Plopsaland Belgium in De Panne is getting another major attraction: a High Capacity Flying Theatre, supplied by German ride manufacturer Mack Rides. The announcement was made at the IAAPA Expo in Barcelona. Plopsa director Carl Lenaerts explains that this aligns with the De Panne resort's growth strategy, which aims to grow from 1.5 to 2 million visitors in the coming years.
During the presentation, Carl Lenaerts also explained the growth strategy of Plopsa Parks: “We've chosen to focus primarily on developing larger resorts that combine several concepts we're experts in: amusement parks, indoor parks, water parks, accommodations, and theater. Plopsaland Belgium already meets this combination, and we want to expand it further. We also have some development potential around that site; land with a recreational zoning plan. The growth of the De Panne location is being managed in close consultation with the municipality and the province. Our park, Plopsaland Deutschland, is also one of the key areas where we can combine multiple concepts.”
This is a first for Belgium to have this type of attraction (the Flying Theatre). The addition of this attraction makes the park even more appealing to a wider audience. While the park (and its associated IP) was originally aimed at families with younger children, Plopsaland Belgium is increasingly focusing on appealing to the whole family (including older children).
The Flying Theatre will be part of a new zone in the park, more information about which will be published next week. (Editor's note: We're looking forward to it!)
Mack Rides also benefits from establishing itself in this market segment, where it aims to grow. Mack Rides markets its Flying Theatre model as Airific, with its selling points being high capacity, a simple entry system, and various onboard special effects such as wind, mist, and water.
More information: www.mack-rides.com/en/products/tacumeon/airific/