First Theme Parks Announce Concrete Reopening Dates

In Germany, more and more federal states permit theme parks to reopen for visitors in the next days/weeks (cf. EAP News of 7 May 2020). While the official requirements with regard to the hygiene and social distancing measures to be applied in leisure attractions have not yet been defined by the authorities, some parks have already announced concrete reopening dates – they will comply with their self-developed pandemic protection measures, including online ticket reservation, floor markings to maintain the social distance and frequent disinfection.

In North Rhine-Westphalia, leisure parks have been allowed to reopen since Monday this week (11 May). One of the first destinations that will welcome visitors again is the FORT FUN Abenteuerland. Annual pass holders and park club members will be able to visit the park starting this Sunday, 17 May; as of 21 May, the park in the German Sauerland region will be open to all visitors again.

The Europa-Park Resort in Baden-Wuerttemberg plans to partly reopen its hotel gastronomy as of 18 May; on 29 May, the Europa-Park itself as well as the related theme hotels and the camping resort will open again. Also, Germany’s Erlebnispark Tripsdrill will start into this year’s season on 29 May, officially inaugurating its two new Vekoma coasters (cf. our cover story in EAP 2/2020).

Also still this month (as of 30 May), Bavaria’s Allgäu Skyline Park will welcome visitors again. Construction works on the park’s new highlight attraction, a just under 150 meter high Starflyer from Funtime (the “Allgäuflieger”), are continuing – its opening is scheduled for early August this year.

Subject to the step-by-step plan of Lower Saxony, Merlin Entertainments’ Heide Park Resort in Soltau is considering a reopening on 25 May. Two of the largest theme parks in the Netherlands, Efteling and Toverland, are preparing to open their gates to visitors again as of next week (19/20 May). (eap)