“Hey guys, let me introduce myself. My name is Rick Kieboom and I am one of the Attractions and Theme Parks Management Alumni. On 2 May 2016 a ‘theme park dream came true’, because of the opening of The Molencafé in Europa. This brand new food & beverage location is based on the plans which we (Luc Denie, Geert van Heugten, Tess Jansen, Ronald Neijenhuis, Max Reims and Rick Kieboom) developed in the 4th year minor.
The six ATPM students: Max Reims, Luc Denie, Tess Jansen, Ronald Neijenhuis, Geert van Heugten and Rick Kieboom (from left to right)
Sunday May 1st we departed at Breda central station and started our trip to the Black Forest region of Germany. Later that day we arrived at hotel Bell Rock, checked in and got the chance to visit the park for a few hours. Around 6 o’clock we walked to the Spanish themed hotel in which we got a buffet dinner. The commissioner of the project, Henk Groenen, invited different journalists and their families to enjoy the Europa-Park resort and to attend the official opening event of Molencafé. After dinner, the whole group enjoyed a drink at the bar of Bell Rock and speculated about what would happen next morning.
After we enjoyed breakfast on Monday morning (May 2nd) , we walked towards the Dutch themed area. As a project team we started doing some interviews for NHTV Insight. After this, more guests were entering the area and some journalists were asking some questions to the project group members. After that, the official moment started by Mr. Groenen introducing the guests, our NHTV team and park owner Thomas Mack. He said, that he was very proud of the cooperation between NHTV and Europa-Park and that he appreciated the end result extremely. Then Mr. Mack started his speech by highlighting our plans and he was complimenting about how extremely detailed the plan was. After this, he asked the group to step behind the red ribbon. Together with Mr. Groenen, Mr. Mack and NHTV-lecturer Mr. Hoven we opened the Molencafé officially. Everyone felt great and enjoyed that special moment. After this, Mr. Mack handed out some presents to us. Furthermore, they showed the original plan of the Molencafé which we handed over to Europa-Park more than a year ago. The journalists got the chance to ask some questions, have a look at the plans and to make some pictures. During these festivities, all guests got the chance to taste the ‘poffertjes’ in the authentic Dutch setting. Together with all press, we watched the newest 4D movie ‘Happy Family’ and after this the official moment was over.
[vimeo 166358330 w=640 h=360]
Opening Molencafé at Europa-Park Germany from LeisureAcademy on Vimeo.
By observing the location and visitor flow, we saw huge crowds, people are waiting to taste the ‘poffertjes’ all day, which means the new location is quite popular already. We appreciate the support of Europa-Park and are very grateful that our plan is realized in this amazing way! The Molencafé and the Dutch themed area will always stay in our minds. Thanks a lot guys and I wish you all the best. Good luck with your own Attractions and Theme parks Management adventures!
Rick”
Want to know more about Attractions & Theme Parks Management? Follow us on Facebook Twitter and Instagram and we’ll keep you updated!