Europa-Park’s iconic haunted house attraction, Geisterschloss, has undergone a significant transformation this year, emerging as the reimagined Castello dei Medici.
A new YouTube documentary offers fans an in-depth look at the extensive renovation process, featuring exclusive footage and interviews with key figures involved in the project.
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Originally opened in 1982, Geisterschloss had seen numerous modifications over the decades, resulting in a disjointed mix of horror-themed decor lacking a cohesive storyline. When fire safety concerns arose last year, it became clear that the attraction needed substantial maintenance. This challenge presented an opportunity to introduce a fresh narrative centered around the famed Medici family.
In January, the entire attraction was gutted, leaving only the transportation system intact. The original sets were rebuilt using modern materials, as many of the old components were too deteriorated to be restored. However, fan favorite scenes like the dining room and ballroom have made a return, alongside new additions that include optical illusions and special effects.
Geisterschloss, as it was previously known, had received so many incremental scene updates over the years that the attractions narrative became convoluted. Designers took the opportunity to streamline the storytelling aspect, creating a cohesive experience.
Castello dei Medici now recounts the tale of Lorenzo de Medici, who sought to prolong his life through dubious means. The renovation also introduced six characters who appear in various forms throughout the attraction. Europa-Park worked with Hendrik Schwarzer, created a new soundtrack to accompany the updated experience. The new soundtrack features real instrumentals which were recorded in Teldex Studios.
Europa-Park’s tech teams also completely rebuilt all of the attractions animatronics from the inside out. If animatronic shells were still up to code, the interior mechanics were completely replaced. Additionally new animatronic figures had to be built from scratch. Another challenges for the tech teams was integrating LED lighting in a way that would maintaining the vintage eerie atmosphere of the attraction.
Designers also restored a lost show scene in which ghosts appear in mirrors, alongside park goers in their ride vehicle. The set design for the scene in which Lorenzo di Medici performs his dark ritual is directly inspired by a painting from the Italian Renaissance artist Pinturicchio.
The flyover scene in Florence, where Europa-Park’s designers installed a miniature landscape crafted by Creative Studio Berlin (CSB), leads to a fitting grand finale as park-goers find themselves in Hell. Significant technical effort went into adjusting the rotation of the ride vehicles, allowing riders to fully experience the custom-built Mouth of Hell set. Castello dei Medici also boasts over 100 speakers, with many of the vocals recorded by well-known German voice-over artists.
The documentary, produced by the YouTube channel Euro Theme Park Archive, runs over 33 minutes and features insights from members of the Mack family, who own Europa-Park, as well as experts in design, scenery, narration, animatronics, and project planning. Fans can look forward to a second part, which will explore the history of Geisterschloss. Park goers can experience the new Castello dei Medici now in Europa-Park. Subscribe to AirMagique for more updates and news.
Have you experienced the new Castello dei Medici? Let us know in the comments below.
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