More Than 1,000 Visitors on Opening Day at Vicolungo Water Park

More than 1,000 guests entered the park within just a few hours of opening, while 28,000 online bookings had already been made for children’s activities. New attractions, exclusive relaxation areas, and panoramic spaces where visitors can sunbathe or enjoy a drink overlooking the water, beach, and lawns welcomed guests as Ondaland, proudly promoted by its new slogan as “Italy’s Largest Water Park,” officially launched its summer season.

“This year we’ve done things properly—and on a grand scale,”

say CEOs Daniele Vailati and Roberto Marra, together with Park Director Matteo Montarsolo.

“For nearly ten years the park had gradually lost both its appeal and its visitors. Many areas were underused, while some pools had simply been left abandoned.”

The management team began transforming the park after Seafood Parchi acquired Ondaland the previous year.

“We invested €1 million,” they explain proudly, “in new lockers to provide a high level of security, new relaxation areas with umbrellas, spacious 25-square-metre VIP zones, and an entirely new area dedicated to young children.”

Pirate Lagoon Brings the Magic to Life

The highlight for families is the new Pirate Lagoon, covering 600 square metres.

A giant pirate ship complete with slides and lookout towers dominates the children’s pool, while a playful crocodile continuously sprays water. A purpose-built stage hosts a professional theatre company performing every afternoon.

“Until last March they were performing at Milan’s Teatro Nazionale alongside Lorella Cuccarini,” explains Vailati. “Starting yesterday, they are presenting a special aquatic adaptation of Peter Pan every day at 3:30 p.m.”

Entertainment Across 220,000 Square Metres

Ondaland covers 220,000 square metres and can accommodate up to 15,000 guests at full capacity.

The entertainment extends well beyond the children’s area.

“Shortly before the Peter Pan performance,” says Vailati, “we hold a Foam Party in the VIP area, overlooked by a terrace bar that, starting this year, is sponsored by Aperol.”

Visitors can enjoy an Aperol Spritz while watching the show, taking in panoramic views, and relaxing in the late-afternoon sunshine. An 8,000-watt professional sound system and a DJ from the Peter Pan theatre company provide the soundtrack for the day.

New attractions also include:

• inflatable tubes for the lazy river;
• special pedal boats;
• Manolò, a new attraction for younger children installed in a pool that had been unused for more than a decade.

“Children propel the small boats simply by moving their hands,” explains Vailati. “That’s why we named it Manolò.”

Digital Guest Experience

Even the lighthouse at the park entrance has been completely renovated.

“With our newly developed online portal,” says Vailati, “guests can choose not only the day and time of their visit, but even the exact location of their umbrella and sun lounger.”

Visitors who book online can enter through the lighthouse via a fast-track entrance, using a QR code that also provides access to lockers and other park services.

Supporting the operation is a workforce of 120 employees, including an on-site medical team with qualified nurses.

“If the weather remains favourable,” Vailati says, “we hope to close the season around mid-September after welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors.”

Looking Ahead: A Future Camping Resort

Management is already planning the park’s next phase of development.

“Over the next ten years,” Vailati concludes, “our goal is to build a campsite featuring 16 wooden cabins and heated water facilities, allowing us to extend the tourism season into the colder months.”