Nickland take two
Movie Park, Bottrop, Germany, has brought forward plans to expand its Nickland kids zone and will unveil eight new and two refurbished attractions by late April/early May.
The attractions were originally earmarked for the 2009 season, but following the success of the Nickelodeon-themed area since it opened last March a decision was made just three months later to forge ahead early.
The rides in question, all of which will all be named after various Nickelodeon characters, include a flume ride from Preston & Barbieri, the first ever Chance Aviator in Europe, a Zamperla Sky Chaser (balloon ride with Kite Flyer gondolas) and swing ride, plus several children’s rides.
There’s also a renovation for Movie Park’s existing Mack wild mouse (formerly Tom ‘n’ Jerry ride) and Vekoma junior coaster, which will be incorporated into Nickland as part of the 15,000 square metre expansion. New “Nick” dining and retail opportunities will be added too.
To give the area a more inviting look, the asphalt walkways are being ripped out and replaced by paving stones, and the TÜV “Safe for Kids” certification that applies throughout other areas of Movie Park will be extended throughout all of Nickland.
Back on board to assist the park’s project manager are French theming consultants Art & Design. “I am really pleased that, because of the team we have, we are able to realise all of this at such notice,” says Movie Park’s recently elevated general manager, Wouter Dekkers.
The Nick children’s TV channel was only introduced into Germany in 2005, but recently picked up a prestigious Kids Choice award there. It is already very big across the nearby border in Holland, from where Dekkers originates: “My five-year-old son loves it,” he tells Park World, “I am a very popular dad.”
Since it surrendered its Warner Bros franchise, Movie Park has incorporated a variety of licensed properties and plans to announce another “exciting” franchise soon.
Updates on Nickland construction work can be found via the website www.preview2008.de, a “charm offensive” by Movie Park as it attempts to foster a more open dialogue with its guests and the local community.
