreams come true. Until Christmas Day, visitors can leave the mall with beautifully wrapped gifts by donating to this great cause.
Extended trading hours
With longer trading hours, there’s more time to enjoy all the mall has to offer over the holidays.
11 – 15 December 9am – 9pm
16 – 24 December 9am – 10 pm
24 December 9am – 8pm
25 December Voluntary trading
26 – 30 December 9am – 9pm
31 December 9am – 8pm
1 January Voluntary trading
2 – 4 January 9am – 8pm
5 January Normal trading resumes
For updates, please visit www.gatewayworld.co.za and follow GatewayVIP/gatewayumhlanga on social media.
