Efteling Announces Its Largest, Most Expensive Dark Ride

January 14, 2016, 9:52 AM · Dutch theme park Efteling has announced plans to build its largest and most expensive dark ride to date, Symbolica: Palace of Fantasy.

Symbolica will be the park's fourth family dark ride, following Droomvlucht, Fata Morgana, and Carnaval Festival. With an estimated cost of €35 million (US$38 million), Symbolica will be built in the center of the park as part of Efteling's 65th anniversary celebration.

According to the park's press release, visitors will enter the Palace of Fantasy and encounter their host, Pardoes the magic Jester. From there, visitors will board six-person ride vehicles for their journey. But here's the twist — visitors will collectively choose one of three different routes within the palace, each offering unique adventures and interactive elements.

Symbolica: Palace of Fantasy
Concept art courtesy Efteling

The attractions's facade reminds one of Hong Kong Disneyland's Mystic Manor, while the option to "choose your adventure" from three options will remind older fans of Walt Disney World's beloved, long-removed Horizons ride.

"Every ride will guarantee wonder and amazement and excite the imagination in a new and different way," Efteling President and CEO Fons Jurgens said in a statement released by the park.

Symbolica: Palace of Fantasy is scheduled to open in summer 2017.

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Replies (7)

January 14, 2016 at 9:57 AM · So much to see in 2017. A theme park fanatic's dream and a wallet's nightmare.
January 14, 2016 at 10:38 AM · That castle looks way better then the disney version. Looks like a nice upgrade for that dutch themepark, can't wait to see toe first onrides.
January 14, 2016 at 12:58 PM · This is going to be amazing. Knowing Efteling, they will probably use quite a few animatronics as well as some screens. So excited.
January 14, 2016 at 1:44 PM · Can't wait to extend our yearpass. Always a joy to walk through the park in summer. Maybe they also revive Pandadroom with a new 3D-film.
January 14, 2016 at 6:02 PM · I've been reading about Efteling on this website's review page, and it's got me really interested. Think I might wanna put it on my bucket list. Any interesting or useful facts , tips or tidbits from longtime fans? (And please don't be afraid to show off)
January 15, 2016 at 2:27 PM · The 65 year old park started off as a playground and a fairytail forrest. Later a restaurant and old fassion steam carousel was added. Over the years the park grew and grew adding more and more unique attractions.
The austetic and original designer was Dutch artist Anton Piek. Although he passed away all rides have that same romantic, drabby old worldy Dutch feel.
January 20, 2016 at 4:47 PM · If you'd like to get an impression of the Efteling, here's a nice video about the park in a day in Tiltshift : https://youtu.be/pNafai5HB1E

And the best tip when visiting the Efteling, try and stay in the Efteling hotel for at least one night or at Efteling's 'Bosrijk' (Forrest Kingdom) , it takes at least two days to see it all, especially in the busier holiday season.

Especially during the summertime Saturday nights are special, the park stays open late and there is lots of extra entertainment.

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