Arthur – The Ride

ARTHUR is an inverted-spinning dark ride roller coaster at Europa-Park in Rust, Germany. This exciting ride opened in spring 2014 as part of the themed area called "ARTHUR - In the Minimoys Kingdom." The area is inspired by the Arthur books and films created by Luc Besson.

Visitors enjoy a unique experience where the roller coaster spins and flips in the dark, telling a story that takes them into a tiny world filled with adventure. The ride combines fast movements with an imaginative setting, making it fun for people of all ages who love thrilling attractions. It has become a popular part of Europa-Park, drawing guests from around the world to experience its special charm.

History

In mid-November 2012, Europa-Park announced they would add an area based on Arthur and the Invisibles. This news came during a big show for amusement parks in Orlando, Florida. The area would include a special ride inside a building and a spinning ride. Building started in early 2013 on land saved for this since 2000. Testing began in February 2014, and the ride, called Arthur – The Ride, opened to the public in July 2014.

Ride experience

Arthur – The Ride was made by Mack Rides, the owners of Europa-Park. It is the first inverted coaster made by a company other than Bolliger & Mabillard, Intamin, or Vekoma. Riders are suspended under the steel roller coaster track in one of nine, 12-person vehicles. The ride is 550 metres long (1,800 feet) and can welcome 1,600 riders each hour.

The ride has seven scenes both inside and outside the show building. Unlike most roller coasters, it does not use gravity but is powered by motors in the trains. It starts with a spiral lift hill. The ride includes animatronics by Life Formations and Heimotion, plus other 4D effects such as water, wind, and scents.

Themed area

Arthur – The Ride is part of a fun area called the Kingdom of the Invisibles. This area covers 3,500 square metres and is covered by a big dome that is 15 metres tall. Inside, there is an island, two streams, and an enchanted forest. The area was designed to make visitors feel very small, almost like an ant. Besides Arthur – The Ride, the area has other fun attractions like a drop tower called Poppy Tower, a spinning ride named Mul-Mul, and a playground with slides. There are also places to eat, drink, and shop.

Reception

Brady MacDonald from the Los Angeles Times placed the ride as number 8 on his list of the top 14 most exciting new attractions for the year 2014.