New Rides and Innovations

This year, a number of new rides and surprises, improvements and innovations are waiting for the visitors of Europa-Park. Above all 2006 is the year of the Football World Cup in Germany - and this was and still is celebrated big style at Europa-Park! Up to 1,000 persons have designed and worked on numerous new attractions at the same time and created once again many new and fascinating experiences for the visitors of Germany's biggest theme park.

France

Since its debut in 1989 the dark indoor coaster Eurosat not only is one of Europa-Park's top rides, but - because of its modern design in the shape of a 43 metre high silver sphere - also a very popular background for souvenir photos in the French themed area. In 2006 this visual appeal has been taken to new heights: On the occasion of the Football World Cup in Germany, Europa-Park now proudly presents the "World's biggest Football? together with its partner EnBW Energie Baden-Württmeberg AG! The new look of the Eurosat coaster is created through a 16,500 sqft mantle of polyester web weighting 6 tons! The original colour scheme of the World Cup ball was painted on by hand theoretically this giant ball could hold 8.5 million real footballs inside. A stunning sight dominating Europa-Park's skyline!

Next to the Silver Star - Europe's highest and tallest roller coaster - an outdoor racetrack for all little race drivers was designed. The big difference is that manpower is needed to hit the road turning THIS race track into an extraordinary playground experience with educational background. The Mercedes-Benz Motorsports Mini Track, an adventure playground designed as a Formula 1 course, shows in a playful way what's needed to become a champion. Authentic pit stop atmosphere is guaranteed for the little visitors, while the bigger ones go on a daring ride on the 219 ft high Silver Star roller coaster. In addition, the entrance area of the Silver Star, the Mercedes-Benz Hall has again been updated with even more exciting expositions and cars. Here, the guests can now experience the rebirth of the legendary "Silberpfeil? and admire a silver Mercedes-Benz SLR MacLaren.

Greece

Since May 2006 little visitors can go on an exciting roller coaster voyage in the new YoungSTAR Coaster Pegasus in the Greek themed area. Setting for this spectacular family ride is an archeological excavation site next to the 219 ft high Silver Star. A thrilling new experience for little "explorers? from 4 years and a body height of 100 cm on. With a height of 45 ft, 80-degree banking of the curves and a top speed of 60 km/h, this new ride guarantees a whole bunch of thrilling fun for the entire family.

Portugal

The guests are now welcomed in the Portuguese harbour by a massive new sailing ship, which obviously is just waiting to be launched and discover the oceans of this world. This ship is the impressive new entrance of the spectactular water coaster Atlantica SuperSplash, which was opened last year as the first component of the new Portuguese themed area. The "Santa Marian? has a length of 26 metres and a 25 metre high mast. It is designed as a 16^th century sailing ship, which enables the visitors to learn more about shipbuilding during the time of exploration. Apart from the shipwright's room with historical drawings and equipment, it also features a captain's cabin on the upper deck, which can be used as a function room for different occasions.

In the neighbouring Casa da Aventura, little visitors can romp and play on three floors with slides, ramps and countless soft balls. All new toilets right next door guarantee that nothing can disturb the activities.

England

This year, the visitors are part of the Football World Cup in the new indoor attraction "Arena of Football - Be Part of It!?. Here, they can quench their thirst for the World Cup fever in the Coca-Cola SportsBar and share their enthusiasm with other fans while watching live transmissions of the games. The adidas Shop is a great place to find the trendy adidas sports wear for young and the young-at-heart football fans. The centrepiece of this new indoor attraction surely is the FootballScooter, a dogems arena with cars in the shape of oversized adidas sports shoes! The last component of this unique sports world for the whole family is the "Walk of Fame - the History of the World Cup?, which features unique exhibits, such as original replicas of legendary trophies.

Even the architecture of the "Arena of Football? is outstanding: the dome-shaped building with its futuristic design is modelled on the concept of the famous American architect and engineer Richard Buckminster Fuller (1895 - 1983).

"Good old England? with the antique British Carousel, Victoria-Station, Silverstone Race Track, Baron William's Mystery Hall and Globe Theatre has been expanded and enhanced on a grand scale in 2006 by houses in the typical Tudor style with traditional half-timbering and a striking fountain in front of the Shakespeare Globe Theatre.

"The Red Lion?, an expansion of the already existing amusement arcade, was built in typical Gregorian style. The fast-food restaurant "The Three Piglets? - designed in Tudor style - now features a new "Sherlock Holmes Lounge?, which invites the guests to relax in front of a cosy fireplace. On the typical English market place, an imposing Gothic fountain now invites the guests to visit Shakespeare's Globe Theatre.

Austria

The nice and snug "Wiener Beisel?, a typical Viennese tavern in Europa-Park's Lake-Restaurant, was expanded by the cosy garden terrace "Zum Heurigen? and now offers a beautiful view of the big lake and the new attraction "Silvretta Nova Wave Swinger?. The whole family can enjoy the freedom of flight in this classic wave swinger ride and soar above jumping fountains high above the Austrian themed area.