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Over time PortAventura, as a resort, has grown drastically.
The park’s location approximately one hour from Barcelona, and close to nearby beaches,
make it a popular destination with holiday goers.
Even despite this growth, the main PortAventura park has always remained the flagship attraction.
This has been made possible in hand by it’s unique collection of rides, which often integrate
seamlessly into well themed individual areas.
The park is currently home to 6 unique lands, including: Mediterrania, located at the main
entrance, Polynesia, China, Mexico, and the Far west.
The 6th and final themed area came as a result of the managerial changeover of 2009.
The new owners instantly began the construction of a dedicated large scale children’s area.
In partnership with Sesame Street two years later, the park PortAventura debuted SÉSAMOAVENTURA;
Europe’s first Sesame Street themed land within a theme park.
A collection of new rides were constructed within the area, while previous attractions
saw rethemes to feature characters from the show.
During the same season, preparations were underway for a new, large scale addition.
Just under a year later, Shambhala - a ride which many consider to be the parks flagship
attraction, opened to the public.
Located in the China section, Shambahala is a Bolliger and Mabillard Hyper Coaster standing
76m (249ft) tall, crowning it Europe’s tallest roller coaster at the time of opening.
After being dragged up to the great height, guests complete a number of airtime hills,
giving them the sensation of weightlessness for several seconds.
The ride quickly became a success, with many recognising it as the best at the resort,
and one of the best within Europe as a whole.
The following year, the entire resort was renamed to PortAventura European Destination
Resort, emphasising the multitude of onsite attractions available to guests.
However, this name was short lived, lasting only until 2015.
Around the same time, the KRR fund acquired a large portion of shares within the resort,
marking another managerial shift.
2015 also saw the debut of the resort 4th hotel, Lucy’s Mansion.
A single year later saw the name of the resort change to its current form, PortAventura World,
as well as the construction of the chains biggest single attraction investment to date.
Throughout 2016 and the beginning of 2017, PortAventura constructed Ferrari Land, a new
100 Million Euro theme park, placed within the resort complex.
In April of 2017 Ferrari Land opened to the public - as did arguably it’s flagship attraction,
Red Force.
Red Force quickly became Europe’s tallest and fastest roller coaster, accelerating visitors
from 0 to 180kmh (112mph) in 5 seconds, before subjecting them to a 112m (367ft) tall vertical climb.
While at the top of the structure, riders are given fantastic views of their surroundings,
before plummeting back towards the ground, marking the end of their experience.
Ferrari Land also debuted with a mixture of other attractions, including:
Racing Legends, a Formula 1 experience putting you right in the heart of the action;
Flying Dreams, a flying theatre attraction taking guests on a racing journey around the world;
Maranello Grand Race, a car driving ride for the whole family;
And the Thrill Towers, a pair of free-fall and bounce-back drop towers.
Aside from the rides, guests can roam the Italian inspired area, see a range of Ferrari
cars, and learn about the company’s rich history.
A year after it’s debut, the park saw some smaller scale new investments, including the
construction of a family roller coaster, Junior Red Force.
With the addition of a 2nd, separate theme park, it’s clear that PortAventura World
is trying to become a large scale amusement resort, fit with multiple days worth of activities
for everyone to enjoy.
However, reception to Ferrari Land has been mixed, with some finding it hard to justify
the additional cost for only a select few attractions.
However, with more investment, the new gate could become the attraction rich theme park
it was envisioned to be.
For the 2019 season, the PortAventura Park will debut Street Mission, an all new Sesame
Street Dark Ride adventure; while the resort will open its 6th hotel, Colorado Creek.
Besides rides, PortAventura World is home to a multitude of shows and other events.
This includes the wondrous Cirque du Soleil production - a combination of music, dance
and circus acts.
Furthermore, the main park is host to three big events throughout the year.
Visitors can experience White Nights in Summer, a period in which the park is open until 3am,
giving guests the chance to ride roller coasters in pure darkness.
The park’s Halloween event allows guests to be frightened by a range of roaming actors,
and even experience some spooky walk through attractions; while Christmas at PortAventura
gets visitors in the festive mood as the park is filled with coloured lights and giant gifts,
while younger guests even get the opportunity to meet Santa.
It’s because of the world class collection of attractions, and prime location near beaches
of eastern Spain, that PortAventura World has become one of the most sought after theme
park resorts in the amusement industry.
The rapid expansion of the entire complex in the past few years alone leads many to
think the future of PortAventura is bright.
Like many, we look forward to seeing the park’s next big thing.
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