Issue 3: May/June 2026

On its journey to becoming a theme park resort for the whole family, Plopsaland Germany (formerly Holiday Park) in Hassloch, Rhineland-Palatinate, recently celebrated the opening of its new family roller coaster “100% Wolf”. For the new coaster by Gerstlauer Amusement Rides, which was built on an area of around 7,000 square meters and features elaborate theming, Plopsa invested a total of twelve million euros. The attraction closes a gap in the visitor offering between children’s carousels and thrill rides and marks a milestone in the park’s transformation...

In recent months, discussions surrounding intellectual property (IP) in the leisure park industry have noticeably gained momentum. Developments such as the planned merger of Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery in particular have once again drawn attention to the increasing concentration in the IP market and access to major franchises. Beyond this strategic perspective, however, a more fundamental question arises: Does it actually make sense for every operator to rely on the same well-known intellectual properties? An academic paper examined how IPs are translated into physical experience spaces, where their limitations lie, and how they can create genuine added value...

A significant milestone in the history of Disneyland Paris has been reached: With the official opening of the new themed land “World of Frozen” at the end of March 2026, the former Walt Disney Studios Park also presents itself in a new guise – and now bears the name Disney Adventure World. As part of this comprehensive transformation, the area of the resort’s second park has almost doubled. For the first time in Europe, visitors can now enter the “Kingdom of Arendelle”, experience the main attraction “Frozen Ever After” and enjoy a varied programme of shows and entertainment...

Badegärten Eibenstock, known as a wellness and sauna world in Germany’s Ore Mountains, has completed an extensive modernisation phase and, as part of this, opened a water play area as well as two large slides. The offering is aimed primarily at families with children aged between two and 16. While the upgraded toddler pool is available for the youngest guests, older children up to around the age of twelve will find a central highlight in the newly created splash park. Designed in the style of a fairy-tale forest, it comprises various climbing and water play elements, two children’s slides, floor jets and much more. Two new large slides are also intended to generate excitement...

Colossal – there is hardly a more fitting way to describe “Edenya”. For its latest major investment, Pairi Daiza spent 215 million euros – more than ever before since the Belgian zoo was founded in 1994. More than 100 companies worked on the project over a period of five years. And the concept has paid off: With Edenya, the zoo now operates the world’s largest tropical house – confirmed by Guinness World Records. At the same time, Pairi Daiza is now open year-round, marking a milestone in the zoo’s history...

Landscaping in bathing worlds and theme parks shares many similarities, but becomes significantly more complex when large volumes of water and the corresponding technical systems come into play. Underground pipes, pumps, filtration systems and foundations, as well as functional aspects such as visitor guidance, safety and accessibility, form the framework conditions. This continuation of our landscaping feature explores the specific challenges involved in planting schemes for thermal spas, leisure pools and water parks, and explains how to make successful plant selections...