Toverland is going to expand with a new entrance area and a new themed area in 2018. By doing this the park increases one and a half times in size. The new themed area will be called Avalon, and it will contain two major attractions; the spectacular wing coaster Fēnix and the magical boat ride Merlin’s Quest.
With seven hectares in total this is the largest expansion in the history of Toverland involving an investment of approximately 30 million euros.
It is the ambition of Toverland to break through the magical barrier of one million visitors in the next few years. The theme park therefore wants to prolong dwell time by opening new expansions and a four star hotel resort.
For the new themed area the theme park was inspired by Celtic legends about the famous wizard Merlin, King Arthur and the magical sword Excalibur.
Peter van Holsteijn, chief designer of Toverland, says:
”Avalon is a magical place with Merlin in the centre. Together with his ally Fēnix he ensures that the good magic prevails. The dark side, personified by the evil witch Morgana, always lurks.“
The wing coaster, one of the highlights of Avalon, carries the name Fēnix. On a wing coaster, the trains hang on either side of the track which creates a unique flying experience.
Peter van Holsteijn, added:
“The almighty firebird Fēnix arises from its own ashes every 777 years. Our guests are invited to take place under Fēnix’s wings to accompany it on its first journey after resurrection.”
The supplier of the roller coaster is the leading Swiss company Bolliger & Mabillard.
Fēnix is a whopping 40 metres high, 813 metres long and reaches a top speed of 95 km/h. During the ride passengers loop three times and the inexperience of the only just resurrected Fēnix ensures several ‘near misses’. The ride will take, boarding and disembarking excluded, about two minutes. It is the longest wing coaster in Europe and the first of its kind in the Benelux.
In Merlin’s Quest guests can enjoy a boat ride across the waters of Avalon which lasts 12 minutes. Van Holsteijn indicates that the guests are on a search for Tir na nŌg, the source of eternal youth.
During the ride the boat sails into a ruin. The source of eternal youth might just be in this so-called dark ride section. The boat ride is an attraction for the whole family. In total 14 boats sail a 430 metres track. Two boats are accessible to disabled persons. Merlin’s Quest is constructed by the German company MACK Rides. This family business also constructed the spinning coaster Dwervelwind and the water ride Backstroke in Toverland.
Avalon will also include a new restaurant, The Flaming Feather.
