LAP UP FERRARI LAND Thrill-seekers are in pole position with luxury Italian car makers’ new theme park ride
FOR many people, riding in the front seat of a brand new red Ferrari while the sun is shining is a dream come true.
One to tick off the bucket list, right? Well, that fairy tale might slowly turn into a nightmare when the Ferrari you find yourself perched in is part of Europe’s fastest and tallest rollercoaster at the car brand’s new theme park.
But, like any good rollercoaster, after the initial feelings of sheer panic and fear leave your body, you’re left with pure adrenaline surging through your veins.
Yes, the Red Force vertical accelerator is star attraction at Ferrari Land, which opened last week.
Modelled on Formula 1 tracks and dynamics, the rollercoaster goes from nought to 112mph in five seconds and hits a height of 367ft.
Ferrari celebrates its 70th anniversary this year and the car brand is showing no signs of hitting the brakes and pulling into the pits with its stunning new theme park.
Costing nearly £90million to build, Ferrari Land is the latest addition to PortAventura World Parks and Resort.
Spanning more than 750,000 square feet, the new park offers 11 attractions for the whole family, with a strong focus on technology and adrenaline.
As well as the mesmerising accelerator ride, the park pays tribute to the legendary car brand’s founder Enzo Ferrari.
The Ferrari Experience building is in the shape of a classic Ferrari racing car and gives fans a detailed look at the brand’s humble beginnings to the legend it is today.
There’s also eight semi-pro simulators that make up the Pole Position Challenge, where visitors can put their driving skills to the test.
Other rides include the familyfriendly Maranello Grand Race racetrack, which recreates the excitement of driving a legendary Ferrari 488 Spider and the Pit Stop Record, which sees two teams compete to change four wheels on a full-size F1 car as quickly as possible.
But what about scary rides? Well, outwith Red Force, a go on the Thrill Towers is a must. The two “bounce-back towers” are more than 180ft high and send you shooting up and down at incredible speeds.
With the opening of Ferrari Land, PortAventura World hopes to achieve a record five million visitors this year.
Located roughly an hour outside Barcelona, in Salou, PortAventura World has firmly established itself as Europe’s No1 theme park.
And since opening in 1995, it has gone from strength to strength.
Before Red Force opened at Ferrari Land, PortAventura World’s star attraction, Shambhala, was the record-holder when it came to rollercoasters.
Reaching top speeds of 83mph and heights of 249ft, Shambhala isn’t for the faint-hearted.
With only a lap bar to hold on to – and keep you in place – the long ascent high into the sky certainly adds to the tension before you drop back down to earth.
Next door to Europe’s second tallest rollercoaster is the equally impressive Dragon Khan.
The 148ft-high ride is one of the theme park’s original rides and remains a firm favourite. But
PortAventura World isn’t just a theme park for thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies – there really is something for everyone.
Bert, Ernie and the rest of the Sesame Street gang took up residence at the park in 2011.
With small rides, fancy dress and a number of shows, children will no doubt be left amazed as they explore the Sesame Street section of the park.
Elsewhere, PortAventura World is split into five parts, each with a different theme. At each section – Mediterrania, Far West, Mexico, China and Polynesia – there are rides, shows, restaurants and shops. The biggest problem with that? You’ll struggle to find time to cram everything in.
As the sixth most visited theme park in Europe, PortAventura World is always busy.
Paying that little bit extra and getting express passes, which means you can skip the long queues for the rides, is definitely a smart investment.
Away from the rides and next door to PortAventura World, there is a Caribbean-themed water park.
Of course, true to PortAventura World’s style, you will have the chance to shred your last remaining nerves. King Khajuna is Europe’s tallest free-fall slide, with a terrifying drop of 102ft.
However, if you’d rather spend the day sitting by the pool, you can still pack a towel, pull up a sun lounger and relax.
With beaches, palm trees and Latin and reggae music, the Costa Caribe Aquatic Park provides a nice break from the hustle and bustle of the theme park.
And thanks to the addition of Ferrari Land, PortAventura World is definitely in pole position when it comes to being the best theme park in Europe.
●Fraser stayed courtesy of PortAventura World. To book, call 0808 234 3399 or visit www.portaventuraworld.com
A week for two in PortAventura Hotel half board from £800 including park tickets plus €35 for Ferrari land upgrade. Flights from Glasgow from £80 return – Jet2 from Glasgow, Ryanair from Prestwick.