One of my favorite ways to experience adventures traveling, especially with my whole family, is to seek out local theme parks. If you’re like me and love a good roller coaster adventure in the middle of your trip, here’s a guide to my favorite theme parks in Europe.
Phantasialand
Phantasialand is often voted one of the best theme parks in Europe, and for good reason. Located in Brühl, Germany, Phantasialand is an adventure park that is definitely catered to those who have more of an adventurous side. Though the park has options for the little ones, most of the rides are large thrill coasters and thriller rides such as the Mystery Castle. My top favorite rides are Black Mamba, Maus au Chocolat, Mystery Castle, and for a bonus … Crazy Bats.
Starting with Black Mamba, Black Mamba is a thrill coaster not for the faint of heart. An inverted coaster system that dives through the spirit of the evergreen jungles of Africa, Black Mamba is one of my favorite rollercoasters that I have ever been on! Some of the unique aspects Phantasialand points out about the coaster is it’s inverted style, where riders are placed in suspended seats where you truly feel like you are soaring through the air. Another feature is the near-miss effects. With the rapid twists and turns through the jungle, one feels as if you’re about to plunge into the waterfalls and trees and your heart truly starts pounding … the adventure is up close and personal but is one you simply can’t miss.
Maus au Chocolat is a ride system that is more family friendly than Black Mamba, and closely resembles a system similar to Buzz Lightyear at Disney, or other arcade-like ride systems. Maus au Chocolate follows the story of mice that have invaded a local patisserie, and it is the rider’s job to locate the mice and trap them with splats of icing from your piping bag control system. One of my favorite things about the ride is the immersion. As you go in, you feel like you’re becoming one of the mice, as the pastries around the line get bigger and you seem to shrink. The ride also features smells of fresh baked pastries and chocolates, making you truly feel as if you’ve stepped through the doors of the patisserie. It’s fun for the whole family and one that you simply must try.
Mystery Castle is one of my favorites, but I have to admit it’s truly an adventure that takes you by surprise. Winding through the haunted castle of a mad scientist, the line itself is incredibly immersive and keeps you entertained the whole way through. But, the drop-tower truly is the work of the mad scientist within. With a similar feel to Rock n’ Roller Coaster, the mystery castle is a drop tower where all guests face each other with ride systems on each wall .. but here’s the trick: you all drop at random times, keeping the suspense and wonder alive the whole way through. Plunging 65 meters deep, the drop is sure to get the adrenaline pumping, especially with the surprise launch into the air at 72 kilometers an hour. Giving me goosebumps, the ride was spooky at first, but is now one of my favorites and the best part, it’s a mystery every time.
The last ride I have to mention is Crazy Bats. Crazy Bats is unlike any ride I have ever been on, in that it is a VR indoor rollercoaster. Get ready to strap on a VR headset as you wind through drops, twists, and turns following a group of bats through a mansion. Fully immersive in the best possible way, the ride is one that is family friendly, and sure to be an adventure.
Though these rides just touch the surface of what Phantasialand has to offer, they show just how diverse the attractions are and give a glimpse of the family fun that awaits you on your adventure to the park.
Efteling
Efteling is a hidden gem that I have loved from the moment I first visited as a little girl. Located in Kaatsheuvel, Netherlands, Efteling is a fairytale theme park fun for all ages. My personal favorite ride is Symbolica, where guests travel through the enchanting castle of the King and are taken on a journey of games and mischief with the magic jester Pardoes. No matter what age, Efteling brings you back into the pages of a storybook, brought to life with wonder and magic that make for the perfect day of family fun.
If you’re looking for a place to have your fill of thrilling coasters, dark rides, fairytale forests, and delicious sweet treats, make sure to add Efteling to your bucket list.
Disney Paris
It’s Disney, and it’s in Paris. What’s not to love? Disney Paris is one of my favorite destinations, and it continues to get better every year. My personal favorite roller coaster is the Crush Coaster, where guests sit in a turtle shell and join Crush and Squirt as they make their way through the East Australian Current. Full of spins, drops, and the occasional appearance by some of your favorite characters, Crush Coaster is a perfect family coaster, especially for the little ones looking for their first big adventure at a theme park. Disney Paris continues to grow with their expansion of Disney Studios with a new Frozen themed land and a new show inspired by Alice in Wonderland.
To experience the magic of Disney in one of the most magical cities on earth, be sure to add Disney Paris to your bucket list.
Europa Park / Rulantica
Rulantica, the waterpark accompanying Europa park in Rust, Germany, is a family favorite and truly feels like an immersive theme park in itself. Themed after Norse mythology, with rides centered around Odin, Svalgur, and Frigg, the park takes you through epic tales and makes you feel as if you’re part of the story. With indoor and outdoor options, the park is fun for all in both winter and the summer months, making it a year-round aquatic adventure.
These theme parks just touch the surface of parks available for your next visit, but these are some of my personal favorites. If you have any questions about any of the parks discussed today, let me know in the travel questions form. Have any recommendations on where I should travel next? Let me know in the recommend an adventure form.
