Walibi
april 11th 2025
Long before it became one of Belgium's premier amusement parks, Walibi began as a dream shaped by passion, innovation, and a touch of whimsy. Opened in 1975 near Wavre, the park was the brainchild of Belgian entrepreneur Eddy Meeus. Its name - Walibi - is a portmanteau of the nearby towns Wavre, Limal, and Bierges, and also cleverly resembles "wallaby", the small kangaroo that would become its iconic mascot.
From the outset, Walibi was unlike anything Belgium had seen. While modest by today's standards, the park featured a charming mix of attractions set around a central lake, including a toboggan slide, go-karts, and a handful of family rides. As visitor numbers grew, so did the ambition. By the early 1980s, Walibi had transformed into a full-fledged theme park, complete with thrill rides, water attractions, and themed areas.
1983 was a milestone year - not only for the park's continued expansion but also for its growing presence in popular culture. That same year, a special View-Master reel set was released, capturing the color, excitement, and spirit of Walibi in glorious stereoscopic 3D. With lively scenes of roller coasters, fairground rides and strolling visitors, the set offered a window into the golden age of European theme parks.
Walibi's journey didn't stop there. In the decades that followed, the park changed ownership multiple times, becoming part of the Six Flags chain in the early 2000s before returning to its roots under Belgian management. Today, Walibi Belgium continues to thrill millions each year, all while retaining echoes of its original charm.
Now, for collectors and nostalgia lovers, a unique piece of Walibi history is up for grabs: an original 1983 View-Master set featuring the park in its early heyday. This rare find is currently available on eBay - don't miss your chance to own a slice of retro amusement park magic.
Whether you're a View-Master enthusiast, a fan of theme park history, or simply someone who remembers Walibi with a smile, this collectible is a true gem.
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