DOHA: The recently opened Doha Park 2011 was bombarded with complaints from last Friday’s visitors because of unexpected parking fee and surprisingly costly rides. Contrary to what the organisers announced during the opening that rates for the rides come between QR5 to QR25, they were priced QR15 and QR25 and no QR5 and QR10 tickets were available, some Friday visitors rued, adding since it was organised by the government, parking should have been free for all. Until yesterday, postings of unsatisfied visitors to the amusement park kept flooding the qatarshares website. An Egyptian national said one of his friends who had been to the theme park complained of very costly parking fee which was fixed at QR25 and even costlier near the entrance of the park which was at QR50. “A ride on a train which lasts for less than 10 minutes is QR25 and the boats are out of order. A family needs QR2,000 to be able to enjoy the rides,” said another visitor. During a visit at the funfair yesterday, The Peninsula found many people including families and youngsters were entering to enjoy the rides, proving an early success of the event which organisers said was supposed to run for at least six weeks. Upon inquiry it was found QR5 and QR10 tickets were available but rides with the said prices were limited in number. “Tickets for the rides are priced reasonably. However, there is almost nothing available for very young children to enjoy, like my five-year-old daughter,” said a mother of two. While there are a few family rides, most of the rides are thrill rides for children above 10 years. There are, however, some rides where children below 10 are allowed provided they are accompanied by a parent. For some, tickets to the circus show may appear expensive as they are priced from QR95 to QR495 depending on the seat. However, some say it is worth the more than two hours of entertainment from a Russian troupe consisting of acrobats and magicians who brought with them animals which perform tricks with them. In addition, children five years old and under are admitted free. There was also no problem with regard to security and safety at the fun park as police and medics could be seen roaming around the venue. The Peninsula

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