Behind the scenes: ATPM students discover the magic in Belgian theme parks

Day one: Bobbejaanland

First stop was Bobbejaanland, a theme park with a fascinating backstory. It was actually founded by famous Flemish country singer Bobbejaan Schoepen (1925-2010)! While the park maintains its classic Western roots, it's evolved to include cutting-edge attractions like 'The Land of Legends', home to the adrenaline-pumping coaster, the Fury.

But this wasn't just about having fun (though there was plenty of that!). Some of our second-year students will be working directly with the park on a real project—developing a brand-new themed area. Talk about hands-on experience! 

This is just one of several exciting partnerships we have lined up, including collaborations with Merlin Entertainments (Legoland Discovery Centre and Peppa Pig experiences), Eindhoven Zoo, Avonturenboerderij and Familiy Resort Molenwaard.

Night one: sleeping with the animals at Pairi Daiza Resort

Here's where things got truly extraordinary. Our students didn't just visit Pairi Daiza, they actually slept there! The Pairi Daiza Resort offers something you won't find anywhere else: luxury accommodation right inside an award-winning zoo. Imagine drifting off to sleep with exotic animals as your neighbours in beautifully themed environments.

The students stayed in the brand-new Farm House Lodges, exploring the stunning park and getting exclusive behind-the-scenes access that most visitors never see.

Day two: industry insights and guest experience analysis

The adventure continued with a full exploration of Pairi Daiza Zoo itself, a world-class destination that's so much more than a typical zoo. This immersive experience seamlessly blends nature, culture, and architecture across multiple themed worlds.

The real learning kicked in when sales manager Lotte Demolie shared insider knowledge about the park's concept and diverse revenue streams. Meanwhile, our ATPM students put their analytical skills to work, studying the complete guest journey from arrival to departure.

Ready to join next year's adventure? This is what studying ATPM is all about, turning your passion for theme parks and attractions into real-world expertise!

Read more about Attractions & Theme Parks Management