New investments at theme parks are about more than simply increasing the number of attractions. They also create opportunities to offer visitors different experiences and strengthen a park’s identity. Rokan, the latest project announced by Energylandia in Zator, Poland, is a notable example of this approach.
According to the park’s announcement, Rokan will stand 62 metres tall and feature 1,215 metres of track. With a planned top speed of 115 km/h, the attraction will feature a Wing Coaster design, in which riders are seated on either side of the track. The project is being developed by Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M), a manufacturer known for its roller coaster designs.
A Different Take on the Roller Coaster Experience
In a Wing Coaster, riders sit in seats positioned on either side of the track rather than directly above or below it. This configuration creates a distinctive sensation, particularly during high turns and sudden changes in direction. Rokan’s height and extended track layout are expected to be key elements of the experience.
The new attraction is scheduled to welcome visitors in 2027. However, the park has not yet announced an exact opening date.
Rokan to Take Centre Stage in the Volana Themed Area
Energylandia’s plans go beyond adding a new roller coaster to its lineup. Rokan is designed to be the main attraction of Volana, a new themed area. The concept highlighted in the park’s presentation centres on a mythical story involving a winged guardian and a mountainous landscape.
This approach demonstrates how the atmosphere and storytelling surrounding a mechanical attraction can become an integral part of the visitor experience. Further details about the wider Volana area are expected to emerge as the project progresses.
Experience Shapes Competition Among Theme Parks
The Rokan investment highlights the continued importance of large-scale attractions in the competition among European theme parks. However, what sets a visitor experience apart is not simply height or speed, but the combination of ride design, theming and the overall atmosphere of the park.
Planned for the 2027 season, Rokan is also worth watching as an example of how next-generation roller coaster investments are shaping the future of theme parks. Alongside the coaster itself, the additional experiences offered within Volana will help determine the project’s contribution to Energylandia as a whole.
