Efteling, the fairytale theme park in the Netherlands, has shared a construction update for the Raveleijn themed area and its new Ravenring attraction, created with Vekoma, the Dutch roller coaster specialist.
Opening on 1 December, the project includes the renovated Raveleijn area, the new Raveleijn: Battle for the City stunt show, and the new Ravenring attraction.
The Ravenring ride is taking shape at Efteling, including the attraction's theming, which features detailed carved wooden wings, ornamental raven heads and a large golden raven medallion at the top of the structure.
The new ride is the debut installation of Vekoma's WaveCatcher attraction and will feature 18-winged gondolas mounted on a horizontally rotating wheel, with riders soaring through the air in the raven-inspired vehicles.
It has capacity for 36 guests with a minimum height requirement of one metre.
Vekoma's new interactive feature, Swingfluencer, allows riders to tilt themselves using an onboard control level. Through a combination of timing and rhythm, riders can personalise their sensation of flight.
The ride features a raven medallion in its centre and incorporates banners and the five magical elements (water, fire, wood, earth and metal) of Ravelejin into the design. Guests discover which of the five elements matches them at the end of the ride.
Interactive ride system
Combining the theming and storytelling of Ravelejin with the new interactive ride system from Vekoma led to a close collaboration between Efteling and the roller coaster specialist.
“WaveCatcher combines innovation, interaction and family fun in an entirely new way,” said Stefan Holtman, executive sales director at Vekoma. “By giving riders the ability to influence their own experience, we have created an accessible attraction with exceptional replay value and a genuine sensation of flight.
"We are proud to introduce the world’s first WaveCatcher together with Efteling, where Ravenring will bring this exciting new concept to life for guests.”
Concept art for the Ravenring attraction by Vekoma at EftelingEfteling
Koen Sanders, director of product, marketing and image at Efteling, said: "Vekoma has been a familiar Dutch ride supplier to Efteling for many years.
"When renewing the Raveleijn themed area, we wanted to extend its story with a distinctive new element that would offer guests another way to experience its world."
Raveleijn project takes shape
"We partnered with Vekoma because we both believe that close collaboration creates the best opportunities for development and innovation," he added.
"This intensive collaboration has resulted in a wonderful new attraction that reflects our needs and ambitions for the renewed Raveleijn themed area."
Efteling has invested a total of €20 million in the new Raveleijn themed area – €10m in the show, €5m in the area's renovation, and €5m in the new Ravenring attraction.
The Raveleijn area also includes a revamped F&B outlet called De Verslaeghen Draek Inn, and a new shop named In den Ravenkorf.
Vekoma and PortAventura recently launched mixed reality studio WeRiseUp to scale the technology designed and proven in recent years at PortAventura Park.
