A  unique combination of amusement park, zoo and waterpark, Bellewaerde in Belgium is one of the leading family parks in the Benelux area, as well as the oldest one, as it was founded in 1954 (that is 70 years ago!). 

This year the park, which has been operated by Compagnie des Alpes since 2016, opened Mundo Amazonia, a new themed area nestled in lush exotic vegetation and featuring 4 water rides, a shop and a restaurant, for an overall investment of more than 20 million euros.  

The highlight of the new area is “Amazonia”: the world’s first “Spinning Raft Ride” by Intamin, this 540-meter long and 26-meter tall water ride marks a new era for the classic rapids river ride and promises riders an unparalleled ride experience packed with innovative elements.

Exiting the loading station, riders ascend the high-speed inclined lift as the round boat traverses the initial elevated section of the ride. After this, momentum is gained following the steel channel path, spinning through curves and turning downwards. Following some fun, small, splashes, riders descend into a splashdown and traverse a slow-moving floating section. 

Transitioning from the floating channel, they enter the Rotating Vertical Lift, granting great panoramic views as they ascend, slowly rotating, to the 18-meter-high elevated steel channel. This brief final segment leads to the iconic halfpipe, where an exhilarating drop awaits, returning to the station via a gentle floating section. 

Finally, a 5-meter Bungee Drop from the top into the mines and up again creates an almost weightless moment. All in all the ride duration is 6 minutes. 

Continue reading Games & Parks Industry July-August 2024, page 44

Photos Courtesy: Jean Sebastien Silvente/Coasterpics

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