DESTINATIONS THEME PARKS & ATTRACTIONS |WHAT’S NEW
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Gardaland’s Fantasy Kingdom, Italy; Gardaland castle, Italy; Parc Astérix, France; AlpenFury at Canada’s Wonderland
a magic-themed brasserie, as well as 140 rooms and suites where families can wake up to views of Efteling’s rides and water shows. For grown-ups, wellness facilities include a spa with a pool, sauna and steam bath.
SKY-HIGH THRILLS Adrenaline junkies have a plethora of new options this year. Canada’s Wonderland, near Toronto, is unveiling AlpenFury, which will be Canada’s longest, tallest and fastest launch coaster. Riders will be propelled vertically from Wonder Mountain, before hurtling through twists and turns at speeds of more than 70mph. Closer to home, Celtic-inspired spinning coaster Cétautomatix is coming to France’s Parc Astérix this May. The premise of the attraction is that riders will be ‘testing’ a range of rotating chariots on behalf of a fictional Roman blacksmith. With a minimum height requirement of just one metre, it’s an exciting yet accessible experience for families.
Closer to home, earlier this month Alton
Towers launched the exhilarating Toxicator ride – a towering 23m spinning swing that is the first of its kind in the UK.
WATERY WONDERS
New openings in the world of water parks are also making a splash. Set in a canyon outside
34 27 MARCH 2025 AlpenFury will be
Canada’s longest, tallest and fastest launch coaster
Riyadh, Aquarabia is set to open towards the end of this year and will be Saudi Arabia’s biggest water park, featuring 22 rides and experiences ranging from a cooling wave pool to extreme rafting adventures. Plus, Virgin Atlantic launches flights to Riyadh this week, making it easier for British travellers to get to the Saudi capital. European theme parks are also set for a wet and wild summer. Gardaland, on the shores of Italy’s Lake Garda, is welcoming a new water-based dark ride called Animal Treasure Island, which will see families travel through 20 animated scenes. France’s Futuroscope, meanwhile, is debuting Mission Bermudes in June: the innovative water-based rollercoaster navigates steep climbs and swaying turns to simulate the mysterious power of the Bermuda Triangle. With so much in store, agents have plenty of appealing new attractions they can use to sell a theme park break. The only question will be which one to pick.
TW BOOK IT
EasyJet holidays sells seven nights’ full-board at the Land of Legends Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Antalya from £2,065 per person, based on two adults and two children sharing. Includes luggage, transfers and flights on August 6.
easyjet.com/holidays
Efteling offers three nights at Efteling Bosrijk holiday village from £1,184 for a family of four sharing a Premium Room Landhuys in July, including a four-day park ticket.
efteling.com
Jet2holidays offers seven nights’ half-board at the Ponient Pirámide Salou by PortAventura World from £958 per person, based on two adults and two children sharing. Includes 22kg luggage each, transfers and flights on July 24.
jet2holidays.com
French Leave Holidays offers a night’s B&B at Le Cité Suspendue hotel at Parc Asterix for £719 for two adults and two children between three and 11. The price includes two-day theme park passes and Le Shuttle tunnel crossing, departing May 26 or 27.
frenchleaveholidays.com
Ocean Florida offers 14 nights at a High Grove villa, a 15-minute drive from Walt Disney World, from £1,069 per person, based on eight sharing. Includes flights from Heathrow in October, plus entrance tickets to attractions worth $435.
ocean-florida.co.uk
travelweekly.co.uk
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