DraculaLand: Romania will build a €1 billion Gothic amusement park

The world’s first and largest Dracula-themed amusement park, DraculaLand, is set to rise just outside Bucharest, Romania, as the centerpiece of a €1-billion entertainment and leisure complex.

Spanning 780,000 square meters, the ambitious project promises to transform the legend of Count Dracula into an immersive, world-class destination that blends gothic storytelling, cutting-edge technology, and Romania’s own cultural heritage.

Unlike any existing theme park, DraculaLand deliberately avoids imitating Disneyland or other Western models. As its creators emphasize, Romania does not need a copy of someone else’s dream; it deserves a landmark rooted in its own history and imagination.

The park’s creative direction comes from Chris Lange, a former lead designer at Europa-Park, together with a team of international specialists who have worked on some of the world’s most celebrated attractions. Their goal is clear: to craft a place that carries the DNA of European folklore while remaining unmistakably Romanian at its core.

Dracula is one of the most iconic figures in horror literature: the aristocratic, undead vampire created by Bram Stoker in his 1897 novel Dracula. Although the character draws inspiration from the historical figure Vlad III, known as Vlad the Impaler (Vlad Țepeș), the two are quite distinct.

Vlad III (1431–1476/77) was a 15th-century Voivode of Wallachia who became infamous for his ruthless defense against Ottoman invasions. He earned his nickname through his signature method of execution – impalement, and was said to have ordered the deaths of tens of thousands in this gruesome manner. Contemporary accounts, especially from Transylvanian Saxon merchants and chroniclers, describe a wide range of brutal punishments he allegedly inflicted: impaling, beheading, boiling, flaying alive, burning, blinding, branding, and burying people alive.

Six immersive worlds of myth and terror

When it opens in 2027, DraculaLand will welcome visitors into six richly detailed themed lands, each offering a distinct chapter in the Dracula mythos and beyond. The journey begins in the Moonlit District, a grand entrance boulevard inspired by historic Bucharest architecture. Here, ornate facades glow under perpetual twilight, animated by projection mapping, drone shows, and a 10-meter double carousel styled as a music machine. Guests can step aboard the Transylvanian Railway or experience a flying theater ride titled Romanian Odyssey, setting an atmospheric tone that carries through the entire park.

From there, families can enter the Family Kingdom, a light-hearted zone populated by supernatural creatures drawn from global mythologies: classic Transylvanian vampires share space with Middle Eastern ghouls, Japanese yōkai, and other legendary beings. Gentle attractions such as the interactive dark ride Going Batty, a 4D monster cinema, and the Magic Bats ride cater especially to younger visitors, while a live entertainment stage and toddler play area ensure the zone remains welcoming for all ages.

The heart of the park lies in Transylvania, a dramatic landscape of rolling Carpathian foothills, traditional wooden villages, and enchanted forests. Here, guests can plunge down the Rapid Water Ride, explore the shadowy Magic Forest dark ride, or race along the Carpathian Express mountain coaster. Witches’ cauldrons bubble beside the Clock Tower Flying Wheels, while a village market invites visitors to sample local flavors amid the scent of pine and woodsmoke.

Dominating the skyline is Dracula’s Castle, the iconic centerpiece that towers above the park. Visitors can wander its courtyards, ruins, and sprawling gardens before descending into shadowy catacombs via the high-speed Castle Escape dark ride. The Flight of the Bat wing coaster sends riders soaring through the night, while an intricate maze and interactive exploration areas deepen the sense of dread. A 3,000-square-meter artificial lake mirrors the castle’s turrets, and boats glide silently across its surface. In the Great Hall, diners enjoy meals under the watchful gaze of the Count himself.

Further afield, the Port of New Orleans conjures the sultry mystique of Louisiana’s bayous. Moss-draped trees frame jazz-filled streets, riverboats ply the water, and the Werewolf Run multi-launch coaster races through a carnival atmosphere. Werewolves howl as dueling cars speed along The Great Wolf Race, while a spinning Mardi Gras ride and AI-enhanced interactive games bring the celebration to life.

Finally, London Town transports guests to the fog-shrouded streets of Victorian London. Here, aspiring vampire hunters can train on a parkour and obstacle course, ride a swinging ship, or explore the Globe Theatre. Horse-drawn carriages clatter along garden paths, and the Wonder Wheel offers panoramic views across the entire resort.

A full destination beyond the gates

Beyond the park gates, DraculaLand will expand into a full-fledged destination. Three Dracula-themed hotels will provide nearly 1,200 rooms, ranging from family-friendly to luxury accommodations.

A 22,500-seat multi-purpose arena will host concerts, festivals, and major events, while a racetrack, luxury outlet mall, and extensive dining and retail zones will make sure visitors have reasons to stay for days. Every shop and restaurant will integrate AI and augmented reality, delivering personalized souvenirs and interactive storytelling that redefine how guests experience retail and food service.

The project will also include a digital twin – a virtual platform that will let people worldwide participate in concerts, shows, and events in real time alongside physical visitors, extending DraculaLand’s reach far beyond Romania’s borders.

Developers project that DraculaLand will attract more than three million visitors annually, create over 5,000 jobs, and contribute approximately €5 billion to Romania’s economy over the next decade. For its founder, Dragoș Dobrescu, the park represents far more than an entertainment venture. It is a national symbol, proof that Romania can build landmarks of lasting cultural significance rather than mere commercial developments.

Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2026, with the grand opening planned for 2027. When it arrives, DraculaLand aims to stand as a bold new chapter in European tourism—one that invites the world to step into the shadows of myth, history, and imagination, and emerge forever changed.

Sources: Mediafax, ThemeParks-EU.com, BTA

Caption: A new Dracula-themed park is set to open near Bucharest in Romania. The park will cover 780,000 m² and be home to six lands and state-of-the-art technology /DraculaLand/