The Baloo 3 week European Adventure

[davewasbaloo]

Ok, the first of the Europa Park pics are coming. We were amazed. I had heard good things, but no where near as good as we encountered. While the hotel is not perfect (no turn down or a/c or a safe, but they only state themselves as a 4* - well with those exceptions, they beat out every Disney hotel I have ever stayed in - all the DLP hotels, many in WDW inc AKL, The Grand Californian and DLH in Anaheim. It was Vegas quality for families!!!! We loved it. The attention to detail, little surprise presents including book marks magically appearing in our books (though Phantasialand topped this, more info later).

It was an amazing hotel.

When we arrived at the italian themed Hotel Colosseo, we were amazed. Given we were married at Cesar's Tahoe, and the fact it is our wedding anniversary this trip, it had to be done.

The parking lot is underground so as not to spoil the theme (even though you can see Spanish themed hotels and rides across the road). Walking back from the parking lot, there is a fantastic Leonardo Da Vinci inspired water clock. At the front of the hotel is an amazing fountain, and a renaissance style port corture. Inside, the lobby has a wonderful mural on the ceiling of the atrium and a manakin in a Swiss Guard's uniform. The lady that checks us in can speak 4 languages, but we check in with German and she speaks English to Sarah and the kids. The kids relish the sweets she gives them. After giving us a comprehensive information park, we go up to the top floor to our room. This hotel won the best family hotel in Europe on trip advisor for good reason. The room is amazing and spacious, witha wonderful Da Vinci theme including an incredible bunk bed for the kids.

Our room overlooks the piazza with a great reproduction of the Coliseum (hence the name of the hotel), replete with real burning torches in the evening. This building houses the Spa, pool area, and suites. It also overlooks the fountain which is an interactive water maze at first, but every hour erupts into a wonderfully choreographed show, and every show is different.

There are also lots of things to see in the piazza including live goats for easter.

Going down for dinner, we explore the hotel further. It has 2 shops, a beauty parlour (with a great Venitian barber touch). The interactive kids area is also wonderful, with a "amptheatre" to watch roman themed cartoons on the big screen, interactive computer kiosks with touch screens and a chance to change the languages, and the best bit is the adventure playground that looks like it is Leonardo Da Vinci's workshop, amazing.

Going into dinner, the halls are filled with Venitian light fixtures. And the restaurants are amazingly themed. The first room is a roman cellar, full of candles, fires, pots, coins and roman centurian armour. The next restaurant is like a venitian palace with a plentiful buffet. The next restaurant, The Medici, where we dined, is themed with crystal chandeliers and renaisance painting reproductions such as the last supper. Beneath our feet is a glass floor with the wine vaults and a private dining room with italian medieval theming. And at the very end, is Cesar's fine dining room (I was not convinced the kids were in the right frame of mind for such an experience. Our restaurant was busy and the weather warm, so we chose to take dinner out on the terrace.

From our table, as the sun set, we could watch the magic of the night come to life, the torches bursting into flame, the fountain show erupting to oohs and awes, and we had a live guitarist and vocalist regale us with traditional italian songs.

The romans served us and the portions were massive. The kids had chicken escalopes with a neopolitan sauce and spagetti. Jess drank Mezzomix (Orange coke) and Mike, coke. I had the mixed antipasta (parma ham, salami, mixed olives, sun dried tomatoes, with tomato bread and pepperincini bread. Mmmm, I then had a mixed cheese, spring onion and parma ham pasta. Sarah had a huge steak cesar salad followed by a chicken and oriental potaoes main. All washed down with a wonderful Italian Rose. Lovely.

Our 2 and a half hour dining experience allowed us to watch a number of performances, we were very full, and it was a lot cheaper than Disney. We then enjoyed touring the rest of the hotel (each area is themed to different parts of Italy). Then we returned to our room and enjoyed another fountain show before bed. Amazing.

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[JohnnySharp2]

Great report and good to see so many photo's.

 

[davewasbaloo]

Great report and good to see so many photo's.

Lol, I really had to edit, we took about 300 a day. Lol

 

[davewasbaloo]

When I was first looking into the place, I was concerned it would all be carnival and steel rides, afterall that is what MACK is known for, is it not? I could not be more wrong.

Imagine taking a highly themed Cedar Point, the charm and class of old school Knott's Berry Farm, the professionalism and OTT shows approach of Vegas, and the cleanliness and maintenance standards of Walt's Disney, with some uniquities as well. That is what you get with Europa Park. My children's fav in the world, and a fierce rival for Disney's attentions in my heart. This place is awesome, and after three nights and two days in the park, we still did not do it all.

For the folks who may not be aware, Europa Park is owned by the Mack family, they started over 150 years ago as makers of circus wagons and fun fair vehicles/rides. They then became more sophisticated over the years, After a family vacation to Walt Disney World, they were inspired to build their own park to showcase their products. This was the company that brought the world the water coaster (sea world bought Journey to Atlantis from them, and I believe they are the company that provided Disney with Francis' Lady Bug Boogie and Cars Race Rally. Because it is a showcase, they run their attractions at pretty much full capacity (Disney and others take ride vehicles off if a little quieter, EP does not.

As for the shows, because of their roots in the Circus arts, they try to hire some of Europe's best. And they are amazing.

Then almost every land is themed to a european country including costumes, music, food and merchandise in the shops. It is great. Plus their are beautiful gardens, a real palace from the renaissance, street performers, craftsmen, and so much more.

It is a very kinetic park, and one that is a joy to just be in, even if you do not ride everything. There is something for everyone, and the place is huge.

They have ripped a few ideas from Disney such as the Universe of Energy, Pirates in Batavia, the Haunted Castle, Jungle Cruise and a few others, and of course they are not as detailed as Disney, but they have their charm and are of at least a dozen dark rides.

Then for the thrill seekers, there are tons of Mack rides, plus two beautiful B&M attractions, Silver Star and Blue Fire.

Every where we have dined has had live entertainment, and the hotels are sublime. Plus the weather has been in the upper 70's with sunshine!

The attractions are finely maintained, as are the gardens, the music is wonderful, and the shows are first rate.

On the first morning, we went in for EMH and enjoyed the spinning fair rides of the Spanish fiesta, then on the monorail and train to get our bearings. We enjoyed expereincing the attractions of the Scandanavia area (the rapid ride is one of my fav versions anywhere, only beaten by the uniquities of Grizzly River Run in Disney's California Adventure. But I would say this is probably the best rapids in Europe.

We went on the Pirates in Batavia ride, which is a rip off of Pirates of the Caribbean, with a slightly lower budget, but it is cool, and unpc. set in South East Asia in a dutch colony, it is a fab cross between the PotC, the Jungle Cruise, and 1001 Nights type attraction. It even runs through a restaurant where we had a splendid Thai/Chinese fusion lunch (for less than 25 euros - £22.50, $34 total). In the peak season, they have asian acrobats performing as well. Loved it!

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[catkin]

When you say you sat in with the drummers - did you actually get to play? I have 3 musical children and they (alright me too) would love that, I'm getting excited now!

 

[davewasbaloo]

When you say you sat in with the drummers - did you actually get to play? I have 3 musical children and they (alright me too) would love that, I'm getting excited now!

We did get to play. There is a drum between each of the drummers, though it is fastened to the ground so it is not very loud. But it was still fun to join in!

 

[davewasbaloo]

We had an amazing afternoon with a chinese/thai lunch in a dark restaurant in the Pirates of Batavia ride. WE enjoyed exploring Russia, though the dark rides are not DIsney quality, they have a charm of their own. The Russian Craftsmen were increadible too. And the parade was cute. It was more like a Victorian Circus parade than a Disney parade as the performers from the shows proceed through the park in sections themed after the countries represented in the parks.

The Europa Park 35th Anniversary exhibit and show is increadible, putting Disneyland's 50th somewhat to shame. It uses a Carousel Theatre like the Carousel of Progress/America Sings/Meet the World and showcases the history of the MACK business and the park. It was in German and I understood it, but even my non German speaking family enjoyed it!

The football exhibit is interesting (I don't like soccer) because it ends with bumper cars and a giant football where you aim to get control of the ball. Fun. The Crazy Taxi ride is a Zamperela (thanks Sven) and it is a walk on (unlike the hour queues at WDSP for Cars).

We then went to the ice show, which was first rate! A Michael Jackson routine on skates, tango which was really sexy, and a very European show. We loved it, and it easily competed with the ICe Capades, Disney on Ice etc. Difference is, this one is included in the price of admission and is almost worth that price alone.

The Greece Area is very well themed. The temple for the water coaster has real flaming cauldrons. The Mad House is ver well themed (I believe this may have been the 1st in the world). And the Pegasus family coaster is a real coaster, very fast and a lot of fun!

We then made our way through France and into the Mercedes exhibit that also houses the queue for Silver Star (Europe's tallest and fastest coaster - we skipped it as the kids are too small - we will ride when they are tall enough, and I am small enough). It was fab, showing how Mercedes Benz have changed over the last 100 years and showing some of their previous race vehicles!!! It was edutainment and we loved it (supped a german beer while we explored).

Then on to Italy, which was nicely decked out for Easter. We went into the spectacular theatre, decked as if it were Carnival in Venice. In the theatre we saw Luminocity which was a combo of dance, magic, comedy, and acrobatics. Sadly in all the shows, no pictures or video are allowed. This show was great - some burlesque in a body suit (hot), a great comedian/juggler that the kids really adored, great dance numbers, and the most beautiful and graceful male acrobatic troup I have ever seen. Wonderful.

When we got out of the theatre, I thought the park was closed (it was after closing time). But they extended the hours due to crowds (funny, the waits and crowds seemed very low compared to Disney, this is old school Disney style, fab). So we grabbed a ride in the Geister Schloss - their rip off of Haunted Mansion, themed to the blood thirsty royal families of Italy. It is very cool, and at the same time very camp. It is not as well polished as HM, but we loved it none the less. And the guy being electricuted and the guy being buried alive were quite realistic. Loved it.

We then hopped on their newest attraction which is a surreal trip through Italy with dogs and food. But it was fun, and the smell of pizza made us hungry.

We had reservations for dinner, so we hopped the monorail to the hotels and went to the El Andaluz Don Quiotte for dinner. In the next installment.

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[davewasbaloo]

In the evening we had a great meal with some Cervezas and Sangria in the Spanish themed hotel, and then we explored the 2 Spanish themed and the wonderful Portuguese monestary themed hotels, followed by enjoying the fountain show from our bedroom window!!!! It was awesome, and all so easy on foot. I do not like WDW as it is too big. I prefer compact, and this fits the bill nicely.

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[davewasbaloo]

Day 11 - 2nd Day at Europa Park

We had an awesome second day, this time after our character breakfast, we headed off into the Portugal section and the kids wanted to ride Atlantica Splash - a water coaster that shoots you down a small drop dackwards, turns you around, and then drops you down a steep and tall drop into the pool of water below. It was sunny, and I though, well if they are willing to try it, why not?! The queue was very well themed and full of pirate AAs, though it was interesting the hear the Pirates of the Caribbean Curse of the Black Pearl soundtrack. It was fantastic fun, what a way to wake up.

We then headed into the Iceland section to see if I could ride Blue Fire while the park was quiet. Sadly I am still too big and the kids are too small. We encouraged Sarah to go on this amazing launch coaster. While she rode, I took the kids on the Whale Watching Cruise attraction, which was full of fantastic whale facts (in German, French and English) - edutainment!!! Yay. Disney forgot how to do Edutainment. Afterwards, we hooked up with mama and went into the Gazprom exhibit. They are the gas company who sponsored Blue Fire, and it is a good place for kids to go as well if they cannot ride Blue Fire. It is very Epcot!!! There are 3 360 cinemas (part of the queue for Blue Fire as well) where you can see how natural gas is drilled and piped. There is an interactive video game where you sit on a seat and control the speed of gas flow (very cool), and a huge fussball table - about 10 people can play) to show the importance of team work (also Gazprom sponsor a football team too, so I suspect that is more of the reason).

We then hopped the other monorail for a relaxing ride to see how busy the park was, followed by a walk to Spain to see the amazing stunt show - The Devil and the Queen. It was superb, using horse stunts, jousting, and a fun story. We all loved it, especially Jessica. Soon after, we then watched the great Flamenco show that was not only dancing, but bull whip and lasso tricks as well. Lovely.

We took the other monorail to the GErmany section, and I loved the section of the Berlin wall there and explaining the significance to the children. We then did a little bit of shopping (the shops are just as detailed as Main Street in the Disney parks with a more interesting selection of merchandise) and had lunch in the German gardens - some wonderful german wurst and friekedella with German beer and wine (mezzo mix for the kids).

We took some time to explore the real palace and the gardens, and then headed for the slow boat and train rides, which Jessica really adored. The gardens were gorgeous.

Heading into Italy to see the Carnival of Venice show (there are singing birds, flowers and statues - sound familiar? Though these sing Opera, and we loved it, but I think we were the only family in there who did). Before going in, there was a silly rubber head show, but at least there were some hot dancers who made it more bearable for the parents.

After another spin in Geister Schloss haunted ride, we then went into France to enjoy the 4D film of Sammy's Adventure - a cute environmental film told by a turtle, followed by the Universe of Energy which although a rip off of Epcot, was still a very cool Dinosaur dark ride, I loved it.

We then went on the tower ride (similar to the ones at Knotts and Sea World). It was a great view over the park (no pictures, I videoed it).

We then waited for the Bobsled ride in Switzerland. Now this area is very cool and immersive, and the bobsleigh is not like the Matterhorn. Although not as pretty, it is a real trackless bobsled coaster. I have been on other versions at Blackpool and other parks, but this is my fav version. Mike and I snagged the front to boot. Jessica was upset though as she was just that little bit too short. A lovely lady gave her some sweets to make her feel better. Awe. The people in germany were so lovely.

Afterwards we decided to grab a bite to eat in Switzerland, some Swiss sausages, and a bigger priority for me, some hot raclette on swiss bread. A real famous snack of Europa park. It was good and not badly priced for a theme park. MMMMMmmmmm.

Afterwards, we went on a few more small rides and the kids had been begging me to try the Food Loop restaurant, but with queues of an hour (it had only been open a week) we had tried to see if it would be quieter towards closing.

WE arrived 15 minutes before the park closed. They advised us that the kitchen was closed, but we could still order drinks. Now this place was very cool (again I videoed some of it).

You sit at a round communal table, and each stool has a number. You are given a smart card each when you walk in and are taken to your table.

There are a number of touch screen monitors where you insert your card, press the number of your seat, and then order on the touch screen. The food or drink is then dispatched via a roller coaster. We had fizzy drinks, so they go through the spirals, but some of the salads and things actually travel through a loop! It was great fun. We had german soft drinks of apple soda, kandi malz and ice tea flavours we cannot get in the UK.

When we left, the park was closed, so we made a slow walk back to the hotel and grabbed some ice creams and the fountain show from ground level before going home the next morning. Mikey fell over in the fountain and was very bruised on his knees and elbows, which put a slight downer on the day, but overall it was excellent!

Overall we loved Europa Park. It is better managed, cleaner and has better behaved guests than the Disney parks. The rides are fun and diverse, and the entertainment is top notch. If Mack ran DLP that would probably be the perfect park. I cannot wait until we return, and the kids claim it is their fav park.

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[Jonjo]

Great trip report!

I's because of Europa Park that DLP does not advertise much in Germany these days.

If you ever want to do Europa Park on a budget there is a camp site just five minutes walking distance from the main entrance of the park. The camp site allows tents, camper vans and caravans. There are also some Tipi's too that you can stay in.

Have you visited the PortAventura theme park in Spain?

 

[tennisfan]

Europa park looks fab, I may have to pay a visit to it soon

Loving the report so far

 

[davewasbaloo]

I have been to Port Aventura, but it was 12 years ago and only for one day. We did love it too, but it was not as family friendly as the other resorts, hence our delay in returning. Once the kids are old enough for Dragon Khan, we will be back.

When we went it was owned by Universal, and the shows were first rate. I am concerned they may have dumbed them down under the new ownership. Do you know if that is the case?

 

[davewasbaloo]

Europa park looks fab, I may have to pay a visit to it soon

Loving the report so far

thanks. I recommend it.

Coming up still are the pools of Hotel Colloseo, Heidelberg, the Mosel and Rhein land, the Ling Bao and Phantasialand, Brussels, Gent and Brugges.

 

[princessmummy]

Thank you so much for a fascinating trip report.

Thank you for reminding me about the joy of live musical performance in a theme park setting. I had forgotten (shame on me!) what that can add to the experience....
as a bit of an old folky and a morris dancer (different costume, but still magic) I should not have needed to be reminded!
I will make a bee-line for the drummers when we go.......

The idea of using a dedicated Facebook page is fab, and I shall probably do the same, its a great way to share and very quick to load (important when you tend to read forums in your lunchour on your smart phone)

We will consider europa park for a trip in the near future too! I had not even heard of it (shame again)
and am very partial to a bit of 'medieval'....

DH fancies the idea of the german beer I think.

Can't wait to read more.

 

[davewasbaloo]

Day 12 - Swimming at Europa Park, Freiberg and the black Forest enroute to Heidelburg.

It was time to move on from Europa Park to Heidelberg via Freiburg and the Black Forest. We decided to have a swim first, and although it was a little nippy outside, the pool was heated. We had a lovely swim, pretty much with the pool to our selves. We then went to breakfast and checked out.

We went down to Frieburg to explore the town which was nice, although we preferred Strasburg. We parked up and took the tram into town, exploring the architecture and markets. We then took up north through the Black Forest, which was very pretty.

The children slept most of the way until we got to Triburg, where we wanted to see the largest waterfall in Germany and the largest cookoo clocks in the world. We parked up to hike down to the falls. But the kids were a little nervous, and they were worried about wolves (a mix of a conversation sign we saw coupled with explaining how many of the fairy tales the kids loved were based in the Black Forest). we abandoned our hike half way down, but it was still great.

We got into Triburg which is a real tourist trap, and were quite disappointed with the world's largest cookoo clock. We decided to head up to Heidelberg as time was ticking.

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[davewasbaloo]

Thank you so much for a fascinating trip report.

Thank you for reminding me about the joy of live musical performance in a theme park setting. I had forgotten (shame on me!) what that can add to the experience....
as a bit of an old folky and a morris dancer (different costume, but still magic) I should not have needed to be reminded!
I will make a bee-line for the drummers when we go.......

The idea of using a dedicated Facebook page is fab, and I shall probably do the same, its a great way to share and very quick to load (important when you tend to read forums in your lunchour on your smart phone)

We will consider europa park for a trip in the near future too! I had not even heard of it (shame again)
and am very partial to a bit of 'medieval'....

DH fancies the idea of the german beer I think.

Can't wait to read more.

a pleasure, thank you for the comments. If you like live entertainment and medieval, if you have not visted Provins (45 minutes south of DLP), you must during peak season, they demo siege weapons; falconry; and cavalry displays.

Also, have a look at Pou de Fou in France as well. Parc Asterix is also great too.

 

[jothp]

Europa park sounds really great I think a tour of theme parks around Europe will be a must when the children get a bit older. I like the idea of being in Germany too because I can (or at least could once) speak reasonable German. Unfortunately I only know very basic French.

 

[davewasbaloo]

We woke up and decided to go out for brunch. WE ended up at McDonalds - kids choice, but it is always great to try the differences of a McD's. Not proud, but on a long trip, it has to be done.

We explored Heidelburg, which while lovely, is also a bit of a tourist trap. It does have the oldest University in Germany, lovely churches and the castle on the River Necker. But there are nicer towns.

The children touched the monkey statue, to assure a return to the city. And the mice statue, to ensure we have grand kids!!! Just please be married and in your late 20's please kids.

We then set off to the Mosel, and the 16th century Weinkelter apartment. It was a fantastic choice and a bargain. What we did not know was the landlords lived about 10 miles from us for about 8 years before moving to Germany, small world!

We got everything up the three flights of stairs, and then explored the lovely, non commercial village.

WE then went to a Weinstube for dinner, and had a wonderful meal outdoors with a great bottle of Riesling from their winery.

We then returned to the weinkelter for a nightcap. And we were pleasantly surprised. A bottle of wine was less than the cost of two cokes for the kids! Awesome. And they had a labrador they were dog sitting when we were there. Also awesome!

we were really pleased with our choice, and a community where there was little tourism compared to the neighbouring villages and towns. This village was all about the wineries!

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[davewasbaloo]

Do it JothP

 

[davewasbaloo]

Day 14 was a very lazy day. As the bank holiday weekend meant the stores would be closed most of our time in the region, Mikey and I got up to go the bakery for breakfast and some provisions. We then got cleaned up and went into the picturesque (and really crowded town for Easter) town of Cochem to buy groceries. Upon our return we had a bite to eat, and the family napped while I watched our newly purchased Europa Park 35th anniversary DVD.

When everyone got up, we got changed and went into the wine cellar for a night cap, conversation with our hosts, and a series of board games. a nice relaxing day, and much needed. The next day would be Easter, our Wedding Anniversary, a castle in store, and a BBQ.

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