There is a unique charm to exceptional amusement parks that creates a timeless appeal. These are places where parents can rediscover their inner child and the sounds of children’s joy and excitement echo throughout.
When PortAventura World in Spain marked its 30th anniversary, it presented an ideal opportunity for a fall getaway. Accompanied by our three children – aged 15, 11, and three – my partner and I embarked on a thrilling journey filled with roller coasters, shows, and sunny days.
Our stay was at Hotel Gold River, one of PortAventura’s themed on-site hotels. Stepping into the lobby felt like entering a movie set where we half-expected a cowboy like John Wayne to make a grand entrance at any moment.
Our room provided a view of a Wild West-themed “main street,” and each morning we strolled past the charming façades to reach the park entrance. The convenience of staying on-site made our experience seamless – no hassles with parking or traffic, just a leisurely walk to our daily adventures. The hearty breakfast buffets ensured we started each day energized and prepared for the excitement ahead.
PortAventura is divided into various themed areas representing different parts of the world, offering a global exploration without the need for long flights. Dining experiences at the park are as diverse and engaging as the attractions, with each “continent” showcasing a unique culinary journey that adds to the overall experience.
Our journey began in Mediterrània, where the sounds of Spanish music filled the air along the waterfront, and the aroma of paella wafted from nearby eateries. Moving on to Mexico, we immersed ourselves in the vibrant celebration of the Day of the Dead before summoning the courage to experience the thrilling Hurakan Condor drop tower.
Exploring China led us to the renowned Dragon Khan roller coaster, a twisting and roaring ride that intertwines with another park favorite, Shambhala. For families looking to introduce their kids to roller coasters, this is the perfect starting point. The Express Passes enabled us to skip the queues, maintaining the excitement levels high and tantrums at bay.
For those seeking a slower pace, the Far West section offered delightful old-fashioned shooting galleries and funfair games. The log flumes and water rapids provided a splash of enjoyment, albeit at the cost of getting soaked.
Aside from thrilling rides, the park also features parades, shows, and character meet-and-greets, including beloved figures like Woody Woodpecker and Bert and Ernie. The youngest member of our family was captivated by the Sesame Street characters and the 3D dark ride – Street Mission, where he showcased his skills by shooting at 3D cookies, even outperforming me!
The highlight for our older children was the latest attraction, Uncharted: The Enigma of Penitence. Inspired by an action-packed film, this fully enclosed, multi-directional ride surprised us with unexpected twists, drops, and reversals, leaving us exhilarated and slightly dizzy. Unanimously, we ranked it among our top five favorite rides of the trip.
The 30th-anniversary celebrations infused the entire resort with festivity, featuring banners commemorating three decades of thrills and family entertainment, along with themed menus. A visit to Ferrari Land, home to Red Force – Europe’s tallest and fastest roller coaster that accelerates from 0 to 180 km/h in five seconds, was a must-do experience that left our children awestruck.
Returning to Hotel Gold River each evening, we were covered in dust, warmed by the sun, and smiling from ear to ear. From our room, we could watch the park lights fade into the night, creating a magical backdrop to the tired yet exhilarated buzz that only a day at a theme park can bring.
The 30th anniversary of PortAventura turned out to be more than a milestone for the park – it became a celebration of our family as well. It was a few days filled with laughter, adventure, and cherished memories that rekindled the joy of play, exploration, and togetherness. Our only regret was not being able to extend our stay.
