RIDE ON
New free-fall attraction to open at ‘Disney alternative’ theme park in Europe next year
Here's what Sun Travel thought when we went inside Efteling
A NEW free-fall ride is opening next summer at a theme park which parents say is a great alternative to Disneyland.
The ride is part of Efteling's huge expansion, which includes a new hotel and princess-themed attraction.
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Efteling confirmed the new ride will open next summer with construction set to begin in the next few months.
Little else is known about the ride, although it will be next to their current dive coaster Baron 1898.
Koen Sanders, Director of Product, Marketing & Imagery said: “This new family attraction seamlessly complements the area around Baron 1898.
"It is deliberately smaller in scale and as a result, adds to the capacity and attraction offer for a wider audience.
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"Matching our area vision, the atmosphere and theme is similar to Baron 1898 to fully immerse our guests in the story of the Baron and the Wailing Women.”
Baron 1898 is the park's current dive coaster which plunges riders down a 37.5 metre free fall into the mine shaft.
It has a speed of 55mph and is considered one of the scariest rides at the park.
Efteling first opened in 1952, the park is set over 180 acres. The attractions reflect elements from ancient myths and legends, fairy tales, fables, and folklore.
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Efteling is one of the oldest theme parks in Europe, and has been considered a Disney equivalent by visitors.
The theme park is home to the world's largest swinging ship, a monorail, and an 100-year-old steam carousel.
New dark ride launches at dutch fairytale theme park
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One Tripadvisor review said: "If you are travelling to the Netherlands, we highly encourage visiting Efteling. I prefer it now to Disney because of the variety it offers."
Another described it as a "European twist" on Disney.
A third review read: "This place is absolutely magical! The child stories from the Dutch and European culture was so fun and enlightening. I was amazed the entire time. Highly recommend anyone to go who has the chance to visit The Netherlands."
This year also marks the opening of The Efteling Grand Hotel which be the first to open inside the walls of Efteling, in Kaatsheuvel.
The hotel that's across seven-floor property has promised to offer luxury whilst sticking to the fairy tale theme of the park.
As well as 140 rooms, there will be a spa, swimming pool, high-end shops and two restaurants.
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Also opening this year is the "royal gazebo" found between the Troll King and Mother Holle's well which commemorate a popular fairy tale.
It's based around The Princess and the Pea, which will be the 31st story to be featured in the Fairytale Forest.
Anyone over the age of four will need a day ticket for Efteling which costs between €38 (£32.65) to €53 (£45.54)
Kids under three go free, with discounts for school trips and larger groups.
For Brits getting to the park, one of the easiest ways it to hop on the Eurostar at London St Pancras, and then drive an hour from Amsterdam.
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Otherwise flights to Eindhoven are around £26 with Ryanair, with the park around 30 minutes by car.
As for the UK, here's everything we know about Europe's first Universal theme park.
We Went Inside Holland’s Fairytale Theme Park Efteling
THE fairytale forest was truly magical – with all my childhood favourites in an enchanting woodland setting. I spotted Hansel and Gretel’s tempting sweetie house, Tom Thumb and Little Red Riding Hood.
But they would have to wait.
My three teens and tweens were heading straight for Baron 1898, a terrifying ride at Efteling, Holland’s most spectacular theme park. An easy three-hour drive from Calais, its attractions nestle in beautiful lakes and woodland with spotless winding paths.
It is the most stunning theme park I have seen, with fantastic attention to detail transporting visitors into the magical Efteling world. But as soon as we arrived, my girls were determined to try each adrenalin-fuelled ride and rollercoaster.
Thrill-seekers will not be disappointed.
Baron 1898 is the park’s most popular, with a high drop then fast swoosh that scared the daylights out of us all . . . all three times we rode it. My favourite was the rickety, bumpy ride on an old-fashioned wooden roller-coaster.
Another that made me giggle — and captured Efteling’s spirit — was the split-personality Water-Coaster, where a rapid climb, plunge, loop-the-loop and splash-down were followed by drifting slowly and serenely across the lake to disembark.
It is surreal fun and effectively two rides in one. What’s not to love?
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