THERE’S a theme park in Europe named the word’s best – but it isn’t Disneyland Paris.
The huge Europa-Park in Germany was named Best Theme Park in the World at the Golden Ticket Awards.
It is the 10th time it has won the award – and with 100 attractions, I wasn’t surprised.
I visited the mega theme park last year, and was left seriously impressed by the scale of it.
Stretching across 230 acres, across the park are 15 country-themed lands placed on different destination around the world.
The area of Greece feels like you are in Mykonos, while the Switzerland area is like being in the heart of the Alps.
There is a St Marks Square in Italy, as well as a pizzieria, while there are lands based on Norway, the Netherlands and Spain as well.
There is an England themed land too, which yes, has a British pub.
The extravagance of the park reminds me of a family-friendly Las Vegas, without the casinos and neon lights or course.
Among the 100 attractions are 13 rollercoasters, my favourite being new Voltron Nevera in the Croatia section.
Created by Mack Rides – behing Thorpe Park’s Hyperia – it has a record-breaking 105-degree beyond-vertical launch, the steepest in the world.
It is easily one of the most innovative rollercoasters I’ve experienced, not to mention the most terrifying.
The park also has Rulantica, a huge waterpark with 50 slides and attractions.
Heated to 32C, it even opened a new outdoor pool this year, which has a massive swim up bar with 150 seats.
And if that wasn’t enough, there are a whopping 50 restaurants and bars at Europa-Park – my favourite being the mad Eatrenalin.
Sat at a “floating chair” I was transported to different rooms for different dishes while surrounded by immersive displays.
It combines gourmet cuisine with modern technology – and I was sold.
Europa-Park is constantly expanding too – back in June, the new Wild West themed land Silver Lake City opened.
Along with four themed diners, there is even a 630-bed Tipi Town accommodation village.
Next year will see the opening of the Riverside Western Lodge, with another 120 rooms.
It might not have the recognition of Disneyland, but with so much for all ages, Europa Park should top any theme park-lover’s list.
It’s not just me who was impressed, with one money-saving mum saying it was perfect even in half term holidays.
Content creator TheTravelMum said: “The theming is incredible, and the queue times are absolutely amazing.
“A lot of the smaller rides only have one minute queues.
“The park is fantastic for thrillseekers but at the same time it caters to the little ones,
“This place is fantastic value.”
Entry to the park costs £52 for adults and £44 for children (4–11) and seniors.
Despite being in Germany, the park is near the border of France and Switzerland, so the nearest airport for Brits is Basel.
Return fares in November start from £39pp.