Germany’s largest theme park finished its 2017 season recently after welcoming over 5.6 million guest visits.
The opening in June of Europe’s largest flying theatre, the Voletarium, is credited as helping Europa-Park to consolidate its market leading position, well ahead of all its domestic rivals.
The operating calendar officially came to a close after the end of the latest winter season on January 7. In 2016, the park welcomed around 5.5 million guests. As well as attracting many day-trippers, Europa-Park continues to build its on-site resort offer.
The numbers of overnight guests as well as the length of stays in the park’s five theme hotels are continuously increasing. Visitors from France, Switzerland and the German states of North Rhine-Westphalia, Hesse and Rhineland-Palatinate helped swell numbers in 2017.
The winter season plays an increasingly important role in Europa-Park’s success. This year thousands of lights, 2,500 snow-decked Christmas trees, 10,000 glittering baubles and countless campfires transform Europa-Park into a romantic winter landscape. Entertainment was provided by top-class international artists. In addition, an exhibition celebrating the popular German comedian, cartoonist and musician Otto Waalkes was a hit in the the Mercedes-Benz Hall.
“Europa-Park is becoming more and more of a trendsetter,” believes owner Roland Mack. “With the Rulantica Water World, we [will] become the first operator in Germany to build a second theme park. Our entire resort shall become a top continental destination for family vacations. For the fourth consecutive year, Europa-Park has been awarded the Golden Ticket Award as the world’s best park.”
Europa-Park is now the busiest theme park in Europe after Disneyland Paris. Since the park was founded by Roland and his late father Franz Mack in 1975, over 110 million guests have visited.
Already under construction, Rulantica Water World should be completed by the end of 2019. Visitors will be able to look forward to the ultimate indoor-outdoor waterpark experience. The centrepiece shall be a shell-shaped hall reaching up to 20 metres in height and packed with 17 water slides. The project is by far the largest project in the company’s history. Approximately €150 million has already been invested in the first phase. Opening in tandem with Rulantica will be Europa-Park’s sixth hotel, the 1,300 room Krønasår property.
The 2018 season kicks off ahead of Easter on March 24. The park’s popular Eurosat rollercoaster will reopen after extensive structural changes, both inside and out. The entire façade is being given a new look and passengers will be able to enjoy a choice of either a VR or non-VR ride.
From the start of the season, the English themed area of Europa-Park will welcome the arrival of Paddington, the popular bear. Meanwhile in Greece, a new ice show will be dedicated to the cuddly children’s book figure and film star.
