Die ''Europa-Park'' Macher

Europa-Park is throwing a grand celebration for its 50th anniversary: ​​midnight opening, fireworks, and a gala with 900 guests. For the Mack family, this is a very special event in the company's long history. For the very first time, a camera crew is attending a management meeting. Show director Mathias Reichle presents the gala program: Up to 100 performers will be on stage, with prominent guests such as former German President Christian Wulff in attendance. Monika Lang sets the tables with millimeter precision, while Roland Mack oversees every detail. During the dress rehearsal for tightrope walker Viviana, the lighting isn't quite right - a night shift ensues.

A premiere at Europa-Park: For the first time, an entire train on the new "Voltron" roller coaster is being removed from the track for a safety check. Andreas Gauerhof, team leader in the mechanical department, is responsible for this. For months, every part is inspected, every screw checked. After reassembling, there's a shock: The train doesn't start during the test ride. There are also thrills in the saloon in Silver Lake City. Western artist Florian Lica has been performing in the park since 2010 with lassos, whips, and axe throws. By day, he and his wife Sandra photograph wedding couples – even on roller coasters. Perfection is his goal, but in the packed saloon, an axe goes wild during one performance. Kathrin and Andreas Haußmann have their son Maximilian baptized in the park's Norwegian Stave Church. It's a special ceremony, while the roller coasters rattle outside.

The stands are to be freshly painted for the SWR show "Immer wieder sonntags" (Every Sunday) with Andy Borg. However, painters Daniel Klausmann and Dirk Schöpflin have to overcome a few obstacles first. Event manager Ludovic Zimmermann is organizing tents, refrigerators, and catering for the hit show. Hundreds of guests and VIPs will be there. He hopes the open-air event will go ahead without rain. It will also be strenuous for Florian Frey, who is responsible for the roller coasters at Europa-Park. Today, he and industrial climber Julien Thillou are inspecting thousands of screws on the wooden roller coaster "Wodan" – 40 meters above the ground. Amidst all the hustle and bustle, the park also has spiritual moments: The church at Europa-Park is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a special service, which will also be attended by an archbishop and the regional bishop. For the operators of Europa-Park, the Mack family, it has always been clear: pleasure and faith belong together.

Europa-Park is getting a new resort: "Silver Lake City," a detailed western town. A project by Ann-Kathrin Mack. The bar is equipped with original props that head of decor, Stephan Hercher, has collected over many years. The showpiece in the saloon is supposed to be the giant bison head, but shortly before the opening, it's gone – the search begins. Ann-Christin Gerach is an employee at Europa-Park. She and her partner Timo have always dreamed of a wedding in the middle of the park. From the photo shoot between the roller coasters to the emotional wedding vows in the stave church, everything is exactly as they dreamed. The diminutive bubble artist Hammou Bensalah has been entertaining park guests with his shows since 2013. Children especially love him. Eight-year-old Sophia's greatest dream is to one day stand in one of Hammou's giant bubbles. Now he's making her dream come true.