Located a little more than an hour out of Amsterdam, Walibi Holland has been welcoming visitors since 1971. A park with a focus on roller coasters, it’s not only similar to the Six Flags theme parks of North America, it briefly was one, being run as Six Flags Holland between 2000 and 2005. And keen eye observers will still see the remnants of this period in the park, such as with the 2002 coaster addition Goliath, which is a brand that Six Flags introduced at Magic Mountain in Los Angeles in 2000.
Though back to being a “Walibi” park, their focus on coasters continues, and last month they opened a brand new ride that sits right next door to Goliath. It’s the first major coaster to debut at the park since 2019, when Untamed – a brilliant steel coaster that sits in the framework of a retired wooden coaster previously known as Peter Pan – was launched. That ride is reminiscent of the Iron Rattler at Six Flags Fiesta Texas, which we spoke about back in 2016.
My visit to the San Antonio Six Flags park came two years before they debuted the Wonder Woman Golden Lasso Coaster. And this was where Rocky Mountain Construction debuted their new “Raptor Track” coaster – a single track coaster with inline seating. The company has since opened four Raptor Track coasters in the USA, one in Korea and now their first in Europe, with the palindromic “YoY” opening at Walabi Holland on April 5th, just in time for the 2025 Summer season.
But YoY is not like anything that has come before it, with it being the first single track duel racing coaster of its kind in Europe, and the world. That makes it the tallest and fastest in its category in the market – though the neighbouring Goliath notably towers over it. You can see it in the background of the photo below.
Each track is a unique experience, with the option to ride the “Chill” or the “Thrill” version. That choice is made at the entry, when you walk through a giant tree stump to make your decision (seen in the article header). A single rider queue is also available here.
The difference? “Thrill” (Green) has no less than six inversions that see you fly upside down the “Chill” (Blue) coaster, which travels without such inversions. Those who have ridden the Battlestar Galactica coaster at Universal Studios Singapore may remember a similar chill vs thrill experience – except there one track is suspended and the other is not.
The line for the coaster gives some great views of the outdoor ride, and wooden artwork is scattered throughout. Your bags are left safely in lockers that lock after you deposit them, and then they’re available on the other side once you exit.
With only eight riders per car, the makers of the coaster have come up with a solution to keep the line moving. They just keep the coaster moving at the gate. Not unlike the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland, you will jump into your seat as it moves slowly at the gate. And before you know it, you’re climbing up the 29 metre hill, watching as your neighbouring riders do the same.
I rode both of the versions, that each run to an 90 second duration, and will say that riding at the front of the coaster is particularly thrilling. With the single track, it feels like you’re riding it by yourself. The effect is truly something special.
And while the inversions in the “Thrill” version of the ride certainly make it the one that roller coaster enthusiasts must experience, don’t let the name of its counterpart fool you. “Chill” remains a daring experience in its own right. It’s fast, the drops are thrilling, and the lack of a full body restraint (a tight lap bar and looser belts on your shoulders are used here), makes for some truly exciting results by way of gravity. If you’ve ridden the Velocicoaster at Universal Studios in Orlando, you know what I mean. And the “Thrill” track proves particularly reminiscent of that experience.
The ride is smooth, and thrilling no matter which you choose. Though one thing I did notice that with the inversions of the “Thrill” track: you get better views of the “Chill” track and its riders, giving more energy to the racing aspect of the coaster. Seeing other guests flying through the ride as you are hanging upside down is not something I’ll soon forget. And makes for an experience you’ll want to revisit time and time again. As many were doing on this quieter afternoon at the park.
Final Verdict
It’s great to see the single lane coaster get a duel track treatment. It makes for a ride experience unlike any other – especially if you get the chance to ride it from the front row. Which I highly recommend.
While it sits in a largely barren area, the park has added some great designs into the space, and the experience gives some great views of its surrounds. And, yes, “Thrill” is the superior experience, but “Chill” is a damn fine ride as well. Roller coaster enthusiasts should definitely add this to their lists for their next visit to Europe.
FOUR AND A HALF STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
For tickets and more details about Walibi Holland head to their official website.
Dynamic pricing is in effect to the park, so it’s recommended you buy in advance. We bought our tickets at the gate on a quiet Friday, and were charged 44.50€, while a look online showed most days in the week following we’re at 30€.
The author visited at his own expense. Photos by the author unless otherwise listed.
