Arthur is a steel inverted powered coaster at Europa-Park in Rust, Germany, opened in July 2014 as the centerpiece of the immersive “Arthur – In the Minimoys Kingdom” area. Manufactured by Mack Rides, it shrinks riders down to insect scale, sending suspended, spinning cars through a themed world beneath a large dome, all inspired by Luc Besson’s Arthur and the Minimoys book and film series.
Rather than relying on gravity-driven drops, Arthur uses powered motors to guide trains through slow, spinning passages filled with animatronics, water effects, wind, and scent cues. At the time of its debut, it was notable as one of the first inverted coasters built by a manufacturer other than Bolliger & Mabillard, Intamin, or Vekoma, making it a technical milestone as much as a family-friendly attraction.
Stats at a Glance
- Park: Europa-Park, Rust, Germany
- Manufacturer: Mack Rides
- Opened: July 2014
- Height: About 13.5 m (44 ft)
- Top speed: About 31 km/h (19 mph)
- Length: About 505 m (1,657 ft)
- Inversions: 0
The Ride Experience
Riders board suspended, spinning cars that glide through the darkened Minimoys Kingdom at a gentle pace compared to typical inverted coasters. The powered trains weave past oversized props, animatronic creatures, and sensory effects like mist and scent, giving the ride the feel of a dark ride blended with a coaster’s suspended-seating thrill.
Each train carries riders in cars that can spin independently, adding an unpredictable twist to an otherwise family-paced journey. With no inversions and a moderate top speed, Arthur is built for immersion and storytelling rather than adrenaline, making it approachable for guests who might skip Europa-Park’s larger steel coasters.
A Themed Land Built Around One Ride
Arthur anchors an entire themed area at Europa-Park designed to make visitors feel ant-sized, with the ride’s dome-covered setting immersing guests in a miniature world. The attraction’s engineering was also notable: it was among the first inverted coasters from a company besides the industry’s three dominant manufacturers, showcasing Mack Rides’ push into new coaster categories.
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Arthur FAQs
What kind of roller coaster is Arthur at Europa-Park?
Arthur is a steel inverted powered coaster with spinning cars, built by Mack Rides and themed around the Arthur and the Minimoys film and book series.
When did Arthur open at Europa-Park?
Arthur opened in July 2014 as part of the Arthur – In the Minimoys Kingdom themed area.
Does Arthur have any inversions or big drops?
No. Arthur has zero inversions and uses powered motors instead of gravity, focusing on immersive theming and spinning cars rather than drops or airtime.
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Photo: Fritz Spitzkohl / CC BY-SA 3.0 de, via Wikimedia Commons.