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Gardaland Press Release:
To mark the 29th Borsa Internazionale del Turismo (a key travel show held in Milan), Gardaland reveals its brand new programme for the 2009 season, confirming its position, in terms of attendance figures, as the Number One Amusement Park in Italy and one of the top parks in Europe.
A place-list based on statistics produced by the Ministry for Culture and cross-referenced with SIAE data on ticket sales, places Gardaland (3,000,000 visitors) in 3rd place in Italy in terms of visitor numbers after the Colosseum (4,545,000) and the Vatican Museums (4,310,000).
Gardaland opens its 34th season on 4 April with an adrenalin-fuelled day of surprises. Various demonstrations of bravery and bravado have in fact been scheduled for opening day. Preparations are also underway for an incredible competition designed for all our most courageous Guests: the boldest ones, willing to tackle the Park’s most extreme attractions, could win a zero-gravity flight, a trip to Thorpe Park, the Merlin Entertainments Group’s most “extreme” Amusement Park, as well as other outstanding prizes that are absolutely… in theme!
The new attraction “RAMSES: the awakening” will open during the season. This is an interactive challenge experienced at first hand, set in the mysterious temple of Abu Simbel, which has been totally transformed. Visitors will be transported on an enthralling adventure amidst Egyptian sculptures and futuristic buildings, on a mission to use their special laser weapons to put a stop to a mysterious alien force.
According to the story that has been developed for the new attraction, the famous reproduction of the Temple of Abu Simbel at Gardaland was recently the subject of a major makeover intended to offer our Visitors a brand-new exciting experience. However, during the renovation works, Gardaland staff stumbled upon something rather strange… In fact, as soon as they reach the outside, visitors will no longer see the perfect reproduction of the three statues (the fourth is damaged even in its original version) because one of these now appears in an extremely unusual and mysterious guise…
As they embark on their journey visitors will gradually realise that a growing energy-source of unknown origin is bringing everything to life. The Visitors themselves will have to directly interact with the targets they meet in the various rooms in an attempt to put a stop to the curious transformation that alien forces are engineering. The challenge will be to prevent Ramses and his army from awakening completely and placing the whole of humankind in danger.
The time-travel theme is also the basis of a new show at the Palaghiaccio ice-rink, which has been made over for the occasion with a large star-strewn panel, mobile sets and special effects. “Viaggio nel Tempo”, as the show is called, includes the participation of Prezzemolo and his amusing, but bungling friends TI-GEY and Bambù who, by pressing a button, will initiate an adventure in time! It starts with a wild dance by a group of cave dwellers – a propitiatory rite set to the atmospheric notes of a piece of choral music – and passes on to ancient Rome, featuring fire and original costumes in a breathtaking exhibition by the emperor and his handmaidens. There then follows a mediaeval battle between knights, with plenty of sword skirmishes and conjuring acts, to win the heart of the princess. Only the arrival of Aurora will be able to help the three friends to go back in time and reach home safe and sound.
Following its huge success last year, there will be a revival, enhanced with a number of new reworkings, of Hollywood Dreams, the musical written by Federico Bellone, Simone Manfredini and Filippo Tassi with choreography by Fabrizio Angelini. This musical will bring the stage of Gardaland Theatre to life with performances of the most famous and exciting melodies taken from the soundtracks of well-known films. This fantastic show will feature sumptuous costumes, magical changes of scene, projections and atmospheric light effects, all set in the golden age of the fabulous 1940s.
In addition to the performances at the Palaghiaccio ice-ring and at the Gardaland Theatre, there will also be new shows at the Teatro delle Marionette puppet theatre and at the Castello di Mago Merlino – the wizard Merlin’s castle – including a spectacular parade with no less than 30 characters! Special attention will be paid to the Park’s younger Visitors, who will experience the thrill of meeting Prezzemolo, Gardaland’s mascot dragon, in various situations.
Visitors to the Amusement Park will also be treated to the incredible experience of climbing aboard “Mammoth”, the family roller coaster more than one kilometre long, which opened last spring and has already been tried out by more than 2 million visitors. With 3 vertiginous slopes, inclines and declines with a gradient of up to 48%, 16 breakneck changes of direction, hairpin bends and dizzy descents, Mammoth is guaranteed to offer unbelievable and unmatched thrills to all who ride it.
GARDALAND HOTEL
BIT 2009 will also provide an opportunity to introduce the exclusive benefits and holiday packages available from the Gardaland Hotel Resort. Staying in this fabulous facility is a perfect way of continuing the intensely magical experience of Gardaland, feeling like a character is some gorgeous fairytale and enjoying the huge range of special initiatives planned especially for the Guests accommodated in this special setting, which is unique of its kind.
After a busy day dedicated to having fun, enjoying the wonderful attractions and countless shows offered by Italy’s Number One Amusement Park, where better to relax and recuperate than in one of the Gardaland Hotel Resort’s 247 family rooms? Guests benefit from an excellent restaurant, a large free car park, a convenient, free shuttle bus service from and to the Park and a splendid indoor water area (Blue Lagoon), all of which make the Gardaland Hotel Resort the ideal destination for anyone wishing to prolong the excitement offered at Gardaland.
Gardaland Hotel Resort’s package comes complete with enthralling entertainment laid on for children and with the presence, at breakfast and during the evenings, of Gardaland characters. The hotel reception sells tickets to Gardaland and offers exclusive access for Guests staying at the Gardaland Hotel Resort to a range of benefits and specially designed initiatives.
Until 18 June, excluding public holidays, a minimum two-night stay will entitle Guests at the Gardaland Hotel Resort to free use of the promotion “Vivi le attrazioni del Parco da protagonista”. This initiative includes an outstanding deal in the shape of the “Gardaland Express”, a fantastic pass that admits the holder to four of Gardaland’s most outstanding attractions: Fuga da Atlantide, Mammut, I Corsari and Time Voyagers. This is an unmissable opportunity to make your visit to the Park that little bit more special and enjoyable.
What is more, Guests at the Gardaland Hotel Resort will also be able to buy multiday tickets (valid for use in the Park for 2 or 3 days) with a special 10% discount, which will be applied directly at the hotel reception.
The Gardaland Hotel Resort also introduces its Easter Special: giving free rein to the imagination.
The Easter festivities at the Gardaland Hotel Resort will include an activity called “Decorate the Gardaland egg”. All the young Guests will be given an egg to decorate and every day, from 4pm to 6.30pm the children, assisted by the hotel entertainment staff, will be able to indulge their creativity by painting their eggs in the DECORATING WORKSHOP.
On Easter evening, at about 9pm, there will be a parade of artworks. A clapometer will determine the best decoration, which will be awarded by the Park’s very own mascot, Prezzemolo himself. The evening will continue in the company of other Gardaland characters, who will get the young Guests involved in a lively baby disco.
The “Easter Special” package at the Gardaland Hotel Resort (minimum 2 nights’ stay) includes the nights of 10-11-12 and 13 April.
The price per room inclusive of breakfast is as follows:
double room 259.00 Euro
triple room 279.00 Euro
quadruple room 299.00 Euro
Source: Gardaland Press Office