Volgera

just a quick heads up; the Pagode is actually open again so people can start making air-view photos of the building progress (which is really cool!)

oh hell no, I don't like the word "disney-like" to compare that castle with the style they have in Disney. Disney has a completely different style in comparison to the Efteling. the Efteling is very nature-based and works with a lot more nature colors than Disney does. Especially with that huge-ass pink castle of theirs lol (talking about disney paris to clear up any confusion btw, been there last year. it was beautiful, but very different from the Efteling)

and that's why I love Efteling so much: Amazing nature environment filled with attraction rides!

haha yeah it does look really off now you mention it but all the goofing about "the coaster itself isn't themed" is kinda annoying me, as it's really freaking difficult to create coaster tracks in that specific style. It'd need years of testing and designing to even be able to make a track that could be used for a coaster. It feels as if you take it for granted that there's this amazing theme to a coaster, and then start nagging about the fact that the ride itself lacks theme... kinda silly if you ask me Especially since the rides of the Efteling take approximately 4-5 years of actual development until they're built.

*insert extreme excitement here* I just really can't wait to see this finished! I am so going to be there when this ride opens

By the way, they're rebuilding the entire Game Gallery near 'de Oost'. They've started tearing down the old place, and the new Game Gallery should open april 2015. (sorry for poor image quality, only had a phone available yesterday).

I somewhat understand why you're saying that, but on the other hand I find it really nice of the Efteling not to have that many street artists running around. It gives a more quiet and peaceful feel to the entire park, which is in my opinion a core element of the Efteling; strolling through a beatiful forest-like environment and enjoying all the rides the park has to offer.

That definitely yes. However, I don't think (and hope) that they will break down the Python anytime soon. Rumors of the carts being gone is complete rubbish as I've seen them both this past weekend. On top of that, they're currently making a new coaster already, and have made 2 other 'big' attractions in the past 3 years (which means they've spent a LOT of money). So breaking down a ride that currently functions perfectly fine would be a stupid idea if they don't plan on building anything new anytime soon (which is most likelly the case since there's been a lot of new attractions in the last few years).

Not to burst your bubble, but that's not entirely true. They weren't able to go through with Python plus, because they didn't have the funds needed for it. Instead, they gave approval for the building plans of Villa Volta. It was in 1997 that they came with the plans of the Vogel Rok, which was then built in 1998. In some way they made Vogel Rok because they couldn't do Python plus, yes, but Villa Volta is the immediate result of not being able to go through with Python plus. (sources come from eftepedia, there's an article about the Python plus project there)

this new aquanura show is put together quite nicely... but I just don't think it fits the Efteling at all. I would've prefered if they had made an orchestrated version and mixed the different efteling tunes, that would've fit the efteling better than this techno stuff. I'm glad they will only perform this at exclusive events or special days.

by the way, for people who are looking to go to the efteling and are wondering what attractions would be closed; here is a very useful site (dutch though) to see what rides are closed or not in the upcoming months. ADMIN EDIT: Link removed. Please refer to our Terms of Service as you are not yet eligible to post links on these forums without prior approval from a moderator. You must have at least 100 posts on the forum in order to be able to post a link to an external site.

I just now noticed that the name of the efteling was supposed to be on the main entrance building. The original concept sketch features the name on the building with exactly the same font. It's very interesting to see that after such a long time they finally decided to add it to the main building. It makes me wonder whether they will one day change the 'inside' of the main building as well to stay true to the concept sketch... considering the inside of the building is a huge mess now, in my opinion at least. all those queue lines and inconsistendly placed booths... it looks weird. The concept sketch features one bigger building underneath the middle pillar, which looks quite nice I think. the concept sketch for the main entrance

Do keep in mind that if it has been freezing the chances are high that Joris en de Draak, the Python and the Bobsleigh aren't open, so you'll have to take a look at what kind of weather it is at the time. Other than that, yes. It's definitely worth to go, even though there are a few closed rides. The entire atmosphere is just amazing, especially with those large firepits and the winter illusions. It's also definitely worth to go into the python if it's dark already, the vast amounts of lights make everything look amazing!

Also a sidenote: They're probably performing maintenance at the now closed Vliegende Hollander. (I only noticed it after leaving Joris en de Draak and it was dark at that point, so sorry for the dark picture) the empty Vliegende Hollander lake