Plopsaland De Panne has launched its 25th anniversary year with a festive Grand Opening. Attended by numerous celebrities and well-known figures, the event highlights the new 25 Celebration Parade – a daily show that guides visitors through the park.
A Grand Celebration for 25 Years
Founders Hans Bourlon and Gert Verhulst, alongside Plopsa CEO Carl Lenaerts, officially opened the anniversary year amid widespread attention. The 25 Celebration Parade features eight themed floats, dozens of dancers, beloved Studio 100 characters, and a specially composed parade song. Gert Verhulst stated: “For our 25th anniversary, we wanted to go big – and we’ve succeeded. Plopsaland De Panne has grown into a unique place where generations create memories together.”
A Festive Year Beyond the Parade
Carl Lenaerts emphasized the anniversary’s variety: “With the 25 Celebration Parade, we’re celebrating 25 years of Plopsaland De Panne in style. This year will bring a series of festive moments, including the opening of a new family attraction in Wickieland and fresh shows like De Plopsa Droom and the Gert & James Zomershow.” He added: “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together today. At the same time, we look forward with drive and ambition: we aim to keep growing, innovating, and dreaming alongside our visitors.” Plopsaland Village opened on December 20, 2024, and starting from the 2025 Easter holidays, 55 luxury villas will be available. The park currently offers over 55 attractions, live shows, and themed areas featuring Studio 100 characters.
From Meli Park to a Modern Family Destination
Hans Bourlon reflected: “What began 25 years ago on the foundations of Meli Park has grown into a modern family destination. It’s wonderful to see Studio 100 characters continue to delight young and old – now even with a splendid parade.” Meli Park closed its doors on October 4, 1999, and Plopsaland De Panne opened as a new park on April 29, 2000. Since then, it has welcomed over 25 million visitors, greeting its 25-millionth guest on October 6, 2024. Now part of the Plopsaland Resort, it includes the Plopsaland Theater Hotel, Plopsaqua De Panne, and the Studio 100 Theater.
Milestones of 25 Years
In the summer of 1999, Studio 100 and the then Vlaamse Media Maatschappij agreed to take over Meli Park. The park welcomed its 1-millionth visitor on August 11, 2001, and opened Anubis The Ride, its first inverting roller coaster, on April 5, 2009. The Bumba Show began in 2005 and is now performed in the Bumba Theater, which opened in 2023 within the indoor Circus Bumba area. Between 2000 and 2006, visitor numbers surged, leading to a new entrance and the launch of a comprehensive master plan. A 12-meter-high door at the central plaza nods to the famous Samson & Gert line: “I had to knock because the bell doesn’t work.”
Growth and Achievements
Attractions like Bos van Plop have been open for over 40,542 hours. The park held its first winter opening in December 2007, followed by the Studio 100 Theater with 1,400 seats in 2013 and Plopsaqua De Panne in 2015. Plopsaland De Panne has evolved into a full-fledged resort, attracting families worldwide. The 25 Celebration Parade kicks off a year that honors the past 25 years of success.
