20 Differences Between American and European Theme Parks

[@COASTER_CHASER_1]

I think with the being more lenient on the restraints stems from the US being a sue happy nation. In Europe if a ride says No Standing if a guest stands and gets hurt it’s in the guest. In America if there is a sign that says No standing and a guest stands and gets hurt. They can sue and say the restraints weren’t restrictive enough.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I agree America has more lawsuits.

[@FUZxxl]

There's also a difference in the legal system: if you get hurt in a park and sue the operator, you'll maybe get a few hundred Euro of compensation. In the US, the compensation can be ridiculous.

[@stewydoo]

​@@FUZxxlI suppose it has to be ridiculous because the cost of healthcare in the US is ridiculous and you'd need the money you sued for to pay for your healthcare if you got hurt or risk being in financial ruin for years if you had to pay for it yourself. From what I understand health insurance will payout such a tiny amount that it doesn't even cover a small percentage of any costs.

[@infinitecoasters8769]

I’m glad that other parks in the US especially Six Flags and Cedar Fair are starting to put more emphasis on theming. You won’t mistake these for Disney or Universal but at least you can tell they tried. And then SeaWorld is a mixed bag. Sometimes they will go all out on theming, and other times they don’t even bother.

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's a nice touch.

[@MattMcIrvin]

Cedar Fair seems to have an initiative going on to step it up. With Six Flags it's hard to tell what their game is at the moment, but if they really want to make their parks more premium family destinations, like they say, they're going to need it.

[@brucegibson1813]

@@MattMcIrvin well six flags is starting to incorporate just a little bit more theming on its newer rides. Just look at Wonder Woman and dr. Diabolical.

[@Gijsinator]

@@CanobieCoaster thats true because I think if six flags build hagrids it would be pretty meh

[@leanen6424]

@@brucegibson1813 i think that has to do with the respective park as well. Fiesta Texas redid Poltergeist und generally seems to try harder, WW at SFMM seems to be apart from that one room in the queue super bare bones

[@m.hoffman2889]

You had me laughing at the no running policy in the US. You are right with the absence off staff on some rides, you especially see this on water parks (water slides rarely have lifguards)

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's sad but true.

[@Marty_NZ]

As an outsider and having visited both parts of the world, that paid parking before and after was really confusing at first, but makes sense. The smoking in Europe is annoying. The wasps and bees in Europe are annoying too. In USA the distances between parks are also much longer when you're doing a coaster roadtrip. Apart from those differences, they felt very similar to me. Both are awesome places to visit!

[@CanobieCoaster]

I was thrown off by the parking the first time too.

[@JB-fd8jy]

About free water. Water fountains are probably less common in Europe because most visitors bring their own water to the park. That's one of the reasons why I can't imagine visiting parks without a bag. Bags banned in queue lines also sounds insane for me as a european. Especially with 1 hour or longer waiting times. I always have snacks or drinks in my backpack for these cases

[@CanobieCoaster]

Parks over here say it's to speed up operations. Some parks put lockers at the end of the queue and make them free, but most do not.

[@TheOfficialSmudgy]

The water is a biiiiit nasty in some places over here…

[@agirl7521]

I go to Busch gardens Williamsburg, my mom always brings lunches cause the food is too expensive

[@deathangel4507]

Tap water from the restrooms is free

[@ungesagt]

Yeah, you don't need water fountains, just drink the tab water

[@randflam]

Awesome video! Ive never been to Europe but if I go I will be sure to rewatch this video!

[@CanobieCoaster]

Thanks!

[@willshimmons6516]

this is such a great video idea i hope to see more like this in the future!

[@CanobieCoaster]

Thanks!

[@breadwithcheese4754]

about 13: alot of tap water in europe is drinkable, so you can just get it from the bathroom

[@CanobieCoaster]

Thanks for the tip!

[@coasterconquistador2517]

European Parks look to have incredible theming, but solid coasters as well. Parks like Portaventura, Phantasialand, and Alton Towers seem to balance a solid coaster lineup with theming. American parks definitely focus on coasters rather than theming, but Cedar Fair has been focusing on theming a lot lately. This is seen with Adventure Port, Aeronautica Landing, and the Boardwalk. Keep up the great work, few enthusiasts have a credit count as high as you do!

[@CanobieCoaster]

I wish the US parks put more focus on theming like those overseas.

[@me-myself-i787]

Parks like Europa Park, PortAdventura, PhantasiaLand and Alton Towers are the exception. Most European parks are more like Thorpe Park, or Walibi Belgium - decent theming and decent rides. America also has some great theme parks, e. g. Kings Island, Islands of Adventure, Silver Dollar City and Dollywood.

[@TheOfficialSmudgy]

The UK is kinda in between the standards of Europe and the US. For example some parks have great theming (ie Chessington) while some just focus on thrills (ie Blackpool). Unlike the rest of Europe we keep queues open right until closing time. On ride filming is also frowned open. One thing to know if your visiting the UK is DO NOT go ahead of anyone in a queue for ANY REASON, you will be ejected from the park with no refund, and will not be allowed to re-enter.

[@MattMcIrvin]

Makes sense--in the UK queues are sacred!

[@CanobieCoaster]

I wish queues were treated like that in most places.

[@danny.ray101]

Hard sanctions for line cutters! I just had this issue recently in a smaller park. It wouldn't have made a huge difference for me, but it surely annoyed the hell out of me!

[@chloejohnson6861]

While I've never been to a European theme park, I've watched a lot of videos of them. It seems like they embrace/retain a lot of older things that I wish were still more common here: --walk-through funhouses (although I know we don't have them here because of lawsuits) --some ride types, particularly some flat rides that you mostly only see at carnivals in the US, like Falling Stars, rotors, wilder types of roundabouts, etc. --lots of game booths, many operated by independent owners, and a better variety of prizes --like you mentioned, the grassy areas and more park-like aspects, like public cafes where people can just hang out

[@CanobieCoaster]

A lot of rides that require freedom and judgment are allowed over there.

[@Puffa_]

Valid for most part but if you want flat rides go to a fair it has much better rides than in the us.

[@chloejohnson6861]

@@Puffa_ Good idea. I've seen lots of videos of "fun fairs" (what we call carnivals), and they look awesome!

[@chloejohnson6861]

@@CanobieCoaster Yeah, they seem more interactive in general.

[@xcoasterenthusiast]

Canobie you should make a video showcasing how you plan out your theme park trips both domestically and abroad

[@andyroman8223]

I second this.

[@coasters4life388]

I third this.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Possibly. It's a bit complex since it's sometimes a work trip.

[@sirbossk]

Man, I wish public transit connections to theme parks were more common here in the US. Any time a park is far enough to fly to rather than drive to, transportation usually becomes a huge issue since you don't have a car on the other side. Renting a car is expensive and a hassle and relying on Ubers is expensive. Hotel shuttles can work occasionally, but only in specific scenarios and they only take you to specific places. I'm planning a trip to Orlando that I'm taking soon and transportation amongst all the different parks and attractions seems like way more of a hassle than it needs to be. My hotel has a shuttle that goes to Disney, SeaWorld, and Universal, but it only leaves at certain times, doesn't go to the smaller stuff like the FunSpots (meaning I'm gonna need Ubers), and doesn't take you to and from the airport for some reason. Building transit here seems like a no-brainer with all the car-less tourists, and yet it hasn't happened. Obviously this is a problem much bigger than just theme parks but still.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I agree it would be nice if public transit was better.

[@LChatmanFL]

Very interesting video. This was good.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Thanks!

[@DrPepperone]

Ah yes, America, Land of the free AS LONG AS THAT FREEDOM DOESN’T INVOLVE RUNNING TO A ROLLERCOASTER 😂😂😂

[@CanobieCoaster]

Exactly

[@MattMcIrvin]

#11 is far more general than amusement parks: in Europe, you have to pay for water everywhere, and it's the thing that most reliably annoys American tourists about the entire continent. Just a fact of life to get used to. I've also seen free ice water at restaurants being praised as a pleasant surprise about the United States by Europeans who wouldn't praise us in many other categories. With theming, in the US there seems to be a strong division between the Disney/Universal tier of premium parks with very heavy theming, and everyone else. The US has a long tradition of simple local amusement parks that resemble a carnival midway, with just a bunch of flats and a wooden coaster, and the big thrill parks are kind of an evolution of that. After Disneyland appeared, a lot of parks started to put at least a token effort into building more highly themed areas, but for most of them it's secondary. In Europe, there are all sorts of theme parks with Disney-level theming, which I think is part of the reason Disney initially had trouble breaking into that market--they weren't offering a unique product.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I agree the water thing goes beyond just theme parks.

In Germany, they actually HAVE to give you at least one glass of tap water, if you ask. Sometimes restaurants or shops are hesitant, but they are obligated. Especially in summer. It is to avoid dehydration and other, similar health risks. Yet, yes, public drinking water fountains are rare and it sucks. Even we citizens are complaining 🤷‍♂️😅

[@erikvermolen8371]

probably different for every european country, but water from the tap in the netherlands is actually safer adnd better quality than bottled water... ducth people just fill their bottles under the tap, no need for free water at a salespoint..

[@danny.ray101]

On the other hand, tap water quality (at least in Germany) is extremely good here which you cannot say about many places in North America as far as I know. So bring along a bottle and help yourself at a sink.

[@randomdude2026]

@@MattMcIrvin As an European I was more pleasantly surprised that I get refills for free in the US. The free iced water I didn't care for because it always was full of chlorine. I can't stand this taste.

[@PlatinumRoseLady]

Well, the reason that they have so many things in America that are just more restrictive is (in my opinion) because Americans are so quick to sue. Just from watching a lot of videos of parks and things like that it just seems to me like European parks just have a more relaxed vibe than US parks. US parks it's all "go go go you have to do everything right freaking now" It just seems like European parks are just more calm... you know it's more of an easygoing vibe.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I agree we're more likely to sue.

[@PlatinumRoseLady]

@@CanobieCoaster And sue over stupid crap as well.

[@idansheffer56]

My few observations: American Theme parks are more pricey most of the times. In the US line cutting is more common then in most Europe. Single riders are way more common in America In the US the lines are mostly more air conditioned, maybe because the warmer climate on the summer. Some rides are way more common in Europe: they really like flat rides, especially wild ones. Water rides in US tend to be way more soaking, probably because of different climate. I noticed much less "front seat lines" in Europe. Indoor water parks are way more common in Europe, the water slides also tend to be very different styles, and the self operations are even more common. European dark rides tend to be way less PC, can be even sometimes offensive, sexual(also suggested) and not for children. On the other hand I think most of the times the US parks are more "extreme" rides.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Air-conditioning is more common in the US in general, not just at parks. I agree water rides tend to be wetter in the US too.

[@LegendofRelda]

I agree outside of the line cutting, most were good but I got cut by a LOT of French speakers in Belgium and Germany near the French boarder more than I ever have back home

[@dominik.peters]

Re prices: chain-wide annual passes like for Cedar Fair / Six Flags / Busch are tremendous value but don't exist in Europe, except for country-specific Merlin ones.

[@MattMcIrvin]

@@CanobieCoaster I've wondered if climate change is helping to fuel the obvious move toward water parks in the US. Failing amusement parks often survive by just turning into water parks. There seems to be huge demand for these and it might just be because it's getting hotter. Of course, water parks are also generally cheaper to build--but on the other hand, they require a higher level of trust of guests than is typical of US theme parks. Southern Europe gets very hot in the summer and that trend is only increasing (on my last visit to Spain, there was a dangerous heat wave that made it difficult to do anything outdoors), so I wonder if a similar trend might happen there sooner or later.

[@whenisdinner2137]

I don't understand what you mean by line-cutting unless you mean Fastpass and stuff like that

[@Silvarret]

I think a lot of this comes down to being a relatively high trust culture (Europe) vs. low trust culture (US), to throw some handy academic language around :)

[@CanobieCoaster]

Entirely fair view.

[@Hal-yc9jd]

Great video! Very interesting.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Thanks!

[@ThrillsofColdplay]

I’m surprised you didn’t mention the quirky theming in European parks

[@CanobieCoaster]

That's true.

[@joecandish3923]

Here is one difference I have noticed the parks in europe generally feel more cared about than the parks in USA

[@CanobieCoaster]

I can see that.

[@kefo025]

As a German, I can't believe running isn't allowed in most US-parks! I mean honestly, that is ridiculous!! How does that even make sense? As if the human body wasn't made for running😂 Great video! Would like to see more of such comparisons

[@CanobieCoaster]

US parks are too afraid people will sue if they fall and get hurt.

[@kefo025]

@@CanobieCoaster yeah and that happens so often😂

[@hokyman]

I laughed really hard when I saw Scream as the example of no theming on coasters in the US. I mean, it's themed if you count leaving the parking lot space paint on the ground underneath the coaster. :D

[@GeeVanderplas]

It retracts from the ride experience big time though! I loved riding Medusa but was totally bored with Scream even though it's a mirror clone. That depressing parking lot look was definitely a detriment to the ride

[@MattMcIrvin]

Well, Disney's Animal Kingdom did have that area that was actually *themed* to some amusements cheaply stood up on a fictitious former parking lot, but it looks like that's going away now.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Scream is the poster child for no theming.

[@Thim22Z7]

Wait you guys have people at the top of logflumes? The what

[@MattMcIrvin]

Yeah, there's usually someone sitting up there just watching and sometimes waving at the guests as the logs go by. It's so they can e-stop the ride if someone stands up, since these are among the very rare rides in US amusement parks (aside from waterpark areas) that have no restraints.

[@Thim22Z7]

@@MattMcIrvin That's so wierd to me as a European 😂 Just someone casually standing there all day in a little shed watching if people who are stupid enough to hurt themselves follow the rules. Perhaps it is also because of a general laxer culture around safety and especially being sued for safety here?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Yes we do.

[@CoasterTopia]

I think there is still a lot to go into depths about tho in this. F.a. about the free drink water, in most Nordic, northwestern European countries its completely fine to drink tap water so, there is always free water available still. This is at least the case in Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, UK, etc.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Interesting, I've had trouble getting it. At least water is more reasonably priced on average than in the US.

[@tomwhiffen7031]

I just got back from a Belgium, Netherlands, Germany trip…we never found water (tap or otherwise) to be free.

[@CoasterTopia]

@@tomwhiffen7031 when you walk into a toilet there are sinks right... do they ask you money to wash your hands?

[@MattMcIrvin]

@@CoasterTopia Pay toilets in public areas are far more common in Europe than in the US, though, I think, less common than they used to be. Maybe not in amusement parks, I wouldn't know.

[@CoasterTopia]

@@MattMcIrvin they wont charge you to go to the toilet in normal amusement parks

[@TheWolfXCIX]

Could you do a video on the most public-transport friendly theme parks? I feel it's something way undervalued and I'm looking to do a car-free European coaster trip next summer!

[@CanobieCoaster]

Most are public transit friendly. I recommend just punching the park in on Google Maps and clicking the public transit option.

[@TheWolfXCIX]

@@CanobieCoaster yeah that's probably what I'll end up doing 👍

[@Nitro99999]

That is so true I do wish they had more Nanocoasters from Europe and Nanocoasters in general throughout United States the company seems to be lacking

[@CanobieCoaster]

I have a Nemesis one at least.

[@haisheauspforte1632]

Newer European rides have imascore soundtracks and they are just sooo good, it adds so much to the theming

[@CanobieCoaster]

I agree.

[@tomwhiffen7031]

I agree with everything you said, but I will add that the smoking in lines and bees in trash can areas at European theme parks is pretty bad. The short hours also makes for difficult planning when trying to get in 2 parks in the same day. The self operated rides were so weird to see! I’m guessing there is much less litigation in Europe as you could walk right into the waterways as there are no fences or railings in most places. I LOVE the theming in Europe and it is probably the number one thing I wish we did better in the US!

[@CanobieCoaster]

Smoking is a con in Europe for me.

[@RichardRenes]

The bees/ wasps can simply be avoided by not going in July/ August. Go in April, May or September and you most likely won't see any bees/ wasps. Since we kind of do not have a gun culture in Europe, we do not get that many bag checks. And in Europe we trust people not to do anything stupid, so that is why there are fewer physical checks on restraints, do we not need people at the top of a log flume to check whether people are still seated and do we not need fences around bodies of water.

[@thomaswijgerse723]

@@RichardRenes I think its also because its really easy to sue companies in the us. If you walk into water in the us and drown, your family can sue the park for e.g. not having a sign or a fence around it. Better safe than sorry for parks so a lot of really (imho) draconian rules, signs, fence, etc.

[@tomwhiffen7031]

A majority of Americans can only get June/July/Aug off as their kids are not in school those months. Unfortunately, stupid people are everywhere…I’ve seen many people in Europe with their phones out taking selfies on some of the biggest coasters. I still think our “sue happy” country is the reason why some of our rules are so stringent.

[@vladimirmosimann3807]

By the way, costs could be a point ! I never went to the US but I looked at the price of parks I want to go first if I come one day like Cedar Point, I was shocked by entry at 70$, in Europe (except Disneyland) I'm pretty sure every park are under 50€ =~50$ (today) + the cost of lockers everytime you want to ride a roller coaster + food and drinks as you can't bring homemade sandwiches... the cost of a day at a theme park is skyrocketing compare to Europe with much less theming, pretty close to roller coasters garage (except univ. Etc.) for us. Cash machine above costumer experience !

[@CanobieCoaster]

Even some smaller parks like Lagoon cost nearly $90!

[@jrax1713]

It’s sad that all these safety features are in place in the US because people simply don’t know how to behave and act like human beings in public

[@CanobieCoaster]

And we're more likely to sue.

[@Cossfrack]

I've taken my backpack on ride, on looping coasters in Europe before!!! The ride ops told me to!

[@CanobieCoaster]

I've seen that too.

[@CoasterCrafter662]

Great and instructive video ! A few observations though : - it's true lines closes a bit earlier than the park itself in Europe, but most of the time it doesn't exceed 30mn earlier, and it's actually frequent to exceed the official park closure when going to a ride just before the closure of its line. At Portaventura the lines of the major closes around 15mn before the park, but the waiting can be up to 1 or 2 hours... so in the end, it's just like in the US in this case ! - there's free water in France 😁 - most of the time, we're not allowed to walk on grassy areas as well.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Interesting about the grass. I guess people just break that rule then.

[@CoasterCrafter662]

@@CanobieCoaster well there IS some places (Tripsdrill for instance) that allows it, but I'd say mostly not :)

[@Lucky_9705]

American parks usually have the annoyingly redundant seat belts. In Europe, these aren’t often included because the restraint is usually enough to secure a rider. But I bet that a lot of the media pressure from American news outlets when they sensationally cover coaster accidents and exaggerate their severity has forced manufacturers to include this usually redundant restraint. And the heavy amount of litigation in the US probably plays a factor here too.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Liability plays a big role here.

[@zacg_]

I've had only minimal experience with European parks but I totally agree about the proximity to housing and public areas. In my experience, European parks are far more likely to be found in city centers and along major streets. They are often near beautiful old buildings, though that's basically true of Europe in general compared to the USA.

[@CanobieCoaster]

The location is a blessing and a curse.

[@StamfordBridge]

Nice list. I think I could write another 20. First one that pops into mind is the prevalence of smoking in European theme parks.

[@CanobieCoaster]

That's another good one!

[@Marty_NZ]

Dirty smokers!

[@StamfordBridge]

@@Marty_NZ Hey, Marty! 🎢

[@jotimmermans8349]

Actually a lot of parks are starting to prohibit it or getting designated areas to smoke out of sight of general public. Like Efteling is starting it this month I think.

[@Thim22Z7]

A lot of parks, especially more family oriented ones are starting to crack down on smoking. For example, Efteling has banned it completely on park grounds fir as far as I know.

[@ThrillsofColdplay]

It would be nice to have self operated rides here in America

[@CanobieCoaster]

Yes

[@maniamuse1319]

The free drinking water one is an interesting divide between the UK and mainland Europe. In the UK it is the law that all venues licenced to sell Alcohol (which will include places like theme parks which serve alcohol) have to provide free tap water on request. Alton Towers even lets you get drinking water for free from the automated hydration stations where you get your soft drink refills. In Europe it is not an EU directive that licensed premises must provide free drinking water. France has actually had a law since 1967 statinng that if you pay for a meal you must be offered drinking water at no extra cost but they tend to just ignore that (every time I have been to France and asked for tap water/l'eau potable I have always been greeted with a look of feigned confusion). They restated it in another law earlier this year (though you still need to order food if you want free drinking water). I also agree the smoking one is annoying, particularly in France and Germany. In my experience things have been getting better in the UK over the last 10 years. People are more considerate about not smoking in queuelines (at least they actually pay attention to the signs) and more people have started vaping instead which smells less offensive. When I went to Europapark the amount of smoke everywhere was horrible. Even though it has lots of wide paths it seemed like everywhere you went you ended up walking behind a group of smokers. And there were quite a few people there completely disregarding the signs and smoking in crowded queuelines.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Thanks for some more background on the water item.

[@bennickss]

I ran around Nemesis lapping it last time, park closed at 16:00 and got my last ride in on the dot

[@CanobieCoaster]

UK is a bit different than mainland Europe on some of these points.

[@ianmortimer5325]

Does the Australia and Canada theme parks experience are similar to USA or European version?

[@CanobieCoaster]

USA and Canada feel similar. Australia is very strict on loose articles, more than the US, which causes slow operations on a lot of rides.

[@joecandish3923]

Which is your favourite continent for coasters and theme parks out of North America, Europe, Asia, Oceania, Africa, South America the only one with no rollercoaster is antartica

[@CanobieCoaster]

I like Europe best for theme parks.

[@elidavidson5503]

Knoebels basically picks and chooses the best rules from Europe and the US it seems. No bag restrictions, no parking costs, sometimes restraints not physically checked. I've seen them let people run as well. Cool video, do flats run faster in Europe or is that just at the fairs?

[@CanobieCoaster]

The fairs are more notorious for crazy flats.

[@upsidedown_]

7:05 this is getting stricter in Europe now, since a view accidents happened this year... GP that didn't close restrains, like that is like the first thing you do when you go on a ride imo but well GP sometimes

[@jrax1713]

I’m willing to bet that at least half of those accidents were caused by tourists/American tourists

[@upsidedown_]

@@jrax1713 probaly lol

[@CanobieCoaster]

I can understand why that may get stricter.

[@keithstransitexperiences9749]

I've seen a video at Djurs Sommerland that shows fewer people in the rain. I'm guessing that there isn't consistency in people willing to deal with rain.

[@CanobieCoaster]

From what I understand when Coaster Crew went there, Denmark was getting hit with a much worse storm than usual. It was so bad that most rides at Farup Sommarland had to close, which is not the norm for Europe.

[@williamsn411]

When filming a pov on a ride in the U.S. parks, do you normally ask the park ahead of time if it’s ok for you to film?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Yes, I always ask the park in advance unless I already know the park allows it.

[@pixelythegamer3260]

One park in particular, pleasure beach in blackpool. If I were to describe it, it would be kennywoods British nephew as well as the UKs answer to Coney Island.

[@CanobieCoaster]

It does feel similar.

[@pixelythegamer3260]

@@CanobieCoaster Yeah. Both have a thing in common that they have a fairly good amount of classic rides, although i have to admit that blackpool used to have atleast more of the classics that are featured in kennywood but they since got rid of them.

[@Paolo8772]

As for #10: Playland in Vancouver has always cut the line early so the last dispatch is at closing time, the only exception for latest dispatch possibly being merely seconds later. They cut the line for coaster at 3:30pm because it closes at 5pm so it could open again at 6pm to charge other people another $45 to ride from 6-11pm, not counting how much less time one could ride at night since they'd probably cut the line 90 minutes before closing at night at about 9:30pm too. It's a racket. I don't know how much that's the exception to the rule in North America especially Canada as Canada Wonderland doesn't do that, even though I've heard whispers of that being considered when the park closes at 8pm and Leviathan is still operating at 10pm due to crowds. That was just a typical 2021 mid week weekday pre labour day weekend at Canada Wonderland. I hope they keep it up but they better pay the employees. But yeah: Playland in Vancouver will literally cut the line for coaster at 3:30pm, due to 90 minute lines to ride an ELITE coaster with a 67' drop, that you must wear seatbelts in order to ride or the coaster's new computer won't let the train dispatch.🤪🤔But that's ok: I do realize you said denoted the theme of this video the the GENERAL differences between European and North American amusement parks. The summary I take from this video looks positive fore me: from where my experience lands me: European Amusement parks look extremely attractive but I need to visit Universal Islands of Adventure and Busch Gardens's Florida 1st. I've never been to Florida but I've already been to the mainland of Europe 3 times and England 5 times, but other than visiting the three best parks in England in Autumn 2019 I only rode coasters in the mainland of Europe once in 1983 in Vienna Prater riding the Jet Star 1. After Florida (which I plan to visit in 2023): Europe: HERE I COME! You've done a good and fair job defending riding coasters in the mainland of Europe, which is wonderful. R.I.P. coaster at Playland b.1958 - d. October 31st 2020. I wish I could talk about the sad state that Coaster at Playland has become in 2022 with someone; anyone. The 1st drop in the back seat is still uncompromised for what that's worth, but the 2nd drop, the post MCBR drop, the reverse camelback and two last northbound camelback hills are RUINED now. Zamperla doing Canada's fastest launch opening in 2024 cannot make up for that. Playland has to do better. I'm lucky North American amusement parks focus more on the rides than theming in general, that's not the only thing for me to consider. I'm looking forward to visiting European Amusement parks in 2024 if I'm lucky enough to have all go as planned. Thanks for posting this informative video!

[@CanobieCoaster]

I don't recall Playland cutting the line off early in my one visit, but that's a shame Coaster isn't as good as before. I know it got seatbelts, but did the tracking change too?

[@Paolo8772]

@@CanobieCoaster I think they made minor improvements by re-tracking, but the operations are more negatively effected than the ride itself. The ride's quality is also affected because the seatbelts lock and don't give extra space once the coaster is cleared for dispatch.

[@charlesdenhaag]

Nice vid :) I think European parks put more efforts into theming because "Disneyland" was long seen as the example of a theme park leading me to the main different I think you have not mentionned but all about the most magical place in a theme park: the toilets! Next to the fact, there is far more privacy in toilets in Europe (in the US the toilet doors are so short and so narrow), I have noticed in European parks that the toilets are more heavily themed than in the US parks. And that is something I called attention to details ;-)

[@CanobieCoaster]

I welcome theming anywhere, even the bathrooms.

[@pizzaipinya2442]

It's actually the other way around! Disney came to Europe to take inspiration for his theme park. Although it is undeniable that European theme parks also got inspiration (some too much, ejem plagiarism ejem) from Disney later, the big theming component was already mostly present before. Now, why is that? I don't really know. It may be though due to the fact that here we already got a lot of those "magical places" (castles, etc) Disney used for theming. So before technology allowed for superthrilling attractions, people who would have to choose between a real (free) magical place and a simple (paid) amusement park not that thrilling would choose the first. And to compete with those places, theming became necessary to succeed. But that's only my own crazy theory and I might be superwrong xd

[@DrPepperone]

Would love to hear the difference between US and Japanese parks

[@chipsinsideajar1372]

US Parks: lots of people everywhere JP Parks: almost nobody outside those big 4 (TDL, USJ, NSL, Fuji-Q)

[@CanobieCoaster]

I may do one for that.

[@bocahdongo7769]

@Maddox2021 - Comedy and More Alternate Catwalk was common because of extra-extra precaution when coaster somehow stuck during earthquake, which not rarely would follow a frikin tsunami. But, it's getting less and less catwalk when European Manufacture start to bloom there. Not only it's painfully unnecessary for some model they offer (such as invert and flying), also the Fujin Raijin II accident involved woman's head getting grated alive by catwalk did influence a lot You can see that legacy on Hakugei, there's no catwalk on 90 degree element, whereas something like Voyage on Holiday World use catwalk on 90 degree.

[@MattMcIrvin]

@@chipsinsideajar1372 Japan's population is rapidly aging (more rapidly than the US, which has gotten an influx of younger people through immigration, though I wonder if that will continue) and it may be just that the demographics that are the key target for amusement parks have contracted badly. The market just can't support as many parks as it used to.

[@Topitopi14]

Very interesting observations. With all the respect, it feels like Europeans are adults while Americans are kids. So many restrictions over there. You can't run because you can hurt yourself? I mean, if you run and hurt yourself it's your problem, you are a ground up 😅 It's funny to see all the Americans reaction to European parks like; omg this is crazy, if I jump this "small" wall I could run into the ride. I mean, don't climb it then! My biggest frustration in the USA is the transport. I work as a flight attendant and it's super annoying beeing in the same city as a theme park and having to spend so much money to get there just because you need a car, that would never happen in Europe. A great example of that is LA, where I go very often. You have Knots berry farm, Disney, Six Flags, Universal...but there is no way you can get to those places whitout a car or spending 3'5h inside a poor transit. I would have visited so many more if the transit was better. Talking about law suits...the same happens in the airline I work for. Before flying to the US sometimes in the preflight meeting they remind us to be very careful as americans tend to suit for even the smaller thing just to get money. The passangers know that and they play that card making a scene to get what they want. You are absolute right about asking for tap water in Europe though, I hate that. Thankfully in Spain most of the parks have drinking fountains, but it is super frustrating when they don't and you have to spend 4€ on a small bottle. Your channel is amazing, definitely one of the best. Great job!

[@CanobieCoaster]

Thanks! That's a very good point on transportation. It's shocking how hard it is to get to most parks here without a car.

[@AG7-MTM]

You should do a mega park comparison for the entire world: north america vs south america vs europe vs asia vs australia (if the latter is applicable)

[@CanobieCoaster]

I may do one comparing Australia and Japan.

[@AG7-MTM]

Where would Canada (my home country) fall into? US, Europe, Asia/Australia, or its own class?

[@NathanHydra]

6:08 you can just go to the bathroom and drink from the taps that you otherwise wash your hands in in Europe lol

[@CanobieCoaster]

Thanks for the tip.

[@coatr5624]

That no-running policy is really the dumbest shit. I did not expect that.

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's so weird seeing running overseas.

[@coatr5624]

@@CanobieCoaster I can belive it, when you are prohibited from running at your home parks

[@thomaswijgerse723]

Litterally the last 3 theme parks i went to we sprinted to get one more coaster ride in the end haha

[@360coasters]

So...which country is better?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Both have their advantages.

[@jordanberndt4157]

Americans design theme parks the same way they design sports cars: it's all about power, speed and strength instead of elegance, comfort and beauty.

[@CanobieCoaster]

That's a fair comparison.

[@joecandish3923]

I would say that europe probably has the best overall theme parks and coasters plus in addition the america parks don't get anywhere near as slammed as the major parks in america

[@CanobieCoaster]

European parks having more operating days probably helps with crowds.

[@JohnSmith-mt3wf]

On a side note, you should have mentioned funfairs.

[@CanobieCoaster]

They're their own separate animal.

[@hazza5999]

@@CanobieCoaster Follow up video??!

[@williamsn411]

The public transportation in Europe is way better than in the U.S.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Yes

[@altronproductions2179]

Maybe next time if you go to Asia more, you can do a follow up video with the differences between Asia and US parks :)

[@CanobieCoaster]

Possibly!

[@dominique484]

At Europa-Park they ask 20 years ago divergent great hotel clubs if they want to build hotels at the side of the park. Only nobody was interested. And know they have interest but now they are not allowed to build there.

[@CanobieCoaster]

That's ironic.

[@ThrillsofColdplay]

People seem smarter in European parks compared to here in America you don’t really here about dumb people and people getting killed or seriously hurt at those parks it’s probably just me

[@Jersey_Airtime]

Also add they don’t sit on the air gates and the operator yells at them each dispatch

[@CanobieCoaster]

They also are less likely to sue.

[@CoasterTopia]

@@CanobieCoaster thats mainly because when someone trips over and gets hurt f.a. its own risk, and they are probably insured or have free healthcare anyway, so like a lawsuit would either get you nowhere or just wont be done

[@qoscarjenkins9527]

I remember back in the g we used to be able to run at ki

[@CanobieCoaster]

Nice!

[@marcustulliuscicero5443]

American parks ban running? wtf

[@ThrillsofColdplay]

Yeah it’s crazy I know well people do act stupid with that kind of stuff here

[@CanobieCoaster]

Yes

[@hazza5999]

Stunned. Guess it's from living in a litigious country like the USA. Amazing.

[@zacg_]

The USA is far more litigious than most of Europe, both in terms of culture as well as our legal system. Most of Europe has laws that limit the ability for a person to file a lawsuit and recoup millions of dollars for something like spilling a hot drink on your lap. So companies in the USA really can't just encourage common sense and let guests deal with their own poor choices. This results in a lot of limitations, warning labels and in many cases waivers. It wasn't always like this. It only really started becoming this way in the 70s and 80s.

[@coasterbrothers8336]

You shoulde see the Kings Island ops during Coaster Stock.😅

[@CanobieCoaster]

I've heard that is a great event.

[@HAPP_POTATO]

I was at Busch gardens Williamsburg this year and everyone was running to pantheon at the beginning of the day including me to get a ride. We got 4th train of the day. So I don’t know if the running rule is in every park but idk?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Most parks stop it.

[@HAPP_POTATO]

But still no park employees came over to the herd of people going to the ride

[@xxbobsetsfirexx4269]

At Cedar Point people book at rope drop...then you get to the train tracks( if you entered by Magnum) and everybody is hunched over gasping for breath.

[@xxbobsetsfirexx4269]

Pretty sure they'll give you a free cup of beer in Europe.

[@xxbobsetsfirexx4269]

Also in the US coasters go over the tree line.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Cedar Point is one of the rare exceptions in the US.

[@pizzaipinya2442]

7:33 we've got a hightech ultrasecret technology called "cameras"

[@CanobieCoaster]

Fair! I think some US parks have cameras, but most do not.

[@Boehser_Cabal]

Please use the Translator: Man muss sagen, dass im Durchschnitt europäische Parks meistens sauberer sind als amerikanische. Wenn ich das Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm oder die Universal Filmstudios in L.A. ansehe, und diese mit dem Europapark, Energylandia oder Tripstrill vergleiche, dann fällt das schon sehr auf. Vom Preis wollen wir gar nicht erst anfangen, da sind die US-Parks schon viel teurer. Die Abfertigung ist in Europa in der Tat meistens deutlich besser... Das Essen ist in Europa deutlich hochwertiger und leckerer...da sind sie denen in Amerika deutlich überlegen. Coastertechnisch gibts in den USA deutlich mehr krassere Bahnen...allerdings muss sich Europa da trotzdem nicht verstecken. Gerade das Energylandia, der Europapark oder das Phantasialand sind super aufgestellt.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I agree European parks tend to be cleaner. And better priced, especially since they have better operations.

[@MattMcIrvin]

I think a lot of parks are going to be moving to the AI-powered security check lines where you can just carry your bags through a tunnel without stopping. I saw this in use at one of the museums in London (the Victoria and Albert? I forget), and a few American parks have already put it in place.

[@CanobieCoaster]

That would be helpful.

[@whenisdinner2137]

It sounds to me like many European Parks can't really expand because of the city around them whereas the United States likes to put parks in the middle of nowhere next to nobody with purchasable land all around them if they want to expand and they basically prop up a tourist town around the park.

[@CanobieCoaster]

While those city parks struggle with land, they get good crowds with the location.

[@vespinonl]

European parks don’t need water fountains since in most countries water can be drank from the tap in the toiletareas. Since Americans are used to chlorine in their water, this won’t be an issue. In countries like the Netherlands, most parts of Belgium, Germany and Scandanavia water tastes the same as bottled water. So just bring an empty bottle and your good.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Good tip, thank you!

[@alexbaker7722]

I found US parks far less accommodating to guests and are mainly just trying to get you to spend more money in the park Whereas European parks give much more freedom and concentrate on the overall experience.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I agree with the Europe parks.

[@zenthous9568]

Basically, europe is more chill

[@CanobieCoaster]

Yes

[@Tomtycoon]

North American park have pop music playing at the park. Usually a woman's voice really overdoing it.

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's nice how a lot of European rides consider themed music part of the experience.

[@benjaminthomarat6572]

Hello ! Is it your voice ?

[@CanobieCoaster]

Yes it is.

[@benjaminthomarat6572]

Ok, because I discovered your channel and know someone with the exact same voice. You are Jason?

[@gindrinkersline3285]

The Thumbnail map of "Europe" is of the EU member states. Europe is larger than the EU. Europe includes Iceland, Norway, the UK, etc...

[@CanobieCoaster]

Ok thanks. I just grabbed a pre-made map off Google. I wanted one that was colored in already and this was the best one I found.

[@michaeltoobased]

R.I.P. Kevin Conroy

[@CanobieCoaster]

Sad to hear.

[@mithramusic5909]

No free water in Europe? That's really bizarre. These parks are most popular on the hottest days. At Great Adventure, we were required to give guests free water because imagine if they get heat stroke or something. Free water isn't even a courtesy as much as a safety necessity

[@CanobieCoaster]

It just isn't the standard over there like it is in the US.

[@mithramusic5909]

@@CanobieCoaster yeah i find that very odd in an industry where everyone is physically active in the hot sun!

[@getoutim07]

@@mithramusic5909 Free water is just not really something we have here

[@mithramusic5909]

@@getoutim07 you can see how weird and dangerous that is though right? With people running around several miles in hundred-degree heat all day

[@getoutim07]

@MithraMusic Most european countries don't deal with that much heat though, so the average day wont give anyone heat stroke

[@skyguyismyguyr12turn]

I guess this video proves to coaster enthusiasts that Europe is the best continent for roller coasters than North America. Oh, and again, Canobie Coaster, if you visited the following Flemish parks, please help me by letting me know the price to get in using a 1-day admission ticket(part time and full time): Walibi Belgium Plopsa Coo Plopsa Indoor Hasselt Mega Speelstad Bobbejaanland Boudewijn Seapark Bellewaerde Plopsaland de Panne

[@CanobieCoaster]

I saw your post. I reply to most comments on my phone. I'm waiting to reply to your other one on the computer so I can dig the prices up in my email.

[@jotimmermans8349]

Walibi is 45€ at the moment Plopsaland de panne also 45€ Bobbejaanland was 35€ this summer depends on the date some variations Plopsa indoor is 25€ I think Bellewaerde is 36€ Boudewijn seapark 21,50€ Plopsa coo 28,50€

[@skyguyismyguyr12turn]

@@jotimmermans8349 Thank you!

[@chrisogrady28]

4:50 wait wait wait, so in the US a park can choose to close early and send their employees home with less pay than they should have got for that day? Even though they can't have had anything planned to make use of that new free time as they were meant to be working? That is absolutely distopian and you guys need to kick off about it more.

[@CanobieCoaster]

That is what parks around here do since employees are hourly.

[@0z3r0]

And i thought the US is known for it's freedom and yet ....

[@CanobieCoaster]

Not in all areas.

[@mrquavers]

in america rides are alot bigger

[@CanobieCoaster]

On average, yes.

[@MrDinando]

Man america has some weird rules, no running? And you have to pay for lockers that are mandatory like thats so weird

[@CanobieCoaster]

Yeah...

[@Coyotek4]

I've always equated the U.S. with better coasters and Europe with better flat rides, though this is mostly speculation on my part. One thing I'll say: you won't find a "Tagada" flat ride in the U.S. anymore. That I was able to ride one at Morey's Pier back in the 80s still astounds me.

[@CanobieCoaster]

The US is much likely to have rides where guests need to exercise caution like a tagada. We're too likely to sue.

[@Lamby1010]

The weather

[@CanobieCoaster]

That can vary state to state and country to country.

[@coastersandbrews]

Difference #21. CHEAPER BEER IN EUROPE

[@CanobieCoaster]

Name checks out.

[@davefroman4700]

The reason you see older people working in theme parks in Europe is because they are actually well paid full time positions with full benefits and pensions. Where as in the US is minimum wage part time screw you if you think you are getting a day off mentality. In some places in Europe it is illegal for an employer to even contact you while you are not at work.

[@CanobieCoaster]

That definitely helps with staying open and retaining employees.

[@mitchel4361]

Cedar point is the only park that you can run at in the us..

[@CanobieCoaster]

One of them.

[@BritGamingchanel]

The thumbnail doesn’t show the uk lmao. The uk is still a part of Europe, just not the E.U

[@CanobieCoaster]

I suspect this was an older stock photo I found.

[@dytamic]

You forgot: Most European parks speak Europish and most American parks speak Americanish.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Lol

[@coasters4life388]

european parks are generally nicer places to visit which is why id say europe is better for theme parks

[@CanobieCoaster]

They care more about atmosphere.

[@MrLuc237]

The reason EU doesn't have metal detectors is very obvious.

[@CanobieCoaster]

A few parks have them in the city areas, but most do not.

[@aresee8208]

In Europe, I noticed a lot of running to be the first at places, which more often is a crush of people, rather than an orderly line. As an American, I hated that. I'd rather be last than have to run and crush myself into a mass to get to something. It was so unpleasant.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I like the challenge trying to beat people to a ride when I get the opportunity.

[@karlk8285]

When you travel, do you issues with people not speaking English? I recently went to Phantasialand and could only get row 6 on FLY because the ops didn’t understand english. I want to go to Belgium for RTH and Kondaa but don’t know if I will be ok with the language barrier.

[@jotimmermans8349]

Most Belgians do speak or understand English apart from Dutch and/or French. We all need to learn it at school. So most of the time you won’t have any problems at the Belgian parks language wise. It is more of a problem when you only speak French and you go to the dutch part of Belgium or visa versa for Belgium themselves. Most of the employees in Plopsaland wil be dutch native speaking an most of the employees in Walibi wil be French native speaking but English wil be their second or third language.

[@karlk8285]

@@jotimmermans8349 Yeah I speak a little bit of French but not fluently so glad they speak some English.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Most people in Europe speak at least some English unless you're in a really remote area tourists typically don't visit.

[@karlk8285]

@@CanobieCoaster How was it like in Japan?

[@MrPromethium0157]

Europe seems way better

[@CanobieCoaster]

There are pros of each.

[@Topitopi14]

Parks in Europe are waaaaay cheaper

[@CanobieCoaster]

That's true.

[@me-myself-i787]

Dorney Park is about the same as Thorpe Park, and those two parks are comparable in quality. Also, Europa Park is about the same as Kings Island. The only real exceptions are Disney and Universal, which are unusually expensive, and EnergyLandia, which is unusually cheap.

[@jeffreykregel3821]

Number 4 is not needed overseas partially to the existence of the 2nd amendment in the US.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I just want parks to do what is needed to keep people safe.

[@getoutim07]

Alton towers and Thorpe Park both use them, I think Merlin made it compulsory for parks

[@mikeveenhuis9160]

Metal detectors and bag checks? For what? Are people taking their AR-15's with them for their fun family day out?

[@CanobieCoaster]

They became more common in the US after 9/11.

[@Lamby1010]

I took a rocket launcher to Thorpe park I walked straight in ! 🎢

[@mitchellries256]

Another difference between American and European parks is that the theming in Europe can go too far sometimes. For example there are rides like the log ride at Tripsdrill feature naked people as animatronics, there's a tea cup ride at Efteling with boiling pots as the tea cups making it technically themed to cannibalism and some rides like Burg Falkenstein and the queue line for Sky Scream both at Holiday Park feature special effects that are so dark that they'd never be allowed in America. But in all fairness I think that's because people in Europe seem to be more mature and responsible with these types of effects which also might explain why the ride operators are more trusty with riders running and not tampering with restraints because they're smart enough to know not to do anything dangerous to themselves and others.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I agree Europe pushes the boundaries on themes more.