As we sit down in the Lapita Hotel , the 504 room Polynesian themed hotel located right in the heart of DPR and part of Marriott ’ s Autograph Collection , we rewind the clocks to 12 months ago , when everything was still under construction and almost a lifetime away from the wonder that stands before us today .

Needless to say , to get to where they are today , both Machamer and Priddy have had quite a frenzied year that has not been without its challenges .

“ It ’ s been a very busy year to say the least ,” says Priddy . “ To try and pull off what we ’ re trying to pull off is such a monumental thing .” This is a feeling shared by Machamer . “ To deliver a project of this size to the quality that we have , with the great feedback we ’ ve begun to get from visitors , it really fills us with a great sense of achievement ,” he adds .

Both Machamer and Priddy can call upon rich histories and experience in the theme park industry , with a combined 70 + years that has seen both men working on parks with Universal Studios and Walt Disney .

It is this experience that allows Priddy to reflect on the last year and boldly state that there were no surprises along the way .

“ This is actually my eleventh theme park , and as they say in Texas this is not my first rodeo ,” he says .

www . dubaiparksandresorts . com 105