Isfanbul (Vialand) End-of-Year Trip: Organising Groups at a Theme Park

The theme park listed in the catalogue as Vialand now operates under the name Isfanbul, and it is one of the programmes students most often ask for as an end-of-year or reward trip. On a day-long visit to an amusement park, the key to success is not the rides so much as how the group is organised: meeting points, times and small teams. In this article we explain how we set up that organisation and what teachers need to prepare in advance.

Vialand or Isfanbul?

They are the same place. The theme park in Eyüpsultan, on the European side of Istanbul, was known for many years as Vialand; today it operates as Isfanbul. As some parents still use the old name, writing both names in your information note avoids confusion. On our website, too, the programme is listed as the Vialand (Isfanbul) Tour.

What is in the park?

Isfanbul is a large amusement park made up of roller coasters, mechanical rides of varying intensity, water games and themed areas. Calmer sections for children and high-energy rides that appeal to teenagers are found in the same park. This variety makes it easy to bring different age groups together on one trip.

The age and height limits for the rides are set by the park. We share which rides are suitable for which students at the quotation stage, so that students arrive at the park with the right expectations. Ticket types and what they cover are also set by the park; we state clearly in the quote which ticket type will be used.

How the programme runs

The programme is simple and focused on a full day of fun:

• 09:00 Departure
• 10:00 Arrival at the park; a full day of fun
• 16:30 Arrival

In the programme, which lasts about seven and a half hours, most of the time after arriving at the park is left free. But "free" does not mean "scattered"; the arrangements below are put in place.

How to organise the group

As stated in the catalogue, groups move around the park under the supervision of teachers and guides, with set meeting points and times. In practice, we suggest planning it like this:

1. Small teams: Divide students into teams of four or five. Each team should have a leader; at primary and middle school level, teams must always go around with an adult.
2. A fixed meeting point: Choose a place near the park entrance that is easy to describe. Everyone should see this point together in the first ten minutes.
3. Timed check-ins: Set intermediate meetings, for example before lunch and an hour before departure. Take a register at each meeting.
4. Phone list: Teachers' and team leaders' numbers should also be written on paper. Phone batteries can run out.
5. A plan for getting lost: Everyone should know the rule: "If you get lost, go to the meeting point and wait there; tell a member of park staff your teacher's name."

Which ages is it suitable for?

The programme is planned for young people, school groups and families. High school students usually head for the high-energy rides, while primary school pupils enjoy the calmer sections. In mixed-age groups, forming different teams by age ensures nobody gets bored.

It is important to discuss with parents in advance which rides students with heart conditions, dizziness or similar health issues should not go on. Asking parents for this information on the permission form is good practice.

What students should bring

• Comfortable clothes and trainers
• A hat and sunscreen in summer
• Spare clothes and a small towel if water games are planned
• Water bottle
• Pocket money for personal spending, in an amount the parent considers appropriate

We recommend not bringing valuables; take care with items such as phones and glasses that could fall on the mechanical rides.

When to go

As Isfanbul is mainly an outdoor ride park, late spring and early summer are usually preferred, which is also why end-of-year trips fall in this period. The park is expected to be quieter on weekdays, but during the schools' end-of-year period it can be busy on weekdays too. We assess the date together with you at the quotation stage.

If you don't want to depend on the weather, have a look at the KidZania trip as an indoor alternative for the end of the year. For high school groups who want a more active day in nature, Forest İstanbul adventure park is also a good option.

What to tell parents

On theme park trips, the topics parents ask about most are safety, pocket money and communication. In the information note, state clearly that the trip will take place under the supervision of teachers and guides, with set meeting points and times. Based on the information we share at the quotation stage, you can also tell parents which rides are subject to age and height limits. Stating whether students will have a phone on which they can be reached during the day, and which teacher to call in an emergency, reassures parents.

Don't forget to add the return time and the place in front of the school where students will be collected to the information note. After a full day at the park, students will be tired; having parents ready at the school at the arrival time ensures the day ends smoothly.

Frequently asked questions

Are Vialand and Isfanbul the same place?

Yes. The park listed in the catalogue as Vialand now operates under the name Isfanbul.

Does the ticket cover all rides?

Ticket types and what they cover are set by the park. We state in the quote which ticket type will be used.

Are there age and height limits on the rides?

Yes, the age and height limits for the rides are set by the park. We share this information at the quotation stage.

Do students wander around the park freely?

Groups move around under the supervision of teachers and guides, with meeting points and times set in advance.