originally posted on 6/2/2025
All photos: Jo Pools. View full-sized image.
Dock World, the latest themed area at Walibi Belgium, opened in 2025 to mark the park’s 50th anniversary. This €35 million (almost $40 million) investment transformed a section of the park into an immersive maritime world, blending industrial port aesthetics with family-friendly thrills.
What Is Dock World?
Gerstlauer Amusement Rides supplied Mecalodon, the largest family roller coaster in the Benelux.
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Dock World is an expansive, waterfront-themed zone within Walibi Belgium, located in Wavre, just outside Brussels. The area is designed to evoke the atmosphere of a bustling port town, complete with seaside architecture, industrial elements and a playful, nautical aesthetic. The immersive environment is complemented by themed attractions, dining options and entertainment that cater to a wide range of visitors.
The area is a good example of immersive theming. The integration of storytelling, detailed set designs and a mix of attractions offers a balanced experience that appeals to a broad audience. While the area is still new and may evolve over time, it represents a significant enhancement to Walibi Belgium’s offerings.
At the heart of Dock World is Mecalodon, the largest family roller coaster in the Benelux. Designed by Gerstlauer Amusement Rides, this 925-meter-long (3,035 foot) coaster features the following:
- Three electromagnetic launches propelling riders up to 65 km/h (40 mph)
- Fourteen airtime moments, offering sensations of weightlessness
- Trains shaped like mechanical sharks, enhancing the nautical theme
- A track that skims just above the water, amplifying the immersive experience
- Accessibility for guests as short as 1 meter (40 inches), making it suitable for a wide age range
The maritime-themed Dock World is the newest enhancement of Walibi Belgium.
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The track layout includes sweeping curves and low-to-the-water elements, providing a sensation of gliding over the surface, reminiscent of a speedboat's maneuvers.
Dock World isn't solely about new rides; it revitalizes existing attractions to fit the maritime theme:
- Turbine: Formerly known as Psyké Underground, this ride reclaims its second original name and adopts an industrial aesthetic in line with the port setting.
- Flash Back: The classic water ride receives a complete retheming to integrate seamlessly into Dock World's atmosphere.
- Stormy: Previously Dragon Boat, this children's ride now features sailboats instead of Viking ships.
- Tous en boîte: Formerly Salsa y Fiesta, this attraction has been reimagined to align with the new thematic direction.
Attention to detail is just as important as the amusement equipment in use in the park’s new Dock World area.
Mecalodon stands out as the largest family coaster in the Benelux region, offering a balanced mix of excitement and accessibility. Its integration into the immersive Dock World area, combined with its engaging theming and ride experience, makes it a must-visit attraction for both new and returning guests to Walibi Belgium.
— Jo Pools, ACE Europe Regional Representative, Belgium
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