Efteling prepares for 65th Anniversary  

Fairytale inspired Efteling set for a spectacular 2017,  

with 65th anniversary, brand new ride and themed accommodation 

Efteling, the traditional fairytale theme park in Holland packed full of nostalgic fairytale attractions, breathtaking shows and enchanting rides, is preparing for an exciting 2017. Next summer will see the launch of it's largest ride ever, with an investment of €35 million, as well as brand new themed accommodation - all happening during the park's 65th anniversary.  

Efteling has had a fantastic 2016, winning Best Family Theme Park in the Family Traveller Awards, beating some impressive competitors such as Disneyland Paris and Universal Orlando. 

On 31st May 2017, Efteling will celebrate its incredible 65th anniversary. Having entertained millions of  visitors from all over the world for the past 60 years, Efteling is thrilled to share the celebration with everyone. And, to celebrate, Efteling is launching two wonderful new additions to the park during the year.   

Inspired by classic stories from Hans Christian Andersen, Brothers Grimm and Charles Perrault, Efteling's own team of creative designers bring tales such as Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Pinocchio to life. Some attractions even date back to 1952 when the park first opened. And now families all over the UK are starting to visit Efteling, venturing along winding cobbled paths in the mesmerising Fairytale Forest to visit its many wonderful inhabitants and to hear their stories.  

Thrill seekers can enjoy a mix of breathtaking rollercoasters. From the infamous dive coaster, Baron 1898, to the double track wooden Joris en de Draak, there are plenty of rides to keep you on the edge of your seat. For something a little calmer, Droomvlucht, the indoor spectacle taking you to a world of fairies and trolls, is a must see for all visitors young and old. You'll be taken through an enchanting world and a beautiful forest where unicorns and forest animals come to life right in front of you.  

The open air theatre show, Raveleijn, will leave you speechless. It features stunt riders, ravens and a fire breathing dragon. Complete your visit by watching the spectacular water show, Aquanura, which is the largest in Europe and one of only two that uses coloured lights and fire as part of the display.  

Right down to the smiles created when you feed rubbish to the hungry gargoyle bins, to the musical kitchen in the pancake house, Polles Keuken, and the beautifully traditional carousels, visitors will be mesmerised by Efteling's quirky charm and heart warming atmosphere. 

In the summer of 2017,  Efteling will open its brand new indoor dark ride, Symbolica: Palace of Fantasy, which is its largest ride to date. A family friendly attraction, the ride will take guests on an adventure through the magical, hidden rooms of a royal Palace, offering visitors a unique experience in which fantasy comes to life. 

In addition to the fairytale themed rooms in the Efteling Hotel, and Holiday Village Efteling Bosrijk, the enchanting lakeside village made up of picture perfect wooden houses, Efteling is set to open its brand new accommodation in July 2017. Holiday Village Efteling Loonsche Land is positioned within walking distance of the park and features a 3* hotel with 75 rooms, as well as 65 stunning holiday houses. You'll find rooms among the trees connected by bridges, dune and heathland houses - all with their own quirky charm - some are even partly underground. The area is surrounded by nature, with dense forests, heather fields, sheep pastures and playgrounds for the children. You can also enjoy local seasonal produce from Efteling's very own garden! Visitors can dine in Restaurant De Proeftuyn, or any of the restaurants in the park, which you can enjoy even after the park has closed. Bookings are open now for 2017.  

On top of the fantastic new accommodation and enchanting new ride, Efteling is delighted to be celebrating making its one millionth pancake in Polles Keuken in January. Pancakes are a traditional Dutch treat, and Efteling serves an enormous variety, including both delicious sweet and savoury. 

During the months of July and August, Efteling celebrates the summer, staying open until midnight on the Saturdays of these months. All the attractions stay open when it's dark and the Fairytale Forest is enchantingly lit. In the run up to the longest day of the year, the Efteling Midsummer Festival will bring live shows, DJs and entertainment to the park. Cosy up in terraces and devour delicious snacks and drinks. Special tickets for Efteling Midsummer Festival will be available nearer the time in 2017. 

Winter Efteling, which will begin 14th November this year until 31st January 2017, is also a treat not to be missed. The park is transformed into a complete wonderland, with thousands of twinkling lights, toasty bonfires, festive Dutch snacks, traditional food stalls, music and stories told by the Fire Prince and Snow Princess. You can even try your hand at cross country skiing, ice skating or sliding down a real snow slide. 

Efteling is a world of wonders of more, where dreams really do come true.  

About Efteling 

Since the opening in 1952, more than 120 million visitors have experienced an unforgettable day at Efteling, in the South of Holland. Over the years, Efteling has grown to become one of Europe's biggest theme parks, with a unique fairytale atmosphere, natural surroundings and a wide range of thrilling and enchanting attractions. It is now ranked in the top 25 theme parks in the world, according to the Tea Theme Index 2015. Efteling is open all year round, and makes an ideal family short-break destination with the Efteling Hotel and the holiday Park Efteling Bosrijk just a stone's throw away. Through a programme of phased growth over the coming years, Efteling aims to become an international destination with five million visitors per year by 2020.

For further information please visit: efteling.com/en 

Note to editors (not for publication):  

For press trips, further information and/or image material please contact Efteling's UK PR office / Lily Morris 01491 822644 / lily@seriouslypr.co.uk or Catherine Warrilow 01491 822645 / catherine@seriouslypr.co.uk