Efteling, the fairytale theme park in the Netherlands, has opened its new Danse Macabre dark ride just in time for Halloween.
Situated in the same location as the park’s former Spookslot haunted house, Efteling’s new eerie attraction is welcoming its first riders today (31 October).
Described as a ghostly spectacle featuring dark twists, Danse Macabre is set to the symphonic poem of the same name by French composer Camille Saint-Saëns.
It features a unique ride system by Intamin, a creator of record-breaking amusement rides.
Guests are seated on one of six choir stalls on top of six small turntables. These are placed atop a larger, 18-metre-wide turntable, which spins like a dropped coin.
Koen Sanders, director of product, market and image at Efteling, said: “Danse Macabre is unique in the industry. Nowhere else in the world can this ride system be experienced.
“Combined with the haunted show experience, visitors will be frightened the Efteling way like never before with a focus on the story of the entire themed area.
“Some 500 colleagues have worked hard for months to build this exceptional attraction, and I am extremely proud of the final result.”
Efteling’s new spooky area
As above, Danse Macabre is located in a new themed area called the Huyverwoud forest. This is home to retail and dining, including a spooky F&B location where guests can buy “blood juice”.
Jeroen Verheij, head designer, said: “It is the first time at Efteling that we are realising a completely new themed area in one go, adding hospitality and retail in addition to a major attraction.
“The entire themed area has been designed with great respect for and inspired by the iconic building of the Spookslot haunted house. I am proud that my drawings were brought to life so beautifully by all the skilled people involved.
“Efteling visitors – those who dare of course – will be completely immersed in a spooky world at Danse Macabre.”
Images courtesy of Efteling
