Much discussed attraction again falls into the long -awaited reopening: "A technical malfunction this time" (inland)

Ypres/Zele –

The expectations were great on Saturday at the reopening of Amazonia in Bellewaerde. The new water attraction has been quiet since 1 August 2024 due to persistent problems. Half an hour after the long -awaited opening, the many fans had to drip through a breakdown, with boats being evacuated. In the course of the afternoon the attraction started talking back.

« At the opening of Amazonia a year ago we were also in the front row. » Jeffrey De Vos (38), Debby De Cock (36) and their children Diano (15), Jarno (12), Matteo (6) from Zele, East Flanders, stood on Saturday morning at the Ypres Bellewaerde Park for the opening of the new season. « We are early for Amazonia, » said Jeffrey. « The eldest son walked well, the rest of the family followed in a sturdy pass. We are the first to be the first in the queue. This attraction is unique, fantastic, great … We followed the news about Amazonia closely, all the technical developments to solve the problems. We come to the park almost every weekend. We missed this water attraction almost in good weather. »

The masses at the entrance of the Ypres Bellewaerde Park. – © Thijs Pattyn

« The time has come, » said Park spokesperson Filip Van Dorpe when thousands of visitors entered the park. “We are open, the sun is shining, the visitors are massively present and Amazonia works. People were already sitting on half an hour before the opening and many walked directly to the water attraction. The first people who got out of the boats were very enthusiastic. That gave us goose bumps. I hear from many that they had the attraction even better. Take a difficult decision for the visitors and the whole year to get the world first for everyone. «

Just like last year, Jeffrey and his family were the first to go to the attraction. – © Thijs Pattyn

« It was the max, » laughed Jeffrey and Diano after their ride. “We had to wait a long time for Amazonia, but it was worth the wait. It was brave of Bellewaerde to pull the plug in the middle of the season, also because of safety. Because of the adjustments the halfpipe goes faster, the experience takes longer and you will be much wetter. That makes it a long time. left. »

« Because of the adjustments, the half pipe goes faster, the experience takes longer and you get much wetter. » – © Thijs Pattyn

Almost half an hour after the opening, the attraction started to falter and finally the boats came to a halt, when the passengers were evacuated. « Amazonia is running back, » said Park spokesperson Filip Van Dorpe at 2.22 pm. Later in the afternoon « a reset » followed. The park no longer expects any problems in the future.

The evacuation of the boats. – © Thijs Pattyn

« We had a bad luck due to a defect in a motorcycle, » said park director Stefaan Lemey, who referred to « Murphy’s law ». « We have a spare part in stock for this. The most important thing is that it was not a concept error or problem like last year. Then boats were hanging on the half pipe, including a shortage of water flow. A technical engine problem sometimes occurs with other attractions. »

About half an hour after the opening, the doors of Amazonia closed again. – © Thijs Pattyn

Despite De Panne, the director speaks of « a good start ». « Also because of the fantastic weather. The entire team was happy that we could open Amazonia, unique in the world. Last year the attraction of 14 million euros abandoned us. Now that TipPop is in order after the many technical adjustments by constructor Intamin. Amazonia was tested much. The reactions were praised. »