Mecalodon: The best family coaster in the Benelux?!

@CoasterStar

Mecalodon is Walibi Belgium’s new roller coaster for 2025. It opened together with the new themed world, Dock World.

Since the opening day of the coaster, I’ve had plenty of rides on it, in rows all across the train, and I can say that it exceeded my expectations.

Located over a pond at the rear of the park, the coaster is easily visible once you’ve passed either Flashback or the Western zone.

Mecalodon is a Gerstlauer Airtime Coaster, the first of its kind. This coaster model is aimed at families, and therefore, the ride’s stats aren’t quite incredible. The highest point on the ride is merely 15 meters. This is 6 meters shorter than the other Gerstlauer, located right next to it, Tiki Waka. Despite it being so small, it reaches speeds up to 65 km an hour. The length of the coaster is 925 meters, which includes a total of three launches.

Mecalodon's layout is divided into three sections, each one being separated by a launch section. Most of the coaster is located close to the water level, which gives the ride a sense of speed. It feels faster than it is. It is filled with airtime hills, and each one delivers. To my surprise, the ride also had some very good positive forces.

Mecalodon is located in the scenic Port of Wavre, which is a part of Dock World. The queue line consists of small fishing cottages, elevated above the water. To me, the colourful setting of the ride gives it a Scandinavian feel. Mecalodon also uses these buildings to weave around, creating fun interaction. The ride vehicle resembles a mechanical shark, an experiment of some sort. The station itself might be the best station building in Walibi Belgium. It is elaborately themed and has some fun easter eggs.

@CoasterStar

Mecalodon is extremely smooth, it’s like riding on butter. This, together with the very comfortable seats, makes for a very enjoyable ride experience. For a family coaster, the launches are very punchy. The airtime on this coaster was also very surprising. The coaster delivers sustained floater airtime throughout and even has some ejector moments here and there. The back row is especially good for getting that punchy airtime.

The only thing that could hinder your enjoyment of Mecalodon is the loose article policy. You have to take your bags with you, even your backpacks, which can be quite annoying, especially with that great airtime.

So, is Mecalodon the best family coaster in the Benelux? Well, if we look at Belgium first, the only coaster that I can think of that comes somewhat close is Wakala at Bellwaerde park. Yet, Mecalodon is still miles better than it. So, Mecalodon is certainly the best family coaster in Belgium.

The Netherlands has some more qualitative family coasters, yet I would still argue that Mecalodon is better than any of them. And for Luxembourg, well… it's Luxembourg.

So yes, Mecalodon is certainly the best family coaster in the Benelux, according to me.

@CoasterStar

Mecalodon was exactly what Walibi Belgium needed. It is a great and especially fun coaster that can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of their age. The ride is smooth, and let's be honest, Walibi Belgium doesn’t have many smooth rides outside of Kondaa and Tiki Waka. I give Mecalodon a 9/10.

I hope Gerstlauer builds more of these fun coasters in parks throughout the world!