Italy’s leading theme park has officially opened its new children’s area.
Peppa Pig Land at Gardaland features three themed rides and a replica of Peppa’s house where guests can meet the cartoon pig and her brother George. In addition, the Merlin Entertainments operated property has added a number of Peppa Pig themed rooms at its Gardaland Hotel.
The comical Grandpa Pig’s Train Ride features a locomotive capable of hosting two passengers (adult and child) and five carriages, each designed for two adults and one child. Peppa’s Big Balloon Ride boasts eight 4-seater gondolas that travel up a 12-metre high column, offering passengers a panoramic view of the whole area. Finally, the Pirate Island Boat Ride comprises eight colourful vessels with a maximum capacity for four passengers each (two adults and two children). Also featured are some interactive spaces and little water games.
As well as meeting Peppa and George, Gardaland guests also have a chance to jump in the famous “muddy puddles” from the Peppa Pig cartoons in a photo opportunity that can be shared on social media or taken home as souvenir. Meanwhile Mr Fox’s Supermarket offers branded Peppa Pig plush toys, cups, magnets and more.
“In Italy, Peppa Pig is adored by children but it is also very appreciated by adults as a bearer of important educational values,” notes Gardaland CEO, Aldo Maria Vigevani. “Our team has worked to create a truly compelling area, a magic and memorable destination where characters and settings from the television cartoon can come alive to treat families to an unforgettable experience!”
The new land was added to the Italian park to extend its appeal to international guests. In 2017, there was an increase in visitors coming from the centre-south of the country, as well as a 2% rise in visitors from elsewhere in Europe. As part of a global partnership between Merlin and brand owner Entertainment One, a Peppa Pig Land has also opened this season at Heide Park in Germany.
This season Gardaland has invested a total of over €6 million in Peppa Pig Land, the renovation of its I Corsari (The Corsairs) dark boat ride and San Andreas 4-D Experience. The classic I Corsari – as pictured below – now features a fresh storyline and effects including 3D video mapping. Passengers on the attraction will see spectral creatures, eerie villages and abandoned galleons. A new cinematographic-style soundtrack is complemented by a ghostly voiceover from actor-dubber Pietro Ubaldi, the Italian voice of Captain Redbeard in the Pirates of the Caribbean saga.
