 Family fun

5 fabulous automobile utopias

For some, the enjoyment of cars has no boundaries, and those wanting to submerge themselves in everything that roars and races can visit a number of special car worlds, countries and cities. How about a Mercedes or Ferrari World for example. And what about a ‘city’ full of Bugattis or one dedicated to everything Volkswagen? One thing is certain: the fanatic car lover - young or old - will find themselves in car heaven.

Some cars are so legendary that even being able to touch them can make someone the happiest person on earth. But what if you are actually given the chance to drive one? Or maybe sit in a Ferrari on a dizzying roller coaster, which is (of course) the fastest in the world? Welcome to the world of car museums and amusement parks, where it is not only about admiring but also, above all, the direct experience. 5 roaring tips.

 The world’s fastest roller coaster

Top 2 destinations

>Abu Dhabi
>Stuttgart

Ferrari World

Since 2010, Abu Dhabi has an entire amusement park dedicated to Ferrari and this should make many a car fan’s heart beat just that little bit faster. It will not be surprising that the world’s fastest roller coaster is in Ferrari World: Formula Rossa. The 86,000 square metre terrain has shows and attractions for both the young and old, and in addition to the restaurants there is of course an Italian coffee bar. Too far to travel? Don’t worry, the PortAventura Park near Barcelona will be opening a Ferrari World in 2016.

 Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi

 The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 special edition

Volkswagen‘s Car City

After a guided tour around the enormous Volkswagen factory, visitors to Autostadt in Wolfsburg can admire the design and the content of no less than 8 pavilions dedicated to the Volkswagen brand. That includes Audi, SEAT, Škoda, Lamborghini and Porsche. You will find a spectacular car in the Premium Clubhouse: a reflective Bugatti Veyron 16.4.

Bugatti City

Nowhere else in the world will you find so many Bugattis than at the Cité de l’Automobile, France‘s national car museum. It has the largest and most extensive collection in the world. The museum houses more than 520 cars, including Maseratis, Mercedes and pre-war Grand Prix racing cars. Until 27 December 2015, visitors will have the chance to drive in a genuine classic car - as a passenger or a driver.

 The Schlumpf Collection

 Radiator Springs Racers

Disney‘s Cars Land

Cars Land is part of one of the latest expansions at Disneyland in California. The Radiator Springs Racers attraction is an exciting car race taking place through the scenery of the Disney-Pixar film Cars, and this has been extremely popular since its opening in 2012. If Cars Land does not contain the best attractions in the world as some claim, it is in any case one of the most expensive elements: the total cost of Cars Land came to roughly 180 million euros.

 The Mercedes C111

Mercedes World

The sleek design of the Mercedes-Benz Welt building is in itself worth a visit to the German city of Stuttgart. Visitors are led through the past 125 years of Mercedes history in 2 hours. But there is more: this year, 2015, will be dedicated to the Mercedes C111, the experimental automotive which caused a sensation in the ‘60s and ‘70s. This exhibition about this never produced but legendary model lasts until 15 November 2015.