This is EFTELING! (like Disneyland, but darker)

Efteling, also known as "Dutch Disneyland" is an amusement park based on old European fairytales! (think Brother's Grimm meets Disney!)
We've been to most of the Disney parks (10/12! - California, Florida, Paris, & Tokyo) so we're going to be giving some very honest opinions & comparisons on Efteling vs Disneyland!
We had some audio issues while getting to Tilburg and navigating transit. So here is how to get to Efteling by public transit! (Or at least how we did it!)
-We stayed in a nearby town called Tilburg and caught the 300 bus line at the main bus/train station. The bus terminal is just out of the central station - you wont miss it! Just get off at the Efteling stop and follow the crowd! :)
We're Brandi & Alan, full-time travelers and creators since 2018. We post fun vlogs and informative guides to both document our travels and help you on your own journey.
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CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
0:27 Park Entry & Symbolica
2:05 Diorama & Vogel Rok
3:45 The Flying Dutchman
4:48 FOOD & Pirana
6:01 Max & Moritz
7:33 Fata Morgana (Pirates, but in the Middle East!)
9:12 Spookslot (kinda like the Haunted Mansion? lol)
11:09 Carnival Festival (might as well be Small World)
12:40 Villa Volta (OUR FAVORITE RIDE)
15:00 Drumvlucht
16:34 Sprookjebos (the FAIRYTALE FOREST!)
19:13 Baron 1898 & Joris en de Draak
21:21 The trash cans deserve a shoutout lol
21:48 Efteling vs Disney (our comparison)
24:02 Thanks for watching! Subscribe for more adventures! :D

[@albertlay8927]

Efteling is not the Dutch Disneyland. Disneyland is the American Efteling. Walt Disney got the idea and inspiration for Disneyland from the Efteling. He has visited the Efteling in the 50's to take a look.

[@IfWeGoTo]

We read that afterwards and added a little annotation in the Carnival Festival part (sorry we didn't read prior! lol)!! So cool that Disney drew inspiration from it! :) I only wish Efteling had Disney's budget. I would love to see what they could do!

[@helenooft9664]

@@IfWeGoTo Well you will see it soon by Disney, because they offered a job to two Dutch designers from the Efteling, for Disney and they accept.

[@IfWeGoTo]

Ahh amazing! So excited to see what they come up with!

[@helenooft9664]

@@IfWeGoTo I only know that it are the designers from symbolica.

[@helenooft9664]

@@IfWeGoTo Well they designed the darkride symbolica

[@joepke423]

Fun fact: the Efteling is actually a foundation! It is not focussed at all on making money, whereas Disney is. For example, the Villa Pardoes that is coupled to the efteling (near Joris en de Draak) is a vacation house for disabled kids. They can go there for free and get the care they need, while they can also enjoy a holiday with their parents. This is why from al theme parks I visited, I enjoy Efteling the most because the money I spend there doesn't end up in the pockets of stakeholders.

[@IfWeGoTo]

Oh had no idea! That’s so cool. Disney is definitely there to empty your wallet. Lol. Makes us like and appreciate efteling even more!!!

[@DarkNeogen]

That's not entirely true: it is governed and overseen by the foundation with the same name. It is for sure a company and they for sure make profits. However most is going back to the park, or everything that belongs to it like the resorts etc. The company (B.V., Dutch legal form) can do a a lot they want, but the foundation gets a say in maintaining identity and strategy. They have are not on the stock exchange and are not owned by a bigger themepark company fortunately.

[@Deferrybouman]

Thats right villa pardoes is for the Warriors!❤️

[@roytomeij3574]

@@DarkNeogen The foundation is the sole shareholder, so all profits are reinvested or go to the foundation. That also means the foundation's directors have the final say, as they have 100% of voting rights within the limited liability company that exploits the park (the BV).

[@Aswinishere]

SHOTS FIRED 😂

[@LenardoFightz]

to be honest, this is WAYYYYY better than Disneyland

[@IfWeGoTo]

It was really cool, I think Disneyland just gets the nostalgia bias hahaha.

[@saskiapanter]

@@IfWeGoTo that's what we feel here in the Netherlands when visiting de Efteling. Almost everyone in our country has visited it at one point during their childhood

[@MeTheMayo]

@@saskiapanter Disney is so overrated espacially Disney Paris

[@OperatingTired]

@@IfWeGoTo For me as a Dutchie it's the other way around! xD

[@mariosgamingmemechannel2033]

@@IfWeGoTo nah im 12 its way better

[@keanoverhagen]

FIRST TIP: NEVER COMPARE IT TO DINSNEY

[@ageoflove1980]

If you really insist on comparing: I think the individual rides at Disney are "better", as in longer with more going on. However I think the overal park experience at the Efteling, including all the small flat rides is much better. The Efteling has a lot more spacious design so the crowds spread out more, there is a lot more green, more places to just hang and chill. Also The Efteling is a lot less hardcore commercial experience. Prices for entrance, food and drink etc are all very reasonable. Also you are allowed to bring your own picnic if you want. The park is run by its own foundation, so no big corporation behind it trying to extract value and they are in full artistic control and all the money they make gets invested right back in to the park. I choose a day in The Efteling over a day in Disneyland, no questions asked. The experience is just so much more relaxing and you dont get that constant feeling you are getting manipulated in to spending as much as possible all the time.

[@IfWeGoTo]

It’s totally a matter of opinion! And I agree, Efteling has better landscaping, fewer crowds, more reasonable wait times, etc etc. For Americans though, Disney has the nostalgia points which count for a lot, and it wasn’t always as expensive as it is now! Either way, we loved both parks!! Just for different reasons!

[@selenenocturne9772]

@@IfWeGoTo For us Dutchies we feel the exact same nostalgia towards the Efteling, so I totally get what you're saying! On more crowded days there's also more entertainment on the squares, which adds to the atmosphere as well. Another thing you may not have noticed as much because you weren't with children is that every employee seems to be fantastic with children, very kind and patient. To me the park feels very safe and 'gezellig'. It feels like a second home :3

[@MrBosch82]

As a Dutchie I feel little nostalgia for Efteling. Even though I like the park. I do feel nostalgia for Disneyland Paris and have visited WDW and Disneyland CA, which I all like a lot more than Efteling.

[@selenenocturne9772]

@@MrBosch82 That's fair, I only went do Disneyland Paris once, so that will definitely be part of it.

[@ageoflove1980]

@@MrBosch82 I do have some nostalgia for Disneyland sure. As a kid I went a whole weekend to Disneyland Paris with my mon and had a great time. Couple of years ago I went with my own family for they day during a trip to Paris. Tickets for the 3 of us, lunch and dinner were more than 500 euro... Although its certainly a great park, thats just not worth it.

[@janklaassen6404]

You're quite right about the budget difference. Symbolica is Efteling's latest (2017) and most expensive dark ride. It was 35 million. Disney's Beauty and the Beast (2020) was 200 million. That's an insane difference. Still, Efteling keeps all their effects practical. They avoid projections and screens. I like that.

[@IfWeGoTo]

Absolutely!! It’s crazy how much money Disney can pour into their rides. Efteling definitely held up and I loved the theming.. and landscaping!!! And I agree with that, I appreciated that they didn’t do the screen rides, those are always kinda lame imo lol

[@ZeNN-Music]

Screens yes, projections no. Efteling has a history with projections. And to add to that, the whole park was partly started by a moviedirector!

[@EspenSGX]

Quite a bit of screens and projections in Symbolica alone, though. But it's primarily how you use them that matters.

[@IfWeGoTo]

Yes, symbolica did it right. I was referencing like.. soaring over California or something at Disney. It’s cool once but a little disappointing. I think Disney did it right with their avatar ride though. I don’t think Efteling had any actual screen rides we went on though.

[@EspenSGX]

@@IfWeGoTo Well, there's 4D cinema Fabula, but an actual screenbased ride they lack. However, there once was a plan to co-op with Europa-Park for Volutarium, which is basically Soaring, but the Efteling dropped out of the project.

[@britneyshropshire7984]

The reason you can’t really compare it to Disneyland also is because a lot of the fairytales that walt himself used for the Disney classic movies are the ones that are written by European folklore writers such as brothers Grimm. Most dutch people have been brought up with the darker sides of the fairy tales and they differ a lot from the fairy tales Americans are used to ,bc walt knew it would sell better if you soften the storyline. I myself have a dutch mom and an American dad so I got the best of both worlds growing up. I can honestly say I love both versions of the fairytales and the magic. Have been to both Disneyland and Efteling, and I can enjoy them both just as much in their separate ways!

[@britneyshropshire7984]

I gotta say I also enjoyed seeing you exploring the park from your perspective. Great video!❤

[@IfWeGoTo]

For sure!! We just had originally made this for our American friends and family that have never heard of Efteling, so we thought the common Dutch Disneyland nickname would give them an idea! And definitely, Disney changes the fairytales a ton… so it was very cool to see a park stick to the real stories. It made it super cool and different from Disney. That’s cool that you got to grow up with both!! When you were young did you ever confuse the stories that had the same characters?? Thank you!!! We’re happy you enjoyed it! We loved our day there!

[@britneyshropshire7984]

@@IfWeGoTo I can definitely understand it’s something you would mention to people who are more used to disney magic! I don’t think I ever really confused the two. My mom and dad would read both versions of the stories to me and I loved them so it didn’t really matter I guess! ( they also would read them to me in dutch and English to learn both languages) .To a child who loves anything whimsical and magical it’s a really nice way to explore the different types of fairytales.

[@chapsticky9455]

the reason you cant compare my balls to disneyland is because a lot of the fairytales that walt himself used for the Disney classic movies are the ones that are written by European folklore writers such as brothers Grimm. Most dutch people have been brought up with the darker sides of the fairy tales and they differ a lot from the fairy tales Americans are used to ,bc walt knew it would sell better if you soften the storyline. I myself have a dutch mom and an American dad so I got the best of both worlds growing up. I can honestly say I love both versions of the fairytales a

[@MrMarinus18]

Most of the fairytales of the brothers Grimm were not actually written by them. They were folk tales that have existed for centuries. However they usually were pretty inconsistent with many different versions and many had quite a few plotholes and absurd elements. What the brothers Grimm did was take a lot of ancient fairytales and streamline them. Creating a "canon" version that almost everyone would understand.

[@ILLYCUP]

Efteling was opened in 1951, and the first Disney park was opened 1955. Efteling makes more stories with sage and legends around their attractions. Like Vila Volta and the goat riders, flying dutch men, joris and his dragon, Baron with the wise women, and on and on

[@IfWeGoTo]

We loved that the rides were based on original fairytales! So cool!

[@rmyikzelf5604]

1952 was when the Fairytale Forest opened. The park itself (originally a nature and sport park) opened somewhere in the late 1920's. A playground was added in the 1930's. And, o, Walt Disney never visited Efteling.

[@ycrep1993]

This house, this cursed house ... Hell hath found its equal. That one cursed evening in the Belgian Campine ... The sun was low and we sought beds for the night but found no trace of villages. But suddenly, in the distance ... a great building. The Postel Abbey, we knew. We brought the horses to gallop, and when the sun set, we arrived at the chapel. There was light behind the windows and it was deathly quiet. No monks chanting or pious mutterings. Behind the chapel door, gold cups and silver candlesticks for the taking, hahaha! With this in mind we rammed the door! No one .... The altar sparkled with its spoils. The candles were lit ... strange. My men cracked open the offertory box, and I myself emptied the altar. And then, suddenly, a slender hand appeared on my shoulder. I looked around, and behind me stood a young woman, her eyes ablaze. All saw her, and the clinking of gold and silver ceased. She seemed ... to float in her long white dress. For a moment I felt something like fear, and she spoke to me: "You, Hugo van den Loonsche Duynen, thou desecrate here this house. So repent, and seek not to call the Lord's wrath upon you ....' But I, I overcame my fear, dismissed her with scornful laughter and shoved her away roughly. I called for the men to leave and saw that she dissolved into nothing ... A day later, I reached my house. I was shocked; atop the facade stood...SHE! The lady from the chapel! ​Her arms waved as if swaying in the wind. I heard her voice, as if it were floating in my head: "Nowhere in your own home, nor anywhere in the world shall thou find rest or peace, now that thou hath violated God's house ... only when a noble person with the clean conscience of a new born child will enter your dwelling, shall thou find peace in your home and in your heart ... That curse, my gruesome fate, so far has not been broken ... Enter with a pure soul, so that the doom may fall from this house, and my soul can acquire the rest, which I so greatly desire ..... -Dames en heren, let u op! De deuren openen in uw richting. Ladies and gentleman, please stand back. The doors will open in your direction.-

[@IfWeGoTo]

Ahhh thank you for writing this out in English!! We greatly appreciate being able to read the full fairytale!!

[@ycrep1993]

@@IfWeGoTo found it online a while ago to explain it to one of my friends, it's what the guy in the second room of villa volta tells you

[@IfWeGoTo]

We’ll I’m glad you shared it with us too! We weren’t able to find it!

[@nagranoth_]

​@@IfWeGoTo maybe technically it's a fairy tale, but it has been created specifically for this ride. It's based on a real historic criminal gang called the goat riders. They were known for their brutality and accused of devil worship and dark magic. The story of the ride is written around that reputation.

[@anjadeboer8152]

Efteling opened in 1952 which possibly makes it the oldest themepark in the world and unique in its old world theme. Yes, I have been to Disney as well but apart from the rollercasters there is no comparison. Still, it was nice to see it through your eyes.

[@IfWeGoTo]

It’s hard to compare them, but we wanted some background for our American friends who hadn’t heard of Efteling!! It’s also a bit hard to compare with the nostalgia bias for Disney (and certainly with Efteling for you guys!!). Both parks have thing about them we love!

[@BartvanHam90]

I think there are themeparks in the world that are much older. There are even a few rollercoasters that are older than Efteling

[@jarmoliebrand2005]

Efteling is definitely not the oldest but it is definitely older than most.

[@NinoMit87]

As a fellow Dutchy I wish Efteling had that title. Unfortunatly many parks are older. Bakken in Denmark is the oldest. Opening in 1583 more then 400 years ago.

[@martijnkeisers5900]

Tivoli in Copenhagen is the oldest.

[@ideploeg3470]

This is the only place in Netherlands where you do not have to take your kidz or grandchildren as an excuse to visit and feel yourself a ‘child’ again. Fun and amusement guaranteed. Disclaimer: Just a happy dude! :))

[@IfWeGoTo]

Absolutely!! Was a super fun day even as adults!!

[@kimberlyboomaars8119]

Allways fun to see people enjoy the Efteling for the first time. You did a lot for a first day. The only big things that I missed was Aquanura the big fountain show that starts 15 minutes after the park closes and Ravelijn parkshow with horses that happens multiple times a day. The Efteling opened 31 may 1952 and is older than any Disneypark. Walt Disney could have visited the Efteling but there is no proof of that. At that time the Efteling was no bigger than a playground and the Fairytale forest with only 10 fairytales (but with animatronics). Some rides in the Efteling took inspiration from Disney. And a lot of Imagineers from Disney have visited the Efteling in the past. The age of buildings in the Efteling is deceiving. Everything in the Efteling is made to look like it’s been there for years. That is the design aesthetic from the first lead designer “Anton Pieck”. Landscaping is a must for the Efteling. They bring back nature where they can. There is a rule that the Efteling is bound to that only 11% of the park can be build up. That also makes the Efteling special. If you walk through the fairytale forest you can see birds and squirrels that are not really scared of humans. Yes, I’m a local girl and I visit the Efteling a lot.

[@IfWeGoTo]

Oh what!!! I had no idea they had a show - during or after the park. Next time we will have to catch that. I could definitely see how they’ve inspired each other. I wish so much Efteling could have the space/money Disney has.. I loved the original fairytale theme. And the landscaping was certainly the best part about it. I could have spent days in the fairytale forest!! Thank you so much for stopping by and watching! It’s really awesome to be able to get the extra tips and information from locals! :)

[@rmyikzelf5604]

@@IfWeGoTo Efteling's property is huge. But they are formally a 'nature park'. Hence the landscaping. It's really a wooded area with some fun areas.

[@naomimanders3922]

Hi! Glad you enjoyed spending the day at Efteling! I love it when people from abroad visit Efteling for the first time! Please don't call it Dutch Disneyland though. Don't get me wrong, I love Disney too, but Efteling was there first ;). It's my favourite themepark in the world and there's really nothing you can compare it to. What makes Efteling so fun besides the attractions is the nostalgia and also the history behind the whole park. How it started out small and grew into the biggest themepark of the Netherlands! Maybe next time you should book a stay in Bosrijk or Loonsche Land if you want to take your time and see and do everything, cause the Efteling really has become a two day park in recent years 💫

[@IfWeGoTo]

we thought it was a popular nickname and our American friends/family (who we initially started making videos for!) would understand better because no one back home really knows Efteling! :) For Americans (who kinda notoriously get stuck in an America bubble lol) the nostalgia lies with Disney and a lot of us don’t even know a lot the original fairytales… just the Disney version! 😆 we honestly didn’t think our cell phone video would get as many views as it did! Especially from Dutch viewers! Lol Absolutely, we wish we had two days there. One felt a little too rushed. Next time we’ll definitely look into your recommendations! It was a beautiful park and we loved the theming! Thanks again! :)

[@w00tt03t]

@@IfWeGoTo >>we honestly didn’t think our cell phone video would get as many views as it did! Especially from Dutch viewers!

[@deadbucket2323]

On Carnaval Festival the ride didn't break down, they stop the ride so people in wheelchairs can take their time to sit down =)

[@IfWeGoTo]

Ohh that makes sense!! I just assumed having been on so many Disney rides that have broken down! lol Happy they can accommodate! :) Thank you!!

[@-Skidisme.Iamskid-]

@Edward Pierce they always do.

[@merlijnmaa]

they actually stop the ride every time the first cart gets back, so everyone with wheelchairs and strollers can get in at once! its easier that way, i know this because whenever i go to a theme park or have to walk for a whole day i need a wheelchair

[@Yochemm]

A lot of english speakers have problems with Efteling in combination with love on the first side... They want to ride the big attractions, but Efteling isn't a park with the best coasters, this park is a park with the best decoration. Dutch makes the park more magical, because when english speakers look and listen well, they can understand a bit, but mostly not. Dutch is simlair to english, but also very different. Next time the park will grab you more and more and after that you will fall in love on the park, because you will understand it more and more... I did like your video very well, thanks to share your day in the park!!!

[@IfWeGoTo]

Thank you for watching!! We’ve spent a few months in the Netherlands/Dutch Caribbean so we know quite a few words but definitely need more practice! Lol. It is similar, but yes very different too. I think it’s mostly in word choice, but when you’re able to slow it down it makes perfect sense to us! Absolutely agree, the landscaping at Efteling was absolutely magical and definitely the star of the park! 🥰 can’t wait to visit again someday!

[@Yochemm]

@@IfWeGoTo Exactly and that's also what you have to do into the Efteling, be able to slow it down, hahaha!! It's absolutely not Disney, The Efteling have it's own style, it is an slower park. Local people bring there own bread from home and go picknick near the lakes in the summertimes, people sleep on the grass and it is all possible, because it's so relax over there, little sounds on the background, birds swimming and walking around you, you see forest animals like squirrels, pheasants, peacocks etc. but also mice and cats... kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJC3faqQmNurhpY Soon they open a new realm of 8 hectares extra into the park where they may build higher attractions. The Efteling is an nature foundation and have rules like, not building above the trees and they may build only 11% of the park, the other must remain nature. In the new area they are be allowed to build above the trees, because it is near the road.

[@The_Livingdude]

@@Yochemmbruh with ur Exactly and that's also what you have to do into the Efteling, you probably feel like a king after writing that in English and then when ifWegoTo replies on your comments you just have to reply like that with ur cheese head of yours💀

[@The_Livingdude]

@@Yochemmwe get it your a Dutch mf and you just had to show off your English typing skills and grammar on the sentence to gain so many likes and wait until this KZbinr replies under ur comments

[@JeanAlb]

I love and prefer Efteling. Its so authentic and i love the nature and how much they respect the nature in the park. Plus its not that commercial and polished as Disney is. Nice video you guys made!!

[@IfWeGoTo]

Efteling definitely had a charm that beat out Disney's, but I think we're biased having grown up with Disney!! lol. Thank you!!

[@chapsticky9455]

how about you love and prefer some bitches aryan

[@roddo1955]

One gander in the efteling gift shop and you quickly realise that it is a commercial enterprise

[@joswonderland]

As a dutch fan with an efteling year pass, it's honestly better than Disney for me😅 although Disney has some incredible technical advancements and a way larger budget to do awesome stuff, the Efteling just has much more "gezelligheid"(as the Dutch would say), and just feels so much more human and less artificial. I definitely appreciate you for checking this park out, but it's really its own standalone park and shouldn't be compared with anything :D

[@IfWeGoTo]

Before posting the video, we had mostly Americans watching our channel so no one really knows what Efteling is in the US! I think Disney was the best comparison because they’re both fairytale themed amusement parks! Wasn’t our intention to cause upset with that - we were trying to let people know what it was! :) And absolutely. We love Efteling’s landscaping and we very much enjoyed their style. I’m sure being Dutch it has strong nostalgia in the way Disney does for us Americans! Thanks for watching!!

[@disneyanddaysout]

We had never heard of Efteling, what a wonderful-looking park! This needs to go on the visit list, thanks for sharing!

[@IfWeGoTo]

It was awesome!! Definitely a different experience from Disney, but one totally worth having! Thanks for watching!! 😃

[@nicoleacosta5545]

Brandi, you are absolutely amazing! Keep being so positive and honest. Thank you!

[@IfWeGoTo]

Aww thank you!!!

[@StephenandAndie]

I've only been to Disney World once (enjoyed it!) and never to Disneyland (despite decades as an L.A. resident), so I'm not the biggest expert/fan - but THIS place looks more interesting to me! Maybe it's the "darker" aspect. The forest looks really cool! Also - love that photo @4:48! 🤣

[@IfWeGoTo]

Whattt!! We love Disney parks.. but I think a big part of it is the nostalgia. I also think they used to be a little less crowded lol. The darker aspect of it is actually super cool.. would SO love to see what they could do if they were able to throw Disney money at it lol. I should've bought that one as a momento. lol

[@remconet]

@@IfWeGoTo With Disney money? Still build it for half the price! LOL

[@IfWeGoTo]

@@remconet I meant like I'd like to see what they could create with Disney's level of funding. It was great park as-is, but would just be cool to see since the theming was cool.

[@ncoppens]

I am 47 and my grandparents lived pretty close to the Efteling, so we went every year as a kid. In the beginning the Fairytale Forest was about all there was. You forgot to listen to the mushrooms. The mushrooms next to the roads play music if you put your ear against it. I used to be mesmerized as a toddler by those.

[@IfWeGoTo]

We did hear the mushrooms!! They were playing a couple of tunes, though probably more loud than when you visited because you didn’t need to put your ear up!! It was a really cool thing they added!!

[@ncoppens]

@@IfWeGoTo You used to have to put your ear to it to hear it, it was magical for kids. Glad to hear they still have music. Next time we visit the Netherlands (we moved to Austria 11 years ago) we will bring our 6 yo son.

[@IfWeGoTo]

Oh he will love it!! It’s such a magical place! Excited for him!!!

[@MeTheMayo]

@@ncoppens They play birthdays songs at this moment because Efteling is 70 years old this year!

[@chapsticky9455]

i am 47 and im sending a pipebomb to your house

[@ronaldderooij1774]

Disney indeed was insired by the Efteling. There are some pictures of him visiting, so it is not a legend, as you say. But that is the only connection. I think Efteling is unique. It does not want to be like Disney or other theme parks. It is very typically (old fashioned) Dutch fun park. As you noticed, the signs also are all in Dutch. So, I would not compare it, but just rate it on the fun you had. And indeed, as you say, Dutch people get more out of it, as they imagine the Dutch (versions of) the well- known fairytales.

[@IfWeGoTo]

For sure!! There were some stark similarities, but each is very unique too. We compared it to Disney because prior to posting this, most of our viewers were Americans that had never heard of Efteling and we wanted something to reference! Not with the intention of a Disney/Efteling showdown haha.

[@entirelybonkers8832]

This is a myth

[@rmyikzelf5604]

Disney visited the Dutch studio doing the Dutch overdubs of the movies in 1951. The Fairytale Forest was opened in 1952. He never went there. As it was just a sports/recreation/nature park with a kids playground.

[@DutchThemeparkNetworkNL]

Amazing video thank you for making this and introducing people to our favorite theme park.

[@IfWeGoTo]

Ahh thank you!! We had such an amazing time there, its really a wonderful park!

[@trvlnthru]

This is so cool! We have heard of Efteling but never seen what it looks like. Thanks for sharing this. It was very cool to see this place. It is a very well done park.

[@IfWeGoTo]

Thank you!! It was such a cool park, that place has incredible landscaping and scenery! Alan had heard of it, but I hadn’t prior to visiting Holland!!

[@ciaolisanne1]

So weird to see all those familiar rides and not hear the music that is especially composed for it 😅

[@IfWeGoTo]

KZbin has a lot of rules and unfortunately can’t use Efteling’s (or anyone else’s) music without risking a copyright issues. We have to use licensed or free music!

[@destiny035]

@@IfWeGoTo You can actually use Efteling's music as long as it's in a video of the attraction (I read somewhere). And indeed, never compare Efteling to Disney >< it's NOT the same.

[@MathewLauren]

Honestly we have never heard of this place but it looks so awesome

[@IfWeGoTo]

No way!! You guys would LOVE it!!! It really is like Disneyland's darker cousin. hahaha. Like oh man I would love to see what they could do on a Disney budget!

[@Hannah-vt7lc]

It definitely is worth visiting if you are near. It's my favorite parc (I have done Walibi, plopsaland, bobbejaanland, Disneyland Paris, Legoland Duitsland, de valkenier and Efteling). It is a really beautifull parc

[@BadSloucher]

I am always interested in amusement park food. Unusual amount of paper/plastic bag sleeve for the pastry you got! Curious what camera you used to film this?

[@IfWeGoTo]

Ahh same!! I wish we got to try more. Though I didn’t see any of the unique dishes that parks like Disney do! This was just on an iPhone 11 with tiny external microphones! Perfect for a day at an amusement park! :)

[@miwer1000]

Carnaval Festival did not break down, they let a disabled person on or of. They even have a special piece of music that is only played at the moment (i could hear it in the background) They say "sorry the rides need to stop, the marching band needs to pass"

[@someoneontheweb4303]

Always fun to see foreigners come to the Efteling. The Spookslot that you went to (haunted mansion) is closing and they are rebuilding it into a new spooky type ride called Danse Macabre. Opening roughly in 2024. Really excited for it. It's outdated (as some of the attractions are) as you seen but still has a charm for us Dutchies cause we went there when we where all little so it has alot of nostalgia for us haha. The little small world type ride always breaks down for a sec for some reason! It's famous for that.. Anyways great video :)

[@IfWeGoTo]

That will be very cool to see!!! We’ll have to visit again after the updates. And yes, can totally get your nostalgia for it!! I would be too! Lol Thank you! Happy you enjoyed it!

[@apveening]

"The little small world type ride always breaks down for a sec for some reason! It's famous for that." Like the boat ride, it stops to let disabled persons get in and out.

[@apveening]

@@IfWeGoTo I recommend you time your next trip to not coincide with school trip season. An overcast weekday shortly after summer and outside of school holidays is ideal as there will be next to no lines.

[@someoneontheweb4303]

@@apveening Aha! That makes alot of sense lol.

[@Ubsje]

22:22 They definitely do not want you out of the park by closing time. Some food places and smaller attractions might close before closing time, but most of the rides' queues stay open till closing time and if you're in it you'll get to ride, even if the queue takes an hour. You can easily stay in the park for at least an hour after closing time and enjoy wandering around on your own before going to the exit. Also the park stays open to anywhere between 9-11 PM during summer, you came just a bit too early for that. Glad you had fun tho

[@IfWeGoTo]

When we were there all of the queues and shops & restaurants closed an hour before closing!! Maybe that was the time of year too? Or maybe a lasting like Covid policy? I wish we’d known you could continue wandering though, we would’ve done the fairytale forest last! Lol Good to hear they stay open later in the summer, because I definitely was wishing for more time! :) thank you for the extra info!! We’ll plan better for the next visit. Lol We had a great time, would definitely go back and recommend it! Was such a cool park.

[@Ubsje]

@@IfWeGoTo Usually around the time you went it is open till 6 during the week and till 7 in weekends, are you sure you had the correct closing time in mind?

[@IfWeGoTo]

@@Ubsje Maybe we did get it incorrect!!! We thought it closed at 7! lol. I guess that explains why we were shocked when it closed at 6! lol.

[@Ubsje]

@@IfWeGoTo haha it's fine. Try coming during summer next time! Or even better: on a random weekday somewhere around october, it won't be open till late, but there'll be practically no lines anywhere

[@IfWeGoTo]

Definitely will do that next time! haha. Thank you for the tip! Fall has been the best time to visit Europe in our experience too... still warm enough to enjoy, no crowds, and those gorgeous fall colors! I could only imagine what Efteling must look like in the fall season!!

[@gekkemel]

the ride carnival festival wasnt stuck, the ride stops because the station is rotating and when someone in a weelchair want to get in, they stop the rijde so the person can get in easy. (idk if i have writtin it down perfect because i am from the netherlands and i dont speak english)

[@IfWeGoTo]

Got it, thank you for letting me know! Your English is good, do not worry! :)

[@DUSKvsDAWN]

It's funny you guys think some of the attractions are dark for kids. We're just used to it over here. We don't even blink when we see someone hanging on a rope in Spookslot. Too bad Spookslot is not making way for a new attraction, but it's at least keeping the name of the soundtrack, and actually keeping said soundtrack too. I get why you compare it to Disney land, but like you said in the text in the video, Walt Disney actually drew inspiration from Efteling, which I think is super cool! And one of the main reasons we are so proud of this park is because it has been around so long, and initially it all started with the Fairytale Forest and was later expanded to what we have now, so there's something there for everyone. Sure, the rides might be short, but we usually go to Efteling for the theming anyway :)

[@IfWeGoTo]

Yeah there is definitely a cultural difference in what Americans vs Dutch show children - we can get behind the Dutch version of not sugarcoating anything though!! Efteling was a wonderful park, perhaps we didn't give it enough credit - it was beautifully done and has so much history behind it! We will just need to visit again, for all of the reasons you stated!! Thank you for your kind comment! :D

[@plancovideos1321]

You have not been stuck in carnival festival. They stop the track so that people in wheelchairs can get in and out quietly.

[@IfWeGoTo]

That’s a good thing that they do!! Thank you!!

[@jarmoliebrand2005]

I’m really biased, as I’m Dutch and I grew up with Efteling. But I adore the park. Just walking around is an experience in and of itself. The great landscaping, the gorgeous looking rides and the charming music make sure there are no dull moments when strolling through the park. The rides are well themed and often have great music and storytelling, despite Efteling being its own thing. I like that they’re not afraid to go a little darker at times. My favourite rides are some of the darker ones. Yet it is still suitable to the entire family.

[@IfWeGoTo]

Oh totally!! It’s such a cool park and the theming is wonderful! Enjoy they stay more true to the original fairytales for sure!!

[@Qq-vh5jq]

I have visited Disney Paris and Efteling multiple times. The main conference for me, Disney is build with money and does everything to make you spend your money. Efteling was build with money, but mostly with love. It is a themepark but it is also still naturepark. I love the efteling more because their eye for detail.

[@IfWeGoTo]

I think it depends on the Disney Park whether it was for money or for more creative purposes, but I do agree that Efteling has an amazing nature park that disney can't compete on!!

[@Qq-vh5jq]

@@IfWeGoTo conference I meant difference. Reading the responses I guess you won't compare Efteling with disney any longer. 😉 I love the small details in the Efteling. The broom in the fairytale forrest where a witch flew in a tree. You have to know it is there or you miss it. The magic of the dancing red shoes. Even the doves on the herautenplein are there because of a fairytale. Most of the attractions have their own themed music and some attractions are really old. The train is a actual steamtraim from the beginning of the 20th century. The large caroussel is over a hundred and twenty years old and still loved by many. The ship (halve maan) is the biggest in Europe. The python was the first rollercoster on European mainland with a looping. Droomvlucht and symbolica both are unique rides and I could go on. There is a lot of history to tell and detail to find in the Efteling.

[@IfWeGoTo]

Haha yeah… a lot of people did not like the comparison… it wasn’t meant in a bad way though.. we just genuinely didn’t think so many Dutch would watch it and only our American friends would see it. 😂

[@GSStarunner]

I am really enjoying your videos and your experience during your explorations. I hope you get to go to Scandanavia soon - my favorite area. Keep enjoying!!

[@IfWeGoTo]

Aww thank you so much Bethany!! Scandinavia has been on our bucket list for SO long! Only thing that has been keeping us out is that it is a little out of our budget, but we really need to save! Any recommendations on what to check out first??

[@GSStarunner]

@@IfWeGoTo It can be done *relatively* economically and with the dollar gaining strength overseas, it might just be doable for you. First off is Tromsø - "Paris of the North". You can book lodging that includes b'fast and snacks (Norwegian waffles) which helps cut down on cost. Get the explorer card - allows you to see all the things PLUS transport. If you go during Northern Lights season, I can recommend a couple of tour companies that are at the top of their game and worth the spend. November is Killer Whale (and other whales, too) season, and seeing them jump and frolic in the fjord is not something you can compare. Oslo is an amazingly simple town to navigate and so much to see/do. You can get lodging that includes b'fast and dinner which helps save on cost. I can type an entire novel (but won't)! It is more expensive so needs to be budgeted for but OMG is it worth it!

[@IfWeGoTo]

That's true.. I've noticed inflation is getting to be so extreme in some area, the ones that were relatively expensive are becoming less so because they're a bit more stable. I will definitely look up Tromsø and the Northern Lights are a DREAM of mine, so I would love any and all suggestions about that! Do you think November would be the right time of year to see that? I think on our next round of Europe Scandinavia will be a must! We wanted to go this year, but also are giving things kind of a cool down period after covid restrictions/peak summer travel. I'm not sure if you've been to any major destinations recently, but holy smokes.. it's unlike anything I've ever seen! Also thank you so much for taking the time to give us your recommendations. We appreciate it SO much!

[@bertjevis93]

Just watched all your vlogs from the Netherlands. Awesome that you discovered and explored new things and places, some of which I need to visit now! ( I live in the nothern part of the Netherlands). Efteling is definitely a 2-3 day park, their resorts are worth a stay, it is really quiet, spatious and well themed. I also highy recommend the nothern part of the Netherlands (maybe I am a bit biased haha) and the Wadden islands, they are really worth a visit!

[@IfWeGoTo]

Hi Chiem! There is so much of the Netherlands to explore! Next time we visit we hope to make it up north! We’ll definitely look into the islands you recommended - I know Alan mentioned wanting to see some of them! Also need to see the iconic countryside and probably The Hague too! Thank you so much for watching and your comment! We love getting tips and recommendations!! :)

[@StephenandAndie]

Ok, I've (Stephen) never heard of this place and am intrigued! This'll be good!

[@sjoerdderks4731]

Its better than any Disney park, its less crowded, original and cheaper compared to disney ( big bugets require high cost)

[@IfWeGoTo]

Absolutely can see that! I think as Americans we're a bit biased towards Disney, but LOVED Eftelings theming and landscaping... and yes it was certainly more affordable for a ticket! Disney is getting out of control with the prices/crowds lol.

[@appie7071]

Crazy how disney paris force you to spend money on rides with 120min wait times somtimes u couldn't even enter withhout spending more money also some of the rides use cardboard i wouldn't say it's high budget only a few felt worthwhile

[@IfWeGoTo]

And that was one of the dings we gave Disney. It’s far too crowded! Although I will say, Disney Paris is probably the worst representation of Disney parks! It’s cute, but the other parks are better.

[@miskuhh]

This year is the seventy year anniversy of the Efteling! So alot of schools were invited to go there. That's why there were so many kids lol

[@henryb.2941]

actually it started in 1950 as a sport park. But in 1952 sprookjesbos was added and opened. Apparently they choose this date as official opening of the Efteling.

[@IfWeGoTo]

Ohhh that makes sense!!!

[@EmmaJonYoureWelcome]

The Flying Dutchman looked really fun. I like the theme of Efteling. The Villa Volta ride is like the one at Alton Towers in the UK called Hex The fairytale walk looks so cute! It looks like you had a fun day xx

[@IfWeGoTo]

The whole park was so cool and the landscaping wonderful… and love the slightly darker theming. We’ll have to check out the one in the UK sometime, we’d never heard of that ride type and it was super cool!!

[@Nitzpitz]

Yes, Vila Volta was tge first madhouse. Hex is the same sort of ride. Both are good

[@eftelamy29]

Please, just don't compare Efteling with Disney. It's completly different. Nice video and I hope you had a great day!

[@IfWeGoTo]

Thank you!!! 😃 We had originally made this video for our American friends/family who had not ever heard of Efteling so it was kind of the closest thing! I realize many Dutch have come across it though. No offense intended!!! Lol

[@cynthiadejager3517]

Just out of curiosity, in every comment you write things as ‘no offense intended’ you end your sentence with LOL… So you apologize and than ‘laughing out loud? It seems very rude, but I assume your intentions are different…

[@IfWeGoTo]

I think it’s kind of a common text additive in text messaging, at least in America. It’s to add light-heartedness to the conversation. Do you ever have a chuckle after a minor misunderstanding? It’s like that.

[@DutchyDubs]

@@IfWeGoTo ahh that's so interesting, I never got that 'lol' part either and I always took it as sarcasm/being un sincere. I think the Dutch are more direct than Americans so we would probably add that to make fun of somebody. I don't think a lot of people would associate it with a 'little chuckle'. Also, I don't think that people who comment on your comparison with Disney are really hurt/offended. We just like to discuss and give our opinion on everything, especially since a lot of Dutch people just take pride in the Efteling :)

[@IfWeGoTo]

That’s really good to know that you guys use it differently!! Thank you for pointing it out. We’ll be sure to be more careful in the comments section on our dutch videos!! For us it’s used frequently and in a lot of different ways. It can be used sarcastically, or because something is actually funny, but I think more often than anything people here do it to make a conversation more lighthearted. I’m also glad to hear that most of the comments are people wanting a discussion, we definitely felt like we upset people by the responses, but now I’m realizing it’s probably just a difference in how we write to other people.

[@aut1976]

Great to see you enjoyed yourselves. Thank you for appreciating this wonderful park.

[@IfWeGoTo]

We had an amazing time!! Thank you so much for your kind comment!! 😊

[@richardmchugh5269]

I just heard about this park and started looking up videos and I have to say it looks really fun. I also like the tilting house ride. LOL at Alan's face on the Carnival Festival 🤣 it screamed get me off of this 🤣.

[@IfWeGoTo]

Yeah it's super fun and totally worth going if you have the time!

[@singinggirl93]

I love your vlog !! We aren going in September 4 days every year with our 4 year old daughter and our 1 year old son(he doesnt mind about it now but our daughter loves it ) She talks about it every night and asks when we are going We are from the netherlands , but because there is so much to see and not that much time , we go a few days

[@IfWeGoTo]

Thank you so much! We’re so happy you enjoyed it! That’s so cute!! Hahah. I bet she’s so excited! Your son certainly will get to the age where he is too! Lol. In the US as a kid we did the same thing for Disney trips! It’s always such a thrill… it like Christmas coming! Having a few days to see it is definitely the best way! Especially with small children! :) you’ll have plenty of time to relax and really enjoy it!! There is so much to see!

[@ColumbusII]

Hi there 😀👋that was fun, wasn't it!? Enjoy watching you having a good time at "de Efteling" Still got 8mm footage of myself and family, me being a toddler runing around there (late seventies and a much smaller park back then). It's a also a "must" for most elementary school trips (been there, done that also😄) in the Netherlands. My wife was born in a village near the park, and most kids in the area had a annual ticket, so she and her friends often went from school back home through de Efteling. So many happy memories for us Dutch. Glad you visited! Have a great weekend 🤗👍🏻

[@IfWeGoTo]

Yes, we had a wonderful day there! Wish we had more than one! That’s so cool you got to see the park back in the day and grow!!! Hahaha. Disney does a similar thing for the kids where the locals get to take trips. We’ll at least we did for graduation lol. Thanks so much for watching!! Can’t wait till we get to return to the Netherlands. Love your country!

[@LiciJamaicaLi]

Wauw you are so pretty! 🤗 and it was really nice to watch this with a the different back ground music’s!

[@IfWeGoTo]

Wow thank you!! So happy you enjoyed it!!

[@mathildelaurentzen5651]

You really need to visit in the summer, the park will be open till midnight in weekends ❤

[@IfWeGoTo]

Agreed!! We missed out, next time we will for sure! :)

[@mathildelaurentzen5651]

@IfWeGoTo thanks for you're answer 💗 Please do, because they are building new attractions! Visit in summer in weekends when the lights are on till midnight, it's really awesome 👌

[@IfWeGoTo]

Thank you so much for your tips on when to visit, we greatly appreciate it!! New attractions will be awesome to see too! :D@@mathildelaurentzen5651

[@2910karlijn]

fun fact! Kate Bush actually recorded 3 music video's in the haunted house (spookslot) for her debut album and there is a grave stone with her name on it somewhere in it. Also it sadly closed about a month ago

[@IfWeGoTo]

I think we saw that!!!

[@alphabetmafia_0116]

I’m visiting in a few weeks, I thought it be nice to watch some videos about it so I could have an idea of what it looks like. Your dutch pronunciation made it even better! ;)

[@IfWeGoTo]

Hope you have SO much fun! (I'm sure you will!!) We do the same thing when we're about to visit somewhere, love youtube for that!! Oh dear, our Dutch needs some work. Can't say we didnt try!! hahaha

[@jsb7975]

@@IfWeGoTo say 'spooky' first for the 's' then say 'spoke' and there you are. 'Spook' (ghost) Slot just like it is written. 👍🌹

[@IfWeGoTo]

Ahh thank you!

[@irenemulcahy2495]

Thank you for this tour. I had never heard of this place. The dutch vlogs Ive been watching are all about bikes and canals. Lol

[@IfWeGoTo]

Thank you!! Happy you enjoyed it!! Haha the Netherlands does have tons of bikes and canals, but there are definitely other spots too!!

[@wiebevdmeij]

The opening times depends on which day you go. You can also go on days that it is openend from 10 am till 10 pm.

[@IfWeGoTo]

Next time we’ll have to visit in the summer!?

[@wiebevdmeij]

@@IfWeGoTo Days in the Dutch summer holiday have these opening times, so yeah. The park will be busier, but it doesn’t matter that much since your in the park for so much longer. Great that you enjoyed the Efteling! I still think some rides are Disney level and that the atmosphere is better than in Disney parks though :)z

[@Nitzpitz]

Great video. Efteling is a 2 day park at least. Ext time book a stay at one of the resorts. Entry is included for all the days of your stay.

[@IfWeGoTo]

Thank you so much!!! Definitely agree, I wish we’d spent more time there. Next time!!!

[@Nitzpitz]

@@IfWeGoTo THey are building a new hotel atm, right next to the entrance, with a view on Aquanura and the farytale forest. If that one is not yet finished, I would recommend staying at Bosrijk or Loonsche Land, instead of the Efteling Hotel. Bosrijk is the most magical place, but a bit more expensive than Loonsche Land, also beautiful. Both are within walking distance of the park and you get a 30 minutes early entry included. The Efteling Hotel has its own entry, but is near the freeway and therefore misses the magic of the forest. Hope you enjoy your next stay!

[@IfWeGoTo]

Thank you so much for the tips!! Next time we make it out we’ll have to look into doing this!! Having a view sounds magical!!!

[@josinevandenberg4786]

THe openinghours depends on which month you go. It can vary from 10am-8pm to 10am-6pm

[@IfWeGoTo]

I wish we’d known before going!! So thank you for the tip, hopefully a future visitor will see this!!

[@superbouk]

the wooden coaster is my favorite. A few years ago i was lucky to ride it twice in a row. It was at the end of the day and they closed the line already. There a couple people left to fill the train. so we can hold on our place. You did rides i never did because the where build or doesn't exist. I love to see youre enjoyment.

[@IfWeGoTo]

It's an awesome ride!! Do you still live near Efteling?? I heard they are putting in a couple of even newer things in the next couple of years. May be worth a visit!!

[@superbouk]

@@IfWeGoTo i live 2 hours away. I visit the Efteling every 5 years. So I have to wait still a year. Yeah, the kwep change things. Maybe this winter.

[@chrisvanderveeken]

I'm glad you enjoyed it. It is indeed not Disneyland, you can't compare. Disney has almost unlimited funds and Efteling really has to do it all on its own. Yet Theme Park Insider named it the best park in 2017 and 2018. It doesn't have the fastes, highest or loudest rides, but it is the overall feel of the park that does it for me. It has a lot of history. You either get it, or you don't, and that is perfectly cool. Dutch people tend to get upset , and maybe even snobbish when you don't just fall to your knees and say that it's better than Disney, because the park is really a part of many Dutch peoples childhood, so they feel like you've hurt them an a personal level! And you really, really should have gone on Piranha, that is the best ride ever! Take care! Love, Chris.

[@IfWeGoTo]

Oh yes, Efteling was awesome!! It’s hard to compare them. Disney pours billions into their parks and has incredible rides because of it, but Efteling has a charm and scenery that Disney just can’t beat!! I realize now how much nostalgia is tied up into Efteling for many Dutch people. I wish we’d been a little more mindful with the comparison we did. I guess for Americans we love Disney and grew up on it, but it doesn’t feel as personal I think. That ride looked so fun!!! We are wimps in the cold and we were so afraid to get wet!! 😂 Thanks for your thoughtful comment! It helps a lot to understand why we’ve gotten the response we have from this. It helped us learn a bit about Dutch culture!

[@chrisvanderveeken]

Don’t feel bad. You have the right to your opinion. It does not give people the right to just hurl abuse at you.

[@IfWeGoTo]

Thank you!!! I’m 100% with you on that one! I can understand disagreement on an opinion but some people are vicious about it lol

[@Harrypjotter7]

The best thing of Efteling is not to look like Disney, Nach Afrika kommt Santa Claus Und vor Paris steht Micky Maus. We're all living in Amerika Amerika ist wunderbar We're all living in Amerika Amerika, Amerika We're all living in Amerika Coca-Cola, Wonderbra We're all living in Amerika Amerika, Amerika

[@IfWeGoTo]

We wanted to make a Efteling/Disney comparison - which we think is perfectly reasonable for two theme parks based on fairytale/stories. We loved Efteling and thought it was very cool!

[@fijtsma3367]

Rammstein!!!

[@TheCharlieDana]

Funny thing is I’ve never experienced it as a ‘dark’ park. I grew up with this theme park and adore it still! Maybe it’s the European approach on fairytales 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@IfWeGoTo]

That’s exactly what we meant by “dark”! I think the European fairytales get very watered down in the Disney/American versions. Efteling was awesome!! Glad you adore it too!

[@chapsticky9455]

fyunny thing is youve never experienced a pipebomb in your mail

[@rmyikzelf5604]

Efteling is much closer to the original stories than Disney. Lots of fairytales are really dark.

[@nagranoth_]

You never hang upside down in Vila Volta BTW. The seats never tilt more than 45 degrees, it's the rest of the house that rotates around you. If you pay attention to little free hanging tjings like tassels on the curtains you'll notice you're actually often lying on your back when looking at the floor far 'below' you.

[@IfWeGoTo]

It's such an amazing ride!! Had never experienced one like it!

[@SirMrDany]

If you ever get to the Netherlands again and want to try a more ride-focused theme park you should look at Walibi (former six flags Holland). Doesn't have much theme stuff though.

[@IfWeGoTo]

We adored Efteling’s theming!! But would love to see a bigger park too! Next time we visit we’ll have to check it out. We have a few friends in the Netherlands so we’ll surely be back!😃

[@chapsticky9455]

if you ever get to the netherlands again and want to try more ride-focused theme park you should look at the pipebomb in your car

[@reddragon5054]

honestly i would rather go to efteling then a disney park, mostly because i love that it isnt just going with everything thats new but also sticks to smaller older things that are still great. i love the video!

[@IfWeGoTo]

For sure!! I think it depends on the vibe you’re going for! Disney is very stimulating. Efteling was a very relaxing and fun experience. :) Thank you so much! Very happy you enjoyed it!!

[@wisecat.]

I heard you say at Fata Morgana that it is a bit dated. If you know the technical story behind this ride you know why. Fata Morgana has no computerized animatronics. Everything that moves, all the puppets and stuff are driven mechanically by this amazing system of wires, gears, cams and pulleys. Everything moves at the same time and it is constantly repeating itself as the boats go by. The system was build by Efteling and they even got a patent on it. Knowing that this is running for almost forty years and never been replaced by computers makes you realise even more of how amazing this ride is and how great the effort is to maintain this. Btw. Fata Morgana is based on the stories of one thousand and one nights

[@IfWeGoTo]

Oh so cool to learn that! Thank you for sharing!!

[@missymu333]

thanks for filming this!

[@IfWeGoTo]

Ahh thank you!!! Glad you enjoyed it! 😃

[@leya2215]

Most of the rides are quite short indeed, but they made a point of it to make the waiting lines enjoyable as well! Therefore it doesn’t feel like you’re waiting that long! It’s not exactly Dutch Dinseyland, though I get where the comparison comes from, the Efteling is as actually there earlier than Disneyland! Max and Mortiz is not Swiss alp themed. It’s based on a German children’s book series by the same name! The attraction that was there before was indeed swiss alp themed. It was called “Bob” because the attraction was basically a big bobsled slope!

[@IfWeGoTo]

That's a good point that they made the rides shorter so that lines weren't super long!! I think we just got a bit unlucky with our timing and got long lines that day because of some sort of school event! Hahaha ohh, we thought it was a German story set in the alps!! Thanks for the correction!!

[@apveening]

@@IfWeGoTo You were there in school trip season.

[@xdYama]

Having Villa Volta as a favorite is absolutely amazing

[@IfWeGoTo]

It was so cool!! Never experienced a ride like it!

[@EspenSGX]

@@IfWeGoTo Villa Volta is also the first mad house of its kind. The ride was actually a prototype.

[@joanneswyckmans5921]

July-august is dutch Summers holiday. It differs slightly in weeks based on the area you live in.

[@IfWeGoTo]

Do you guys have field trips to Efteling during the school session also?

[@joanneswyckmans5921]

@@IfWeGoTo Sometimes, when small children (elementary school) finished their year, they have a trip with school Just in the last days of the schoolyear

[@-Skidisme.Iamskid-]

@@IfWeGoTolate but, often younger children (idk why). It can get really pricey for us dutchies.

[@IfWeGoTo]

@@-Skidisme.Iamskid- Does the price vary a lot throughout the year??

[@mariekevanzetten5910]

The time the park is open depends on your day of visit. In the summer te parks are open untill 10 p.m. and there are little extra entertainment bits in the park.

[@IfWeGoTo]

Next time we’ll have to be sure to visit in the summer!!!

[@rinynewton8297]

the Efteling is not to compare with Disneyland. the Efteling is basicly a fairytail park based on european fairytailes! its ment to be for kids up to the age of around 10. but of course its a nice day out for families. families go there with the idea to be in fairytaile land for a day the rides are on second place. so you have to look at it through the eyes of a toddler. enjoy.

[@IfWeGoTo]

We did the comparison for our friends in America that have never heard of Efteling and don’t know what it is. They’re both theme parks, originally designed for children, and based on fairytales - it wasn’t meant as anything greater! We love both parks and Efteling had a magical design and landscaping! 😃

[@matthijsquekel4161]

I go there with friends (age 25+) too drink beer, smoke weed and sniff coke. We have a blast. Best family park in the world!!

[@BirdNerdSophie]

I've heard of this place before - it looks so cute! :)

[@IfWeGoTo]

It is sooo awesome!! The landscaping is top-notch! I bet you guys would love it!! Also I know I've been lurking, but congrats on your newest additions to your feathered family!! :)

[@BirdNerdSophie]

@@IfWeGoTo haha thank you so much!

[@keanoverhagen]

it is way beter themed then disney

[@robbiepmusic]

Whats better Disney or Efteling?

[@IfWeGoTo]

I think they both have pros and cons! We liked Efteling’s relaxed vibe, landscaping, fewer crowds, and the theming was cool! But we like Disney for the nostalgia, rides, and detail in the parks!

[@nagranoth_]

Efteling doesn't try to be like Disneyland at all. Yes of course there's been some inspiration going back and forth, but Efteling has a long history of having the first of a type of theme park attraction in the world (Villa Volta) or the biggest (or at least top three) of something. And it has it's completely own style. While the fairytale stuff is darker than the Disney version, it's still a heavily sanitized version of the original Grimm stories. Those were brutal. The park is also heavily size constrainted. They are mandated to have a certain percentage of the area as nature, and the park is surrounded by protected nature so they have strong height and noise restraints (probably one of the reasons for limitedopening times, though in summer there are extended opening hours) and it's very difficult to get permission for expansion. There's an Efteling app, I think it has many translations.

[@IfWeGoTo]

For sure, they are both unique parks!! Sorry for all of the comparisons, this was made when our channel was extremely small and only our friends and family watched, and many Americans had never heard of Efteling! We did not expect so many people to see it and wanted something for our friends and family to reference. We enjoyed the darker style of Efteling and the park staying more true to the stories. I think that is what made us want to visit in the first place! Efteling has fantastic nature though!! Thanks for sharing about the app, we will have to look into that for next time!!

[@annaleebeverley2763]

I think what people are trying to say is that your approach to the video should not be a comparison to Disney.. Efteling is very unique and it is not about the rides or food.. it is about the vibe.. the talking tree and the Aladin on a flying carpet while seasons change beneath him.. the fortune telling Elf.. the Donkey that spits coins out of his bottom.. the trash bins that say “Papier here” and the Hansel and Gretel cottage.. on and on .. those are the things I remember from being there as a child and what my children remember.. not the rides..

[@IfWeGoTo]

For sure, we definitely didn't mean to cause offense with a comparison. We had just originally made the video for our American friends/family who had never even heard of Efteling... so Disneyland is the next closest thing to compare it to. When you google "Dutch Disneyland", Efteling even comes up! We thought it was a common nickname.. and to be honest we just didn't think comparing similarly themed amusement parks would be such a controversy! lol. Totally understand now that it is a completely different experience, and for people who have grown up in the Netherlands it has strong nostalgia, much like being American and growing up with Disneyland is. We just didn't think it would cause any hurt or issue for people. If I was explaining Disneyland to someone Dutch who had never heard of it, we didn't think saying "it's like the American version of Efteling" would be too far off! Hope you (and any Dutch friends reading this!) understand our intention!

[@kaasmeester5903]

One of those trash can guys looks *exactly* like Trump. Not intentionally... it's probably been there since the 70s.

[@scxrletchxrlii3797]

I am going there for my bday next year 1 April! We are moving there permanently from South Africa

[@IfWeGoTo]

Oh that is awesome!! We will surely love Efteling!!

[@DJWezzyK]

Fata Morgana is about entering a Jungle where the sourcerer gives you acces to the forbidden city of 1001 nights. But in the end, it was all just a dream, a Fata Morgana...

[@IfWeGoTo]

Ahh thank you! We weren’t quite sure about the story!

[@DJWezzyK]

@@IfWeGoTo Droomvlucht is a flight of dreams. It does not have a story. Everything in Efteling is not as IN YOUR FACE as Disney. Efteling wants to play with your senses and imagination. So you have to basically come up with your own version of the tale told. Symbolica does not even has a story. It is just traveling through scenes, the end. Every darkride designer I talk to says Fata Morgana is the strongest darkride in Efteling, while Symbolica is the weakest.

[@julesnotermans3830]

I heard the sirocco soundtrack when you exited Vogel rok and I immediately went from sleepy to fully awake😂 oh ye btw, my family was literally part of the “bokkenrijders” (villa volta) hundred years ago or smth.

[@IfWeGoTo]

Like your family was part of the story or helped create the ride??

[@julesnotermans3830]

@@IfWeGoTo no like, the whole bokkenrijders thing really happened, it’s not a fairytale but the curse is. Anyways my great great great grandmother I believe, was a bokkenrijder

[@IfWeGoTo]

Woah that’s super cool!!

[@saskiapanter]

Funny, 3 stars. It's been rewarded the Best amusement park of the world plenty times. And in summer it's open from 10 to 10.

[@IfWeGoTo]

Thanks for the tip!! The longer hours really wouldv'e been awesome to see more of the park!! And yes, for us Americans, we did prefer Disneyland to Efteling (minus a few things, like Efteling having better landscaping!!). Efteling was awesome, but I think where it really fell short for us was the nostalgia!! We just didn't know any of the Dutch fairytales! I would expect someone Dutch who couldn't speak English to feel similarly about Disney!

[@Lily_and_River]

@@IfWeGoTo the fairy tales in the fairy tale forest aren't from Dutch origin though, they are from all over the world. Dutch people know and like Disney aswell of course but most of us actually grew up more with fairy tales in general. As children we had books and toys with the classic portrayal of fairytales, hardly any Disney. Efteling is therefor very nostalgic for Dutch people and it's just funny to hear people like it less because of that same reason. What is nostalgia for some isn't for others though, that's totally understandable!

[@IfWeGoTo]

For sure, I think in America we really thoroughly get the Disney version of fairytales… and a lot of the classic ones we hear a couple of times, but they’re forgotten or maybe not shared at all because so many are considered “too dark for children”. I understand why it would be nostalgic for you guys and why you’d strongly prefer it! And that’s just how we feel about Disney, it has all the nostalgia points because you grow up with it!

[@Lily_and_River]

@@IfWeGoTo yeah I understand. Original fairy tales can be a lot darker indeed. They were written for adults originally. But over time they got adjusted for kids so they weren't scary to us. Even in the Efteling not all of the fairytale's original really dark elements are told.

[@bryanmiller5727]

The most cutest couple ever and I appreciate them a lot

[@IfWeGoTo]

Thank you so much!!

[@antoonvanderburgt3713]

The spookslot isnt there anymore there building a new kind of new spooky thing

[@IfWeGoTo]

So excited to see their new addition one day!

[@felineschoofs]

The opening hours are different in different times of the year. Also something to note when you come from far away! It’s on their site

[@IfWeGoTo]

Yeah!! I think we misunderstood when we saw it, Thanks for commenting, I hope someone who may be visiting sees it!! :D

[@Mr-wt4eo]

You should stay in one of Efteling their accomodation, the hotel or bosrijk and then do two days. You'd have more time to explore the fairytale forest as well. Maybe you missed a bit. Indische waterlelies is really nice in there

[@IfWeGoTo]

Next time we definitely want to!! You and a few other people have told us we should! feeling like we missed out on the entire experience!

[@Mr-wt4eo]

@@IfWeGoTo the only thing is the fairytales are in Dutch but outside of them there's always some book with some basic info and other than that it's pretty well depicted in 'show' form. So you will miss a bit of the magic but not too much. Without knowing though you may walk in and out and miss a lot.

[@apveening]

@@Mr-wt4eo Indische Waterlelies is Belgian (story written by queen Fabiola).

[@apveening]

@@IfWeGoTo One more advantage of staying in one of the Efteling hotels is that you can get into the park at 09:00 AM.

[@santaclaus179]

the vliegende hollander ( the flying dutchman ) was a ghost ship , when I was young ( 65 years ago ) I had a book concerning the story of this ship , very interesting, greetings from mexico

[@chapsticky9455]

hou je bek wijsneus

[@marcelversteeg3214]

It’s so funny to see the Efteling through your eyes. I’m so familiair with that park :)

[@IfWeGoTo]

It was so much fun!! You're lucky to live near it!

[@ilsekuiper01]

Hello, i love Efteling! Love your vlog. You should come back in summer. July and August. Parc is open from 10a.m. till 12 p.m. for summer fest. Every square there is entertainment. I go twice a year with my kids. We love it. Been to Disney myself, but different. You should go again on Droomvlucht, different now! And flying dutchman too

[@IfWeGoTo]

Ah yes we will definitely be back! We shot this video half-heartedly on a cell phone. Now that we have more practice we want to come back and do a better video.

[@thomashazeleger955]

Fun fact: there's a Kate Bush tombstone from when she did wuthering heights there

[@pedrozatravel]

I have heard of this place, I hope to be able to go one day. We plan to go to Tivoli Gardens next week, which should also be cool

[@IfWeGoTo]

Efteling is awesome!! I hope you get to make the trip out soon! Hope Tivoli Gardens is a blast!! Do you plan on filming it? Would love to check that out!

[@pedrozatravel]

@@IfWeGoTo yes, we do plan on filming it, we plan on being in Copenhagen for three days, then going on the the rest of the Baltics. Thanks again for the video.

[@IfWeGoTo]

@@pedrozatravel Awesome!! I will be on the lookout for it! :) What parts of the Baltics are you visiting?? We're also currently in the Baltics! Do you have Instagram??

[@pedrozatravel]

@@IfWeGoTo yes, we do pedrozatravel, I will look for yours. We plan on going to Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Lithuania, Finland, and Sweden.

[@IfWeGoTo]

@@pedrozatravel Awesome! I just added you guys! Looking forward to seeing your travels!!

[@mcopaal5926]

spookslot is demolisched now to make way for a newer attraction. so you got the experience in time

[@IfWeGoTo]

Glad we got to see it before it was gone!!

[@henryb.2941]

@@IfWeGoTo it was opened in 1978 but has to make room now for new attractions. Back in the day the watiing lines were very long. Did you know that Kate Bush has recorded also a song in the spookslot? Check: Kate Bush - Wuthering Heights - De Efteling Special - 12-05-1978 • TopPop on youtube ;-)

[@TheTrippyCity]

This theme park absolutely nails the whimsy of fairy tales. It is now officially my goal to visit there! I love Disney, but this themepark really is beautiful in a perfectly Dutch fairytale way.

[@IfWeGoTo]

Agreed, it is a great park!! We love Disney too, but Efteling definitely has a charm, authenticity, and uniqueness that makes it stand out!! Hope you have a great trip there when you make it! :D

[@rahfa69]

Villa Volta is widely seen as one of the best madhouse attractions in the world

[@IfWeGoTo]

I see why!! It’s so cool!

[@apveening]

It is one of my favourite attractions, but I make it a point to visit it before lunch or well after it.

[@bobvdhorst98]

I'm sure you did lots of research on some the rides, but you would have had slightly more fun if you translated some of the ride names for yourselves, and took a look into the legends on which some rides are based. Many of the efteling's attractions are based on local/Dutch legends (if not on other fairytales). Villa volta is based on tales of dutch goat riding bandits, as you said, but they have a historical truth; the mining ride incorporates "witte wieven" (white wifes/woman) which are ghostly nature spirit that punish people who tread pagan grounds. The efteling does a wonderful job of putting Dutch folk into contact with Dutch folklore, which is indeed quite a bit darker than Disney because there's less of a 'Disney filter'. Thanks for the Video!

[@IfWeGoTo]

Thanks for watching and your comment!! Definitely wish we had done a little more research with the translation like you stated!! And absolutely, Disney really makes things "kid friendly" but we like Eftelings take on the fairytales keeping them more original!!

[@jessicadepinth7073]

Efteling used to have summerevenings.. on the fridays and saturdays in the summer (july and augustus) it was open till midnight, but neighbours... now in summer the park is open from 9 til 10 at night. Every night..

[@IfWeGoTo]

That’s still pretty late!! Next time we’ll be sure to visit during summer!!

[@henryb.2941]

@@IfWeGoTo in the past the Efteling was closed in winter for yearly maintenance but now they are also open in the winter. Not sure if every ride is open then because they have to do yearly maintenance ;-)

[@kabouterwesley83]

Currently the only day in the year the park is open till (and even past) midnight is on new years eve.

[@yehet8725]

The park is actually open until 11 pm in like the summer vacation period :) (But the waiting times are longer too so I guess hh)

[@IfWeGoTo]

That’s cool that they stay open later!! But that makes total sense that more people would go!

[@rudyvanmiltenburg7012]

Nice video, but don’t compare The Efteling with Disney. They are totally different theme parks.

[@IfWeGoTo]

We made the comparison for our American friends/family! It wasn’t to dismiss Efteling at all! :) Both parks are very different but they’re also theme parks based on fairytales. So.. in the grand scheme we thought they were pretty similar - at least enough to explain what it is for to friends back home that have no idea what Efteling is!!! Lol

[@TheMarkvanes]

To everybody here the Efteling is older.

[@IfWeGoTo]

Yes!! How old is it exactly? Nearly 100 years right?

[@TheMarkvanes]

@@IfWeGoTo it is 70 years old. Making it 3 years older than the original Disneyland. And started as a recreation park. It also it has no Giant corp behind it. Also were you complained there was no story. They were tours through areas.

[@IfWeGoTo]

@@TheMarkvanes Oh we did not mean to complain - the language barrier made it hard to understand some of the stories (everything was only in Dutch), so we were explaining that we probably have some bias towards the Disney parks because we grew up with those stories and already knew them regardless of the language. Where with Efteling we didn't always fully understand them! Also totally understand it doesn't have Disney funding and think it was incredible considering that fact! We did add annotations in text (at Carnival Festival and while leaving the park) about it potentially being the inspiration for Disney and that we'd love to see what they could pull off if they had the same money to put into it.. because we really did love the theming!

[@TheMarkvanes]

@@IfWeGoTo they are gonna be expanded in the coming years. Also Spookslot is about to be replaced with Danse Macabre. Check out their socials aswell.

[@IfWeGoTo]

@@TheMarkvanes Will be really cool to see what they continue to build. Will definitely check out their socials!! Thank you!

[@kkemp221]

Some of the rides you have to see through children s eyes. The park was original developed for children as a fairytale park. Anton Pieck a dutch artist was the designer.

[@IfWeGoTo]

Definitely the way to look at it!! It was so Much fun though, even as an adult!!

[@DamienAlexander]

I was gonna suggest Land van Ooit, but just found they closed a few years ago.

[@IfWeGoTo]

Oh bummer!! Sounds like we missed out!!

[@maaiked]

A few years ago? Already closed for 15 years 😂.

[@victorvandermeulen3945]

Comparing it with Disneyland is like comparing Amsterdam with New York?

[@IfWeGoTo]

Which you could do with two major world cities… they’re different but share some commonalities lol.

[@ZeNN-Music]

Well it used to be New Amsterdam!

[@yvontilmans5954]

Hi, I'm a Efteling hooligan. And I always enjoy seeying people from other countries visiting the Efteling. Most people are disney fans, but for me it's Efteling. Dutch greetings from Yvon

[@IfWeGoTo]

Glad you enjoyed it!! I see why you all Love it so much!! Thank you! :D

[@chapsticky9455]

hey im a pipebomb hooligan and i always enjoy sending pipebombs to your house

[@WiWillemijn]

Wait did you manage to visit all those in one day? :0

[@IfWeGoTo]

We did!! Only one day there. I wish we had done 2-3 to really get the full Efteling experience!!!

[@keanoverhagen]

for the fata morgana, it is a dark ride in the water where you take a long in the OLD Arabic/eastern world

[@wimschiphorst8541]

A correction. Kibbeling is not fried herring. Kibbeling was originally made from cod (cheeks). But this fish became too expensive. Most of the squabbling, especially in the markets, is from Alaska these days. Alaska pollock

[@IfWeGoTo]

Ahh thank you!! Sometimes we mis-speak or read so we definitely appreciate the correction!!