Added: 03/05/2006 |
If in Belgium, visit Bellewaerde Belgium"If in Belgium, visit Bellewaerde Belgium" is the right thing to say about this historic amusement park. Bellewaerde Belgium is a theme park in the West-Flemish countryside near Ypres. Established in 1954 in the area that during World War I functioned as the location of the Battle of Bellewaerde, Bellewaerde Belgium was named after the old castle that still stands near the main entrance of the park.
Originally, Bellewaerde Belgium was opened as a garden and an ornithological (study of birds) park. In 1969, a safari park was added and the park was renamed "Safari Bellewaerde". A lion area was added in 1972 and lions are still viewed as Bellewaerde Belgium mascots. Tigers appeared in 1974 and more exotic animals were added over the following years.
The year of 1978 became the turning point in the Bellewaerde Belgium history, when the first large amusement rides started to be built. Major rides include the first Boomerangcoaster in Europe (1984), a dark ride with a pirate theme (Los Piratas), a Vekoma Mad House (Houdini's Magical House), the Screaming Eagle vertical drop tower, a large number of stock rides, such as a pirate ship, a swing carousel, a monorail, a bug coaster, carousels, old-timers, an octopus and tea-cups. There are also several water rides, comprising a log flume, a rapid river ride, a spill water ride, Niagra, with a breathtaking plunge over a waterfall and a Jungle Cruise-like boat ride.
In 2005, Bellewaerde Belgium opened El Volador, a new family attraction for people of all ages, thrill seeking grandfathers and grandmothers included. The experience is as follows. A gondola slowly turns upwards to its highest point. When you think that nothing can disturb the peace and quietness, the Mexican tower buckles over downwards. Then, El Volador rises again and tumbles down to another side. The new attraction is the first of its kind worldwide. There is also the first Topple Tower, which is a new roundabout, where the cars with the passengers raise themselves. In contrast to the Gyro Tower, the Toggle Tower leans several times, until the car reaches the point of the Topple Towers. The Topple Tower opened in Bellewaerde in 2005.
In 2006, two new rides are to be added: a fantastic 4D cinema in Tico - Tico theatre and El Toro on the Mexico square. An entertainment schedule changes every year; for instance, this year Bellewaerde Belgium features a new "Jungle Circus", a fantastic show in a jungle style.
The fifty four hectare park is famous for its beautiful gardens, marvelous landscaping, an abundance of wild flowers and plants, and a natural green surrounding. Fresh air, incredible flavors, water attractions, recreational activities and warming beams of Belgian sun are the best healers to your body and mind.
Bellewaerde Belgium also provides an extensive program of educational and pedagogical projects. For more than fifty years the park's didactical-pedagogical team has been working out diverse study trips and excursions for school groups. Tailor-maid excursions are available.
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