Disneyland for adults.

There is really no other way to describe the funland that is this year's Birdcage at Flemington Racecourse.

Yes, it is the domain of the few.

Yes, it is almost comically, definitely outrageously, over the top.

And yes, it has very little to do with actual horse racing.

But my, it is fun to look at.

The 20 or so Birdcage marquees have reached new heights this year – literally, in the case of the Lexus Pavilion, which has topped out at three storeys.

The House of Walker will bring in the big guns on Derby Day in the form of a superhero, Marvel's Thor, or if you prefer, Melbourne's Chris Hemsworth.

Emirates have nabbed prime spot on Millionaire's Row (the very front of the Birdcage overlooking the track) with a two-storey spectacular German-themed affair. Despite the obligatory (and stupendously accomplished) team of German "Schuplatter's" (slap dancers, the theme is new-Germany meets old, with contemporary finishes on the structure which resembles the country's most famous architectural icon, the Neuschwanstein Castle.

One of Australia's most successful horse trainers, Lee Freedman, has been installed at the House of Boags, also trackside, and he offered his Melbourne Cup tip: "Definitely the Japanese horse, Admire Rakti. I haven't seen a horse win like that in the Caulfield since Dunedin," he said.

The last time Freedman tasted Cup Glory was with Makybe Diva, who claimed her record third title in 2005 – a record unlikely to tumble.

"I still say I won't see one like her again in my lifetime," he said.

At the other end of the enclosure, Freedman's daughter, Emma Freedman, was characteristically energetic and spruiking the features of the Lexus Pavilion, which will see a pop-up version of Melbourne three-hatter, Attica, on the second level.

Champagne label G.H. Mumm estimates 10,000 bottles or 65,000 glasses of fizz will be drunk over the course of the week and by the looks of it, a fair whack will be sipped or spilt in their Cote D'Azur day/night inspired marquee. Australian model Bambi Northwood-Blythe has flown home from New York to host the tent, which will serve caviar, champagne and custom-made Messina gelato to a roster of VIPs. Each day a 15 litre bottle of Mumm will be ceremoniously uncorked and will require two people to serve the sweet stuff.

Caffe Lavazza has claimed boasting rights with a sensational outfit including an Italian master fresco reproduction, hand-blown chandelier, celebrity chef designed menus and sister of mega-celebrity Beyonce, Solange Knowles, as their "special" guest on Saturday.

Swisse will host homegrown supermodels Megan Gale and Ashley Hart in an ultra luxe and laid-back front row tent that combines Swisse vitamins and tonics into its food and cocktail menu.

SPRING RACING SELFIE COMPETITION

Send us a racing fashion selfie and you could win a luxury hamper worth more than $200.

Email, tweet us with #theageselfie, share on instragram with #theageselfie or upload a selfie of your finest or funniest race day outfit and we'll include it on our spring racing selfie fashion gallery, which will be added to throughout the Melbourne Cup carnival.

You can take your selfie trackside, at home or out celebrating with friends.

Readers will be able to vote for the outfit they like the best because it is classy, weird, daring or unique.

The male and female with the most votes by midnight on Monday 10th November will win a deluxe luxury pamper pack each worth more than $200 from  Pamper Hamper Gifts.

Include your name, email and contact number and, if you want, a description of your outfit in 25 words or less.

You can upload your photo below, email us at scoop@theage.com.au, text us on 0406 843 243 (0406 THE AGE) or use #theageselfie on Twitter and Instagram.

Only your name and caption will be published.