Getting to Efteling from the UK
Efteling is located in the Netherlands and can easily be reached from the UK by public transport. We took the train there and would recommend it as a great way to get Efteling from the UK quickly and easily. Check out our step by step guide of Travelling to Efteling from the UK to get to this amazing theme park.
Review of Efteling
We’ve been to other theme parks in Europe before and have always found they put a lot of effort into their theming – you really do get swept up in everything going on around you, the scenery, the sounds and being on an adventure. We absolutely love theme parks and Efteling was unlike any other we’ve visited, it was a truly magical day out where we lost ourselves in the excitement, mystery and atmosphere.
Efteling Theme Park of Fairytales
The key to Efteling is the story telling, and they do it so well. Based around ‘The Keeper of Fairytales’ the park plays out a collection of fairytales by the Brothers Grimm, Hans Christian Andersen and Charles Perrault. Taking you on an adventure exploring the dark and the funny side of these stories with a selection of themed worlds, rides and entertainment. As the stories weren’t originally designed for kids and came from a much darker time in a world full of myths these are explored in a way that makes them appealing to all ages.
The story telling and excitement begins as soon as you arrive with the main queue area and one of the more cheeky characters, Parodes with his giant magic ball, (like a magic wand but cooler!) welcoming you and trying out his new spells. Entry into the park is quick and easy with e-tickets and if you are lucky enough to be able to visit regularly season tickets are available. The park is open all year round and most attractions will be available unless they are undergoing some major renovation, check first for closures to be sure.
Shows at Efteling
Once in Efteling you can spend the whole day in the park without going on any rides and still have a great time, every world is themed perfectly with immersive landscapes and scenery that put you in the centre of the story. We’d definitely recommend that you plan your day and check what the show times are to fit them into your busy ride schedule. Raveleijn the main show features your classic fairytale princess in distress and city that needs saving from a wicked dragon! A team of five fearless knights come to the rescue on horseback, with great stunt choreography and Hollywood style effects this show is a must see and you genuinely will be blown away.
Efteling Rides & Attractions
Usually the main reason you go to a Theme Park is for the rides and attractions, Efteling has some of the best roller coasters and dark rides in Europe. We first saw Baron 1898 on a YouTube video and since then it has been Simons dream to ride the dive coaster and experience the story of the haunted mine. Everything at Efteling is thought about in so much detail, the queue line and pre ride area really absorbed us into the world of these miners that were about to plummet into this dark mine shaft.
Water Coaster & Rollercoaster
Another top ride that is a must for all visitors is the water coaster, yes that’s right, a coaster that goes into water. De Vliegende Hollander is like Pirates of the Caribbean but 1000 times better. Beginning inside, you board your boats ready to set sail looking for treasure under the guidance of Captain Willem van der Decken, greedy to find more treasure than he ever needed. However bad weather soon sets in and your trip starts to become a fight for survival in the seven seas. The ride transforms into a roller coaster and a water ride at the same time using a state of the art ride system and once again the story telling really brings everything together perfectly.
Every ride and attraction at Efteling is an experience in its own right and we were lucky enough to squeeze in visiting all of them apart for a few that were closed for maintenance. Even the rides aimed at the younger audience really are worth a visit, you’ll come out of every attraction asking questions like; how did they do that, why did that happen and can we go again?! Queue times during the winter are either zero or a couple of minutes, we expect in high season they could be a lot longer so visiting off season is definitely recommended if you want to get round the whole park in one day.
Efetling Theme Park Facilities
Food and restaurants are well looked after at Efteling and you have a slightly more traditional Dutch selection of food available instead of your standard fast food which makes a nice change. They even have food lockers which kept us highly amused, choose your number and open the slot to get your snacks! The park is pretty big so be ready for a lot of walking but you will never be far from a toilet or selection of snacks and treats to keep your energy levels up.
Aquanura Watershow
To finish your visit to Efteling head back toward the main entrance and find a good position by the main lake, Aquanura gives the perfect end to a perfect day. It’s a water show like no others that brings water, light and special effects all together with a magical soundtrack. Aquanura left us with that tingly sensation of this is something very special that I’m going to be replaying it in my head for a very long time.
