Gardaland Resort in Castelnuovo del Garda, Italy, has inaugurated its 50th anniversary season with the debut of “Animal Treasure Island,” a €10 million investment and the first original intellectual property (IP) developed by Merlin Entertainments’ creative division, Merlin Magic Making.
Spanning 6,000 square meters, the indoor water-based dark ride immerses guests in a subterranean journey through 20 intricately themed scenes. The attraction employs a 360-degree binaural audio system with over 250 speakers, a custom-composed soundtrack, and advanced animatronics to enhance the storytelling experience.
The narrative follows Captain Nine Lives and her Courageous Crew as they navigate a perilous treasure hunt against the antagonistic Beastly Bandits. To extend the engagement beyond the ride, Gardaland offers daily meet-and-greet sessions with the characters, fostering a deeper connection with visitors.
In addition to Animal Treasure Island, Gardaland has introduced four other attractions for the 2025 season:
- Bim Bum Bam Live: A live show featuring Uan, the iconic pink puppet from 1980s and 1990s Italian television, appealing to both nostalgic adults and new audiences.
- Dragon Empire: A reimagined themed area inspired by Eastern aesthetics, featuring the Dragon Rush spinning coaster and the interactive Rocket Factory experience.
- A.I. – The Future is Here: A multimedia show at the Gardaland Theatre exploring themes of artificial intelligence through a blend of technology and performance art.
- Prezzemolo and the Mystery of Hidden Worlds: A new 4D cinema experience delving into the origins of Gardaland’s mascot, Prezzemolo, combining elements of science and fantasy.
To support the expanded offerings, Gardaland has increased its workforce by hiring approximately 700 seasonal employees, supplementing its existing 230 permanent staff. An additional 400 hires are anticipated for the summer period.
Gardaland Resort, encompassing the amusement park, SEA LIFE Aquarium, LEGOLAND® Water Park, and three themed hotels, continues to position itself as a premier European destination for family entertainment.
For a visual overview of Gardaland, you can watch the following video:
Images: Gardaland
