New free-fall attraction to open at ‘Disney alternative’ theme park in Europe next year
EFTELING is welcoming a new free-fall attraction.
A thrilling ride is set to open next summer at the theme park in the Netherlands that has been dubbed the ‘European Disney‘.
Efteling announced a new ride will open next summer with construction set to begin in the next few months.
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.
“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 55 mph 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.
Efteling is one of the oldest theme parks in Europe, and has been considered a Disney equivalent by visitors.
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.”
The theme park is home to the world’s largest swinging ship, a monorail, and an 100-year-old steam carousel.
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.
Otherwise flights to Eindhoven are around £26 with Ryanair, with the park around 30 minutes by car.
Plus, a first look at the new Efteling Grand Hotel.
And everything we know about Europe’s first Universal theme park coming to the UK.
Another New Attraction Opens This Spring
The upcoming attraction will see a new “royal gazebo” found between the Troll King and Mother Holle’s well.
The Princess and the Pea will be the 31st fairytale to be featured in the Fairytale Forest.
Works will start this autumn, with plans to open by spring 2025.
Head designer and manager of the Design & Experience department, Sander de Bruijn, said: “The impressive hotel forms a perfect backdrop for the gazebo, which is actually a royal annex of the Efteling Grand Hotel.
“With the same style elements and design, that connection is immediately made, and the link with overnight stays becomes extra applicable.”
Earlier this year, a new fairytale suite opened at the theme park’s hotel.
Sleeping up to five people, the Droomvlucht Suite has a “secret” sleeping are as well as a huge four poster bed.
The new fairytale suite is the first new themed suite in eight years, with stays from £111pp which includes two-day passes for the park.
Other themed rooms include Cinderella and Hansel and Gretel, while the standard rooms start from just £65pp.