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Every year, Matt embarks on a coaster-packed adventure known as CoasterNerdCon (CNC), and this time, the journey took him across Europe to explore some of the continent’s most iconic theme parks. While the thrills were plenty, the biggest takeaways came from the unique operational practices, cultural nuances, and creative design elements that make European parks distinct. In this episode, Matt and Josh talk about Matt’s CNC 2025 trip and what the U.S. attractions industry can learn from parks in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and beyond.
Parking Efficiency and Operational Design
"You pay for parking on the way out."
In contrast to the standard U.S. practice of paying for parking upon arrival, European parks often collect parking fees as guests exit. This adjustment alleviates early morning bottlenecks and allows guests to flow into the parks more smoothly. Matt noted the process was surprisingly efficient, especially when paired with mobile QR code systems.
Cultural Influence on Park Hours and Expectations
"Europeans want to go home for dinner."
Many parks Matt visited closed as early as 6 or 7 PM—a surprising shift from the late-night hours common in the United States. This practice aligns with European cultural norms around evening family dinners, emphasizing how societal values shape operational decisions, even at the cost of potential late-night revenue.
Quiet Platforms and Safety through Simplicity
"There were no loud spiels... just a thumbs up and you go."
Matt observed that European ride platforms are notably quieter than their American counterparts. Without booming safety announcements, parks rely on body language, gestures, and rider intuition—reflecting a different approach to liability and guest trust, possibly stemming from less litigious cultures.
Laughter is Universal
"Smiles, laughter… it doesn't matter what language you're speaking."
Whether at a German theme park or a splash pad in Chicago, Matt and Josh reflected on how joy transcends language. Laughter, excitement, and human connection provide a universal language—an important reminder for guest-facing teams everywhere.
The Power of Industry Connections
"You must be one of us."
Matt recounted how introductions from one industry peer led to behind-the-scenes access, personal tours, and new friendships. These moments underscore the importance of professional networking within the attractions industry and the unique camaraderie shared by theme park enthusiasts.
Constraints Fuel Creativity
"There’s no trademark on creativity."
Parks like Efteling and Phantasialand thrive despite physical limitations like land usage caps or height restrictions. Instead of seeing these as barriers, they use them to drive innovation. Layered layouts, immersive theming, and integrated storytelling show how limitations can lead to imaginative breakthroughs.
Authenticity vs. Theming
"Is it still theming when it feels this real?"
Europa Park’s recreation of European countries felt so authentic that Matt questioned whether it crossed from themed design into genuine reality. Unlike caricature-style lands, these parks replicate realistic environments with subtlety and accuracy—offering immersion without overstated fantasy.
Cross-Cultural Communication
"Body language and gestures became our best tools."
Though Matt doesn’t speak German or Dutch, navigating the parks was easier than expected thanks to signage, body language, and intuitive design. The experience heightened his empathy for international visitors to U.S. parks and reinforced the value of non-verbal communication.
Reawakening the Park Brain
"I was using a part of my brain I hadn’t used in a while."
Visiting unfamiliar parks reactivated Matt’s instincts as a theme park guest. Without relying on familiarity, he had to think critically and observe cues—an experience that reminded him how important way finding and signage are for first-time visitors.
Doing More Than You Have To
"They didn’t have to do that—but they did."
Matt highlighted dozens of examples where parks went beyond expectations: themed observation decks, treetop walkways, immersive queue shows, and even whimsical guardrails. These touches exemplify how small creative choices elevate the entire experience and build long-term guest loyalty.
From logistics to laughter, from constraints to creativity, CNC 2025 provided Matt with profound insights into what makes theme parks in Europe not just operationally efficient but emotionally impactful. Whether it’s walking a new path, connecting with a fellow professional, or reimagining what’s possible within your budget, there are countless lessons to be found when you look beyond your own borders.
Have you had a similar international experience or takeaway from visiting a theme park or attraction abroad? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your stories and insights by reaching out on social media or by emailing attractionpros@gmail.com.
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