Rose Of Dawn
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Europa-Park: Overrated?
I cant tell you names or even pin point locations, but there's obviously the Adidas shop, a posh clothes shop near the entrance, a jeans shop in front of the splash battle and there was a shoe shop somewhere as well. There maybe more, I didn't pay enough attention, I just remember finding it really odd and unusual.
AstroDan
TS Team
You're not wrong.
But Europa-Park is very much a hotch potch of rides through its years.
They value their past and such is the family ownership, you'll literally have the current generation sweating buckets that by modernising, say, Eurosat, that it's in some respect a disservice to Franz Mack.
Efteling and Phantasialand are certainly up there with it, though.
The likes of Plopsaland is nowhere near it though... gosh. I'm baffled how anyone could find Plopsaland somehow better... even looking objectively. Like i could see someone preferring Efteling, or Phantasialand or Disney... but Plopsa!?
As for the shops, well... EP is EP. It's not a carbon copy of standard theme park.
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Marcus
TS Member
Currently at Portaventura for the first time, I would of given an arm and a leg for Europas operations today!
I know what you mean in terms of forceless as I found it the same, I enjoyed it for smoothness, restraints inversions etc, it didn't need to have a kick but I would of liked it more if it did. Depends how you go into the ride, when I first rode BF I had high expectations of a forceful launch coaster similar to intamins and was left a little disappointed but once re-riding it I enjoyed it a lot more without the expectations, same sort of experience on Helix and that grow massively.
I went into Wodan with no expectations and was blown away.
As already said Europa IMO is the best overall, not at everything, but overall (Efteling isn't far off, especially if your someone who loves landscaping to a park, the jury is still out on Portaventura until after my second day tomorrow
).
I know what you mean in terms of forceless as I found it the same, I enjoyed it for smoothness, restraints inversions etc, it didn't need to have a kick but I would of liked it more if it did. Depends how you go into the ride, when I first rode BF I had high expectations of a forceful launch coaster similar to intamins and was left a little disappointed but once re-riding it I enjoyed it a lot more without the expectations, same sort of experience on Helix and that grow massively.
I went into Wodan with no expectations and was blown away.
As already said Europa IMO is the best overall, not at everything, but overall (Efteling isn't far off, especially if your someone who loves landscaping to a park, the jury is still out on Portaventura until after my second day tomorrow
).
Dave
TS Founding Member
World would be boring if everyone was the same, when I first went to phantasia I hated the place, it felt soulless. subsequently I have grown more fond of it and appreciate the theming but I get bored if I spend more than a day there, something I don't find happens at EP.
Though i wouldn't put Joris above woodan in the coaster stakes, and I see bluefire much like I saw Air, it's an exhilarating ride but doesn't blow the mind. Still do really like it.
But people are different, hell some people like Thorpe Park and I think it is a hell hole
Though i wouldn't put Joris above woodan in the coaster stakes, and I see bluefire much like I saw Air, it's an exhilarating ride but doesn't blow the mind. Still do really like it.
But people are different, hell some people like Thorpe Park and I think it is a hell hole
Spike
TS Contributor
I may have only been once to Europa but it shot to my number one park for so many reasons. We spent 6 days there with one night in every hotel (something I highly recommend for anyone visiting for their first time - called the hopping pass) which was an absolute joy.
I think the reason why Europa excels to the top is quality. They may not have the largest selection of 'high thrill' coasters but to me that doesn't matter, Wodan & Blue Fire more than meet my needs for thrills with Wodan being superb in my view. The balance of the park is fantastic and the theming is world class.
If I were to compare some of the parks I have been to and surmise what I like best about them all...
Alton - Coasters
Phantasialand - Theming, Rides and Hotels
Portaventura - Coasters
I love Europa for the rides, coasters, operations, staff, service, food, drinks, hotels, theming, escapism, variety/offering of rides and value for money. I basically love everything about the place and everything they offer is just at a higher standard than any other park I've been to. There's a reason why "blank cheque for Roland" exists because people don't mind spending a lot of money if you want to, because the return service is exceptional.
It beggars belief how anyone can find the place overrated, sure, everyone is entitled to their opinion and not everyone may like the place as much as me and others, but overrated? I just can't see it. People must have ridiculously high standards if Europa is ever classed as overrated.
I think the reason why Europa excels to the top is quality. They may not have the largest selection of 'high thrill' coasters but to me that doesn't matter, Wodan & Blue Fire more than meet my needs for thrills with Wodan being superb in my view. The balance of the park is fantastic and the theming is world class.
If I were to compare some of the parks I have been to and surmise what I like best about them all...
Alton - Coasters
Phantasialand - Theming, Rides and Hotels
Portaventura - Coasters
I love Europa for the rides, coasters, operations, staff, service, food, drinks, hotels, theming, escapism, variety/offering of rides and value for money. I basically love everything about the place and everything they offer is just at a higher standard than any other park I've been to. There's a reason why "blank cheque for Roland" exists because people don't mind spending a lot of money if you want to, because the return service is exceptional.
It beggars belief how anyone can find the place overrated, sure, everyone is entitled to their opinion and not everyone may like the place as much as me and others, but overrated? I just can't see it. People must have ridiculously high standards if Europa is ever classed as overrated.
evilcod
TS Member
I think I understand the problem here..
The hype train on TST is so huge for anything Europa based that you go along on your first visit expecting more than its actually physically possible for a park to provide.
I was slightly disappointed on my 1st Europa trip to find it only becoming my 2nd favourite park and containing my 3rd favorite coaster, let that sink in, the hype around the park was so built up that I was genuinely disappointed that it wasnt my instant NO.1 BEST PARK EVER for everything, I felt maybe I was missing something.
Its noones fault and I can fully understand people's love for the park but when somewhere is held on such a god-like pedestal its bound to disappoint in comparison. So yes by definition I suppose that would make it overrated but the place is still amazing.
The hype train on TST is so huge for anything Europa based that you go along on your first visit expecting more than its actually physically possible for a park to provide.
I was slightly disappointed on my 1st Europa trip to find it only becoming my 2nd favourite park and containing my 3rd favorite coaster, let that sink in, the hype around the park was so built up that I was genuinely disappointed that it wasnt my instant NO.1 BEST PARK EVER for everything, I felt maybe I was missing something.
Its noones fault and I can fully understand people's love for the park but when somewhere is held on such a god-like pedestal its bound to disappoint in comparison. So yes by definition I suppose that would make it overrated but the place is still amazing.
Spike
TS Contributor
You were so disappointed by it, it 'only' became your 2nd favourite park. lol
I think if I visited a park or rode a rollercoaster that entered straight in at the number 2 spot, the word disappointed wouldn't be in my vocabulary when describing it.
evilcod
TS Member
Exactly my point Spike, its absolute madness that a number 2 spot would be "disappointing" but when you are being built up to it being so far better than any other park/place/thing in existence that it doesn't reach those unobtainable heights well... then your going to be slightly disappointed and it would have been overrated
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Spike
TS Contributor
Exactly my point Spike, its absolute madness that a number 2 spot would be "disappointing" but when you are being built up to it being so far better than any other park/place/thing in existence that it doesn't reach those unobtainable heights well... that would be the definition of overrated
I can't agree from my perspective I'm afraid, after many years of great reports, the hype train - my first trip actually exceeded the hype.
CGM
TS Member
With Europa, I'd say it's a case of I like it but I don't love it. I've only visited the park once and I had a good time there but in all honesty, I found it a little lacking in atmosphere. Despite the fact they've made some pretty major additions since my visit, I haven't found myself itching to return.
I wouldn't say this makes the park overrated though. I think it's more down to my personal tastes. I can see why so many people rate it so highly. When you look at the tangibles, it's hard to fault. Operations are the best I've come across and the standards of theming are excellent. There's also good food and entertainment throughout the park.
My issues with the park stem from the design and layout I think.
It's too cluttered and haphazardly laid out to properly immerse you in a themed area. There are too many contrasting landmarks vying for the same skyline. I have a hard time believing I'm on a Greek island when there's an enormous radio telescope looming over the area.
This on its own isn't necessarily a problem except at the same time, I find Europa feels too modern and airy to have the authentic charm of somewhere like Liseberg or Tivoli.
I think the park can be the victim of its own hype. I went expecting it to be easily the best park I'd ever visited but I ultimately found that Europa's take on the theme park didn't appeal to me as much as it clearly does to others. So I did leave slightly disappointed.
Again, I don't want to give the impression that I dislike Europa, it's clearly one of Europe's best parks. I just don't quite see it as the peerless jewel in the crown of European theme parks that many seem to.
I wouldn't say this makes the park overrated though. I think it's more down to my personal tastes. I can see why so many people rate it so highly. When you look at the tangibles, it's hard to fault. Operations are the best I've come across and the standards of theming are excellent. There's also good food and entertainment throughout the park.
My issues with the park stem from the design and layout I think.
It's too cluttered and haphazardly laid out to properly immerse you in a themed area. There are too many contrasting landmarks vying for the same skyline. I have a hard time believing I'm on a Greek island when there's an enormous radio telescope looming over the area.
This on its own isn't necessarily a problem except at the same time, I find Europa feels too modern and airy to have the authentic charm of somewhere like Liseberg or Tivoli.
I think the park can be the victim of its own hype. I went expecting it to be easily the best park I'd ever visited but I ultimately found that Europa's take on the theme park didn't appeal to me as much as it clearly does to others. So I did leave slightly disappointed.
Again, I don't want to give the impression that I dislike Europa, it's clearly one of Europe's best parks. I just don't quite see it as the peerless jewel in the crown of European theme parks that many seem to.
Martin
TS Member
I don't really see Europa as a place to go for rides, I see it as a holiday resort that happens to also have a theme park as part of the many things it offers; if the theme park didn't exist I'd still go for the hotels, restaurants, bars, spas etc. I love the park itself and I love the rides but that's such a small part of why I love the place.
DiogoJ42
TS Member
Exactly, EP is far more than the sum of it's parts. When I first went there, I was actively looking for things to pick holes in. I wanted to tear the place apart and rip on the "fanboys". The rides didn't look very exciting and I'm not a shows person.
... But even I couldn't find fault.
Yes, it may not be an extreme thrills park, but it's the only place I've been to that feels like a holiday rather than a credit grab. The hotels, the bars, the food, the drink, the rides, the atmos, the staff, and the sheer fun all adds up to a place I simply love being in.
If you only like balls-to-the-wall thrills, then I agree you're going to be bored at EP... But you're doing it wrong. Like criticising Citizen Kane for not having enough explosions.
... But even I couldn't find fault.
Yes, it may not be an extreme thrills park, but it's the only place I've been to that feels like a holiday rather than a credit grab. The hotels, the bars, the food, the drink, the rides, the atmos, the staff, and the sheer fun all adds up to a place I simply love being in.
If you only like balls-to-the-wall thrills, then I agree you're going to be bored at EP... But you're doing it wrong. Like criticising Citizen Kane for not having enough explosions.
AstroDan
TS Team
I don't think it particularly matters that not everyone thinks Europa-Park is the best park #IN. THE. WORLD
However I think it would be fair to say that Europa-Park is probably acclaimed as such by more (European) people than any other - at least, for those that have been to, say, the top 10 most visited parks in Europe. But that doesn't even mean that evem half think EP is the best, it just happens to get more of a share than anywhere else. It also does very, very well on other platforms (TripAdvisor, Google Reviews etc.) which I know helps it enormously.
Europa-Park is a family business, run with love and care. Isn't it wonderful to see an independent park like this getting such international acclaim? The money that is ploughed into the resort as a whole is massive. And the hotels, really - they are in a league of their own.
The issues people tend to raise (areas not feeling immersive etc.) are really as a result of the parks organic growth since 1975. It's also themed, unlike say Tivoli and Liseberg, which because of their style will not suffer this. As a "theme park" - Europa-Park has plenty of holes. But it's certainly nice to see a theme park trying hard to theme their rides and attractions and building to a high standard, unlike, for example, a Merlin project such as The Smiler. And since Wodan, they really are delivering some of the best themed rides in Europe - without question. Along with Phantasialand, these two German parks are constantly vying for the latest big thing and boy it's working.
It's also quite normal that anything that gets massive acclaim is going to therefore equally get people who don't quite agree with it feeling a bit jealous and/or frustrated that it isn't their own personal preference that is the one that gets it. In Europa's case, more seem to find it about the top of the pile than don't.
Nowt wrong with that.
However I think it would be fair to say that Europa-Park is probably acclaimed as such by more (European) people than any other - at least, for those that have been to, say, the top 10 most visited parks in Europe. But that doesn't even mean that evem half think EP is the best, it just happens to get more of a share than anywhere else. It also does very, very well on other platforms (TripAdvisor, Google Reviews etc.) which I know helps it enormously.
Europa-Park is a family business, run with love and care. Isn't it wonderful to see an independent park like this getting such international acclaim? The money that is ploughed into the resort as a whole is massive. And the hotels, really - they are in a league of their own.
The issues people tend to raise (areas not feeling immersive etc.) are really as a result of the parks organic growth since 1975. It's also themed, unlike say Tivoli and Liseberg, which because of their style will not suffer this. As a "theme park" - Europa-Park has plenty of holes. But it's certainly nice to see a theme park trying hard to theme their rides and attractions and building to a high standard, unlike, for example, a Merlin project such as The Smiler. And since Wodan, they really are delivering some of the best themed rides in Europe - without question. Along with Phantasialand, these two German parks are constantly vying for the latest big thing and boy it's working.
It's also quite normal that anything that gets massive acclaim is going to therefore equally get people who don't quite agree with it feeling a bit jealous and/or frustrated that it isn't their own personal preference that is the one that gets it. In Europa's case, more seem to find it about the top of the pile than don't.
Nowt wrong with that.
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Spike
TS Contributor
After reading the comments I must agree that I have seen the light....
Europa is a cesspool of debauchery, a place where they showcase their wares like some cannibalistic cult. They come here offering a 5* package of excellence, with no thought to the other 576 Six Flags parks out there who struggle to maintain copying each other year-upon-year!
This industry is so cut-throat that I wonder how a park like Europa can compete with such MASSIVE competition. I mean they have Thorpe Park's tin can hotel to contend with for god's sake! Not to mention their biggest threat to date - United Arab Emirates maybe the 'one to watch' but here in Europe we have THE GRUFFALO RIDE for christ's sake. I honestly think that you're all just mad to think Europa could ever compete with the likes of.... erm...... yeah.... erm.... hey Mandy Land are building their first coaster in 23 years didn't you know and it's taken 52million hours planning?! So yeah!, in your face othe... oh wait Roland's building it
#europaistheilluminati
Europa is a cesspool of debauchery, a place where they showcase their wares like some cannibalistic cult. They come here offering a 5* package of excellence, with no thought to the other 576 Six Flags parks out there who struggle to maintain copying each other year-upon-year!
This industry is so cut-throat that I wonder how a park like Europa can compete with such MASSIVE competition. I mean they have Thorpe Park's tin can hotel to contend with for god's sake! Not to mention their biggest threat to date - United Arab Emirates maybe the 'one to watch' but here in Europe we have THE GRUFFALO RIDE for christ's sake. I honestly think that you're all just mad to think Europa could ever compete with the likes of.... erm...... yeah.... erm.... hey Mandy Land are building their first coaster in 23 years didn't you know and it's taken 52million hours planning?! So yeah!, in your face othe... oh wait Roland's building it
#europaistheilluminati
