Ferrari land theme park revs up in Spain

By David Szondy, Gizmag
Car brand marketing usually means slapping a badge on a tote bag and asking a thousand dollars for it, but Ferrari has gone one better by applying its badge to not one, but two theme parks. Ferrari and PortAventura Entertainment SAU have signed an agreement to build a second Ferrari-themed park, Ferrari Land, as part of the PortAventura resort and theme park outside Barcelona, Spain.

Expected to open in 2016, the 18.5-acre site is billed as “an opportunity for the whole family to experience and discover the world of Ferrari”. Details have yet to be worked out for the €100 million ($136 million) park, but Ferrari promises “new and exciting attractions” that will include Europe’s highest and fastest vertical accelerator; a luxury five-star establishment with 250 rooms, restaurants, and a driving simulator; and Formula 1 car exhibits and a slot-car ride.