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Author Archive: andelspir
Waiting times
No one likes to wait—not even at an amusement park. Unfortunately, “lines” are part of the attraction. So “skipping” or “cutting in line” will be difficult, unless you’re lucky and no one else is waiting. Because, unfortunately, cutting in line isn’t allowed.
Still, there are a few “tips” and “tricks” to make waiting in line a little more bearable. Let’s go over them.
1) Information boards
Many amusement parks nowadays have digital information boards displaying wait times. These can be either general boards (showing an overview of all current wait times) or specific boards for each attraction.
2) The park app
Download the amusement park’s app (on your smartphone). Chances are you’ll find a map there showing the current wait times for each attraction.
3) Quick access
Sometimes amusement parks have a system that allows visitors to enter attractions more quickly: via a so-called “fast lane.” Think, for example, of Disney’s former “Fast Pass,” which is now called “Disney Premier Access.” In short: you pay to get in faster (via a separate entrance).
4) Virtual queue
With this free option, you’re essentially “pushing back” your wait time. While you’re spending time elsewhere in the park, you’re “virtually” waiting in line for a specific attraction. When it’s your turn (i.e., when your time slot arrives), you can enter the attraction through a separate entrance, which shortens your wait time.
5) Single Rider
Solo visitors who have to or want to ride an attraction by themselves have one advantage: they can join a “single rider” line, if the attraction offers one. There’s a reason for this. Attraction staff sometimes pick “singles” from this line to fill empty seats in a car. So, as a solo visitor, you might still have to wait a little while.
6) General
In addition to the tips above, there are also some more “general” points. They’re pretty self-explanatory, but I’ll list them here anyway.
– (when the park gates open) head straight to the back of the park, because that’s where there will be the fewest people at that moment
– Decide for yourself: should I go on this ride now, or do I have time for it later?
– Plan an outdoor activity if the weather is bad (and an indoor one if the weather is nice)
– Plan an activity during mealtimes (e.g., at lunchtime and in the evening)
If you have any other fun tips, let us know!
Let's get started!
Dear visitor,
This blog has a long history. It started out as “tweetjes.web-log.nl,” where I posted all kinds of updates about my life, but sometimes also about anything related to “amusement parks and carnivals.”
I used to link to www.youtube.com, celebrate the anniversaries of www.google.com, repost articles I wrote for www.gva.be, or occasionally link to www.bobbejaanland.be.
Time to start with a clean slate. No more writing about my personal life (because who’s interested in that anyway?). No: we’re refocusing on our “core business”: amusement parks and carnivals.
“Stay tuned,” as they say, because over the coming months you’ll find regular updates here on these interesting topics.
See you online!
Plopsa Hotel was a success!
A while back, I visited the Plopsaland hotel in De Panne. And as a rather critical amusement park and hotel guest, I have to say honestly: I definitely recommend it!
Although check-in might not have gone super smoothly.
If you book a room themed around Studio 100 characters, you often end up paying a bit more, but which themed rooms are still affordable these days? I opted for the standard theater room.
Also worth mentioning is the on-site hotel restaurant, which offers a wide selection of dishes for both adults and children.
A quick tip: be sure to keep an eye out for discounts, for example at http://www.plopsa.be.
New amusement park season
As a fan, you’re no doubt already aware: amusement parks are gradually opening their doors for the new season, which is expected to run through the winter of 2026.
“Normally,” because some parks are also open in winter (just think of De Efteling’s “365” promotion)—albeit with a modified lineup of attractions.
I hope everyone has a great time at the amusement parks!
Brussels Fair 2026
Zuidfoor 2026
Location: Zuidlaan
Dates: Saturday, July 18, 2026 – Sunday, August 23, 2026
As it does every year, the Zuidkermis sets up shop along Zuidlaan. There are hundreds of attractions for all ages. In addition to traditional fairground rides, there are also state-of-the-art attractions.
On weekends and the eve of public holidays, from 2 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Every day from 2 p.m. to midnight (from 11 a.m. for food stalls)
A Crowd in the Enchanted Garden
The Magic Garden is a new theme park based on the characters Woesel and Pip.
Although the park isn't very big, it wasn't very crowded there during the recent Easter break.
Of course, it all depends on the weather. When the weather outside isn't so nice, people go indoors to do all sorts of things, and vice versa.
The fact is: the indoor pool never seems to be crowded. This is probably because you have to make a reservation in advance and because they operate on a time-slot basis.
As far as the restaurant industry is concerned, things seem to be going better than expected at Restaurant Klieder.
Fairground Life
What fairground enthusiast doesn’t dream of running or operating a fairground ride themselves?
Some have turned this dream into their profession.
Often, a ride (and its operation) is passed down from father to son. In the carnival world, we find many carnival families whose lives revolve entirely around the carnival. They often have a trailer that travels with them when they transport their ride to the carnival. The children of the family may even attend school in mobile carnival schools.
Running an amusement ride isn’t as simple as it seems. It’s a profession that shouldn’t be underestimated—it requires hard work and involves many tasks (setting up and taking down the ride, management, securing a location, advertising, maintenance, and more). The attraction is often the sole source of income for the operators, who work on a self-employed basis. That is why it is important that the attraction is cherished, that many people visit it, and that the continuation and future of these “family businesses” remain assured.
If you’ve mastered the craft but don’t yet have an attraction, you can buy one. You can either have a new one custom-built according to your own imagination and preferences, or choose a standard model, which you may or may not modify further. These latter options can be quite expensive, though. For those looking for a cheaper option, there are secondhand rides. These often look less pristine than new ones or have been in service for many years. But a fresh coat of paint and a drop of oil will likely make them look much better!
Ode to Bobbejaan
Bobbejaan Schoepen, who helped found the Bobbejaanland amusement park in Turnhout, passed away in 2010 at the age of 85. Bobbejaan regularly performed in the park’s shows, where he showcased his artistic talents.
Let’s take a moment to remember Bobbejaan and thank him for the wonderful times we’ve already had in the park.
Let's go to Phantasialand!
Dear bloggers,
After waiting a long time, I decided it was time to visit an amusement park again. Not one in my own country, because I already know those “by heart.” No, I wanted to go to a park abroad. It turned out to be really hard to find someone to go with me. One person didn’t feel like it, another didn’t have time, and there was always some excuse. But in the end, one friend did say yes, much to my delight.
Then came the questions: when, where, and how to get there? Fortunately, those turned out to be very easy to answer: to Phantasialand (Brachseln, Germany) in September by car.
That's right: two days with one overnight stay at an African-themed hotel. Very nice!
