Inspired by fairy tales and founded upon the work of artist Anton Pieck, The Netherlands' Efteling charms visitors with a variety of dark rides, thrill rides, and walk-through attractions in a delightful garden setting.
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Planning documents suggest that a new major coaster is in the works for the park, but there's been no official announcement yet.
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Other notable attractions include the park's historic Stoomcarrousel [steam carousel], Stoomtrein [steam train], the Pagode Thai-themed observation tower, Pirana rapids ride, Carnaval Festival dark ride, Spookslot walk-through haunted house, and Nest, an inclusive play area near the Python roller coaster.
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Other shows include Fabula, a 4D animated movie from Aardman, and Raveleijn, a medieval pageant/stunt show.
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Efteling is located in Kaatsheuvel, The Netherlands - about 75 minutes south of Amsterdam. Take the train to 's-Hertogenbosch (Den Bosch) then transfer to one of the buses to the park: 300, 301, 136, or 800.
Plan two days to visit Efteling, given the large physical size and number of attractions in the park. The Fairytale Forest itself can take much of an afternoon, if you spend time to look at all the detail. No attractions here offer terribly long waits, though we would suggest heading straight to Symbolica on the morning of your first day. Weather can be an issue when visiting Efteling, so try to time your ride on De Vliegende Hollander for the warmest, sunniest moment, as you will get wet on its final drop. Wrap one of your days with the nighttime spectacular Aquanura and consider buying a ticket for a performance of CARO - a musical inspired by Efteling's historic carousel - in the adjacent Efteling Theatre on the other night.