Europa Theme Park or Nice (French Riviera)

[Carvanafan]

I am thinking about tacking on a couple of days to our August 2026 Disneyland Paris trip for either Europa or Nice. I have never been to Europa (or Germany at all). The Youtubers are enticing me because it seems very disneyesque in that it is full of fantastic dark rides, which is my main thing. I visited Nice when I was in law school many years ago. It was cold and I was poor, so I made it a bucket list item to go back one day in the summer and stay at one of the hotels on the beach. This would be that opportunity. Trying to decide which one to do if I do either at all. Interested in people's thoughts on those experiences themselves but also the logistics. Not sure which would be easier or cheaper both in terms of travel between there and Disneyland and also US. Like if I do one of those options am I still better of flying in and out of Paris, or better to do multicity. Thanks so much for any insight!

 

[zavandor]

Do you like roller coasters too? Europa park is THE place for coasters in Europe.
The attention to details in the park is quite high. I haven't been in a few years, but I remember some areas to have the same quality as Epcot. Others could have done with some refurbishment, but I know many have received renovations. The park is always improving.
I know the onsite hotels are exceptional.

Regarding the dark rides, I didn't think they were exceptional. There is one that is a clone of Haunted Mansion. Another is a clone of it's a small world. Another a clone or PotC. When I say clone I don't mean identical, but very very similar, to the point some scenes where clearly "inspired" by the Disney rides.
Since then the Pirates ride had to be rebuilt because of a fire and I think is now more original. If you don't mind play the "oh this is like the ballroom at HM" game, Europa Park is a great park.

 

[zavandor]

Ah, if your main focus are dark rides, then the place to be in Europe is Efteling, near Amsterdam. It has 3 very good dark rides, completely original. And the park is beautiful too.
Incidentally, I'd rather go to Amsterdam than Nice, but it's personal preference.