Gian Steinbusch
The Belgian theme park Walibi Belgium in Wavre has unveiled the next steps in its long-term development plan through 2030. The centerpiece of this new investment phase will be a major hybrid roller coaster set to open in 2028 as part of the future themed area “Festival World.” For the project, the park is partnering with renowned American manufacturer Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC).
The new attraction will be built on the site of the popular wooden roller coaster “Loup-Garou,” which will operate in its current form for the final time during the 2026 season. Construction work is scheduled to begin in January 2027. The opening of the coaster in 2028 will also mark the launch of the first phase of Festival World, a new themed area inspired by the festive atmosphere of New Orleans.
Record-Breaking Coaster for the Benelux Region
According to Walibi Belgium, the new hybrid coaster is intended to become one of the most spectacular roller coasters in Europe. The ride will reach a height of 49 meters and a top speed of 106 km/h. Particularly impressive is its track length of 1,231 meters, which is expected to set a new record for the Benelux region.
Guests can also look forward to a 47-meter first drop with an 89-degree angle. In addition, the park has announced three ride elements that will be unique worldwide. Further details regarding the layout or the coaster’s name have not yet been revealed.
With this project, Walibi Belgium aims to create a roller coaster capable of establishing itself among the best in the world.
Festival World Continues to Grow Until 2030
The new hybrid coaster will serve as the starting point for the development of Festival World. By 2030, the themed area will be expanded as part of a second development phase. Plans include the retheming of existing attractions, additional food and beverage locations, a large themed restaurant, family-friendly drop towers, and a new water play area.
“This new phase continues the transformation we have been pursuing since 2016. Our ambition is to further strengthen the appeal of Walibi Belgium and Aqualibi by offering experiences that are even more immersive, spectacular, and accessible for the whole family,” said Jean-Christophe Parent, Managing Director of Walibi Belgium and Aqualibi.
Ten Years of Transformation
Since 2016, Walibi Belgium has continuously invested in the development of the park. During this period, four new themed worlds, eight new attractions, eight additional dining locations, and three new retail outlets have been added. The adjacent water park Aqualibi has also undergone a major expansion.
Visitor numbers have grown significantly as a result. While the resort welcomed around 1.3 million visitors ten years ago, it now attracts more than 1.8 million guests annually. This represents an increase of approximately 43 percent.
With the new hybrid coaster and the development of Festival World, Walibi Belgium continues its modernization strategy and prepares for the next major chapter in its history.
About Walibi Belgium
Walibi Belgium is one of Belgium’s best-known theme parks and celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025. Located in Wavre, southeast of Brussels, the park offers more than 40 attractions for visitors of all ages.
In recent years, the park has undergone an extensive transformation. New themed areas such as Karma World, Exotic World, and Fun World have expanded the park’s offering with numerous attractions and dining experiences. In 2025, Dock World opened as a new industrial harbor-themed area. Its headline attraction is Mecalodon, a family coaster that reaches speeds of up to 65 km/h while racing just above the water’s surface along nearly one kilometer of track.
Among the park’s most famous attractions is the Intamin mega coaster Kondaa, which stands 50 meters tall and reaches a top speed of 113 km/h, making it the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the Benelux region. Another popular attraction is Popcorn Revenge, an interactive dark ride that invites guests to compete for points in a movie-themed environment.
Together with the adjacent water park Aqualibi, Walibi Belgium welcomes more than 1.8 million visitors each year, making it one of the most visited leisure destinations in Belgium.
Images: Walibi Belgium
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