Located in Molfetta, not so far from Bari, Miragica: Land of Giants (Terra dei Giganti in Italian) has open its doors for the first time the 3rd of April. This new well themed park owned by Alfa Park, part of the Draco S.p.A. Group, is placed close to the Fashion District Molfetta Outlet, the Multiplex Cinema and a Family Entertainment Centre.
Covering 100.000 square meters (including also an area for a possible future expansion), the facility includes 17 different attractions counting 2 novelties for the Italian market, 1 outdoor theatre for 500 guests, 1 restaurant for 300 people, different bars and shops, 1 parking lot for 1.000 vehicles, everything themed as a real Land of Giants, …with an investment of more or less 40 million Euros. Attendance forecast for 2009 season is set around 400.000/500.000 guests but after 3 years of operations the idea is to reach the amount of 800.000 visitors per year.
The number of employees is close up to 300 units (150 employed in the park plus 150 indirectly). Basically the structure is a family park with a good selection of modern rides. Intamin AG (Switzerland) compact launch coaster (the first installed and opened in Italy) is the park icon: a 400 meters long track without inversions, a couple of good air times, a maximum speed of roughly 100 km/h in less than 4 seconds.
Antonio Zamperla S.p.A. (Italy) has supplied a good ride package based on 8 different rides: Disk’O Coaster 40 (the first of its kind in Italy – this is the one with camelback), Hydrolift 1L river rapids style ride with vertical lift and an impressive theme, Twister Coaster (classic spinning coaster with compact layout), Giant Shot’n’Drop Tower (47 meters height), Rio Grande Train (cartoon style), Wave Blaster (saltamontes style ride), Red Baron Hydro Volant jet style roundabout ride, Jumpin’ Star 8 kiddie tower.
There are also an imposing flume ride by SBF Visa Group, another kiddie tower by Heege, a classic double deck horses carousel by Bertazzon, a wooden playground by Pozza, a double area for remote boats and cars, and dancing fountains. This new amusement facility is operated by a good team of experts put together for this and other future projects. Giovanni Modena, Operations Manager (formerly Gardaland Food & Beverage Manager), works now under the supervision of Gabriele Sancristofaro, General Manager. Giovanni is assisted by Gianfranco Bollini, Artist Director (previously Gardaland & Europa Park Artist Director), Duilio Spolador, Technical Manager (formerly Gardaland Maintenance Manager) and Silvia Tracchi, Marketing & Communication Manager.
A first look at the park is enough for giving thumbs up to both rides selection and theming. Thanks to Art Project and his main leader Fabio Pignata, the concept results excellent and simply clean but also innovative for not experienced Italian consumers. Miragica could be considered a fabulous place in the heart of Puglia, …a magnificent region where a family of Giants has decided to reside for a never-ending holiday full of sun and fun! Why not doing the same with our families?
