In the beginning of this month, ThemeParkVision had the unique chance to have an interview with the new General Manager: Rudy Hulsman. The interview is really big and completely in Dutch, so I'll just give you the highlights of the whole interview!

- Walibi Belgium does have plans to expand, but this whole project is very difficult. So the whole expansion project is just in he's very early fase.
- The transformation Six Flags Belgium --> Walibi Belgium has been very succesfull and visitors reactions are very good!
- Rudy says the most important thing that Walibi Belgium has, is it's wide selection of rides. A good mix with coasters, family rides and kiddie rides and...Challenge of Tutankhamon.
- There were rumors that there wouldn't be a Season Pass next year. This is not sure yet and is something that needs to be discussed with all the StarParks parks managers.
- There was announced that Gold River Adventure would be closed the rest of the 2005 season. Meanwhile the ride is open again but will be revamped next season. Rudy is hoping to theme this ride, but they are still busy talking about what to do with this Intamin Boat Ride.
- Calamity Mine and Flashback will get complete renovations. Same thing for Radja River. They are hoping to get the lights in the tigertunnels eyes back and produce some mist inside the tunnel. Cobra will get a re-paint but this last thing is a big investment.
- There was this rumor that all rollercoasters with a lapbar should have a over-the-sholder-restraint in 2007. Rudy announced that it's a rumor that was started and is believed by everyone who wants to believe it. So Turbine won't get OTSR in 2007.
- Bounty, the Walibi Belgium Looping Ship isn't lost yet. They are still looking for a solution for this once so spectacular ride.
- Tornado will be used with Halloween. What or how is a surprise for all of us!
- Halloween 2005 will be expanded and there will be something new. What? He doesn't want to say a word! They are also thinking about a new event in september.
- They are talking about a winterhappening in Walibi Belgium but there are no desicions so far.
- There is a plan for a new ride in Aqualibi next year. But again, nothing is confirmed yet.
- The neighbours versus Walibi Belgium. A long history. But Rudy said the relationship between the locals and the park is alot better than the years before. Thanks to former GM, Viviane Paturel, the communication between the park and the locals is very good.

That's about it. It seems that Rudy has some plans to improve the whole park and make it as it was before!
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KristofSFB

...- Tornado will be used with Halloween. What or how is a surprise for all of us!...

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