News
Awards, news and upcoming events
As part of Europa-Park’s 50th anniversary, MACK Magic is releasing a very special birthday present in co-production with Warner Bros. Film Productions Germany: GRAND PRIX OF EUROPE, the first big 90-minute cinema adventure with our popular mascot stars Ed & Edda. New in cinemas everywhere from summer 2025.
The animated film GRAND PRIX OF EUROPE sends Ed & Edda on a fast-paced and heart-warming adventure that will delight cinema audiences worldwide in 2025 with charming characters, a captivating story, action and humour. GRAND PRIX OF EUROPE is produced by Michael Mack, Managing Partner of the Europa-Park Resort and founder of the entertainment company MACK Magic, in co-production with Warner Bros. Film Productions Germany.
The groundbreaking Voltron Nevera powered by Rimac has been honored with the prestigious THEA Award for Attraction, marking a significant milestone for our company and recognizing our commitment to emotion, innovation, and boundless creativity.
At MACK One, under the leadership of Michael Mack, we strive to go beyond traditional attractions by crafting immersive storytelling worlds that captivate guests of all ages. Our mission is to merge cutting-edge technology with compelling narratives, delivering experiences that evoke excitement and wonder.
A Visionary Project: Voltron Nevera
More than just a roller coaster, Voltron Nevera is the result of an ambitious vision brought to life by Michael Mack and his team of Emotioneers. This attraction embodies:
- A captivating story world, bringing to life the legacy of Nikola Tesla and his groundbreaking inventions.
- Meticulously planned integration of technology and storytelling, ensuring a seamless and immersive experience.
- A transmedia approach, extending the narrative beyond the physical attraction.
The Strength of ONE: A Collective Achievement
This achievement would not have been possible without the unified efforts of our ONE team, which embodies collaboration, team spirit, and the collective expertise of our company. We take pride in working alongside world-class creatives, engineers, architects, master planners, and technology experts, developing projects ranging from children’s books to state-of-the-art attractions capable of thrilling 1,600 guests per hour.
Recognizing Excellence in the Industry
We extend our congratulations to all THEA Award recipients, who were honored during the official ceremony in Los Angeles. Among them is the Spaceship Park by Chimelong, featuring the Bermuda Storm flying theater experience, for which we had the privilege of producing exclusive content.
This recognition reinforces our commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation and entertainment, creating experiences that inspire and excite audiences worldwide.
Michael Mack honoured with prestigious accolade! On 28. January 2025, the founder and CEO of MACK One and Managing Partner of Europa-Park was honoured with the highest French distinction for non-French citizens: President Emmanuel Macron named him a ‘Chevalier de la Légion D’Honneur’. Michael Mack, who has been the French Honorary Consul for the administrative districts of Freiburg and Tübingen since 2018, is particularly committed to youth, tradition, digitalisation and the future. With the founding of MACK One France in Plobsheim in the French region of Alsace, Michael Mack has once again made it clear how close his ties to France are, whether humanitarian, cultural, economic, entrepreneurial or political. Numerous events have been created on his initiative, further deepening the close ties.
At MACK One, we are constantly pushing boundaries. In 2025, we will bring our first feature film to French cinemas, further strengthening our creative footprint. Meanwhile, we take great pride in preserving the heritage of Château Ollwiller, the second-oldest winery in France, honoring its rich tradition. And of course Mack Rides GmbH & Co KG, who implement exciting projects in French theme parks year for year.
Particularly extraordinary is the fact that Michael Mack’s father Roland, founder of Europa-Park, was also honoured by Emmanuel Macron during the same event. Roland and Michael Mack share the honour of bearing the title ‘Légion D’Honneur’ with personalities such as Marlene Dietrich, Tomi Ungerer and Dr. Hubert Burda. Michael and Roland Mack are so far the only father-son pair in the history of the ‘Légion D’Honneur’.
Brigitte Klinkert, a former minister and current member of the French National Assembly, emphasises: ‘Our shared commitment to Franco-German relations has united us for many decades, and I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude for your contribution to Franco-German friendship.’
Listen to the speeches of the president Emmanuel Macron on Veejoy:
For three extraordinary days, the AUREA Award transformed Europa-Park into a global hub for immersive entertainment. For the seventh time, Michael Mack had gathered the global elite of VR, XR and AR experts at Europa-Park to celebrate excellence in their fields. The topic of this year’s AUREA: ‘Creative Convergence: Where human genius and technology meet’. Ten outstanding projects pitched to the high-calibre jury chaired by Kathleen Cohen, showing how bold ideas and cutting-edge technology are shaping the future of entertainment.
Congratulations to all winners:
- Immersion: Aquascope
- Innovation: Kōkua
- Interaction: Scatrix Pri
- Impact: Virtual World Museum
- Creative: Nocturnal Fugue
Inspiring keynotes inspired the audience: Nona Hendryx performed an electrifying mix of AI, virtual reality and Afrofuturism. Patrik Schumacher provided insights into Metrotopia, a virtual communication hub that redefines digital collaboration. Attendees were able to listen in on Michael Mack’s live podcast interview with Alvin Wang Graylin, author of ‘Our Next Reality,’ about the transformative power of XR technologies. In addition, groundbreakingprojects were shown that will shape tomorrow’s entertainment. AUREA was once again a true hub of the VR, XR and AR world.
A Match made in attraction-heaven! Our parent company Mack Rides had a visit from the fastest electric car in the world: the Rimac Nevera, a technical world sensation, pulled up in Waldkirch. Mack Rides and Rimac are two companies with great similarities: An enthusiasm for innovative technology, speed records and passionate leadership by visionary CEOs, Mate Rimac and Michael Mack. This magical partnership has produced the best new rollercoaster of 2024 (Golden Ticket Award 2024 and TEA Thea Award 2024) with Voltron Nevera powered by RImac, making theme park history in the process.
Attention A great honour for MACK One founder and CEO Michael Mack! At the IAAPA Expo in Orlando at the end of November 2024, it was announced that he was one of Blooloop’s 10 most inspirational influencers, who are listed on Blooloop’s ‘The Power 10’ list. Blooloop is the world’s most read professional media outlet for the attractions industry. Michael Mack, who is also Managing Partner of Europa-Park, is being honoured for his creative innovations. As part of his innovative efforts, in 2025, the 50th anniversary of Europa-Park, a new racing game will be launched in co-operation with the game developer Tivola. Further, in a co-production between Mack Magic, the company founded by Michael Mack, and Warner Bros. Film Productions, the first 90-minute animated feature film by MACK One, ‘Grand Prix of Europe’, will be released worldwide in summer 2025. Blooloop says: “Michael Mack has overseen the ambitious growth of the park during his tenure, implementing new technologies to enhance the guest experience. The Mack family lives, sleeps and breathes attractions. Thanks to Michael Mack, their efforts are more relevant and far-reaching than ever. As a member of the board of Mack Rides, he also founded Mack Animation. These companies have been responsible for the creation of IPs used both inside and outside Europa-Park”.
Attention Madame Freudenreich fans: in 2025, the popular Alsatian grandmother, known from the internationally successful picture book series by MACK Magic and the cult attraction in the French themed area of Europa-Park, will be coming to your home, exclusively on German TV!
DINO MATES takes the audience into the world of 10-year-old Sophie and her older brother Leo, who are spending an exciting holiday in Alsace with their adventurous grandmother Clara. Their summer takes an unexpected turn when they discover real dinosaur eggs in the legendary ‘Dragon Cave’. Suddenly they are in the middle of a breathtaking mission full of excitement and fun that bonds them inseparably with their new dinosaur friends.
This captivating series celebrates the power of imagination, teamwork and the courage to explore the unknown. Each episode takes young viewers into a fantastical world and conveys fundamental social values, such as solidarity, joint problem-solving and mutual support.
The TV series is a unique co-production between MACK Magic, the Hamburg-based label Edel Kids and the content provider KiKA from Erfurt. DINO MATES is produced by Michael Mack, producer, publisher and CEO MACK One.
Two beauties in one picture: our fantastic, sustainably built office building for MACK One France in Plobsheim and the world’s fastest electric car – the Rimac Nevera. What a magnificent car! It moves as smoothly as a panther, and its soft curves almost invite you to stroke it. Hidden under its bonnet is an engine that catapults it to 100 km/h in just 1.8 seconds, with a top speed of 350 km/h. However, it has been clocked at 412 km/h on test tracks.
The fact that MACK One and Rimac are a perfect match is also reflected in our great partnership, which we are very proud of. Together, we opened the multi-launch coaster ‘Voltron Nevera powered by Rimac’ in the 2024 season and were immediately rewarded with the award for the best new rollercoaster in the world! MACK One founder and CEO Michael Mack and Mate Rimac are both dynamic, creative and visionary entrepreneurs. They have spoken about the challenges that Rimac has faced on its way to becoming the world’s best electric car designer in an exciting podcast. The symbiosis between MACK One and the Rimac Nevera is clear at first glance.
At this year’s awards ceremony of the trade magazine “Amusement Today” on September 7 in Pittsburgh, USA, the multi-launch coaster “Voltron Nevera powered by Rimac” was honored with the “Golden Ticket Award” as “Best New Roller Coaster”. MACK One as the inventor and initiator of the ‘Voltron Nevera’ is more than happy about this prestigious award. Michael Mack, founder and CEO of MACK One: “This valuable award is also an incentive for us to continue working with all our strength and passion on the future of thrills and thus provide visitors with unforgettable experiences. As the person responsible for MACK Rides, I am delighted with all the employees who built the fantastic ‘Voltron Nevera’.” Michael Mack took to the stage in Pittsburgh to the sounds of the song “Electrified”, produced by 2112 STUDIOS. The song, which was first featured in the highly acclaimed “Voltron Nevera” construction documentary on www.veejoy.de, is now much more than just a musical tribute. The lyrics “The Best Rollercoaster in the World” seem almost prophetic!
At the same awards ceremony, Europa-Park received the “Golden Ticket Award” as the best theme park in the world for the ninth time, ahead of major parks such as Walt Disney World or Universal Studios. As Managing Partner of Europa-Park, Michael Mack also accepted this award: “We – the entire Mack family – would like to thank all our employees, who tirelessly give their best and thus contribute to the fact that we can now hold this valuable award in our hands for the ninth time.”
The jury presented the “Turnstile Award” (Publisher’s Pick) for the reconstruction of the Austrian themed area with the “Alpenexpress Enzian” and “Tyrolean Wild Water Ride”, which was completed within one year.
We are thrilled! MACK One has been awarded the German Brand Award in Gold as an Excellent Brand in the Media and Entertainment sector. The jury states: “The former in-house agency of the park has, under the leadership of CEO Michael Mack, grown into an internationally operating developer and provider of fascinating attractions that serve theme parks worldwide. It is no surprise that the brand’s commitment to cutting-edge high-tech, thrill, and contemporary set designs is also reflected in its futuristic appearance, once again proving the progressive spirit that emanates from this brand.”
The Mack name stands for constant innovation. With MACK One, Michael Mack continues this tradition and combines technical innovation with new media and forms of storytelling. During the keynote on 12. July, presenter Steven Gätjen talks to the Managing Partner of Europa-Park and Founder & CEO of MACK One about his vision of how to create great emotions as an ’emotioneer’ with the technology of tomorrow and about the next important step in the company’s history, which is coming up in 2025.
The livestream is available in German, French and English.
Be there up close in 4D as the inventor Nikola Tesla makes a groundbreaking discovery: experience with all your senses how he transforms people into cosmic energy and transports it from one place to another as a lightning bolt. However, the scientist, born in present-day Croatia, encounters great resistance with his visionary device – does he still manage to usher in the electric age with the support of the legendary Adventure Club of Europe? From autumn 2023, MACK Magic presents Voltron 4D, an exciting 12-minute film adventure exclusively in Magic Cinema 4D.
Watch the trailer on VEEJOY!
On September 12th 2023, the Adventure Club of Europe celebrated the world premiere of Voltron 4D by MACK Magic! In presence of the Mack family and the actors of the film, Nikola Tesla conquered the big screen for the very first time. Discover the immersive storytelling of Voltron Nevera powered by Rimac from September 30th 2023 at Magic Cinema 4D at Europa-Park
On August 10th 2023 we finally announced the name and partner of the new coaster at Europa-Park: Voltron Nevera powered by Rimac! This amazing partnership between Europa-Park and Rimac highlights the joint vision of both companies: innovation, acceleration and perfection, led by the two innovators and driving forces Michael Mack and Mate Rimac.
MACK One is proud to be part of this project where we showcase our passion for storytelling, masterplanning and innovation. We can’t wait to present this amazing and unique new coaster-experience with its exciting storytelling around the inventor Nikola Tesla and the Adventure Club of Europe to Europa-Park’s visitors next year.
Travelling to other planets, cool hoverboards, constant monitoring by artificial intelligence – what will our future be like? Find out now and join Michael Mack, managing director of the “best theme park worldwide” on this exciting time travel adventure. Leading experts, courageous entrepreneurs, professors and future-shaping inventors from various areas of expertise are now exclusively revealing everything you’ve always wanted to know about the world of tomorrow!
True to the company motto “the wide world is our field”, the Mack group of companies has always been strongly future-oriented and innovative. In this podcast, Michael Mack continues this outlook and warmly invites you to listen in to his conversations with leading minds of the future.
Just in time for the weekend, you can listen to a new exciting episode every fortnight from 26.05.2023 – available on VEEJOY and most podcasts platforms! Produced by MACK One and recorded at Studio78 in Europa-Park.
The tough agent Amber Blake is the brainchild of Belgian super model Jade Lagardère and is currently mostly known among comic fans. With the new YULLBE PRO experience, you can now experience Amber Blake up close. The plot of Operation Dragonfly is based on the third book of the comic series and is set in front of the imposing skyline of Singapore. In the fight against a mysterious villain, Amber Blake needs your support… and the mission will soon develop into a sheer thriller for your nerves.
In order to create an even more immersive experience, the YULLBE PRO equipment has been extended with additional features especially for Amber Blake: Operation Dragonfly.
The Yomis cordially invite you to the Enchanted Forest Cinema at Europa-Park! Experience an exciting film adventure with your whole family and immerse yourself completely in the magical world of Fina and the Yomis thanks to numerous interactive elements and state-of-the-art cinema technology. Will the Yomis manage to defeat the dragon with the power of their magic stones and free their friends? 2023 at Europa-Park!
Watch the trailer on VEEJOY!
The 360° film adventure Nikola Tesla’s Beautiful Croatia takes you on a breathtaking journey through gorgeous sceneries of Croatia, home country of the inventor Nikola Tesla. Your tour of discovery starts in the middle of his laboratory: the revolutionary invention of the scientist enables a completely new way of travelling, with which you can explore the most beautiful places in Croatia in a way never seen before.
Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of Nikola Tesla and experience Croatia like never before. 2023 at Europa-Park!
21/10/22 The global phenomenon, The Phantom of the Opera, as you’ve never seen it before: the world’s first VR musical experience, exclusively at YULLBE GO! Immerse yourself in a virtual opera, in which the opera singer Christine is captured by The Phantom. Against the backdrop of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s powerful and timeless score, weave your way through incredible illusions and hidden portals to the Phantom’s secret lair deep beneath the Paris Opera House!
This new VR experience is the result of a unique collaboration with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s team at the Really Useful Group in the UK. For the first time ever, virtual reality and the musical stage are combined. Are you ready for this once-in-a-lifetime adventure?
Exclusively at YULLBE GO! More information: www.yullbe.com
23/09/22 On September 23rd 2022, Europa-Park Resort and MackNeXT opened a new YULLBE GO location at Quartier Q 6 Q 7 in Mannheim, Germany! Discover our variety of different VR adventures and immerse yourself in exciting virtual worlds.
In addition to that, MackNeXT is proud to reveal five new locations for YULLBE GO, four of them outside of Germany! From now on, you can visit our free roaming VR-Experience at Rotax MAX Dome in Austria, at Alton Towers Resort in the United Kingdom, the largest theme park in the UK, and on board of AIDAcosma, which visits ports in the mediterranean sea and orient this year.
New YULLBE GO locations at The Land of Legends in Turkey and at Tegernsee Phantastisch in Germany, an indoor attraction by the Bachmair Group, have been added recently.
01/07/22 The newest and fifth book of the ACE Scouts novel series by author THiLO is finally available! This time, the scouts have to uncover the magical secret of the empress Josefina, meet the Yomis and save an ancient dragon. „Die Fliegenden Schule der Abenteurer – Das Herz des Drachen“ is available in your local bookstore and online at http://bit.ly/ACE_Band5.
16/05/22 The third book of our Rulantica novel series published by Coppenrath Verlag is finally available! Join the lovely main characters Finja, Mats and Snorri on their biggest adventure yet! You can find the novel at your local bookstore or online at http://bit.ly/RulanticaRoman3.
04/05/22 We´re really proud to announce that YULLBE Go just won the Trickstar Business Award 2022 at the 29th Stuttgart Festival of Animated Film (ITFS)! The prize distinguishes companies and projects in the field of animation that have an innovative and groundbreaking business model.
17/11/21 We won the IAAPA Brass Ring Award for “Best New Product” for YULLBE. We are so proud! With YULLBE we created a new way of storytelling! With the Brass Ring Awards IAAPA is awarding the innovation and unwavering spirit of the leisure industry. Named for the rings given to carousel riders at the very first amusement parks, the IAAPA Brass Ring Award is a symbol of achievement
Mack Animation presents its latest 4D film production, Kaka and Kiki’s Magical Circus Adventure, created for Chimelong Group in China. This is the company’s 5th 4D film production, as it continues its global expansion in the field of attraction media.
The film features two of Chimelong’s much-loved mascots, Kaka and Kiki, who venture into a magical circus world that has been taken over by evil spirits. Here, they meet a new character the Cirus Genie, and together they work to banish the evil spirits, overcoming a range of challenges and doing some daredevil stunts along the way.
The Wünschmann family returns!
Following the success of “Happy Family” in 2017, the sequel “Happy Family 2” is now being released in cinemas across Germany. It is already the second international film produced by Mack Animation.
The Germany-wide release of “Happy Family 2” is on November 04, 2021.
245 years of history, tradition and innovation. Thank you Amusement Today for the publishers pick renaissance award for PIRATES IN BATAVIA! The Mack One team which put a lot of work, heart and soul into this project is very proud of this award.
Only one year after Michael Mack founded Mack One we are now voted as ”innovator of the year 2020” by the renowned trade magazine ”Die Deutsche Wirtschaft”.
Mack One and Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg entered into a strategic partnership. During a panel talk in Germany’s largest theme park, Michael Mack and Prof. Thomas Schadt (director of FABW) officially announced the partnership. We are really looking forward to creating a new level of entertainment.
