Gardaland Resort has officially unveiled its latest and most ambitious attraction to date: Animal Treasure Island, a ground-breaking water-based dark ride that marks a bold new chapter for the beloved Italian theme park.

Now open to the public, the ride represents a significant milestone for both Gardaland and Merlin Entertainments, serving as the worldwide debut of a brand-new intellectual property developed by Merlin Magic Making.

With an investment of approximately €10 million, Animal Treasure Island is the first attraction of its kind within the Merlin Entertainments group, blending immersive storytelling with cutting-edge technology across an expansive 6,000-square-metre show building.

The adventurous experience transports guests on an underground voyage through twenty richly themed scenes, each filled with daring heroes, nefarious villains, and hidden treasures.

Gardaland CEO Sabrina de Carvalho expressed pride in the park's role as the launch site for this major new IP:

“We are proud that Merlin has chosen Italy and Gardaland for the launch of Animal Treasure Island. It is a new and immersive experience that is suitable for everyone, characterized by an adventurous spirit and a fascinating, awe-inspiring setting.”

Designed to appeal to guests of all ages, the ride's story centres around classic themes of good versus evil, brought to life by a cast of original characters created in-house by Merlin’s studios. These bespoke animal characters add emotional depth and narrative continuity, ensuring that guests become fully immersed in the mysterious world of Animal Treasure Island from the moment they step aboard.

The new attraction is not only a testament to Gardaland’s continued evolution but also signals the beginning of a broader international rollout plan by Merlin Entertainments, with Animal Treasure Island potentially becoming a new staple across other Merlin properties worldwide.