Before establishing their entertainment empire in Zator, near Kraków, brothers Marek and Michał Goczał explored various business ventures. Their breakthrough came in the early 1990s when they launched a rural disco.
Today, Marek Goczał’s fortune, originating from the small town of Zebrzydowice in Silesia, is estimated at hundreds of millions of złoty. However, the path to success was not straightforward. The Goczał family initially ventured into the footwear industry, sole production, and energy drinks before pivoting to entertainment in the early 90s. In 1991, they opened Holiday Disco in Przytkowice, just outside Kraków, which quickly gained popularity. Two decades later, they expanded their vision into a massive entertainment empire with Energylandia in Zator.
Today, Zator boasts a sprawling entertainment complex of approximately 74 hectares, attracting millions of visitors annually, both from Poland and abroad. By 2021, Energylandia had welcomed 1.86 million guests, up from about 750,000 in its first year. The park’s standards rival the best in Europe, offering over 130 attractions, themed zones, a water park, Europe’s tallest roller coasters, and numerous dining options that continue to draw in tourists.
However, the venture faced skepticism before Energylandia opened its gates in 2014, particularly after an earlier plan to collaborate with pop star Michael Jackson on a grand amusement park fell through. Nevertheless, the Goczał brothers took the risk.
Throughout the 90s, the brothers continued to develop their disco, which was rebranded as Energy 2000 in 1998. The venue quickly emerged as one of Poland’s most recognizable club brands. They established another nightclub in Katowice and began contemplating their next moves, having found success.
Inspired by Family Trip to Italy
According to reports, the idea for a major amusement park was sparked during a family visit to Gardaland in Italy, one of Europe’s largest amusement parks. Marek Goczał’s children were particularly enchanted by the park and asked why such a place did not exist in Poland. This inquiry became a catalyst for their future project.
The Goczał family aimed to create an amusement park in Poland that matched the standards of the best in Europe. They chose Zator, located between Kraków and Upper Silesia, as the site. The project received support from European Union funds, which helped finance the initial stages, supplemented by the family’s own wealth. Energylandia officially opened on July 14, 2014.
But the Goczał family’s ambitions didn’t stop there. Four years after Energylandia’s launch, they introduced the Western Camp Resort, promoted as an excellent base for exploring the amusement park and other nearby attractions. This resort, styled after the Wild West, offers unique lodging options, including Indian tipis, cowboy cabins, and water bungalows.
The Goczał family has also ventured into motorsport, establishing the Energylandia Rally Team, which competes regularly in international events. Notably, Marek’s son Eryk, who won the challenging Dakar Rally in the SSV category at just 18 years old in 2023, has become the youngest champion in that class.
The brothers maintain a low profile and prefer to stay out of the media spotlight. As reported, Marek Goczał is often found in Energylandia, overseeing operations and ensuring everything runs smoothly, frequently touring the park on a segway and engaging with staff to maintain high standards.
