Kirmes & Park Revue EAS Extra Issue 2019

Revue &
INTERNATIONAL
EXTRA ISSUE
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European Star Award 2019
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EUROPEAN STAR AWARD 2019
We are inviting all Top 10 Parks to celebrate their
success together with friends and manufacturers. All Top
5 Winners are receiving looping sculptures – which are
ex clusively hand-made from real Bohemian Crystal.
INTRODUCTION
A very warm-hearted "Bienvenue" to this year’s European Star Award and to the IAAPA Expo Europe in Paris.
We are very proud that the independent and non-profit European Star Award is well established. This year we
are celebrating the 8 th edition in a row, and during this period the award has become Europe's most important
award for the leisure industry. In fact, this award is dedicated explicitly to European theme parks, bringing
attention to entrepreneurial courage and innovations.
In 14 categories, winners were voted by an international team of 44 experts. In each category, members of
the trade jury were able to vote for their personal favourites. Choices could be made from theme parks and
water parks throughout Europe including Russia and Turkey, with the minimum criteria of at least one ride or
slide attraction in operation.
An important note regarding this year’s results: A number of attractions were opened very late. In some
instances, too late to be able to be taken into account before the end of voting. Unfortunately, as a result some
attractions are not reqresented in the Top 10. For example the coaster innovation “Desmo Race” at Mirabilandia.
Or the world’s tallest hybrid coaster “Zadra” at Energylandia, which you can see on this year’s cover.
The European Star Award remains a non-profit organization. But to keep this independent award alive, we
requested supporting adverts only after the voting was completed. However, we would like to give thanks our
this year's sponsors – The Coca-Cola Company and Popcorn Affairs.
This year the European Star Award 2019 is presented at one of Europe’s best theme parks: Parc Astérix. We
would like to say thank you to Compagnie des Alpes, in particular to Sébastien Retailleau, Benoit Spriet and
Francois Fassier for their support in making it possible to have the event take place at their beautiful park.
We are pleased to congratulate all Top 10 winners, and we wish all visitors to the IAAPA Expo Europe a great
time in Paris, together with many stimulating inspirations for future attractions!
With kind regards… or to say it in French: Cordialement
Frank Lanfer
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We like to say thank you to all
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THE EXPERT-JURY OF THE EUROPEAN STAR AWARD 2019
Dr. Salvador Anton Clavé
Nergis Aslan
Bas Bakkers
David Callen
Prof. Dr. Salvador Anton Clavé (Spain)
He is a Full Professor at the Faculty of Tourism and Geography
at the Rovira i Virgili University and Director of the
Doctoral Program in Tourism and Leisure. He is also
Senior Research Scholar at the International Institute of
Tourism Studies at the George Washington University as
well as Research Director at the Department of Tourism
Innovation at Eurecat -Technological Center of Catalonia.
He is author of the book “The Global Theme Park Industry”
(CABI, 2007). His research concentrates on analysis of the
evolution of tourism destinations, theme parks and visitor
attractions, destination image, policies and planning.
Nergis Aslan (Turkey)
She is the founding partner of Tureks Uluslararası Fuarcılık,
the organizer company of ATRAX Exhibition, which
is the only trade fair for the amusement in dustry of Turkey
and region. With her profound knowledge in the amusement
industry, Nergis played an im portant role in gathering
the players of the sector under one roof for the first
time in Turkey. Along with ATRAX, she continues to contribute
to the efforts aimed at the further development of
the sector with the Shining Star Awards and the Atraksiyon
Magazin as well. She also carries out a detailed sectorial
analysis and statistical study in the amusement and
recreations industry of Turkey, which has never been done
before. With a view to monitoring the development of the
industry closely, she continues to travel globally. Nergis
has an undergraduate degree in Sociology.
Bas Bakkers (Netherlands)
He is working for the Coca-Cola Company and leads the
international engagement with the Leisure and Hotel
Industry . Bas has 20 years of experience in the Coca-Cola
system where he was responsible for sales and business
development roles in the home and away from home
markets in the Netherlands.
David Callen (Great Britain)
He is a 34 year old geophysicist and enthusiast who re -
sides in London, UK. He is also owner of the page VH
Coasters (www.vhcoasters.com) which has a heavy emphasis
on highlighting news and information about ob -
scure theme parks around the world not usually covered
by other news sites. He has been passionate about both
theme parks and travelling since he was a kid and wanted
a way for people to hear about all the smaller amusement
parks in countries they may otherwise miss.
Victor Cavaller (Spain)
He is the Managing Director of Garmisch Consulting
Group (www.garmischconsulting.com), the TAA Design
firm. Among others he has led concept and design development
for new rides at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, themed
hotels for Merlin Entertainments, and FECs for Parques
Reunidos. Prior to leading GCG he was part of Thinkwell
Europe, serving as Show Producer for the 2007 “Furius
Baco” coaster at Port Aventura, as Producer “Police Academy
Stunt Show” at Parque Warner Madrid, as Project
Manager for “Ice Age Adventure!” at Movie Park Germany,
as well as Ski Dubai’s Snow Park at the Mall of the
Emirates. Victor was also a part of the team responsible
for the award-winning “FiestAven tura Nighttime Spectacular”
and the “Templo del Fuego” attractions at Universal
Port Aventura. He has a degree in Audio/Visual Communication
from the University Autonoma de Barcelona.
Jessica De Jong (Netherlands)
Jessica has always been into themeparks and thrill rides.
She started as a ride operator on several rides in Walibi
Holland and expanded her field of expertise by becoming
RollercoasterGirl 2018 where she worked as an influencer
for Mack Rides. Subsequently, she started working in
Europa -Park as Junior Social & Media Producer.
Rik Engelen (Belgium)
He lives in Belgium, has a law degree and works at the
Belgian insurance company Ethias. He has always had a
childhood fascination for everything theme park-related,
particularly coasters and water rides. He grew up with his
hometown park Bobbe jaanland. Later he started to visit
other parks. His passion, along with his other interest in
photography, makes a good combination for also writing
for the Park International and other magazines. In 2001 he
started cooperating with www.rcdb.com. For a few years
now he has been handling the site’s photo management.
Francesco Fabris (Italy)
For nearly 20 years engaged in the amusement industry,
both independently and through Amusement Project
(Italian consulting firm), Francesco has always combined
his deep passion for the amusement parks with the interest
in studying and improving all the issues that belong to this
complex but at the same time engaging business. The
goals he always puts in first place are to achieve a memor -
able experience while maintaining a high level of guest
satis faction in an well organized environment.
Thomas Frank (Germany)
He is the founder and editor-in-chief for Parkerlebnis.de
(www.parkerlebnis.de), the most popular theme park
magazine on the internet in the German speaking region.
Thanks to his parents, Thomas grew up with theme park
visits during almost every family holiday. He is fascinated
by articial worlds ever since. Thomas has been working in
the entertainment industry for more than 15 years. Since
2013, he is running Parkerlebnis.de with focus on coverage
for the general public and providing informaton for
more than 4 million unique visitors a year.
Dr. Felix Fritz (Germany)
He has been fascinated by theme parks, and sometime
later by coasters, ever since his father took him to Europa-Park
as a child. As a result, after attaining his degree
in mechanical engineering, he worked on “roller coaster
dynamics” during his time as a doctoral candidate. These
days he does reviews of technical documentation and onsite
testing of rides worldwide for TÜV SÜD in Munich
6

Victor Cavaller
Jessica De Jong
Rik Engelen
Francesco Fabris
(www.tuev-sued.de). Although he knows the busi ness
behind the magic, he still likes to visit parks and loves to
get some airtime on a good roller coaster.
Marcus Gaines (Great Britain)
He grew up as a theme park and funfair fan. Family holidays
as a child involved visiting at least one theme park
somewhere in the world. As the father of two young boys,
Marcus now pays as much attention to family rides as thrill -
ing coasters. Graduating from university in 1999 with an
honours degree in Media Production and Technology, his
first job was as a show technician for Disney Cruise Lines .
These days he works for Britain’s largest broad casting
company and is often called upon to use his knowledge
of the amusement industry to work on related documentaries
and news features. Marcus is current ly working with
a number of ride manufacturers to produce their promotional
videos for trade shows and their websites. More
information on www.coastertouring.com
Marshall Hill (Great Britain)
He is the past-chairman of BALPPA (British Association of
Amusement Parks, Piers and Attractions). Prominent at the
association’s meetings and many other industry events
and trade shows, he is known for his down-to-earth and
approachable personality. Marshall is the third generation
of his family to operate the traditional Funland amusement
park on Hayling Island on the south coast of England
(www.funland.info). He also buys and sells rides on behalf
of other parks and also travelling showmen.
Marc Lacombe (Canada)
He has been a theme park fan all his life, and his love for
parks comes from his parents. He realized his dream and
worked as an international worker at Disneyland Paris on
“Space Mountain”. Marc then moved on to La Ronde in
Montreal and then had the privilege to be a guest relations
host at Epcot in Florida. He is currently working for a major
airline and runs the Park Vault blog (www.parkvault.net)
after holding the responsibility of international reporter for
Newsparcs. Park Vault concentrates on the historical aspect
of the industry.
Alex Lemmens (Netherlands)
After his mechanical and electrical studies at the technical
university, Alex joined Efteling in 1975 as Director of technical
services. From 1987 to 1992 he was Park Manager
and until 2005 he was responsible for development of projects
such as “Python”, “Pirana”, “Haunted Castle”, “Villa
Volta”, “Fata Morgana”and “Dream Flight”. In 2004 he was
chairman of the international conference "TilE" (Trends in
Leisure and Entertainment) in Maastricht. After a working
period of more than 30 years at Efteling, he retired in 2005
and started his own consulting company (Alex Lemmens
Consultancy) for the leisure industry and is a permanent
ad viser to the Blijdorp Zoo in Rotterdam, amusement park
Toverland and Van den Berk Nerseries in St. Oedenrode,
Netherlands. In 2014 a documentary about his working life
was made and can be seen (subtitled in English) on
www.devijfzintuigen.nl and on YouTube.
Mario O. Mamon (Philippines)
He is the Chairman and President of Enchanted Kingdom
for more than twenty years (www.enchantedkingdom.ph).
The park has been at the forefront of the amusement and
attractions industry in the Philippines and is expected to
continue to do so in the coming years as it prepares to
transform itself from a standalone themed amusement
park into an integrated attractions destination resort. The
park is divided into seven meticulously themed zones that
transport the park visitor into a certain place and time in
history, accentuated by the various rides, attractions and
entertainment offerings in each of the different zones.
Mario became the thrid Vice-Chairman of IAAPA in 2011,
rising to become the association’s first Asian Chairman in
2014. In the course of his official duties with IAAPA, he had
been able to travel extensively around the world including
Europe, visiting and familiarizing himself with many European
amusement parks and attractions.
François Mayné (France)
Born in Brussels, François has had a passion for the theme
park industry for years. At the beginning of the 2000s, he
was involved in the management of several websites that
formed the core of an emerging French-speak ing fan
community. After getting a degree in market ing, he decided
to create his own busines and became the editor of
NewsParcs.com, an online magazine dedicated to the
professionals of the park industry. Then he chose to focus
on another website developed for a main stream audience:
www.ooparc.com is an online guide book about theme
parks in Europe. Together with running that business,
François also offers his ser vices as a freelance reporter
for trade publications covering the attractions industry.
Thomas Frank
Dr. Felix Fritz
Marcus Gaines
7

Marshall Hill
Marc Lacombe Alex Lemmens Mario O. Mamon
François Mayné
Shaun McKeogh
Yves Merienne
Shaun McKeogh (Australia)
He has extensive experience across the breadth of the
amusement industry. His expertise lies in Human Re -
sources, Training and Operations Management to build
strong workplace cultures. As a highly respected specialist
for the attractions industry, Shaun is passionate about
workplace reward and recognition, leader ship, performance
management and quality service excellence systems.
He is co-author of the book “Reasons 2 Reward”
and author of numerous attractions industry features. He
is Chair for the IAAPA Asia Pacific Education Sub Committee,
member of the IAAPA Global Education Committee,
he serves for the IAAPA Institute for Attraction Managers.
He is founder and president of Attractions Academy
(www.attractionsacademy.com), providing global attractions
training development, delivery and consultancy.
Yves Merienne (France)
He has been passionate about parks since his childhood.
It's thanks to some pictures in the encyclopedia “Tout
l'Uni vers” that he discovered Disneyland California, be -
fore he visited his park in 1979. Since the 1990's, he has
been traveling extensively worldwide to discover new
parks. It is by meeting other French enthusiasts during his
travels around the world that he had the idea to create
Parcs Passion in 2002 (www.parcspassion.org) to
connect parks with the fans and to make discover the job
to the fans. In his everyday life, he works in a Foundation
that cares for people with autism. He never wanted to work
in a park, because he prefers to stay a “professional
guest”, as the former director of Parc Astérix named him.
Martin J. Palicki (USA)
He is the publisher of InPark Magazine, a trade publication
covering themed entertainment, technology and story -
telling. Martin loved parks and rides since a child and
enjoyed working at Six Flags Great America, Adventureland
(Iowa), and Walt Disney World before deciding to
start his own magazine. Now in its 15th year, InPark has
subscribers and distribution around the world and is avail -
able online at www.inparkmagazine.com
Frédéric Pastuszak (France)
His passion for theme parks started after his first visit to
Europa-Park in 1989, where he found his lifetime vocation.
After graduating as an architect, Frédéric developed his
skills and expertise of creativity and innovation in planning,
design and art directing of parks, creating amazing rides
and attractions and leaving timeless memories through
storytelling. During his 15 years within the industry, working
in various project locations worldwide, his greatest
achievements are the acclaimed attraction "Arthur - In the
Minimoys Kingdom" at Europa-Park, where he was Creative
Director, and most recently, as Senior Art Director, for
the newly opened Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi.
Wolfgang Payer (Austria)
Born in 1957 in Vienna, the retired former electrical
engineer of Vienna airport is a passionate photographer.
He is a father of two daughters and a happy grandfather
since this year. He has been photographing rides and
attractions professionally for more than 10 years. His
photo graphs are used by many different suppliers at trade
shows, in their leaflets and on their websites as well as in
various trade magazines of the amusement industry.
Since 2017 he is working for the media agency mov(e)-
motions, which is producing ride and park videos as well
as photos for ride manufacturers and theme parks.
Jochen Peschel (Germany)
The patent attorney in a Munich law firm is occupied in the
areas of Intellectual Property and other topics, as well as
questions concerning commercial legal protection in the
amusement branch. As a student, Jochen was able to take
a look behind the scenes of the Pützchens Markt, with his
interest in fairgrounds and theme parks being awakened
during his electrical engineering studies. Since then he is
responsible for the contents of the online maga zine
www.coastersandmore.de. A career as engineer at a manufacturer
never came into question, and instead he concentrated
on being a part-time journalist special ized in the
area of the technical aspects of coasters and other rides.
Marek Pisarski (Poland)
He is a consultant in the edutainment sector and founded
PAIT Consulting, calling Marek Pisarski Imagineering
(www.marekpisarski.pl). Over many years he has authored
multiple projects in the leisure parks and science centre
in Poland and abroad. He was also responsible for
major changes in Polish tourism industry when he was
working with government organizations as the main ad -
visor of the Sport and Tourism Minister, member of the
board of Polish Tourism Development Agency and the
General Manager of Polish Tourism Office in the Nether-
8

Martin J. Palicki
Frederic Pastuszak
Wolfgang Payer
Jochen Peschel
lands, creating new products and solutions. Since early
2000s he has been popularising theme parks and science
centres, which had been previously hardly known in
Poland . He was also responsible for the operating of the
different attractions and science centre sectors. More -
over, he is engaged in imagineering design and production
of a variety of attractions, decorations and exhibitions.
Sven Popelier (Belgium)
He is living in Belgium, and besides working as a Product
Manager at Beobank, he’s definitely a theme park en -
thusiast. He’s writer and manager of the European division
of The Coaster Kings. In Dutch, he writes for the website
www.pretparken.be and Brakesection Magazine.
Owen Ralph (Great Britain)
He has been writing about theme parks, funfairs and
attractions for over 20 years, for industry publications including
Kirmes Revue, Park International, Blooloop, Park
World, and World's Fair. Interested in rides and attractions
from an early age (growing up 30 minutes from Blackpool
Pleasure Beach probably helped), he shows no signs of
growing out of it any time soon and is pleased to have
made many friends and contacts in the business on a professional
basis.
Darya Ratmanskaya (Russia)
She studied law at the Peoples’ Friendship University of
Russia, and has gained many years of vast and successful
experience working for the Russian Association of Amuse -
ment Parks and Attractions, participating in and promoting
of key professional events of the amusement industry on
the national and international arena.
Dr. Igor Rodionov (Russia)
He is a graduate of the Moscow State University of Culture
and Arts and earned a PhD in Pedagogic sciences. And
he is also Vice President of the Russian Association of
Amusement Parks and Attractions (www.raapa.ru/en),
General Director of the RAAPA Training & Education
Centre that provides training for entertainment centres
and amusement park operators, is Chief Editor of the
“Attractions and Entertainments” magazine (Russia), and
also Assistant Professor at the Moscow State Institute of
Arts. He has published numerous of articles and publications
for Russian and foreign industry specialized maga -
zines, and he acts as a speaker at many conferences.
Stefan Rothaug (Taiwan)
Born in Germany, his first contact with theme parks came
about in his childhood. During his studies of eco nomic
sciences he was employed in the marketing divi sions of
Fort Fun, Panoramapark and Phantasialand temporarily.
After he fell in love with the Asian continent through countless
trips to Japan and Korea, he moved to Tokyo in 2006
and later to Taiwan. Stefan's focus has changed: whilst in
the early years he was mainly travel ling in Japan, the first
and foremost in his calendar in the meantime is Chinese
parks, thus travelling through Southeast Asia. He enjoys
connecting his enthusiasm for Asia, theme parks and
travell ing. Since 2016 he is working for Taiwanese ride
supplier Brogent Technologies in a marketing role.
Adam Sandy (USA)
He is Ride Entertainment’s President Business Development
Division and has been a part of the team since 2004.
He oversees all of the company’s ride sales, contracts for
the installation division, and works on special projects.
During his tenure, Adam has been involved with hundreds
of millions in sales. Working with groups like Six Flags,
Herschend Family Entertainment, and family-owned parks
such as Canobie Lake Park. He has sold and run projects
throughout the world. Adam was responsible for multimillion
dollar installations like Dollywood’s famed “Fire
Chaser Express” and the roll-out of Six Flags’ 11 “Sky
Screamer” towers across North America.
Wieland Schwarzkopf (Germany)
As son of the coaster pioneer Anton Schwarzkopf, he grew
up quite literally between carousel constructions and
coaster innovations, and is these days a sought after
expert of attraction technology and tourist transportation
for more than 45 years. From 1998 to today, he is the Chairman
of the German Association of Attraction Manufac -
turers and Suppliers (VDV), and since 2002 he is also the
Chairman of the European Association of Amusement
Supplier Industry (EAASI).
Dennis L. Speigel (USA)
Dennis is the President of International Theme Park
Ser vices, Inc. (ITPS), a leading, independent full-service
manage ment/consulting firm in USA (www.interthemepark.com).
He is an internationally recognized expert in
the theme park and leisure industry with over 50 years of
experience. He began in 1960 as a seasonal employee
Marek Pisarski
Sven Popelier
Owen Ralph
9

Darya Ratmanskaya
Dr. Igor Rodionov
Stefan Rothaug
Adam Sandy
Wieland Schwarzkopf
Dennis L. Speigel
Marc Spies
at Coney Island Ohio, and worked his way up to manage
Kings Island and Kings Dominion. Then he be came Vice
Presi dent of International Operations for the Taft Broad -
casting’s Leisure Division. He is also a former President of
IAAPA and currently serves on the Board of Directors. In
2010 he received the Life-Time Achievement Award. He
regularly appears in the Wall Street Journal, New York
Times , USA Today, Financial Times, China Daily, and
others. His company has worked on over 500 projects in
more than 50 countries. He is regarded as one of the
pioneers of the leisure industry.
Marc Spies (Germany)
He is a social education worker, and now he is mainly
occu pied in stationary youth welfare. He also works in
adult education consultancy, as well as freelancing for
media companies. He has been interested in fairs, parks,
and water parks since his early childhood, and with
increasing age and mobility often travels inland and abroad
to test novelties. For years now he has been indis -
pensible in the area of water parks for the Park International,
but also reports about coasters and fairs.
Dr. h.c. Werner Stengel (Germany)
There’s hardly another person who has impacted the
amuse ment industry as strongly as Dr. Werner Stengel,
who is now over 80 years of age. In 1963 he began his
work together with Anton Schwarzkopf on the first German
steel coaster. Together with him, and later with other
manu facturers also, he repeatedly revolutionized the
amuse ment branch, with for example, the world’s first
modern coaster with a vertical loop. Since 1974, he has
been an active member of the German standard committee
for DIN 4112, now the EN 13814. In 2004, he stepped
back from daily office work. Over the past decades, his
firm Stengel GmbH has developed the design of 700
coas ters plus another 600 ride attractions.
Francis Stokkel (USA)
The native-born Dutch Engineer began his career in the
industry with the establishment of the Warner Bros. Movie
Park in Germany (now Movie Park Germany) and has now
almost 30 years of experience in the leisure industry.
Francis was involved in numerous theme park projects
such as Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Six Flags Holland and
Tropical Islands in Germany. Currently he is working as
Project Executive on the world’s tallest coaster, the “Poler-
coaster” in Orlando. He is an AIMS licensed ride inspector,
OSHA 501 & 500 health and safety inspector, TÜV ISO
quality auditor and has broad knowledge in project management
and development, technical and operational
management, deep knowledge in all kinds of rides and
ride constructions management, risk assessment, bud -
geting and control. As an analytical driver he has a passion
for working with collaborative cross functional teams.
Susan L. Storey (USA)
She has more 20 years of experience working in the
amuse ment and travel industry. She is the Global Communications
Director for IAAPA. An avid fan of the attractions
industry, Susan has combined her passion for speak -
ing and writing with her love of roller coasters. Her career
began with the Walt Disney World College Program, and
has led public relations roles serving to Cedar Fair Entertainment
Company, Six Flags Entertainment Corporation,
Great Wolf Resorts and SeaWorld Orlando. When she is
not at work, Susan and her son Aiden can be found ex -
periencing theme parks and water parks.
Eric Christopher Straube (Germany)
For 10 years now he is Theatre and Film Director and
studied Scenic Art at the Privately Funded University
Hildes heim. His research focus was the staging and
drama turgy of mobile ride constructions and theme park
attractions. He is the editor-in-chief of the park+ride, the
club magazine of German fan club FKF, as well as co-organiser
of the FKF-Convention. Currently he is working at
the Theater Junge Generation Dresden, as dramaturge for
digital media, and directs with modern and experimental
stage forms in kids and youth theatres. Further along he
also writes regularly for the Park International.
Dr. Sacha Szabo (Germany)
He is a sociologist and works as a trend researcher at the
Institut für Theoriekultur (www.institut-theoriekultur.de) in
Freiburg, examining popular culture. He has been a guest
lecturer at the Uni Freiburg and the HfMT Hamburg. He
wrote his PhD thesis about cultural dimensions of thrill and
amusement rides, and has written a number of books and
articles about amusement culture, which examines rides
from a scientific view. In 2015 he published “Sozioanalyse
des Alltags” making some conclusions about fairs like
Oktoberfest, for example. Currently he works on the socio-phenomenological
effects of funfairs.
10

Dr. h.c. Werner Stengel Francis Stokkel Susan L. Storey Eric Christopher Straube
Prof. Dr. Torsten Widmann (Germany)
He studied tourism geography, busi ness administration,
and economics at the University of Trier. Since 2007 he
has been Professor for Tourism and Leisure Management,
initially at the Cologne Business School, and since 2009
as Director of the Bachelor course of studies “Management
of Leisure and Recreation Facilities” at the Cooperative
State University of Baden-Württemberg. The study
path has since developed into a proven cooperative education
model, joined together with numerous training partners
for junior managers for the parks and amusement
industry . A practical training in partner operation evolved
within the frames of the dual study, the theoretical training
at Campus Ravensburg. New partner operations are very
welcome: www.ravensburg.dhbw.de/studienangebot/
bachelor-studiengaenge/bwl-tourismus-hotellerie-undgastronomie-freizeitwirtschaft.html
Piotr Wiecha (Poland)
He is theme park enthusiast and professional,
and is also the third generation
working in the showman industry,
being engaged in the industry
since he was born. He grew up with
the Silesian Amusement Park (now
Legendia), the only park during the
communist times in Poland, spending
whole days there working with
his parents. Piotr has personally visited
the majority of European parks,
including smaller ones, and is a fan
of wooden and classic coasters. He
is also founder and publisher of Parkmag,
an internet magazine dedica-
Prof. Dr. Torsten Widmann Piotr Wiecha
ted to the leisure industry in Poland (www.parkmag.pl). As
independent consultant he’s work ing on many ongoing
projects in Poland.
Melanie Yankers-Lauterbach (Germany)
She received a diploma in journalism and has worked ever
since for 17 years for the popular weekly maga zine Abenteuer
Leben, shown by the German TV station Kabel 1
(www.kabeleins.de/tv/abenteuer-leben). As editor she
produces her own documentaries, and she is addition ally
also Deputy Duty Editor, plans and organises shows, and
supervises her colleague's films. In her reports for, she has
often covered various aspects of parks and attractions.
For example, she has accompanied showmen from fairground
to fairground, has documented the build-up of
rides at theme parks, and reported about the opening of
water parks. Thus she has become a top insider of the
leisure industry virtually in passing, as part of her job.
…ADDITIONALLY THE EDITORS OF KIRMES & PARK REVUE
Frank Lanfer
Agi Reddersen Karl Ruisinger Gerd Reddersen
Dr. Sacha Szabo
Melanie Yankers-Lauterbach
OUR ADS
It is important to point out
the independence of the
votes. Targeted advertis -
ing sales began only after
the count of votes. How -
ever, we want to thank all
advertising clients as well
as our sponsors for their
support, helping us to
keep this non-profit award
alive. Thank you!
■
11

EUROPEAN STAR AWARD 2019
EUROPE’S BEST MAJOR THEME PARKS
EUROPA-PARK
Since the European Star
Award was first bestowed
in 2012, Europa-Park has
been voted continuously to
first place . Undoubtedly the
park's consistent theming is
respons ible as well as familyfriendly
attractions and five
on-site hotels, creating an integrated
multiple day resort.
The family-run destina tion is
testimony to honesty and integrity
in management, and a
great willingness to invest. It
also has one other trick up its
sleeve: No other park has the
good fortune that the operator
is also a major international
ride manufacturer. ■
EFTELING
The historic Dutch theme park continues
to entertain families with its
storybook of classic fairytales set inside
a comprehensive theme park
environment. Efteling is an institution
in the Netherlands, and a milestone
in the European leisure industry. The
overnight accommodation possibilities
that have been added in recent years,
in perfect harmony with nature, also
make the establishment unique in the
sector.
■

www.europapark.com

PORTAVENTURA
Another best theme park of the continent
is PortAventura World. The
convincingly themed property, which
thanks to the six park-owned hotels and
easy access to the Mediterranean
Coast , can also be described as a holiday
destination. Europe's only Sesame
Street themed area and lavish vegetation
make PortAventura an experience for all
ages. Together with Ferrari Land, Caribe
Aquatic Park, a golf course, and its own
beach club, the resort offers an extensive
experience, which cannot be found any -
where else in the world.
■
LISEBERG
The park that has been in existence since
1923 has a part icular allure due to its setting
and unique topo graphy. Located within
the city borders of Gothenburg, it is built on
a hill. With its six coasters and countless
other attractions, the park offers exact ly the right mix for the
family public and thrill seeker. No wonder it's Sweden's top
amusement park. Liseberg is also considered locally to be
the first choice for evening entertainment due to its concerts,
gastronomy and festive atmosphere.
■
TIVOLI GARDENS
The world’s oldest still existing
theme park is located in the city
centre of Denmark’s capital since
1843. It is dedicated to both tra -
dition as well as thirll sieekers, but
is also Copenhagen’s “parlour” with
restaurants and concerts. Being open
until midnight, the park offers all night
owls attractive rides and a festive
atmosphere , too.
■

EUROPEAN STAR AWARD 2019
EUROPE’S BEST THEME PARKS (REGIONAL)
ERLEBNISPARK TRIPSDRILL
The family-run enterprise
that stemmed from an excursion
destina tion founded in
1929 is considered to be the
oldest surviving theme park in
Germany. But it was in 1960 that the first ride was erected. Today Tripsdrill
offers its almost 800,000 annual guests an attractive mix of original
family attractions, modern thrill rides and character ful Swabian theming.
Its offer is rounded off with a wildlife park and a small overnight
resort comprising of high class tree houses and shepherd huts. ■
TOVERLAND
Opened in 2001 as an indoor park, this Dutch facility grew only
three years later with a second hall of attractions and an outside
area including Vekoma's first ever Motorbike type coaster, and later
the Great Coasters‘ “Troy”. At the very latest with last year’s huge extension
– among them with B&M’s “Fenix”, Toverland has become a
fully-fledged outdoor theme park.
■

www.fraispertuis-city.fr

NIGLOLAND
The park in the French Ardennes was founded in 1987 by the
brothers Philippe und Patrick Géli. Over the 30 years that have
followed , it has developed into a notable theme park also containing
some unusual attractions. As well as six roller coasters (four from Mack
Rides alone), guests can enjoy a 60 m high ferris wheel from Gerst -
lauer, and a 100 m freefall tower from Funtime.
■
DJURS SOMMERLAND
In the past years, the owner
family has deliber -
ately invested in large thrill
attractions that can compete
Europa wide –
among them large
coasters and attractions.
More and more attention
has been paid to the theming
of the individual constructions
as well as the
overall theming. Ad -
ditionally, there is a great
kiddie area as well, where
the whole family can
spend enjoyable times. ■
FRAISPERTUIS CITY PARC
FANTASIANA STRASSWALCHEN

www.erlebnispark.at

EUROPEAN STAR AWARD 2019
EUROPE’S BEST FAMILY PARKS
DISNEYLAND PARK PARIS
Undisputedly Disneyland is among the best theme parks in the world,
and so too its European subsidiary outside the French capital . Disneyland
Park Paris is consistently the busiest theme park in Europe. From
“Space Mountain” to “Pirates of the Caribbean”, many of the Disney favourites
are here. In fact, it contains considerably more thrill attractions
than any other Disney park in the world. The wider Disneyland Resort Paris
with its two theme parks, huge hotels, evening entertainment options,
and water park resort, is an attractive holiday destination for all ages. ■
PARC ASTERIX
Also Europe's most popular comic
hero has his own theme park since
1989. Parc Astérix contains coasters
from B&M, Vekoma, Mack and CCI, as
well as attractions from Aerophile, Zamperla
and Intamin. In addition to these
and countless other ride adventures that
can be experienced together with the fearless
Gauls, the overall theming is particularly
remarkable, as European themes have been
used in full awareness, which makes the
park a sharp contrast to the near by Disney
competitor. Two themed hotels round off the
offering at the park near Paris.
■

PLOPSALAND DE PANNE
Founded in 1936 by a honey producer,
Studio 100 took over the park
in 1999 and continually expanded it.
And as luck would have it, a year later
the popular Maya the Bee as well a
Vicky the Viking and Heidi moved in. In addition
to over 30 rides and attractions and the
first class theming matching popular European
kiddie series, the park can be described as
extremely remark able.
■
BOBBEJAANLAND
The park, which was originally
opened by singer Bobbejaan
Schoepen in 1961, was bought
by Parques Reunidos in 2004.
For a couple of years now, the
theme of the entire park has been
overhauled extensive ly. For example,
the completely new
themed area “Land of Legends ”
was introduced this season with
the opening of the “Fury” coaster ,
which shows its thematic po -
tential . The award winning
“Sledge Hammer” from Huss, the
world’s first giant swing ride,
shines in new splendour as well
now.
■
PAULTONS PARK
The park covers 56 hectares of
land and features a collection
of around 80 species of birds and
animals, in addition to the rides.
Most of the theme park rides are
designed for children. But it’s not
just one of England’s premier family
theme parks, but also home
of the world’s first “Peppa Pig
World” area – long before the
Merlin group introduced it to their
parks. The area opened in 2011
and annual visitor numbers increased
from 500,000 to 1
million imme diately.
■

EUROPEAN STAR AWARD 2019
EUROPE’S BEST WATER PARKS
SIAM PARK
Since the European Star Award was
first bestowed in 2012, Siam Park
has been voted continuously to first
place. The aquatic paradise on the island
of Tenerife is well-known for its
spectacular overall theming, but also
for its truly breathtaking water slides, all from
ProSlide. With an area of 18.5 hectares, it is,
together with Therme Erding the largest water
park in Europe, and contains among others
Europe’s longest lazy river, and a wave pool
with the world’s highest artificial breakers. ■
THE LAND OF LEGENDS
The huge resort in Antalya of the same
name is the new member of the Rixos resorts,
and contains in addition to a 5 star hotel
and a City Walk like shopping and entertainment
discrict, also a type of hybrid theme
park with water slides and dry attractions. Particularly
remarkable is the continuous theming with artificial
rocks. A whole lot of water fun is provided
by the large and spectacular slides from Polin
Water parks, which leave nothing to be desired . ■

www.siampark.net

THERME ERDING
Europe's largest thermal baths, located near the Munich airport, comprises
five large indoor theme areas (including nude saunas, adult
wellness oases, family worlds). The slide area is called Galaxy, and it
offers a lot of world’s firsts from manufacturers Klarer and wiegand. -
maelzer. For example, the world's longest slide, the “High Fly” ski jump,
hybrid slides, and a VR slide. All light-flooded indoor halls can be opened
during favourable weather conditions, an additional outdoor area with
stages and bars in the water are available during summer months. ■
CARIBE AQUATIC PARK
The water park at Spain's PortAven tura
World, which is divided into three
themed areas, opened in 2002. In addition
to a small indoor area, the outside
section has an attractive Caribbean flair
with lush vegetation, a large wave pool,
and a number of water slides from White
Water West that provide a tropical holiday
atmo sphere. An extension added in 2013
provides Sesame Street them ing, flat water
areas for the kids, as well as the highest water
slide in Europe.
■
ETNALAND ACQUAPARK
Located near the city of Catania, in Sicily, with a real active vol cano as its
backyard, Etnaland is one of the most popular water parks in Italy. Together
with amazing water slides and pools, the park offers additional rides like a spillwater,
a rapids ride and a log flume that aren't normally found in water parks. ■

www.thelandoflegendsthemepark.com

EUROPEAN STAR AWARD 2019
EUROPE’S BEST NEW COASTERS 2019
UNTAMED
Europe’s first conversion of an existing
wooden coaster into a hybrid coaster is
“Untamed”, located at Walibi Holland. RMC
used its famous “iBox” track system to re -
place the steel track and to include many
unusual ride elements never seen before in Europe.
After the 80° steep drop, 4 inversions follow
on the 1,085 m long and 36.5 m high track course,
with for example a 45° outward angled curve
and a double inverting 270° Corner Stall. ■
TAIGA
Abreathtaking new coaster has been erected in the Finnish Linnanmäki park:
“Taiga” is an attraction with an unusually diverse track course, two launch
sequences and 4 loopings – and for the non-profit operated park there is a new
unequalled main attraction! The 1,104 m long and 52 m high coaster simulates
the flight of the Taiga-bird, and captivates all its passengers emotionally.
■

www.schwabenpark.de

DYNAMITE
The 492 m long and 40 m high
power -course from Mack Rides,
as well as the animatronics from Hofmann
figures make the new coaster
at Freizeitpark Plohn a first class
experience . The highlight in short is
that the two-row individual cars have
made a creative layout on the smallest
of areas possible. Additionally, various
sitting positions are available: Sit-down
and floorless seats for varied experi -
ences.
■
FURY
The new roller coaster at Bobbejaanland is
a worldwide novelty: Passengers can
vote and decide if their one and half minute
ride should travel forwards or in reverse over
the 600 m long and up to 43 m high track
course! Gerstlauer Rides is the manufacturer
of this kind of triple launch coaster that is the
main part of the new area “Land of Legends”.
The wonderful and atmospheric design was
done by Leisure Expert Group.
■
MYSTIC
WILDE HILDE

www.gerstlauer-rides.com
www.leisureexpertgroup.com

EUROPEAN STAR AWARD 2019
EUROPE’S BEST STEEL COASTERS
SHAMBHALA
Although the 2012 opened “Shambhala” from
B&M had to give up its record as Europe’s highest
coaster, its status as best steel coaster in Europe
was nevertheless retained this year. The now
3 rd highest coaster still has much going for it, such
as the consistent stringing together of the parabola
formed hill, which offers long running and breath -
taking airtime. The ride's 1,564 m long track of pure
airtime exhilaration is interrupted only by an overbanked
turnaround in the form of a standing 8. ■
HELIX
Europe's most varied coaster is located
at the famous Swedish park Liseberg.
Helix not only has seven completely different
inversions , but also two launch courses,
a track difference of 51 metres and
1,300 m of track in a lively layout on a mountain
slope. And despite all this, the complete
course is not visible, which leads to many
surprising moments – for both passengers
and viewers .
■

www.portaventuraworld.com

HYPERION
Europe’s 2 nd highest coaster
“Hyperion” open -
ed in 2018 at the aspir ing
theme park Energy landia,
and appears to have established
itself as one of
Europe’s top coasters. With
a height of 80 m and a
length of 1,447.5 m as well
as an exciting Out-and-
Back layout including a
sequence of airtime hills as
well as a simultaneous
lateral banking of 180°, the
Intamin coaster promises
an incomparable high alti -
tude euphoria.
■
TARON
This absolute mega coaster has called Phantasialand home since
2016. The extremely varied 1,320 m long course of “Taron” in the
theme area “Klugheim” travels along the narrowest of areas, and more
under than over ground level. But everything is just right here: The perfect
hardware with a double launch course and intensive airtime
moments interacting with a perfect theming lacks in nothing. ■
OZIRIS
The spectacular inverted coaster at Parc Astérix has justifiably been
voted to a top position once again. The 1,030 m long and 35 m high
attractive track course passes an unterwater tunnel and some amazing
elements. Additionally, the inside and outside theming is world class. ■

EUROPEAN STAR AWARD 2019
EUROPE’S BEST WOODEN COASTERS
COLOSSOS – KAMPF DER GIGANTEN
Heide-Park has dared to defy the current trend: The Intamin “Colossos”
erected in 2001 has not been rebuilt to a hybrid coaster , but remains
a real wooden coaster ! And that’s good, as the layout and dynamics of
the 50 m high and 1,350 m long coaster were – and still are – perfect. The
new theming with fire elements was provided by MK Themed Attractions
and Universal Rocks. This bravery has been rewarded by First Place! ■
TROY
The Great Coasters‘ woodie at Toverland
offers not only a great ride
experience with a lot of airtime, but is
also an attractive visual pleasure for all
visitors to Toverland. The fierce attraction,
celebrating its 10th anniversary in
2017, marked a turning point for what had
previously been more or less a childfocused
indoor park. The ride is 1,070 m
long and 31 m high.
■

www.heide-park.de

BALDER
The ride's 1,070 m of tracks were prefabricated
exactly according to CNC
calculations, and erected on a compact
site at the famous park in Gothenburg,
Sweden. Riders can enjoy countless airtime
moments in addition to many "near misses"
whilst travelling through the 37 m high
wooden structure.
■
WODAN TIMBURCOASTER
The almost 40 m high and 1,050
m long construction is a master
work in wooden roller coaster construction.
A varied layout and a number of
unusual ride gimmicks allow the track bed to
vibrate from beginning to end.
■
CU CHULAINN
THE WICKER MAN

www.TAYTOPARK.ie

EUROPEAN STAR AWARD 2019
EUROPE’S BEST NEW RIDES
SESAME STREET: STREET MISSION
Europe’s first “Sesame Street” dark ride was opened at PortAventura
Park this year. Because of the trackless vehicles from ETF and the
easy to handle “Clue Collectors” and interaction from Alterface, and especially
because of the famous and perfectly designed “Sesame Street”
with its concept, theming and animatronics from general contractor Sally
Corporation, this amazing ride is a real family attraction for all ages.
■
HIGHLANDER
In the competition for the highest gyro drop tower
in the world, Hansa -Park has set new standards.
The “Highlander” from Funtime has a fully 120 m
total height and a real fall height of 103 m. In combination
with the tilted seats, the park on the Baltic
Sea has created a highlight once again for visitors
but also for thrill seekers.
■

www.alterface.com

POPCORN REVENGE
The world’s first so-called “Erratic Ride” from Alterface stands at Walibi
Belgium since this season. The trackless vehicles from ETF absolve
a number of the 7 cinemas with interactive projection and a total of 1,000
virtual targets in random sequence, in which the crazy little popcorn men
have to be captured with candy sauce. The storyline has been de -
veloped by Alterface (with theming/decoration from JoraVision). ■
THE HAUNTED HOUSE MONSTER PARTY
Since the new indoor ride has opened, little monsters are invited to
join the frightfully friendly Lord Vampyre for a monstrous party at
his spooky new haunted home. Then, once sitting comfortably in the
attraction built by Vekoma Rides, Lord Vampyre will reveal his magical
party trick – bringing the banquet hall swinging to life and turning the
room upside down.
■
BOOM!
The new vertical ride from Zamperla has an impressive 68
m height. In contrast to a real freefall, the tower offers a
varied ride with a cable drive, as the gondola doesn’t only fall
once, but depending on the drive programme, also gives the
feeling of simulated falling more often – thus allowing visitors
to ex perience up to 4 g.
■

www.hansapark.de

EUROPEAN STAR AWARD 2019
EUROPE’S BEST THRILL RIDES
TALOCAN
The 18 metres high suspended version of the “Top Spin” from Huss Park Attractions
enjoys great popularity at many theme parks around the world. However, the ride
opened at Phantasialand in 2007 conveys a great and exciting ride feeling due to the
intensive theming: Water and fire effects and a setting that half encom passes the ride
are simply impressive.
■
LOKE
The ride that has been named after a Nordic
godhead catapults all its guests buoyantly
towards the deity, as after all, a maximum ride
height of 40 m is reached. Together with the
rotating gondola and the outward swing to the
side of 120°, a breathtaking speed of up to
100 km/h is reached. ■

www.hussrides.com
www.thegravitygroup.com

THRILL TOWERS
This double-tower
construction from
S&S has been located
at the new Ferrari
Land since 2017,
which is part of the-
PortAventura World.
Both towers are 55 m
high. While one of the
freefall towers offers
a pneumatic launch
from below to above,
the other one shoots
the passengers from
up above down -
wards.
■
TIK TAK
The Mondial delivered “Shake R5” has been skilfully set in the scene
as a clockwork mechanism and presents itself as a top attraction.
During the day the prisms coming through the roof make great effects,
and in the evening the disco atmosphere is almost unsurpassable. “Tik
Tak” is a successful anniversary attraction for 175-year-old Tivoli.
■
IKAROS
The world’s only second “Sky Jump” attraction from Intamin opened
in 2017 at Gröna Lund. In this 95 m high freefall tower the seats tilt
to the front at 90°, so that each of the 16 passengers speed downwards
horizontally with their line of vision towards the ground.
■

www.intamin.com

EUROPEAN STAR AWARD 2019
EUROPE’S BEST FAMILY RIDES
ARTHUR
The attraction that opened in
2004 is a never before combination
of inverted powered coaster
and dark ride with horizontally ro -
tating cars. The trains move at a
variable speed over the 505 m long
course. A large part of the fourminute
ride travels inside, passing
film scenes of the cinema hit of the
same name, before landing out -
side. The on-board sound and a
detailed and consistent theming
make "Arthur" an experience for the
whole family.
■
PEGASE EXPRESS
This ride is unique in Europe! The 918 m long and
up to 21 m high coaster from Gerstlauer offers
not only attractive theming, but also a very varied
track course. Beginning with a friction drive launch
and banked steep curve, the chain lift is followed by
a number of curved parallel turns, an indoor stopoff
and a lively reverse section back to the station.
Riders never know what to expect next! ■

www.mack-rides.com

ANGKOR
It’s Europe's longest and perhaps also wettest boat-battle. The 323 m
long water canal winds through the impressive Cambodian land scape,
and by aiming at various targets, different actions can be triggered.
There is no age or size restriction, so the whole family can enjoy wet and
happy fun on "Angkor: Adventure in the Lost Kingdom".
■
DIE SCHLANGE VON MIDGARD
The perfect "beginner" coaster for all future coaster fans is located
at Hansa-Park. Passengers with a size from 100 cm can already
board and enjoy a speedy and varied ride over the nine metres high
and 200 m long track course. The lift is located in the interior building,
and the curvy ride takes place mostly over a water surface.
■
KAMELEN
ACCELERATOR
Another brilliant “beginner coaster” is the new installation at Tivoli
Gardens . The small kiddie coaster from Zierer replaced an older one
with the same measurements (60 m long, 3.5 m high). But the new round
course is as smooth as possible for the kids, and themed very well.
■

EUROPEAN STAR AWARD 2019
EUROPE’S BEST DARK RIDES
RATATOUILLE: THE ADVENTURE
Together with the rat Rémy, the main figure in "Ratatouille", a 4D dark -
ride with elaborate theming, carries passengers through impressive
settings that almost melt with the visual animation on the screen.
Thanks to the cars in rat design, the trackless ride system, and a child
orientated size ap proval, the attraction is fun for the whole family.
■
SYMBOLICA
The gigantic “Symbolica” palace is the centrepiece of the main
street style pedestrian walkway. The exterior is already overwhelming;
how ever, the visitors then find themselves inside an
enchanted castle again. At the end of the waiting area a trackless
"Multi Mover" from ETF Rides is ready to transport passengers
on three different routes through out the estate. In the process,
visitors can discover secret passages and magic rooms, and
enjoy everything without shooting or throwing equipment.
■

VOLETARIUM
At long last the spectacular flying theatres that are located at Northern American
Disney Parks have entered Europe since a few years now. The largest and probably
best themed is the “Voletarium” at Europa-Park. In the two theatres from Brogent, 1,400
passengers per hour can experience a flight over Europe – naturally with Europa-Park
as the start and destination. The expensive film was produced by MackMedia.
■
PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN
Every year the indoor Log Flume from Disney is right up front, and
is a permanent component at every Disneyland in similar versions.
No wonder then that the excellent theming and the clever storyline is
convincing in all aspects. Additionally, there is no age restriction. In
the case of Disneyland Paris, the 1992 erected hardware is from
Intamin , and as feature has a vertical lift.
■
DERREN BROWN’S GHOST TRAIN
Thorpe Park is a draw especially for all English teenagers, and
the park is well-known for its psycho effect attractions – and not
only during the Halloween season. The virtual reality ride “Derren
Brown’s Ghost Tour” is one of these year-round psycho rides that
is only once in the world. The Simworx attraction was realized in
cooperation with Intamin, Severn Lamb, and others.
■

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EUROPEAN STAR AWARD 2019
EUROPE’S BEST WATER RIDES
CHIAPAS
Due to the confined space conditions, a new
solution had to be found for the 2014 erected
water ride to have a maximum course length and
to offer maximum fun. The result is a prototype with
a new type of technology. And so there are not
only lively drops including one with a double-dip
and pleasant airtime, but also a switch system
that brings the boat from one water canal to the
other at lightning speed. "Chiapas" also has an
impressive Mexican theme.
■
VALHALLA
The indoor water ride is 610 m long and has a height difference of
18 m. Nevertheless, it is the incomparable overall concept, that has
made "Valhalla” into something very special: The elaborate design, the
grandiose effects, the temperature fluctuations from -20° to + 40°
Celsius and – typical England – the unbelievable moisture degrees are
the outstanding features.
■

PULSAR
Acompletely new type of water ride was opened in
Belgium a year ago. A 20-seat boat is accelerated
per LSM on the 217 m long and up to 45 m high U-
formed track a number of times, before water flows in
a flash into a part of the basin, surprising both
passengers and viewers with a huge splash. ■
POSEIDON
There are two water
coasters at Europa-
Park with "Poseidon"
having the longest coaster
sequence. The 836
m long and 23 m high
attraction from Mack
Rides has two built-in
lifts, and each lift is fol -
lowed by a coaster ride
with an ensuing water
sequence . An airtime hill
has been built into the
fina l drop. The success -
ful integration in the
Greek theme area is an
optical pleasure also. ■
WASCHZUBER RAFTING
As the unusual Swabian them ing and name (“Washing Vat”) already
promises, the rapid river from Hafema offers all passengers a complete
machine-wash. The ride begins in a beautifully designed washhouse
and ends in a 435 m long ride with guaranteed wetness.
■

EUROPEAN STAR AWARD 2019
EUROPE’S BEST THRILL WATER SLIDES
LE KING COBRA
Erected by Polin Waterparks in 2012, Aqualand Fréjus was the first
of, in the meantime, many more structurally identical "King Cobra"
slides. They all lead the sliders initially through an enclosed figure-8
sequence, before a steep drop follows with surprising airtime. A kind
of boomerang element is waiting that is a recreated snake head spitting
water. Also the slide’s colours and theming make them so special. ■
KINAREE
This combo slide from
ProSlide unites a funnel
slide, a sidewinder, and a
number of tunnel sequences.
Large rafts accommodating four passengers
provide for an adequate and satisfied capacity. Despite
its respectable size, the construction is perfectly
integrated into the terrain.
■

SPACE COMBO
The new 180 m long slide from Polin Waterparks combines three slide
elements into one: Starting from a height of 18.6 m it follows an uphill
“Navigatour”, a “Space Shuttle”, a second “Navigatour” uphill experience,
and a “Space Boat” bowl. The capacity is 360 pph.
■
SINGHA
The world novelty from 2015 combines three "Rocket Blaster" LIM
uphill sequences with the so-called "Flying Saucer" curves that due
to their open construction provide an unexpected feeling of freedom.
Three-seated tubes slide down the 240 m long course.
■
SURF SAFARI
The slide course is de -
termined predominantly
by the attraction’s
wave-shaped element.
A powerful water stream
pushes the 4-seat rafts
unerringly along in the
direction of the flow off,
but not before a number
of oscillations to both sides.
In fact, “Surf Safari”
from Polin Waterparks is
one of the most intense
and exciting water slide
experiences on the market.
■

EUROPEAN STAR AWARD 2019
EUROPE’S BEST FAMILY WATER SLIDES
DISCOVER BATMAN
The black and yellow “Discover Batman: La Sombra del
Murciélago ” is part of the “DC Comics” slides. The “Shadow
of the Bat” has light effects throughout the tour, sound effects
just released, and a very special surprise with the Bat sign in
the upper indoor section. In actual fact it‘s a 4-person fusion
slide with an “AquaSphere” and a “Rattler” element from White
Water West. The total length of the slide path is 158.2 m. Minimum
height is 1.1 m.
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JUNGLE SNAKE
In actual fact the “Jungle Snake” consists
of four slides with varying degrees
of difficulty: Two are somewhat slower,
two somewhat faster. Each slide is
around 200 m long with some open
where guests can see the scenery, but
others are closed tubes. The “Jungle
Snake” offers much variety and is ideal as
an entry point into the park world. Minimum
height is 1.1 m.
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AQUAVENTURE
The main element of this new development from wiegand.
waterrides resembles a part of a lotus blossom, whilst the
closed pipe element has a width of 2.7 m and offers place for
4-seat round rafts. The entire slide course is around 117 m. ■
MAGIC EYE
This slide is the only one offering single, double, and triple rafts. The
impressive size of the “Magic Eye” from Klarer (2.5 m wide pipes )
allows riders to zig-zag, pull 360°s or experiment to find their own sweet
sliding spot. Starting point is at a 22 m height. With a 356 m length it’s
the longest family water slide worldwide. Minimum age is 6 years.
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HOULA HOOP
Actually still family friendly or already thrill? Nevertheless, the fusion slide from White
Water West was voted as one of the best family slides. Combining "Constrictor" with
the "Rattler" elements, this 140 m long slide offers speedy curves, changes in varied diameter
sized pipes, and funnel type elements, much to the surprise of all passengers. ■

HOW COCA-COLA COOPERATES WITH THEME PARKS TO ENCOURAGE RECYCLING
Two years ago, The Coca-Cola
Company announced an in -
dustry-first goal to collect and
recycle the equivalent of every
bottle or can it sells globally by
2030. This goal is part of a ho -
listic plan called ‘World Without
Waste’. With a renewed focus on
the entire packaging lifecycle.
Starting point of this all: every -
thing that can be recycled,
should be recycled. The Coca-
Cola Company and the bottling
partners have been working together
with several leisure parcs
around Europe to create inspir -
ing activations to stimulate visitors
to dispose their plastic bottles
and cans sensibly and help
create a clean waste stream.
World Without Waste:
100% collection and recycling
The Coca-Cola Company and its global network
of bottling partners are working hard to achieve
the ‘World Without Waste’ goals set in 2030.
Therese Noorlander, Sustainability Director Europe
at The Coca-Cola Company: “It’s clear that the world
has a packaging waste problem, and we have a
respons ibility to help solve it. We’re very committed
to act as we want to continue to grow our business
in the right way. But we can’t do this alone. No one
can. A problem of this size and scale requires
bringing people together from governments, companies,
and NGOs. We’re building a global and local
network of partners to help us achieve our goals,
so partnerships are a key pillar of World Without
Waste.”
To address this immensely complex challenge, The
Coca-Cola Company organized the global work
around three key areas:
■ Design – design better bottles and create technology
to help reduce the need for single-use plastics
altogether.
■ Collect – help create or improve collection systems
around the world so Coca-Cola can help
collect and recycle a bottle or can for each one they
sell.
■ Partner – work with other companies, organiza -
tions, governments, and local communities to raise
awareness and find solutions that promote a litterfree
environment and stimulates circularity.
Therese Noorlander
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Noorlander: “Any time our packaging ends up
where it doesn’t belong is unacceptable to us,
especially when it harms the environment and the
communities connected to it. That’s why litter reduction
and recycling initiatives in leisure parcs are also
highly valuable to us, together we can make a differ -
ence. And it can be fun too!”
Smart bins in Dutch theme park Efteling
Efteling is usually all fantasy, folklore and ancient
myths, but the addition of two smart bins at the park
shows just how modern and cutting edge the Dutch
amusement park can be too.
Plastic bottles account for about 15-20% of the
waste at Efteling. Co-created with Coca-Cola
Netherlands, the two plastic bottle
recycling smart bins are part of a pilot
to encourage visitors to dispose of their
plastic bottles responsibly.
The park’s new smart bins automatically
sort the plastic bottles that visitors deposit
in them, checking the barcode on
the bottle against a database of barcodes.
If the bin reads a new barcode, the
bottle is separated from the others and
sorted manually at the end of the day.
The new barcode is then added to the
database. Both bins can collect about
600 bottles a day.
The bins also earn their ‘smart’ tag by
recognizing when something other
than a plastic bottle gets mistakenly
dropped into the bin. No chance of
wayward banana peels ending up
among the bottles then!
Coca-Cola Great Britain teams up with
Merlin Entertainment
Recycle your empty 500 ml plastic bottle and
re ceive 50 percent discount on your visit to a Merlin
Entertainment theme park. It is as easy as that.
Rewarding people after recycling is the perfect way
to increase their interest in recycling. This trial was
the first, multilocation reverse vending machine trial
in the UK to increase recycling rates on-the-go.
People could receive 50 percent discount on theme
parks like Thorpe Park, Alton Towers, Legoland and
Chessington. Coca-Cola emphasises that this is the
first trail to reward consumers with something of
significantly greater value than the item they’ve
deposited.
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POPCORN AFFAIRS
A good year ago we reported
about the new trend of gourmet
popcorn in Europe, and the en -
trance of colourful popcorn to
the theme parks, so this is a
good time to present the first
résumé . We reported earlier
about Popcorn Affairs, a company
that already is supplying
the first theme parks with this
new type of trend product in
many different flavours. The
offer is available to visitors at an
impressive Pick & Mix station,
which encourages the theme
park visitor to impulsive buying
additionally at the park.
Dear Mr von Geldern, you acquired your first
customer at that time at the EAS. What has been
your experience since the introduction of the
product at theme parks?
Right from the beginning many park owners
showed a lot of interest, and so we made available
our self-developed and legally protected gourmet
popcorn Pick & Mix stations to them free of charge.
The range has been well received by park visitors,
and the park operators made a profit from the very
first day without any financial risk. The business model
to offer a tasty and colourful popcorn variety over
the Pick & Mix stations to theme parks has func -
tioned more than well right from the start. It’s a winwin
situation for the park visitor, park operator
and us.
That sounds great – and what happened then?
All the parks that we ac quired in the beginning
have continued to operate the Pick & Mix stations and
are continuing to use them at a profit for the second
year. In the meantime, we are also present at large
parks such as Europa-Park, Heide-Park and SeaLife.
What are the advantages for the park visitors
and park operators, and how does your Pick &
Mix model function?
The park operator receives a very noticeable
Pick & Mix station suitable for its location in the park
for free, which contains the colourful gourmet popcorn
in the most popular of flavours. Visitors see the
striking looking popcorn and can have a taste. After
62

SPONSOR
INFO
Popcorn Affairs is once
again sponsor of the European
Star Awards this year.
Samples of gourmet popcorn
are available during the event,
as well as on all exhibition
days at the booth no. 1442 of
the KR & Park International.
Additionally, inform ation and
samples can be requested:
testme@popcornaffairs.com
that the guest may put together his own individual mixture
himself. This way we have successfully intro -
duced them to the trend of experience gastronomy
with trend popcorn in various flavours. We ourselves
produce the popcorn in advance, which remains
fresh and crisp for around 6 months. The advantage
for the park: Another new attraction without any invest -
ment with additional turnover. Advantage for the
visitor : Another pleasurable experience at the park.
Affairs offers natural and sustainable products. The
environment and particularly the health of our cus -
tomers is of great concern to us.
Thank you for the interview and all the best
for the Paris exhibition.
■
Pick & Mix stations at
Schloss Dankern (above) and at
Europa-Park (opposite)
An indoor and an outdoor
shop at Heide-Park
In other words, the park has no effort, investment
risk, and doesn’t need to employ extra personnel
for weighing?
No, we offer the parks an exciting solution with
added value: The park receives the station from us
for free and is delivered crisp and lasting popcorn.
There is no need for machines and more personnel
for production. The park visitor only purchases an
empty cup according to the size required and mixes
the popcorn personally from the ample supply.
The awareness of the end customer has increased
strongly in the past years. More and more
parks are presenting sustainable products and
have banned plastic and unhealthy wares. You
have said that the popcorn is colourful and the
colours follow the flavours. What is the situation
with you regarding sustainability and health?
Thank you for the good and important question!
We naturally don’t use any of the so called azo dyes
that are currently disappearing from the market.
Apart from a natural blue and black, we use no
colourings. Our fruit varieties are made from real
fruits that are naturally colourful, for example red
raspberries, or yellow pineapple. The little packaging
that we use is recyclable. And finally we plant
and grow our own special popcorn corn regionally,
together with a neighbouring corn farmer. Popcorn
63

PORTRAIT
The whole of Europe is firmly in
the hands of the American comic
, film and theme park in -
dustry. All of Europe? No, a
small country has put up brave
resistance with its own figures
and themes since 1959, and
even more so since 1989. But
this doesn ’t necessarily make
life easier for the large, global
company operating in the Parisian
metropolitan region.
Text:
H. Jürgen Kagelmann
Photos: Parc Astérix, Frank Lanfer
Albert Uderzo visited the
construction site frequently
30 Years Parc Astérix
Seriously though, doesn’t the typical entry sequence
of the Astérix-comic books with always
the same characterisation of the Gauls, French ancestors,
and their battle against the encompassing
Romans fit to the downright pitiful and seemingly
hope less fight of the French against the all-encompassing
American cultural imperialism?
The “Astérix” comics have shown that it is possible
to create something new, of a non-American mainstream
type. Illustrator Albert Uderzo in an interview
in 2008: “We wanted to make something typically
French because we were living in a time that was
completely dominated by the comics and sketches
of the Americans. The initiator of Pilote wanted a
magazine for the French and for French children”.
And it was in this magazine for teenagers and young
adults that was published from 1959, that the first
Astérix comicstrips were published – initially as a
series, and later expanded with its own comic
books.
And so the construction of a typical French theme
park à la Astérix had to be possible. Those were the
thoughts in any case of script writer Pierre Tchernia,
illustrator Marcel Gotlib, dubbing actor Roger Carl,
actor Gérard Herandez, illustrator Fred, as well as
Astérix-author and inventor Albert Uderzo. When
the Astérix tales became a phenomenal success in
France, Europe, and even in many countries overseas,
surely this success could also be transferred
to a theme park.
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The enthusiasm of this “Parc Astérix clique” could
not be deterred by the fact that none of them had
any type of practical experience in the construction
or operation of a theme park. They remained intimate
with the subject matter and a very special magic
potion, namely the unparalleled Astérix enthusiasm
of almost all French people, regardless of being
young or old – and additionally also many other
Euro pean nations, who could make a great differ -
ence as target groups for the planned park. For example
the German readers, because as it turned
out, the Astérix comic books that had been trans -
lated to German were the most sold after the original
French editions. In fact Astérix comic books are a
tremendous success – being the most sold printed
product in the world, follow ing the bible and Harry
Potter. And this park was to open exactly 30 years
after the publication of the first adventure of both
Gauls, Astérix & Oberlix – an endeavour, taking into
consideration the already in-planning stage of Euro
Disneyland, appeared to be far too
adventurous , but was a success never -
theless: Parc Astérix opened it doors
three years before its all-powerful appearing
competitor.
And there was a second magic potion
– the fact that Astérix and Obelix, as
well as their doggie Idéfix, and some -
times other “buddies” travelled to many
countries and continents of the world,
to experience adventures there. As a
result, there was no clumsy one-dimensionality
to fear in the them ing of the
attractions.
There’s enough diversity provided, and
for this reason there are seven themed
lands realized at Parc Astérix – “La
Gaul” (Gaul), “L’Empire Romain”
(Roman Emporium), “La Grèce” (Greece), “Le Vikings”
(Vinkings) as well as the shopping area “À
Travers le Temps” (Journey through History) and the
main street “Via Antiqua” (Old Street), and the 5,000
m² sized “Forêt d’Idéfix” for all smaller park visitors .
On the other hand, money is needed for a promising
park project, actually quite a lot of money, which for
a long time was a not to be underestimated problem,
even though illustrator and millionaire Uderzo contributed
large sums – just how much is unknown, but
it was apparently a matter close to his heart to create
a real place for his heroes. Certain parallels to Walt
Disney are therefore undeniable. Even after the successful
market launch further investments were
necessary in order to consolidate the product on the
market. Thanks to the additional purchase of fitting
experience worlds and the clever merger with state -
owned corporations, it was possible to establish
and preserve the existence of the park in the course
of time.
Opening day with (from left)
Pierre Tchernia (French TV),
Obelix, Eric Licoys (General
Manager of Barclay’s Bank and
first President of Parc Astérix),
Olivier de Bosredon (first General
Manager of Parc Astérix),
Michel Kalt (Architekt of Parc
Astérix) and Astérix himself
Albert Uderzo never stopped
visiting Parc Astérix, not even in
the old age of over 90 years
65

PORTRAIT
Some of the park’s
attractions: “L’Aerolaf” and
“Goudurix”, “Tonnere de
Zeus”, “DiscObelix”, “Trace
du Hourra”, “OzIris”, “Pégase
Express”, and “Vol D’Icare”
There have been many economic highlights and
many milestones through the park’s first 30 years:
■ 1987: Founding of Parc Astérix S.A.
■ 1989: Opening of Parc Astérix in Plailly on 30 th
April, located around 30 km from Disneyland Park
Paris, which opened three years later.
■ Since 1996: Acquisition of already existing theme
parks (partly to be resold).
■ 1997: Initial public offering.
■ 1999: Opening of the first hotel (2018/19 a second
added). For the first time, Parc Astérix reached the
phenomenal 2 million annual visitors figure .
■ 1999: Purchase of the traditional Parisian Wax -
works Musée Grévin and renaming it to Grévin & Cie.
■ 2002: The French Compagnie des Alpes, S.A.
(CdA), which is a state-owned company in de facto
overtakes within the frames of a friendly takeover
around 60% of Grévin & Cie, and then more and
66

more parts until reaching up to around 95% (CdA
was founded in 1989 by the state-owned French
financial institute Caisse de Dépots; 2004 around
60% was given to private companies among them
13% to three banks, and retains only 40%; CdA is
the largest operator of winter sports areas in the
Alpine region).
■ 2006: Takeover of five Walibi-Parks of the Star-
Parks Group (earlier Six Flags European Divison) in
France, Belgium, and Holland.
■ From 2007: Skiing areas purchased worldwide.
■ 2011: The scientific and media park Futuroscope
was purchased.
■ From 2011: CdA advised and participated in the
development of new skiing centres abroad (e.g.
Sotchi) and leisure destinations (e.g. Casablanca).
■ Since 2016: Restaurant du Lac served the
famous Obelix’ wild boar meal.
67

At “Forêt d’Idéfix” there
are smaller rides and the poss -
ibility to meet the famous Gauls
Some of the water attractions
and the flat ride called
“L’hydre de Lerne”
This history is a changing corporate policy, never -
theless a very successful one. An important factor
in the process is the continued and sustained success
of Park Astérix. Satisfying for the French soul,
and pleasing for the owner of the park company,
was the fact that the Parc Astérix grew to an import -
ant economic size firstly through the acquisition of
small experience worlds, then slowly through skilled
diversification, and then even faster growth. In the
meantime, the large rival in Marne-La-Vallée went
through a number of difficult phases as is known,
and was standing shortly before insolvency – due to
its problematic economic construction, but partic -
ularly also due to the fact that it never quite made it
into the hearts of the French, which was to be the
primary target group. That was and remains the
great plus factor for Parc Astérix. Consequently, the
preferred theme park of the French emphasises this
fact in its advertising: “Le Parc d’attractions préféré
des Gaulois”.
Thanks to its success, the Gallic park could steadily
strengthen its appeal, and extend its attractions.
Currently there are 40 attractions in six lands,
in cluding seven water attractions (among them the
“Rafting Styx”, the “Menhir Express” and “Le Gran
Splatch”), and seven coasters. The operator has
long known that without a decent range of thrill
attractions , nothing works. The first large coaster
was built straight away in 1989: the seven looper
“Goudurix” from Vekoma Rides. The 410 metre long
family coaster “Vol d’Icare” (Ikarus’ Flug) from Zierer
was installed in 1994, and in 1997 the wooden
coaster “Tonnerre de Zeus” (Thunder of Zeus)
which is tremendously popular to this day from CCI,
with 1,230 metres of track, fol lowed in 2001 by the
bobsled “Trace Du Hourra” from Mack Rides.
68

supported by
www.gluehweintassen.de
www.koessinger.de

A large Launch Coaster will
open in 2021
A third well-themed hotel
will open in 2020
Then there was an eleven-year pause until the new
money -maker, the inverted coaster “OzIris” from
B&M was purchased in 2012, followed in 2017 by
the greatly acclaimed family coaster “Pégase
Express ” with a catapult start and reverse ride (from
Gerstlauer Rides, theming by Jora Vision).
The careful, original and detailed theming
is defi nitely to be highlighted here,
and storytelling is a major plus at Park
Astérix. Let’s take for example the inverted
coaster “OzIris” from B&M, which is
not only convincing with its five inversions,
but also with its delightful wall paintings
and many optical illusions, which
alone cost eight million Euro out of the
total investment of 20 million Euro. Also
the mystic swing “Le Défi de César” from
Mack Rides which opened in 2008, or
the impressive Montparnassos station of
“Pegasus Express”.
Additionally, the range of attractions is
well mixed for all age groups and differing
tastes. Both families and coaster
fans are well catered for – undoubtedly
another reason for the positive visitor development.
It could however be even better if a number of
details were improved, for example the language
barrier should be thoroughly addressed. A lot is only
communicated in French, a little also in English, but
nothing in German, despite the fact that the Astérixcomics
are extremely popular in German speaking
countries. At the very least English should be estab -
lished as a second language, although 85 % of all
visitors currently come from France (and for example
only 7 % from Belgium and 1 % from Germany). The
prices are also not particularly clear with many special
and seasonal offers. Improved however is the access -
ibility to the park, such as a shuttle bus service from
the Louvre (underground), or also from the Charles de
Gaulle airport nearby.
Future plans: In contrast to the Astérix-stories where
everything stays the same as it is in the Gaul village,
there’s always something new at the Astérix park: In
2020 the third hotel “Les Quais de Lutèce” will be
opened . And in 2021 a gigantic coaster with quadruple
launch and a very unusual layout from Intamin will be
erected. And the future? That can be seen very
optimistically as it’s well known that the Gauls are
“irreductibles ” – invincible… with “Teutates”.
PARC ASTERIX
30 years Parc Astérix, and 60 years of
Astérix are not only celebrated with a
new cinema film and a new comic book, but
also with an official and special French
coin. This is the first valid 2-Euro coin Europe-wide
that has been dedicated to a
comic figure – this alone emphasises the
special position of Astérix and Obelix in
France and the whole of Europe.
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