If you’re planning a trip to Plopsaland De Panne in Belgium, there’s one attraction that you absolutely shouldn’t miss: The Ride to Happiness by Tomorrowland. More than just a roller coaster, it’s an immersive experience that combines high-speed thrills with the magic and musical energy of the world-renowned Tomorrowland festival.
What Is It?
- Type of Ride: A steel, launched spinning coaster.
- Manufacturer: Mack Rides, known for crafting high-quality, smooth, and innovative roller coasters.
- Model: Xtreme Spinning Coaster — a rare design that lets the ride vehicles spin freely, so every ride feels a bit different.
Ride Stats & Experience
- Speed: The coaster reaches a top speed of 90 km/h.
- Height: Its tallest point is around 35 m (about 115 ft), giving riders a sweeping view of the park.
- Length: The track stretches for 920 m, which translates to a ride time of about 1 minute and 20 seconds.
- Inversions: Expect 5 times upside down during the ride.
- Launches: The coaster includes two LSM launches, which means fast acceleration phases rather than a traditional lift hill.
- Capacity & Restrictions: The ride is only accessible to guests 130 cm or taller.
Theming & Soundtrack
What really sets this ride apart is the Tomorrowland theme. The ride isn’t just visually themed — there’s an exclusive soundtrack created by Tomorrowland, adding a unique musical immersion to the experience.
As you ride, you’re not just on a coaster; you’re part of a festival. The atmosphere, the design, and the audio all combine to make you feel like you’re performing (or dancing) on one of Tomorrowland’s main stages.
Awards & Recognition
- In 2025, The Ride to Happiness was voted Best Roller Coaster in Europe.
- It also ranks 5th globally according to the Golden Ticket Awards, which underscores how wildly popular and well-reviewed it is.
Guest Experience & Accessibility
- Ideal for: Teenagers and adults who love thrills.
- Safety / Access notes: Because of its intensity (sudden movements, launches, spinning, inversions), there are some restrictions. Riders need to be physically able to use the safety bar, handle turbulence, and move independently.
- Express Pass: Available — Plopsaland offers an Express Pass to help you skip the regular queue for this (and other) popular rides.
- Weather: The ride is operational in temperatures of 6°C and above.
Why It’s a Must-Do
- Unique Ride Experience: The combination of spinning cars + launches + inversions makes this coaster unpredictable and re-rideable.
- Festival Vibes: The Tomorrowland connection isn’t just skin-deep — it’s in the music, theming, and overall feel.
- Scenery & View: At its 35 m peak, you get a great vantage point over Plopsaland.
- Recognition: It’s been massively praised by visitors and rides experts alike, thanks to both the ride mechanics and its special theming.
Tips for Visiting
- Use the Express Pass if you can — given how popular this attraction is, it’s one of the best ways to save time.
- Ride more than once —because the spinning means each ride will feel a little different.
- Bring a speaker or headphones? If you’re a big music lover, experiencing the Tomorrowland soundtrack is a highlight — so don’t rush away right after you ride.
The Ride to Happiness by Tomorrowland isn’t just a coaster; it’s a fully immersive, high-adrenaline musical journey. For anyone visiting Plopsaland De Panne, it deserves to be at the top of your to-ride list. Whether you’re a coaster fanatic, a music festival addict, or someone who just wants a memorable experience — this ride delivers.
Interesting post about the roller coaster. It looks big.