Theme park year 2025
2025 is done and dusted, which means it's time to look back. And let's be honest: it was a year full of change in theme park land. New hotels, new rides, farewells to familiar names and even brand-new events. Time to round up the most notable highlights of this theme park year for you.
Opening of the Efteling Grand Hotel
For Efteling, 2025 was without doubt a special year. On 1 August, the Efteling Grand Hotel officially opened its doors. After almost two years of construction, the first guests could finally stay overnight in this new showpiece on the edge of the park.
The opening was done in grand style, even with a world record: the hotel was decorated with the largest bow in the world.
Unmasked at Toverland
Toverland also went all out this year during Halloween Nights. For the first time, visitors could experience the Haunted Experience Unmasked: Walkthrough. Not a classic ghost train ride, but a walk through the ruins of an old manor house.
The scare zone Unmasked: Wunderball Masqué also made an impression, with actors sometimes looking you straight in the eye without hiding behind a mask. Scary in a completely different way.
Source: Toverland
Source: Bobbejaanland
A new winter event: Bobbejaan Wintert
Theme park land gained a new winter event in 2025. During Bobbejaan Wintert, Bobbejaanland is transformed into an atmospheric winter park until 4 January. Think Christmas trees, thousands of lights and various winter zones.
The pond has been turned into an ice rink, a wintry parade runs through the park every day and you can head to the Arena for a winter circus. A surprisingly complete winter experience for the park.
Walibi opens YOY roller coaster
On 5 April, Walibi Holland added a striking new roller coaster to its line-up: YOY. What makes this ride unique is that you can choose how thrilling your ride will be.
Do you go for the calm side without inversions, or do you dare to take on the THRILL side with no fewer than six loops? That way, YOY appeals to families and thrill-seekers alike.
Source: Walibi
Source: Bommelwereld
Opening of Bommelwereld
The Netherlands gained a new theme park this year. On 3 October, Bommelwereld officially opened its doors. In this park, mainly young visitors step into the world of Olivier B. Bommel and Tom Poes.
A special moment, as new theme parks don't open in the Netherlands every year.
A first look at the renovations at Disneyland Paris
At Disneyland Paris, work is currently in full swing on the renovations at Walt Disney Studios Park. A few weeks ago it was announced that the new themed areas will open in 2026.
But this year some construction fences have already come down, and part of World Premiere Plaza has opened.
25 years of Plopsaland De Panne
There was a celebration in Belgium. Plopsaland De Panne turned exactly 25 in 2025.
The anniversary was celebrated with a special parade through the park every day and extra festive entertainment throughout the day.
150 million visitors for Europa-Park
Europa-Park experienced a historic moment on Monday 10 November. On that day, it welcomed its 150 millionth visitor.
An impressive milestone that shows how popular the German park has been for decades.
Source: Europa-Park
Looking ahead to 2026
Now that 2025 is over, many theme parks are already looking ahead. New rides, expansions and events are planned for 2026.
Curious about what next year has in store for us? You'll read all about it soon in our next blog.
Related articles:
Bobbejaan Wintert: a brand-new winter event
Winter Efteling 2025: what you mustn't miss
