Rust, Germany
Europa Park is the Walt Disney World of Germany. The park takes theming to the max. It's also known for unique rides built in Germany and a man named Mats.
Mats use to be a software designer in Sweden. Now he's a mechanical engineer in Germany, with the important job of ensuring the park's wooden coaster named Wodan runs smoothly.
Upon pulling into Europa Park from Austria, Mats met us and gave us the #1 parking spot. Really. The closest parking spot to the front gate.
What awaited, will be remembered as a classic European Fairy Tale.
Mats royally took care of us with admission tickets waiting and an escort to the most popular rides. Up exits we dashed, bypassing queue lines and sitting in the front seat.
Park guests wondered who the guy in the Lederhosen was. With so much to see and do, there was no time to change.
"We only have an hour," Mats beckoned. In that one golden hour, we rode the famed Wodan from Great Coasters International, Blue Fire from Mack, Silver Star from B&M, the first bobsled coaster ever and a WILD Wild Mouse (the kids from Orlando liked the Mack monorail too).
After the park closed, we took part in a tradition that was always a special treat at Cedar Point: End-of-the-Night crew ride. Mats let us ride Wodan over and over and over. Scott lost count (was it 4 or 5 times?). Donna from the Wodan crew joined us for each spin, wanting more just like the rest of us.
After the final ride, Mats gave us a tour of Wodan's transfer bay. It's here where roller coaster trains go to sleep for the night.
We climbed above and below for an up close look at what it takes to maintain and operate a wooden roller coaster. Although they look like a throwback to the golden age of amusement parks from the Roaring 20s, today's wooden coasters are a technological marvel.
The mechanics from silent lifts to on-board cameras was impressive.
Scott kept thinking, "Wow. I am under a real live roller coaster."
Mats was a great host. You can tell he is proud of his ride. And he has every reason to be.
NEXT: A Man's Home is his Castle
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