Disney's Complicated Relationship with European Theme Parks
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- Опубликовано: 24 июл 2024
- Everyone knows what Disneyland, or Disney World is. Many non-Disney theme parks have tried to capitalise on Disney's popularity, creating their own copy-cat versions of Disneyland rides with the hopes of attracting guests. At one point in time, European theme parks were the worst offenders. However, Walt Disney was inspired too. He travelled the globe gaining inspiration for his original Disneyland park, which debuted in 1955 in Anaheim, California, USA. And, a lot of this inspiration came directly from some of the world’s first theme parks, which just so happened to be located in Europe.
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VIDEO SECTIONS:
00:00 Introduction
01:04 An Idea
02:34 Tivoli Gardens
05:44 The Expansion
08:04 ' 'Inspiration' '
12:18 Disneyland Paris
14:47 Originality
18:27 Inspiration
In the Netherlands we have a saying: "Beter goed gejat dan slecht bedacht" which means "It's better to steal a good idea than to create a bad one"
Nooit van gehoord
In the netherlands we also think about the efteling first.
@lo_Lucas Carnaval Festival is a rip-off Small World.
lo_Lucas no, they redesigned it because of racial stereotypes being shown in the ride idiot
You give them a cookie of their own dough 😉
If Disneyland Paris was built in the UK, Germany, Netherlands or Belgium it wouldn't have had the problems it had now. The center of western Europe sounds great but other than Paris there aren't any rich conglomerates in the area. There is a reason all French parks until that point had failed (now popular parks like Puy du Fou and Parc Asterix opened just a few years before DLP, while the other mentioned countries have multiple successful parks. It helps enormously that in that area there are many conglomerates consisting of cities with rich inhabitants. Closest to Paris is Lille with 1,5h drive but that is a relatively poor area. If hey instead built in somewhere in the Eifel region, within a two hour drive were Flanders, a substantial part of the Netherlands, The Ruhr Valley, Frankfurt area, Neckar Valley, etcetera.
The problem is they thought Europeans had the same concept of distance as Americans, which they don't. They also presumed DLP would profit from the combination with tourism (which it didn't; most people that visit Paris only visit Paris, and those who visit DLP only visit DLP). While Tokyo took the Disneyland concept of being within driving distance of a lot of rich enough people, DLP took the Disneyworld concept of being within flying distance of a large part of Europe. If they had gone with the Disneyland-concept, it would have been a huge success.
This is so true. A lot of Europeans (or at least; Western Europeans) have the same concept of travel; Themeparks are a one-day occasion, and traveling more than 2 hours single trip for a single day trip is not worth it. The concept of a multi day theme park visit wasn't common until relatively recent, and it shows with classic European parks (so.. not Disney Paris); Efteling, Phantasia, Legoland Billund ALL have just one or two hotels, instead of the 8 (including Crocket lodges) for Disney Paris. Only Europapark comes in at 6 hotels, but all are pretty new
You nailed it! I live in Germany and love theme parks. I have visited Paris twice in my life, but never been to Disneyland. Where I live people just love Europa Park. Why fly to Paris if you can reach a park just as nice in 4 hours by car. Europa Park and Phantasialand were lucky that Disney chose Paris, otherwise these parks probably wouldn't be where they are today. They may have ripped off a lot in the beginning, but now have their unique charme and really good rides and theming.
Yeah, Even though Paris is relatively close, I usually went to my local old amusement park, it was small, yes, but it was only 30 minutes away and could entertain you the whole day. Also since I live in Spain Portaventura always seemed better, due to the good weather, even if it rained the temperature would still be wonderful.
Our schools always took us there on our final years, since finding cheap places to sleep is easy. And I’m pretty sure it is also cheaper and less crowded than eurodisney. I remember going in the best roller coasters twice.
I have been to many countries and own a scratch map. I have scratched out every country except for France even though I have been to Disneyland. Because my rule for a trip to count is that I must visit a city/village and interact with local culture (architecture, museums, food) for at least one day. And Disneyland for me has nothing in common with French culture and I have never even set foot in Paris.
An other issue is language and culture of the different countries in Europe. I think they misjudged that too. In the beginning you were not allowed to bring own food to DLP. While picknicking in the Efteling was allowed and supported with a big field. I personally dislike DLP because my French is crap. I can't understand French shows, so half the shows I can'.t use. As a Dutchie, I can understand English and German to a decent level but French is harder. Every European learns English as a second language but only France has laws to prevent the loss of French language and culture because they don't want English to take it over. The English of French people is worse then my French. But also some of the foodoptions have a French twist. And I think that is why DLP is lacking. It is USA but with a French twist and why should I spent a premium for a more expensive park on multiday distance to make it worth, while I have Toverland in my area and the Efteling and Phantasialand are on a drivingrange to make it a dayvisit.
Efteling in the Netherlands is amazing, they have many original ideas and world-class rides, really worth the trip!
Lol je profiel foto is pardoes
Efteling looks awesome!
@@coasterbot Walt visited it too when it was still tiny and onlu consisted of the fairytale forest.
@@nashwagemakers that is a hoax and proven to be untrue
@@QDude24 you might have a source that its proven its a hoax? Because as far as I know..it hasnt been proven neither disproven..
The owner of the Europa Park is a builder from very much rollercoaster in the whole world so also in Disney. His name is Mack.
You're right, MACK Rides do own Europa Park :)
@@coasterbot there must be a hidden agreement. Pirates of the Caribbean exists as "Pirates in Batavia" in the Dutch area of Europa Park. Both built by Mack Rides.
Horrific English
@@GeorgiaOverdrive innit
@@GeorgiaOverdrive no one cares
Awesome documentary Harry! I don't think I've ever seen the European-Disney relationship explained and showcased in such a great way before
Same, I loved this perspective!
Thank you both, I'm really glad you enjoyed it! :)
There’s certainly different aspects of every single park which do explain more of their background. For example , Phantasialand cannot expand, so in order to be more competitive, Phantasialand does both very weird engineering tricks to save space, replaces their rides every few years by very creative new ones and does provide too-notch theming of their park and hotels. If you do consider Disney to be very pedantic about theming, decorating and accurate operations, you have missed how much more immersive Phantasialand can be.
I think the fact Phantasialand can't expand really helps them out long term. The overall quality of the park continues to increase as they replace older rides with much better ones. Klugheim and Rookburgh are great examples :)
@@coasterbot Agree. In the end, big parks like Efteling and Europa are restricted too by the expectations of their long-time customers: "No, you can't replace/change 'Attraction X'! It has been there since I was a child!". So a lot of "meh" attractions tend to build up in bigger parks.
According to local news a Phantasialand-expansion was approved by the city counsil. The problem was that Phantasialand is located within a nature reserve. But now the case has been settled and the forest will get space elsewhere for compensation.
@@ChipitaDraws but it's small bits, the park still lies trapped between a highway and a literal city right next to it. It was already a hassle to extend operation to more parts of winter as residents complained about the noise, which is why there's large mountains covering parts of the park
Thanks for a great video. There´s an elephant in the park though, which is Disneys most iconic "inspiration": The Disneyland castle is taken entirely from Schloss Neuschwanstein in Germany.
Also: Splach Mountain is a log flume, which was made popular through Six Flags and Knott´s Berry Farm. This time it was Disney taking ideas from other parks.
Thanks! Disney gained inspiration from a whole range of places, you're certainly right! :)
Elephant in the p... ohhh, I see what you did there!
I will say, the concept of a mine-train roller coaster with Western theming predates Disney's; they were a theme-park staple in the US before any version of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad went up. (Though Disney did have a similarly themed ride with a slow-moving train.)
You're right they were a theme park staple, but not in the form Disney. Many parks didn't use rocks, just wooden structures and mine-like tunnels. Disney's introduction of a much larger rocky landscape with more theming elements was definitely copied copious times.
I'm inspired. I'm going to open a theme park called "Not Disneyland"
Hell yeah
Fantastic video! 👏🏻
I've worked/performed in both Europapark and Phantasialand (in the 90's), and love both parks, but particularly Europapark. Tbh I think it's far better than Disneyland Paris, as there's way more to do for a much cheaper price, the staff are super friendly, and it's visually stunning! I spent 4 years there, 1 at Phantasialand, and worked in/visited other parks too. It's fascinating to see the comparisons between the different parks.
Thank you! Europa Park is fantastic, and Phantasialand too! :)
Europa Park is probably the best park I ever visited. There are other good parks around this general area (like Asterix and Efteling and as you said Phantasialand). But Europa Park is just a notch above.
@@baktru i wouldnt say this because the themeing for example to Phantasialand and Efteling is compared far worse and Like Phantasialand also has better Attractions and is better immersive
'90s *
Walt Disney didn’t invent amusement parks, but as he would say, he PLUSSED them. And other parks have been trying to duplicate Disney’s magic ever since.
Yea, he basically brought the "Theme Park" to the next generation (At the time).
Europapark Thumbnail..? You got me
My favourite themepark is Tripsdrill in Baden-Württembergin Germany. It's overall theme is "Swabians anno 1880" so the designs of all the attractions are pretty unique. Even though I could see why people might not find it to be as exciting as other Theme parcs. But I absolutely love it.
I visited the park last weekend, after many years, for the 2nd time. Amazing rides and charming theming
Right, was about to mention this one! I’ve gone there countless times since I’ve been a child, and it might not be your things if you’re in only for the big coasters (though there are a few great ones), but you go there for the experience (and maybe to try some wine :))
yeah man, Trippsdrill! Also they keep adding news stuff while keeping the charm of the older ones c:
A lot of things in Disney are also based on attractions of european themeparks
9:55 Eurosat no longer exists.
They did a major redesign and themed it to the famous Can-Can by Offenbach. Good ride, very fun, but not that thrilling.
The lifts are exceptional (EuroMirr and CanCan-Coastet/EuroSat) though
You're right, they did retheme the ride! You really like the lifts? I absolutely hate them, who enjoys sitting in darkness for 5 minutes!?
@@coasterbot It is not that dark, especially with the Can-Can theming. So the Eiffel Tower in the middle.
They are long, but I like the system for smaller coasters. You basically rise around a center, looking at it from every angle, so you can enjoy the scenery and play with the development from the bottom to the top.
@@coasterbot they also did some very strange stuff with Eurosat. It now has a VR option themed after Valerian. I think its the biggest Cinema flop that ever got a theme park attraction.(mostly because the french love the comic the movie was based on)
@@coasterbot the euromire is just one big party with that song and the can can coaster circles around the eifel tower
Incredible video Harry! This is fantastic to see as I always wondered about the Epcot ball in Europa Park! (It’s great to see the original Chessington mentioned for its incredible scenery!)
Thank you, it really means a lot :)
Great stuff! Really enjoyed that. Awesome to see my chained oak footage.
Thank you, and thanks again for letting me use the footage :)
you dont just speak of "worse copies" and put footage of Colorado Adventure under it without going unharmed.
Ha ha sorry ;)
Is it possible that The enchanted tale of Beauty and the Beast at Tokyo Disneyland was inspired by Symbolica at Efteling? That would be interesting.
Disney have been producing their own trackless dark rides for a while, so its unlikely sadly.
Greetings to everybody from Baden-Württemberg! Da wohnt sich es doch am besten wenn man auf gute Parks steht
0:07
"not to your local park"
*Shows my local park*
to show colorado adventure while saying "inferior version" is purely insulting. having riden btm and colorado adventure i'd prefer colorado adventure any time of the day. its just the better ride
Mr.. Bot, what a great video! Right up there with Defunctland. Thanks so much for putting this together. Us TRUE Walt Disney fans always appreciate his memory being kept fully living. Merry Christmas Mr. Bot!
Thank you, that's very kind. Merry Christmas to you too :)
This was a fantastic video. Well researched. Full of new information (I never made those connections on Velocoaster and Star Wars). I loved the storytelling and the unique idea. Can't wait to see what's next. Really brilliant.
Thanks for watching! :)
I'm often annoyed by Disney Fanboys who claim everything was stolen from Disneyland from European parks to steel Disney profit, but they don't consider that most of the Europeans are still not able to afford a trip to the US and there was no European Disneyland in the times most European Disney attractions were built.
Very true!
Exactly. They weren't competitors, the European parks just brought Disney-style rides to a European audience that Disney couldn't reach.
Not only that, but most of the stories disney came up with, to even make the money for park building, are based on European fairy tales
Great video! So much information I had no idea about, and so many parks I would love to go to.
Thanks :)
Brilliant comparison video my dude. Always a good day when a Coaster Bot video is uploaded
Thank you, that means a lot :)
loved how you articulated this complex relationship, great video
Thanks for the kind words :)
one of the best if not the best documentary bout theme parks i've ever enjoyed. Great work son. Happy to have subscibed to your channel.
Thank you, that really means a lot :)
But inspiration is totally different than straight up copying
You’re a wizard, Harry. Well done.
The Harry Potter in rollercoaster version
I'm a what?
ha ha thanks!
You might be a wizard Silv but you sure ain't a Harry.
Another amazing video!
Thank you :)
I love that you made this video! This is something so prominent in a lot of European parks but not often talked about.
I couldn't agree more, which is why I wanted to make this video! :)
Agree with some of these, but calling rides of the same type “cheap ripoffs” is a bit of an easy accusation. Also I think that being inspired by something or saying “I want that theme/ridetype as well” is not the same as stealing something.
You even say it about Soarin, which Disney popularized and others now "develop their own versions of". Isn't that the same thing with the minetrains?
Awesome! I liked it how parks used inspiration for their new rides lol!
It's so nice seeing on how people have started to notice how revolutionary The 5th Dimension was with it being the first fully story driven attraction, and it's experimental concept of being shrunk into the world of television. Looked like a real charming ride when it operated :)
Amazing video as always.
It feels like this topic isn't talked about too much except for Europa Park copying Dinsey.
Thanks for diving in and finding out how all this ties together :)
Thanks man! That's exactly what I wanted to do, talk about something that isn't really covered :)
I really enjoy Coaster Bot’s delivery. I think the competition between parks makes for a brilliant experience for theme park and coaster fans worldwide. I’d love to explore the European parks, especially Europa, Efteling and Phantasialand.
Thank you! I couldn't agree more, competition is good for the industry :)
Euro Disney’s / Disneyland Paris’s Jules Verne theming for their Space Mountain and surrounding areas, SO FREAKING PRETTY! I found the concept art for it and have it on a rotating screensaver on my laptop. I WISH we had theming like that in parks here in the US.
Loving this type of content, keep up the good work.
Thanks :)
Brilliant. More of these mini-doc style videos please. I like Expedition Theme Park, but they're becoming more concentrated on the additional content, instead of sticking to the story of the ride etc.
We'll do more if I can think of more! I tried my absolute best to keep this short and sweet, and it still managed to be 22 minutes long - there's too much to talk about :)
@@coasterbot Keep talking, it's interesting. Could listen to the bits you chop out as well.
I'm keen to know what the other Euro Disney sites were and if there was any sites explored for the UK.
Interesting topic to tackle, major rollercoaster shift of locations from popular theme parks, where are they now and what happened to the parks once they were removed. One interesting coaster is the corkscrew that was at Flamingoland but is now at Lunapark, but was originally at Spanish City in Whitley Bay which many people probably don't know about. It has an interesting UK history but is still going to this day (by the looks of it) and has far surpassed Altons Corkscrew, despite being relocated a few times.
Love your content 💪💪
Thanks :)
Ooo roll on next year ! Great video Harry, very interesting 🧱👍🏽
Thanks guys! Have a great Christmas :)
@@coasterbot You too guys 🎄🎄🧱👍🏽
Wow , how much resuerge is just in one video of you ? Al this info, i love it ! to become a connaiseur of parks and coasters !
I am a big fan ! and i will and hope to meet you soon sometime !
Thanks Roger that means a lot, I'm glad you enjoyed the video :)
Yeah, but for me Eurosat was way better than Space Mountain, except in Paris :) Same for Colorado Adventure
Wow, there are so many US-centric misconceptions. Never saw an European consider European theme parks as "Disney rip offs". First at this time it was incredibly expensive to fly to the US and nearly nobody had experienced a Disney theme park. And even after DLP opening, there was no comparison because of the huge price difference between a "normal" theme park and DLP. They were completely made for different target audiences. (edit: typo)
I think the whole Video is a Misinterpretation. The Rides usually build by a extern Company and they want to sell the Rides multiple times to reduce engineering cost. You also buy a car from a company that build many of these cars and that is not a rip off too.
@@iloo7923 Disney has in-house engineering, though.
Funnily enough, I found the video's perspective to be slanted toward the European parks. And, as far as OP is concerned: I could be wrong, but I assume this creator is British, so I don't know why he would be writing from a US-centric point of view.
“An European” 🧠
As much as I love Disney, My favourite theme park has to be parc asterix in France!
Indeed, love it more than Disneyland, sometimes, I find that Disneyland is overhyped, it's not bad, but if you compare to other parks and price/quality, their are much better parks.
Can someone tell me the music used in the expansion part of the video it sounds beautiful and I've tried to shazam it bit Harry's voice is in the way (also the music is not credited) can someone tell me please
You should have mentioned Chiapas :D
Not surprised. The only bigger thief than Walt Disney was Thomas Edison.
Funfact: Walt's daughters said that he always had the idea for a themepark, but the carousel story was the last straw. It was also kinda used as marketing.
Great video! I spend a lot of time at Disneyland + WDW and I’ve always wanted to get over to some of the European parks. Have you been able to go to the US disney parks?
The Efteling is Europe ‘s most beautiful original theme park
Great video!!!
Thanks! :)
Fantastic video!
Thanks! :)
You can feel the frustration in Harry's voice when he has to talk about Europapark XD
ha ha I really hope this isn't true! ;)
This is a great video! Just one little factoid left out for us roller coaster enthusiasts... Matterhorn Bobsleds was the world's first tubular steel roller coaster built by Arrow Development (now the defunct Arrow Dynamics). Not only did this revolutionize roller coasters, it also put the already successful Arrow on the map for years to come. Arrow also created most of the rides in the original Disneyland and remained it's top manufacturer until the late 60's after Walt Disney's death. Btw, I love the mention of the rip-off versions of Disney rides. ;)
Thanks! You're totally right, Arrow did a lot for Disney. There's too much information to cover about them in just a single video :)
Thank you so much for this episode! I never noticed how much Europa Park copied Disney until I went to Disney World and noticed how many rides seemed familiar. Super insightful video!
Europa park stole epcots ball with spaceship earth inside.
@@danielledewitt1 Yeah! They put a roller coaster into the ball though called Euro Sat. It’s pretty much a Space Mountain clone.
@@johnforestersworstnightmar3756 They have to give it back to epcot. Stealing is illgal.
@@johnforestersworstnightmar3756 They have to give it back to epcot. Stealing is illegal.
0:09 well the theme park shown is my local one, and the one I think of first as well
The latest developments we’ve seen from both Disney and non Disney parks in recent years have been remarkable.
I couldn't agree more!
Hey Harry can you do a explanation on what is wicked at Lagoon
I'll note it down, thanks for the suggestion :)
What an interesting video concept
Thanks :)
It is funny how it looks like you try to fit "Taron" into every video which has a more general theme. :)
Taron is a great roller coaster to use as an example of a themed roller coaster :)
Enjoyed this Harry!
Thanks Scott, much appreciated! :)
I have been to Europa-Park and then went to Disneyland Paris and I have to say that Europa Park is much better.
The rides are more adult and while disney is great Europa Park has everything that you wanted and is cheaper and it takes less space and less time to queue... I love Europa Park and it is quite popular among the Swiss people.
Europa Park is used as showroom for the Mack Family that produces rollercoasters for other parks, that means the park is packed with rollercoasters.
i absolutely love europa park i have been there often… and the fact that disney would be mad at people for copying theme rides is absolutely ridiculous… he stole a lot of the most famous movies from european folklore (Cinderella, Rapunzel, Snow white, Arielle just to name a few) … seen socially he has no right to be offended if he started it
I heard a rumor of walt disney going to argentina and there is a park there called "tierra de los ninos" "land of the kids". It is a park with a city that is all miniature to fit the size of kids. The park is way older than disneyland but it has a minstreet and a central hub etc. Is this rumor true?!?!
3:01 you can see a ladder on the loop
?
There's no ladder on the loop, mate xD
@@NorthernRidesYaBoi On the side thing sticking out
@@bluewaveproductions4017
You mean the support?
@@NorthernRidesYaBoi No
Europa Park > Disney
Sometimes, they just do it to set a scene / atmosphere to the parks
do a explained of how the cockpit works
Europa Epcot just looks like someone tried recreating Epcot in RCT3 or Planet Coaster
Very nicely researched piece! Having been in parks in Europe and the US, I had already noticed some similarities apart from the rides, such as the sectioning into lands, and how railways and monorails are used. What I do find interesting is that most of the food sold in European parks is generally mediocre (at best), while US parks place much higher value on quality snacks and fine dining, possibly related to the far longer opening hours compared to their European counterparts (most close around 5 or 6 PM).
Then you have not been to Phantasialand yet.
Well, the concept of Europa Park was to bring Disney to Germany, there is a whole documentary about the beginnings of Europa Park (only in Germna tho)! And I think that Phantasialand shouldn’t really be on this list, almost all attractions except the ones that you mentioned were original, (even from the Space Center time) You had Walzertraum, Galaxy, 1001 Night and so much more that were original, but Europa Park took it to far..
How does this channel only have ~55k subs
You're too kind!
I have the feeling that my knowledge now has just increased to 200%
Hex isn’t unique, it’s a Vekoma madhouse, of which the first one was built at the Efteling 😉
You're right the ride system isn't that unique, but it was a very unique story for a park previously being 'inspired' by Disney attractions :)
I think it's a coincidence that I got a Disney World ad after Harry said "coincidence" at 5:41
Spooky
Europa Park: Makes similar rides to Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean
Disneyland Paris/ Euro Disney: Opens
Europa Park: You are taking what I have rightfully stolen.
Good video😍😍💪🏼💪🏼
Thanks!
@@coasterbot graag gedaan
Could you make bobsled coasters explained?
I'll note that down, thanks for the suggestion :)
They say nothing is "original" We ALL "borrow" from each other. From the start of the amusement industry (America "pleasure gardens") for weekend enjoyment for the lower to middle class. A simple band stand & light amusements. Coney Island would had 3 giant amusement areas. Walt was also inspired by several Worlds fairs including the participation in a few b4 the 64-65 NYW Fair. Walt took from the "best" Tivoli's "popcorn lights" & clean grounds. They layout of World's Fairs (so guests wouldn't get "museum feet") If you ever get to go to an IAAPA Expo & experience the "What's New Theater" It showcases the best of the "BEST" with awards like the Oscars of Amusement parks. The leisure &entertainment industry is a vital part in "every ones" lives. Providing, relief and escapism for the masses. Very good video!!!!
This is exactly it! We all do borrow from each other, and it's taking the best from different places where people create amazing things! Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed the video :)
What a great video! :) I think Europa Park is the most noticeable example because of the relatively poor integration of the "Disney- inspired" rides in the areas the ride was built in (but I like Europa Park very much, it has so many great and original rides). The link between space (Eurosat) and France was not so obvious, the Haunted manson in the Italian-themed area feels a bit random, the integration of Piraten in Batavia and the Dutch-themed area is better but still a bit strange (and maybe controversial nowadays). In Europa park there is also an African themed area (Universe of Adventure) with an boat ride (Jungle Rafts) which looks like the Jungle Cruise. The area feels very strange in a park that advertised to be themed around european countries.
Some parks built whole areas around their copied rides and as such they feel more coherent, like Walibi Belgium which built a whole wester-themed area around Calamity mine. Integration does wonder.
Thank you, I definitely agree. Some rides don't fit into their respective Europa Park area at all. :)
the haunted mansion in europapark feels a bit random because it is a conglomerate of different eras of "overhauls". Originally it was set inside an italian mansion as far as i'm aware.
Yes, the integration is not the most important. Also, if you look at the blue fire mountain you will see it is sponsored by gazprom and has nothing to do with Iceland but russia. That is the reason for the name blue, because gazprom is blue. But not since the invasion of Ukraine, they removed gazprom since then.
Space themes are more going out in Europe. Steampunk or Fantasy are more comming in. The new version of Pirate of Batavia is a big change but it is very cool transformed.
Amazing video. I have to say, Europa Park's reliance on using 'inspiration' from Disney is maybe my least-favourite aspect and one of the reasons why I've started to prefer Phantasialand for their originality, at least with their newer-rides since Mystery Castle/River Quest etc.
Thanks! Like many parks, Europa Park has its flaws and I think that is one of them, for sure.
When I think of themeparks I think about phantasialand😂
Yeah, basically anything but Disneyland even... When I thinkn of inauthentic and fake, then I think of Disneyland..
@@googleprofiel6814 Disney ha a an incredibly immense history with tons of inspiration, Star Tours? That came out of inspiration from piloting training simulators. Space Mountain? That came from walts vision of a forst computer controlled rollercoaster. Alice in wonderland? Inspired by the movie. Rise of the resistence? Inspired by the star wars movies with a completely different story line that in the films. Disney parks (specifically Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Tokyo Disneyland are among the most visited tourist destinations in the world, even Disneyland Paris, is the most visited tourist destination in Europe.
A topic I'd love to hear about is whether or not there was any copying on either side when it came to the development of Busch Gardens Williamsburg (Busch Gardens the Old Country) and Europa-Park. They opened the same year but BGW opened a few months earlier. But it's not like the Mack family cobbled together the idea for their park after BGW had opened so it would be interesting to see if these very similar parks (both in theme and in style) just coincidentally opened around the same time or if there was any big competition or marketing push to get parks like those opened. I would argue that BGW is one of the best theme parks in North America and everyone already knows that Europa-Park is one of Europe's best theme parks and they are both praised for their theming, beautiful aesthetics and great balance of thrill rides and family rides. I think there would be a lot to discuss here.
Interesting thoughts! The founder of Europa Park was inspired to create it after a trip to Disney (see it all connects back!). Though they do have similarities for sure, perhaps just by accident though! :)
The one and only unique Theme Park At Europe is Efteling. All the others, especially Europa Park, imitate Disney.
Ummm, what ride isn‘t unique at Phantasialand except Colorado Adventure (which is even better than Big Thuder Mountain) Even if Efteling is my favorite theme park I need to defend Phantasialand there!
I prefer Europa Park To Disneyland
same
Same
Fine it's your opinion
Go to Disney World and not Disneyland Paris and tell me if you still think that way. I can guarantee you won't.
@@PHLFANJAN haven't seen a hyper coaster in disney yet 😜
I’m from the city in Germany where Phantasialand is and even though i love it with my whole heart,it did take a lot of “inspiration” from disney. There used to be a simulation called race for atlantis that was inside of a golden epcot look alike and just recently hollywood tour closed down, which I think is quite similar to the great movie ride. I’m just glad that Phantasialand has now come up with original ideas, the only thing that remained is Colorado, but it is iconic as apparently Michael Jackson rode it.
I really want to like Disney more but they just don’t have a ride that is super thrilling. Yeah space mountain is a little thrilling but it just isn’t enough for my liking.
I personally love Disney parks but you have to come with the right expectations. If you are hoping for thrill rides then the Disney parks just won't do it. I'd say the one Disney ride that genuinely matches other parks for thrills is the Tower of Terror. The random forced falls gives you better air time than most drop rides and the thrilling theme inevitably bleeds into the thrill of the overall experience. But Incredicoaster, Expedition Everest and Rock N Rollercoaster (which I'd argue are the most thrilling Disney coasters) all have to be appreciated for their theming because they aren't as thrilling of coasters as what you'll find at Cedar Point or SFMM.
I don't think Disney will ever chase the kinds of thrills you'll find at regular amusement parks. It's not that they want to cater to children and families. It's that they want a story that is justified for the entire experience. Even the best themed thrill coasters (such as Karnan or The Smiler) still have sections where you are simply riding a coaster. Disney feels the need to justify why you are in a vehicle and the generally want you to not think of yourself as being on a track. They want the entire experience to be a story and not a "ride."
Coming to Disney with a desire for airtime, large drops or intense g forces will leave you disappointed. If you come with a desire to be immersed in an experience then you come away very satisfied. And if you are a fan of dark rides then I'd say that the original Disneyland in Anaheim is the best park in the world.
Disney should have been build in Germany and not france. Germans have a better work ettic and get stuff done, if you wanna get stuff done in france you first have to deal with at least 2 worker strikes. I have been to Disneyland Paris 3 times and 3 out of the 3 times most rides where under maintenence and 1 time the public transport where on strike so we could not get back to our hotel. Also there are homeless people everywhere, takes away from the whole ''fun'' experience disney should have
Also at Europa Park: the Piccolo Mondo ride, which translates as “A Small World.”
Efteling also has a ride that’s clearly copied from It’s a Small World.
no park is safe!
@@StamfordBridge And somehow Efteling has managed to make the soundtrack of their version even more annoying than Disney's original
I would love to go to parks outside of the United States. Hell, even outside of CA would be something. Magic Mountain is a fun park, but a bitch to walk around. I really want to ride Do Dondonpa! I still need to overcome my fear of heights, and Coasters in Japan are just the thing I need.
Efteling is whats in my mind if you ask for a thema park
There’s a great documentary on RUclips about the worlds fair and Epcot that correctly explains the true history of Walt Disney.
I didn't even know there was a Disney theme park in Europe.
What Europapark did with Eurosat is so sad. It used to be so much fun and I loved the space theme. it just fit. now it's... French themed???? like???? no one was complaining about the old Eurosat.
How is Velocicoaster going to be the beste coaster if its based on Taron? That will only get it too be extremely overrated, like Taron. Should have been inspired by Kärnan
We'll find out when it opens! :)