American / European Parks

[Manny In England]

As an english rider I know all about european parks. More noticably some english parks where coasters can't go over treetops. Instead of making huge coasters they're more about the use of space and theming. Best example I would say is Nemesis at Alton Towers, the track is so great how it interacts with the paths and huge pit. I'm asking riders with a more wide park experience if there are more differences between the more established american parks and smaller european ones.

[CoasterFanatic]

It is much easier to die at a European park.

 

That is a good thing.

 

// I will explain myself if I have to. But I don't think I will.

[Manny In England]

That's mainly to do with Walt Disney's and Mickey Mouse's attitude to safety. The picture speaks for itself but it speaks rude

How Mickey fells about safety at Disney Parks Worldwide

[larrygator]

^actually it is more to do with American lawyers

[CoasterFanatic]

^ Exactly.

 

Parks overseas put some of the responsibility back into the patrons hands. You have to be level headed and watch out for yourself, but you can have a great time without 10 million restrictions like you find in American parks.

[Airtime&Gravity]

One of the main differences is that due to European's more mature attitude, the parks can have all sorts of trampolines, crazy slides, obstacle courses, self-operated rides, and more never in America attractions.

 

Most European Parks cater to families and focus on quality not family, and they usually put a lot of effort and capital into theming rides and building some really great rides.

[coaster05]

These are all great reasons about European parks. For me they are just more fun and seem to look nicer for the most part. But like Ted and Larry said they actually assume you are smart enough to be responsible, where American parks are about a step away from making everyone wear helmets.

[Carnage]

American parks tend to suffer from lack of imagination. Many parks are just concrete and coasters.

 

Emphasis is put on rides, instead of the park atmosphere. What you end up with is almost a RCT park.

 

There's obvious exceptions. But for the most part American parks lack any sort of charm or originality that the European parks have.

[RIP Psyclone]

European parks are more likely to serve alcohol and have depictions (artwork, statues) of nude women. Those are the main things.

[coasterdude5]

Most Americans seem to be sue-happy, therefore requiring stricter safety guidelines.

 

That's one major difference.

 

European parks tend to have high-pitched theme songs as well.

[kraxleRIDAH]

And European ride operators don't have shaven armpits.

[Manny In England]

And European ride operators don't have shaven armpits.

 

I laugh because of the men, I cringe because of the women

[RIP Psyclone]

Am I right, Manny?

[Manny In England]

Yeah one or two shops / stalls sell alcohol and you get some Venus Demilo style statues

[PAShawn]

1 Out of every 50 amusement park patrons has a mullet I bet the ratio is much lower in europe