PortAventura Discussion Thread

[FJM8 0]

Local Newspaper "Diari de Tarragona" states that PortAventura World is set to re-open in July (day TBA) after the end of the state of alarm in Spain caused by the Covid-19 Pandemic, with changes that are yet to be disclosed. Presumably strong sanitary measures will be taken in order to fulfil the resort's goal of being recognized as a safe destination in the country.

 

Link (spanish):

https://www.diaridetarragona.com/costa/PortAventura-se-prepara-para-abrir-de-nuevo-en-julio-20200525-0047.html

[FJM8 0]

The park has officially reopened today

[oriolat 4]

Apparently, PortAventura in partnership with LaLiga (Spain's professional football league) have decided to open a new land/park themed to football (soccer, for Americans).

 

These news come a bit as a shock as no one was expecting this move on their part, not even die-hard PA fans.

 

Here is the link to the article in Spanish: https://www.lavanguardia.com/economia/20200913/483444069204/portaventura-laliga-futbol-egames-gamers.html

 

And here is the link to a video in Spanish talking about The Beat Challenge (an experience similar to Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom) that will be available throughout the property: https://videos.elmundo.es/v/0_sybz267u-del-cesped-al-parque-de-atracciones-laliga-sigue-la-senda-de-disney-la-nba-y-ferrari?count=0

 

Thi is a bold movement, to say the least. FerrariLand (which opened in 2017) has been underperforming and doesn't even feel like a half-day park, yet management wants to invest money on a fourth gate. What do you think?

 

On the one hand, sports, football and LaLiga, are extremely popular, so it seems like a great move from a business perspective. Football has such a huge fanbase among Spaniards (it would be the equivalent to NBA in the US or even Nascar), so I am sure this will get people talking and speculating, as the idea seems innovative. If only we got something as cool as Kennywood did with Steel Curtain lol

 

On the other hand, if a well-established brand like Ferrari couldn't pull off a decent park, how can LaLiga (which has no connection whatosever with parks) think they will be up to the challenge? I am really skeptical about this project.

[VegasBaby 15]

I have to agree with you, it seems odd to open a fourth gate when Ferrari Land isn't a full day park, or a even a half day park. When we visited last year, we went straight to Red Force and then did the drop towers. Nothing else in the park really caught our eye, so we headed back to PA after those two rides. We did go back later in the day for more rides on Red Force (the line was only about 20 minutes around 5pm), but there really isn't any must-dos at the park besides Red Force. It would make more sense to have LaLiga be a land within Ferrari Land, as that would really help fill out the park.

[SharkTums 344]

Odd choice and timing for sure.

[RCT3Bross 4]

Wait the first time I read about this I figured it was just a restaurant and some digital experience not entire new gate, that confuses me even more then the beginning. I wonder how this will will turn out for them as I don't understand the move at all.

[gardyloo! 0]

I have to agree with you, it seems odd to open a fourth gate when Ferrari Land isn't a full day park, or a even a half day park. When we visited last year, we went straight to Red Force and then did the drop towers. Nothing else in the park really caught our eye, so we headed back to PA after those two rides. We did go back later in the day for more rides on Red Force (the line was only about 20 minutes around 5pm), but there really isn't any must-dos at the park besides Red Force. It would make more sense to have LaLiga be a land within Ferrari Land, as that would really help fill out the park.

 

Completely agree, but even as a land, it would feel out of place in Port Aventura park. It would make much more sense in the Ferrari Park. Not only to increase it's size but also just the modern vibe the land will bring with it.

 

From a business standpoint, I kinda get the idea. Same logic why Ferrari Land, and Walt Disney Studios in Paris, were built. Just to enhance the 'size' of the resort, making it feel guests need more days simply because they're advertising multiple parks.

 

Timing wise...

 

Odd choice and timing for sure.

 

yea, that really doesn't make much sense. Especially since PA resort has some pretty major liquidity & debt issues.

[Canobie Coaster 184]

I definitely wasn't expecting this announcement. I agree with everyone else that the best way to integrate this into the resort would be to add it as an area of Ferrari Land. That may actually make that park worthy of a full day. If this opens as a standalone park, I fear it may not have enough rides for a full day and be a repeat of Ferrari Land.

[grsupercity 34]

I would bet new attractions haven't increased attendance but their studies have shown that a new gate would? That is my .02