AS the UK waits for the much-anticipated Universal attraction to open, there are two exciting new theme parks opening in Europe.
Both Hossoland in Poland and Bommelwereld in the Netherlands will compete against European theme park giants like Disneyland Paris, Europa Park and Efteling when they open later this year.
Hossoland a fairytale-themed amusement park in Poland is slated to open later this year[/caption]
The Polish theme park hopes to rival Energylandia – one of the largest theme parks in Poland[/caption]
The theme park will be set across four themed zones[/caption]
Here’s everything you need to know about them both, including the new rides and when they will open this year.
Hossoland, Poland
Set in Brojce, in Poland‘s northern coast, plans for fairytale-themed Hossoland were first announced back in 2017.
Hossoland, which will open to the public on May 31, is hoping to rival Energylandia – one of Europe’s largest theme parks.
When it opens, the new theme park will have 50 rides and attractions spread across four themed lands.
A lighthouse will sit at its heart and connect the four zones, each of which has been inspired by local legends and fairytales.
Spread across 400,000sqm, the four themed lands include Mermaid City, the Kingdom of Baltambrya, the Land of the Vikings and the Dragon Valley of the Mines.
A steel coaster called GhostRider will be one of the park’s top attractions.
Soaring 176ft into the air, the new coaster will reach speeds of up to 72mph.
While other new rides have yet to be named, visitors can expect to find 20 food and drink areas in the Polish theme park.
It is hoped that the theme park will attract one million tourists each year.
Karen Hovsepyan, vice president of the park’s operator Hosso Group, told Planet Attractions: “Hossoland will be the only amusement park of such a large scale on the Polish coast.
“It will certainly become a recognisable symbol and a frequently visited place in this region.”
The best way for Brits to get there will be to fly to Szczecin, with Ryanair offering £14.99 flights from both Liverpool and London.
The park will be around an hour by car from there.
Bommelwereld is based on the Dutch comic book characters Tom Poes and Ollie B. Bommel[/caption]
Bommelwereld is slated to open later this year – although dates haven’t been confirmed[/caption]
Bommelwereld indoor amusement park, Netherlands
The Netherlands is also set to get a brand-new theme park later this year, with indoor site Bommelwereld slated to open in 2025.
Bommelwereld is based on the Dutch comic book characters Tom Poes and Ollie B. Bommel (Tom Puss and Oliver B. Bumble).
The theme park’s centrepiece will be a 23m-tall castle called Bommelstein.
Spanning 9,000sqm, the indoor theme park will feature more than 18 attractions when its doors open later this year.
Attractions include a Hall of Fame and a portrait gallery exploring the history of the fictional character Oliver B. Bommel.
There will be a mini flume ride, a grand theatre for live shows, a climbing tower, a double-decker carousel and a 9m-high slide.
Famous manufacturers Vekoma and Zamperla will have rides at the theme park – although details have yet to be revealed.
Local news outlets describe the park as being a blend of cutting-edge rides and nostalgia, which has been designed with multiple age groups in mind.
A firm opening date hasn’t been announced.
Use these tips on your next theme park trip
Next time you visit a theme park, you may want to use our top tips to make the most of your adrenaline-inducing day out.
- Go to the back of the theme park first. Rides at the front will have the longest queues as soon as it opens.
- Go on water rides in the middle of the day in the summer – this will cool you off when the sun is at its hottest.
- Download the park’s app to track which rides have the shortest queues.
- Visit on your birthday, as some parks give out “birthday badges” that can get you freebies.
- If it rains, contact the park. Depending on how much it rained, you may get a free ticket to return.
Meanwhile, here’s everything we know about the UK’s new Universal theme park as government prepares to approve planning.
Alton Towers has a pirate takeover week during February half term and there’s Nickelodeon Land at Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort.
A lighthouse will sit at the heart of the theme park[/caption]
A steel coaster called GhostRider will be one of the park’s top attractions[/caption]
