Leisure Park Anniversaries 2025

The new 2025 amusement park season is about to start, and it’s time to take a look at the anniversary holders. Before we talk about the “young wild ones” and “wise old timers” in the leisure industry, let’s first see who’s celebrating their “Golden Jubilee” in 2025.

Europa Park celebrates 50 years

Europa Park, Rust, Germany

Germany’s largest amusement park is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Under the motto “Experience Europe Together,” special activities, events, and a new family attraction are planned. The celebrations include new shows, an anniversary parade, and extended opening hours on select days. Source: Press Release from 05.11.2024

However, the history of Europa Park began much earlier—long before the park existed. When the gates opened on July 12, 1975, there was already a long and impressive family tradition in the books. The Mack family originally were "wagon builders" and around 1880 were known for circus and showman wagons. The first “roller coaster” is said to have been produced around 1921. The company wanted to use their own amusement park as an "exhibition" for their ride manufacturing. As it turns out today—it was a groundbreaking decision.

Mack Rides are beloved worldwide and set new trends and standards in amusement ride construction every year. They compete internationally and keep proving themselves time and again. The opening of Europa Park was no longer just an exhibition—the park evolved into a resort of superlatives that sets standards across Europe.

According to the AECOM Theme Index 2023, Europa Park ranks 18th among the 25 most visited amusement parks worldwide.

The next anniversary holder celebrating 50 years is located in Italy.

50 years of Gardaland Resort, Italy, Veneto

Also opened in 1975, Gardaland (now Gardaland Resort) debuted at Italy’s top holiday spot at the time, Lake Garda. It has a history just as eventful as its German counterpart—the Europa Park. However, the Italian opening was a bit more spectacular :) Construction wasn’t finished, skilled workers were missing, and the Italian mentality was less punctual than what you’d expect in Germany. Still, on July 19, 1975, the gates opened, and Italy got one more tourist magnet. Today, Gardaland Resort, with its attached Legoland Water Park, the local Sea Life Aquarium, and three hotels, ranks as number 8 in the AECOM Theme Index 2019 of the largest European amusement parks. Since 2006, Merlin Entertainments Group has been the owner.

You can find more info about the anniversary on the Gardaland Resort website here: https://www.gardaland.it/de/50-jahre-gardaland/

For the 2025 opening, Gardaland Resort promises to wow us with new highlights.

One of them is a new attraction called “Animal Treasure Island.”

In 2025, join us for a new adventure: Animal Treasure Island. An exclusive international premiere at Gardaland Resort!
Dive into a unique experience. A journey into a majestic and captivating world without limits.
You’ll be catapulted into an underground world with thrilling scenes and experience unforgettable new emotions.

Additionally, a new themed area called “Dragon Empire” is set to be introduced.

More anniversaries and highlights in 2025

It’s a year full of celebrations! Besides the 50th anniversaries, we’ve got

Belgium: Walibi Belgium opened on 26.07.1975

This amusement park, formerly known as Six Flags Belgium, is also celebrating its 50th birthday this year. The park went through various ownership changes, which brought some shifts. Development during that time was tough, so while it remained a harmonious park, the love for detail often took a backseat. The former sister parks also suffered from frequent strategy changes. Still, Walibi Belgium is very popular today, especially known for its extensive offerings for families with younger kids.

USA: Busch Gardens Williamsburg turns 50

Let’s glance across the pond to Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia, USA. This park opened its gates on May 16, 1975, and was the second amusement park launched by the brewery “Anheuser Busch.” Today, both parks and others belong to the “SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment” group.