Little-known European theme park with huge waterpark and ‘world first’ rides

A NEW Amazon-themed land was opened at a lesser-known European theme park earlier this year, with new rides, attractions, restaurants and shops. There are so many theme parks across Europe that some inevitably end up getting overlooked. IntaminThe Amazonia water ride at the park is described as a world’s first[/caption] The Brazilian Buggies offer kids a good first rollercoaster experience The Rio Do Cafe is a log flume suitable for all the family IntaminThe Amazonia includes the world’s largest halfpipe among other features[/caption] Included in that is Bellewaerde in Ypres, Belgium, home to a theme park, a water park and an animal park, all in the same place. And back in March it added to its range of offerings with a brand new land, Mundo Amazonia, which cost €21m (£17.7m) to build. The park’s website boasts of having “four sensational attractions” in the new land, all of which are hidden in tropical forests with winding rivers. lt also brags about having a “world first with the Amazonia water attraction”. The ride is said to combine “the pleasures of water with a crazy elevator” as well as the largest halfpipe in the world. As part of the ride, families are plunged into the halfpipe on a their circular tube boats before they are taken back up by a rotating vertical lift. From there they experience the “world‘s first” rapids ride bungee, according to ride designers Intamin, who worked on the attraction. They said: “Amazonia embodies the culmination of decades of knowledge and technological innovation which Intamin has gathered over the years together with a great partner such as Bellwaerde, willing to push the boundaries of traditional Rapids Rides to the next level. “We take immense pride in this collaborative project with Bellewaerde.” The Amazonia water ride isn’t the only new addition that will give guests a good soaking however, with a mini log-flume the Rio Do Cacao perfect for children who want to experience such a ride for the first time. There’s also the larger flume, the Rio Do Cafe, which is described by the park as comprising of “the trunk of an old redwood tree and a raging river”. They continue: “These are the main elements of the history of Rio Do Cafe. “Hop on the log with your family and the adventure through the Amazon jungle can begin. “Just when you think your journey is almost over, you plunge from a height of 12 meters at breakneck speed.” Five new water attractions opening in the UK next year Therme Manchester will have 25 swimming pools, 25 water slides and an indoor beach. Modern Surf Manchester will be a surfing lagoon offering lessons to both beginners and experts. Chessington World of Adventures waterpark is set to have wave, infinity and spa pools as well as waterslides and cabanas. The Cove Resort, Southport is likely to have a water lagoon and a thermal spa with steam rooms and saunas. The Seahive, Deal plans to be the “surfing wellness resort” in the UK. Meanwhile, there’s also a great first-time kids’ rollercoaster too in the shape of the Brazilian Buggies. Theme Parks EU said: “Young adventurers can find yet more excitement in the Brazilian Buggies. “This all-new kids’ coaster promises a tailored first roller coaster experience for the little ones and is a subtle nod to the Beetle Coaster of the past.” In addition to the new rides, there’s also a new fast food place, the Tropical Takeaway, and a souvenir shop for families to remember their visit to Mundo Amazonia. Overall, the park has a score of 4.3/5 from close to 20,000 ratings on Google Reviews. One simply described it as “A place of Magic,” adding: “I have no words to say. It was wonderful.” Elsewhere, the park is also home to the Boomerang, a 104ft tall rollercoaster that shoots riders back and forth at speeds of up to 50mph. Elsewhere, it has Europe’s first duelling alpine coaster, Dawson Duel, with families racing against one another on separate tracks high above the tree line. Its waterpark meanwhile is home to 13 different rides and slides, including tube rides like the Jungle Expedition, which takes guests on a slow cruise around the whole park. For thrill seekers, there’s the likes of Aquaventure, Splash Clash and Rainbow, all offering uniquely exciting rides for visitors. Anyone looking to relax after their adrenaline rides can hide in the Secret Cave, where they’ll find jacuzzis, whirpools and saunas. The park first opened its doors back in 1954 as a zoo and safari and was named after an old castle in the territory that still stands near the main entrance. Meanwhile, this is a list of the exciting new rides that have opened, or are opening, in the UK this year. And Universal has plans to open a massive theme park in the UK. The Amazonia is one of four new rides in the Amazon themed land A souvenir shop and fast food stall are also included in the new area IntaminThe rides opened at the Belgian park earlier this year[/caption]