At IAAPA Expo Europe 2024, Vekoma highlighted its diverse range of openings and in-progress attractions, ranging from family-oriented rides to high thrill coasters. The family coasters ‘Snoopy’s Soap Box Racers’ at Kings Island, ‘Midnight Flyer’ at Santa’s Village in Jefferson (NH) and ‘Good Gravy!’ at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari have been the first of their kind to open in the United States. Energylandia in Poland has opened a Mine Train ‘Choco Chip Creek’ & Kalypso Family Coaster ‘Honey Harbour’ at the new Sweet Valley area. Emerald Park in Ireland has opened the Suspended Thrill Coaster ‘Na Fianna Force’ and Family Boomerang ‘The Quest’ with intertwined design.
Currently, two projects are under construction in Australia and will open to the public towards the end of the year. Warner Bros. Movie World will open its Wizard of Oz precinct featuring a Suspended Family Coaster ‘Flight of the Wicked Witch’ and Family Boomerang Racer ‘Kansas Twister.’
Dreamworld on the Gold Coast in Australia, will open the world’s first Switchback Coaster ‘Jungle Rush’ at the new area Rivertown. This family thrill coaster is set to be the first of its kind, with the ride design supporting multiple different cycle paths, featuring the world’s first inclined turntable and offering an immersive adventure for visitors of all ages! It will include 12 airtime elements, dedicated show moments and the ability to run both backwards and forwards!
New 2025 projects
During the press conference at IAAPA Expo Europe in Amsterdam, Vekoma revealed the coach of the new indoor Family Launch Coaster that will open at the Polish theme park Mandoria in 2025. ‘Aquila’ will be a Launch Coaster reaching speeds up to 70 km/h (43.5 mph). This 450-meter (1,476-foot) ride will do a double pass with a second launch on the fly creating a 900-meter ride experience for the whole family. The 95-centimeter (38-inch) rider height restriction is the lowest for this Family Launch Coaster with an acceleration from 0-70 km/h in just 3 seconds!
In Europe will also be the opening of the indoor Family Coaster ‘Bulder Baan’ at the new indoor theme park Bommelwereld that will open its doors to the public next year. With a track length of 257 meters and maximum speed of 45 km/h, this ride takes people through the mysterious mountains. Vekoma has partnered with Jora Vision and Bommelwereld to create a new indoor coaster experience that is specifically designed to offer the entire family a thrilling adventure, with a minimum height requirement of 95 centimeters ensuring that even younger guests can join in the fun. The coaster’s unique layout features extended columns, allowing visitors to walk beneath the majority of the ride and witness the action from a captivating perspective. To further enhance the experience, the curves are strategically designed to place other attractions in the center of the park. This creates a dynamic and engaging environment as the coaster zigzags through the indoor space, offering guests multiple vantage points to enjoy the ride.
Winnoland in France will open their new Kalypso Family Coaster ‘Wild West Coaster’ that offers excitement for families of all ages with a maximum speed of 46km/h and a track length of 254 meters.
