Ciao amici! (Translation: Hello friends!). If you’re anything like us, you’re constantly on the hunt for the perfect family adventure, especially one that keeps the kids entertained, offers plenty for the grown-ups, and ideally doesn’t involve anyone saying “I’m bored” five minutes in.
Let us introduce you to our new favourite find, Gardaland Resort. Yes it’s just as magical as it sounds.
So, what is Gardaland Resort? Tucked away on the beautiful shores of Lake Garda in Northern Italy, Gardaland Resort is a theme park, but also a whole resort experience that will have your entire family (including the dog!) smiling from start to finish.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- So, What is Garland Resort
- New Rides for 2025
- Sleep in Style: with Themes
- Food, Birthdays & Extras
- Why Italian families (and visitors!) Will Love it
- Final Thoughts
1. So, What is Gardaland Resort?
Well, Gardaland Resort is Italy’s biggest and oldest theme park. It first opened its gates on July 19, 1975, and it’s been going strong for nearly 50 years. And trust us, they’ve only gotten better with age. The park has something for every age group, from toddlers obsessed with Peppa Pig to teens craving that adrenaline rush, and yes, even us adults looking for some laid back fun or a good espresso break!
You may not be sure of what to expect at first, but Gardaland Resort will honestly blow you away. It has a LEGOLAND waterpark, SEA LIFE Aquarium and of course its amazing theme park. It’s also colourful, clean, easy to navigate (thanks to their super handy Gardaland app), and packed with entertainment at every turn. Check out some of the entertainment below.
LEGOLAND Water Park Splash -tastic fun!
One of the highlights is the LEGOLAND Water Park, opened in 2021, it’s Europe’s first of its kind and completely built around the classic LEGO fun. There are water slides, lazy rivers, a giant wave pool, splash zones, and even a LEGO Miniland with brick-built Italian landmarks. Your kids will be obsessed, and you will have to bribe them to leave.
Dive Under the Sea at SEA LIFE Aquarium
If water slides aren’t your thing, don’t worry, Gardaland Resort also has its own SEA LIFE Aquarium, which is perfect for slowing things down. It’s home to over 5,000 sea creatures across 40 tanks, and the ocean tunnel is a huge hit! You literally walk through the aquarium and get 360° views of sharks, rays, and fish swimming around you. It’s both magical and educational, win-win!
Rides, Rides, and More Rides
Gardaland Resort park itself is jam packed with rides, from gentle baby coasters, classic carousels to the big thrill machines like Oblivion, Raptor, and Blue Tornado (yes, you’ll scream). For younger ones, there’s Peppa Pig Land, complete with themed attractions, photo ops, and appearances from Peppa and friends.
And if you’re a Jumanji fan get ready as there are two full Jumanji rides, one called Jumanji The Labyrinth and the second called Jumanji The Adventure one of them is Europe’s first Jumanji-themed dark ride, and it’s full-on adventure mode!
New Rides for 2025
Animal Treasure Island
Now Gardaland Resort has a brand new ride and it’s AMAZING! It’s called the Animal Treasure Island, and it’s honestly one of the coolest things you’ll do. Imagine floating through a pirate themed world, but instead of your typical grumpy pirates, you’ve got a crew of talking animals leading the way.
The main star is Captain Nine Lives, a sassy, swashbuckling cat, and her adorable team includes characters like Bubbles the hippo and Sparks the inventor, all of whom your kids will be quoting for days.
The ride takes you on an epic quest for hidden treasure, and the whole thing is next-level storytelling with over 20 themed scenes, amazing animatronics, dramatic lighting, immersive sound, and a cinematic soundtrack that literally changes as you float along. Another plus is it’s not scary at all. They replaced the old (kinda spooky) Corsari ride with this one, and now it’s a proper feel-good adventure the whole family can enjoy, as well as the grandparents!
There are daily meet and greets with the ride’s characters (yes, Captain Nine Lives included!), so there are loads of photo ops and fun interactions. It’s all indoors and water-based but nope, you don’t get wet, which makes it a great break from the summer sun. This ride is the first of its kind, built especially for Gardaland’s 50th anniversary, and it’s already making waves, in Italy. No extra ticket needed, just your regular park entry, and it’s right where the old Corsari ride used to be. It only opened in April 2025, so it’s still super new, and totally worth the visit.
If you’re anywhere near Lake Garda, Northern Italy this ride alone makes the trip worthwhile. Pirates, adventure, talking animals, and just enough magic to keep the whole crew smiling. Let us know if you go, we’ll trade treasure tips!
Dragon Empire
Okay, so we have to tell you about the second new addition which is the brand new Dragon Empire ride at Gardaland Resort. It’s seriously next level fun! They’ve totally transformed the old Kung Fu Panda area into this vibrant, East Asian inspired zone that feels like a non-stop festival. Like, imagine walking through giant red and blue gates, with lanterns hanging everywhere, fans fluttering, drums playing, it’s a full sensory vibe.
There are two re-themed rides that you’ll kids will love. One is Dragon Rush, which is this wild mouse-style coaster that spins and dips like crazy (so fun for the older ones), and then Rocket Factory, which is basically a teacup ride but set inside a Chinese firework workshop, all glowing lanterns and swirly lights. It’s such a cool mix of thrill and magic.
Plus, there’s music and mini shows popping up all day, like you’re celebrating Chinese New Year on repeat. Honestly, the whole area is so well done, you’ll spend ages soaking it in (and yes, it’s super Instagrammable). It opened in April for Gardaland’s 50th anniversary and it’s already one of the park’s highlights. If you’re going this summer, make sure you carve out time to explore Dragon Empire, as you’ll be talking about it weeks later!
Sleep in Style: with Themes
Now let’s talk hotels. Gardaland Resort has three amazing on-site hotels, and when we say amazing, we mean it! Think themed rooms, magical decoration, and all the comforts you need as a tired parent.
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Gardaland Hotel: is great for young kids, as they have a Peppa Pig room that make your pre-schooler’s entire year.
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Adventure Hotel: gives total jungle explorer vibes.
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Magic Hotel: is straight out of a fairy tale, complete with enchanted forest designs and wizard-themed rooms.
Best part is that they’re dog friendly! So yes, even your furry family member gets to join in the fun.
Food, Birthdays & Extras
Gardaland Resort knows how to feed a hungry family, which is to be expected at the biggest theme park in Italy. From pasta and pizza joints to themed restaurants like The Bandits Tavern, Ristorante Aladino, and even Tutankhamun-style eateries. There are also loads of snack kiosks for ice creams, churros, and everything in between.
They also offer birthday party packages, which we’re seriously considering for next year. From decorations and party rooms to character visits and cake, it’s a total dream for kids.
Why Italian families and visitors will Love it
Whether you’re local or visiting from abroad, Gardaland Resort is a gem. It’s located just 30 minutes from Verona and 90 minutes from Milan, so it’s perfect for a weekend getaway or a stop on your Italy itinerary. You can spend a single action-packed day there or book a few nights to enjoy the whole resort experience from the water park, aquarium, hotel, and all.
And with the Gardaland app, planning your day is a breeze. You can check queue times, show schedules, book restaurants, and even find your parked car (parents, you know that matters).
Final thoughts
If you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly adventure in Italy that offers something for everyone, look no further than Gardaland Resort. From thrilling rides and themed hotels to watery wonders and dog-friendly stays, this place is a total crowd-pleaser.
So pack your bags, grab your sunglasses, and download the app, as the biggest theme park it Italy; Gardaland Resort is calling, and trust us – you’ll want to answer.
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