Efteling Amusement
Park
If you know me at all, you know I love roller coasters. Having
been on some record breakers in the United States, there is absolutely no
coaster I won’t try. This past weekend I had the chance to try out Holland’s
most famous theme park. The park is called Efteling and it was quite the
experience.
Efteling Park Entrance
The Opportunity
About a month ago, the international students got an invite
to sign up for a trip to Efteling. They were taking about 180 students via
charter bus to the theme park about an hour away for the day. The entire trip
(including the entrance fee and the ride there and back) only cost 35 euros so
I secured my spot the day I was able. I did a little research and knew the park
had roller coasters but its advertisement was mostly centered around other
aspects of the park. Because of this, I assumed the rides weren’t going to be
impressive and I would just enjoy my day wandering around the little kid
exhibits and trying out the Dutch foods.
I spend the entire day with a friend of mine Leticia. I got
really lucky because she was just as excited as me to ride any and all rides as
well as seeing all of the fairytales as well.
Leticia and I before riding Baron 1898
Typically Dutch
If I could say one thing about this park it would be that it
is so Dutch! It’s main theme is a sort of Dutch fairytale land and they went
all out. Everything from the food stands and restaurants to the buildings where
you wait in line for the rides (called a queue over here in Europe) was straight
out of a historical fairytale. The buildings had thatched roofs and rounded architecture
just like any kid’s dream.
One of the places in the park I found while doing research
was their highly rated Pancake Restaurant. Because I love pancakes, I made sure
I made time for that. The restaurant was adorable and the pancakes were so
yummy. Mine had bananas inside with chocolate on top and we sat eating as we
watched all of the moving cartoon foods throughout the entire room. It was a
perfectly whimsical experience!
Polles Keuken (Pancake Restaurant)
Sprookjesbos
(Fairytale Forest)
The part of the park that Efteling is most famous for is the
fairytale forest. Equipped with scenes from 28 fairytales, it was impressive.
There were some I knew like Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Hansel and Gretel and
Rumpelstiltskin but there were also others that I had never heard of like The
Little Match Girl, Guinevere’s Bridal Gown, Mother Holle and Wee Walter
Messenger. Each scene had anywhere from a few characters to an entire town of
buildings, perfect for all ages to enjoy. My favorite was Cinderella’s house
since her's has always been my favorite fairytale.
Cinderella's Home, Spookjesbos
Gnome Village, Sprookjesbos
The Big Guns
Moving away from the Princesses and pleasant stories, I turn to the tales of knights and dragons, completely dark rides and Ghost Haunted Mines. The
roller coasters did not disappoint with atleast 4-5 coasters that even I would
consider a thrill. There was an old loopy one called the Python and an indoor
one that was completely pitch black called Vogel Rok. My two favorites
were Joris en de Draak (Joris and the Dragon) and the brand new Baron
1898 (the dive coaster). Joris en de Draak is a wooden twin racer coaster with one
side using fire and the other using water to slay the dragon. I liked this one
because it was fast and long but was really smooth compared to most wooden
coasters I have been on in the past. Baron 1898 you are a mine worker,
diving down into the mine to search for gold. The white women, which are ghosts, are keeping you from getting the gold which makes it all the more creepy. The
ride starts off putting you at the top of the highest peak, making you sit
there for a few seconds and then dropping you face-first straight down into a
dark, steamy abyss. Although the ride was extremely short, I would say riding
it once was worth the hour and a half wait.
Baron 1898
Wrapping up a day
well spent
Overall my experience of Efteling was a very special one. It
would be really cool to one day bring my kids back there, although I doubt I
will ever get the chance. I had nothing but really positive experiences and I
loved the differences I saw between Efteling and amusement parks in the United
States. A memory (like so many more I have had so far here in Europe) that I
will never forget!
What to look for
next:
This upcoming weekend I will be traveling to the beautiful
Belgium! I know I will have so much to share soon about my trip. Thanks for
reading!
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