2024 Walibi Rhônes-Alpes: New Thrill Rollercoaster for 45th Park Anniversary
Photo: Courtesy of Walibi Rhône-Alpes
(eap) Next year, the Walibi Rhône-Alpes (WRA) theme park near Lyon will celebrate its 45th anniversary. To mark this special occasion, the park wants to surprise its guests in spring 2024 with a new thrill roller coaster: “Mahuka” will be the name of the new major attraction, which will be the single rail coaster model Hot Racer from the portfolio of Liechtenstein-based manufacturer Intamin – a unique experience throughout Europe. The new ride will be implemented as the second part of the new “Exotic Island” themed area, which started last year with the opening of a new water play area (by Aqua Pro Urba) and the new family attraction “Tiki Academy” (by Zamperla) on the site of the former Aqualibi outdoor water park (see EAP 5/2022).
The new attraction is thus part of the park’s extensive modernization measures, which were launched in 2016. According to the ambitious investment plan, almost 50 million euros will be invested in the transformation and renewal of the park, which belongs to the Compagnie des Alpes Group, within ten years. This includes the creation of new attractions, new restaurants, three immersive themed areas and various measures to renew existing infrastructure. In 2024, more than ten million euros will flow into the continued expansion of Exotic Island, which will include the new roller coaster as well as the new “Tiki Fruits” restaurant. Apart from the manufacturing of the roller coaster, much of the work on the project will be carried out by local companies.
According to the storyline, the new roller coaster experience Mahuka (borrowed from the Hawaiian language) will send guests on an exciting archaeological journey to an abandoned temple built in honor of the Fire God on a deserted island in the southern Pacific Ocean... Two launch sections, a top speed of 67 km/h and 13 airtime moments will thrill passengers placed in individual seats (from a height of 120 cm or an age of about 6-7 years) on the custom-designed track. ■
