What does Bart say about.. the 2025 season 🎡

With only a few hours left until the end of 2025, it’s time to look back on a year that I spent largely in theme parks – 52 days to be exact. From hours in line to the wettest water rides and the most unexpected dark rides: I’ve experienced it all. After a year full of theme park fun, I’ve chosen my top 5 moments that I want to reflect on a bit longer. Starting at number 5 and ending with my fondest memory at number 1:

#5 Attending the YoY preview event at Walibi Holland:
Kicking off the new theme park season in style with the Yoy preview event at Walibi Holland. Scoring 2 new coaster credits at the start of the season? Yes please! Check out my review of the day to see how it all went down: What does Bart say about.. YoY in Walibi Holland!

#4 Overnighting at Tripsdrill’s Wildlife Park and exploring Erlebnispark Tripsdrill:
Spending the night at Tripsdrill’s Wildlife Park and exploring one of my favorite German theme parks was an absolute highlight! If you’re planning a trip to Erlebnispark Tripsdrill, should you add the Wildlife Park to your itinerary? Find out in my blog posts: What does Bart say about.. Erlebnispark Tripsdrill! & What does Bart say about.. the Tripsdrill Wildlife Park & Resort!

#3 A fun weekend in Vienna, complete with a visit to the Prater:
Storm Benjamin caused some major delays, but I made it to Vienna and had an amazing weekend exploring the city and the Prater. It wasn’t the most budget-friendly trip, but it was totally worth it – I’d definitely go back! More about Prater: What does Bart say about Prater (Wurstelprater) in Vienna!

#2 My first trip to Parc Asterix, with a night spent at hotel ‘The Quays of Lutèce’:
Parc Asterix is home to OzIris, the rollercoaster that got me hooked on theme parks. And with a night’s stay at ‘Les Quais of Lutèce’ hotel, it was an unforgettable experience. Want to know more? Read on: What does Bart say about.. Parc Astérix and hotel ‘Les Quais de Lutèce’!

#1 Celebrating my 30th birthday in style at Phantasialand (Wintertraum), with a stay at hotel ‘Matamba’:
My 30th birthday at Phantasialand was a dream come true! Singing operators, nighttime rides on Black Mamba, and an overnight stay at Hotel Matamba made it a celebration I’ll never forget! More about Wintertraum and hotel ‘Matamba’: What does Bart say about.. Phantasialand’s Wintertraum and Hotel ‘Matamba’!

I’m giving a shoutout to my spontaneous trip to the Schueberfouer in Luxembourg, which was a fantastic surprise! No theme parks in Luxembourg, but the Schueberfouer was a great bonus where I was able to score 3 new coaster credits including the Alpina Bahn. I’m ending the year with 63 new credits, bringing my total to 283. My goal for next year is to hit 300 coaster credits which should be doable with the trips I’ve already planned and/or where I’m working on.

Thanks for reading and for your kind words about my blogs – happy New Year’s Eve and see you in 2026!”
Bart