Walibi Rhône-Alpes with New Attractions

(eap) The French theme park Walibi Rhône-Alpes will launch its new season on April 4. For the upcoming season, the leisure park located near Lyon has several new features in store for its guests. Planned is an expansion of the themed area “Exotic Island”, which opened in 2022 (see EAP 5/2022) and was complemented in 2024 by the Hot Racer roller coaster “Mahuka” (see EAP 4/2024). A new family-friendly adventure zone with three new experiences – open as of May – is currently being developed there: a family ride, an adventure course and a plant maze. A total of 4.5 million euros – including subsidies from the Auvergne Rhône-Alpes region – is being invested in this year’s park developments. Walibi Rhône-Alpes is part of the French operator group Compagnie des Alpes.

According to the park, the main attraction of the new area will be a ride unique in Europe. Park Director Luc de Roo explains: “With Répar’ta Kar, developed by the Italian manufacturer Zamperla, we are reaching a strategic milestone. As the first park in Europe to offer this attraction model, we are underlining our ambition to position Walibi Rhône-Alpes as an innovative leisure destination with national appeal.” The new attraction is a roundabout ride of the Go Go Bounce model type. The gondolas attached to the ends of several arms will be designed to look like off-road vehicles.

"L'Expédition Perdue" // Photo: Courtesy of Walibi Rhône-Alpes The adventure course, supplied by the German Kinderland company and equipped with suspension bridges and slides, will be named “L’Expédition Perdue”. The attraction has been designed as an inclusive experience and can also be used by visitors with disabilities. The French company ABC Décors is responsible for the rock design.

"Le Passage Oublié" // Photo: Courtesy of Walibi Rhône-Alpes “Le Passage Oublié” will complement the area with a plant maze intended to serve as a sensory retreat for guests. For the realization of the new zone – including groundwork, theming, installation and landscaping – the park is collaborating with numerous local companies.

Last year, Walibi Rhône-Alpes welcomed a total of 616,000 guests – with first-time visitors accounting for 35 percent – thus achieving the second-best attendance result in its history. ■