VLOG: Efteling 2023, Day Two | OUR FIRST VISIT | Fata Morgana, Fabula Restaurant, Piraña & More!

Welcome to Efteling, a theme park unlike any you've ever visited - and certainly unlike any that we've ever visited in the United States! Efteling is the most renowned theme park in the Netherlands, and we were over the moon to have been able to visit for the very first time this month as we made our way overseas to Kaatsheuvel for the start of Efteling's summer 2023 season. During our second (vlogged) day at Efteling, we took on dark ride favorites such as Fata Morgana and Carnival Festival while setting aside some time for new coaster credits like De Vliegende Hollander and Joris en de Draak, and (ho hum) water rides like Piraña! Join us, as well, for lunch at the Fabula Restaurant - a themed quick service experience that opened in 2019 and was above and beyond any immersive culinary atmosphere we've ever dined in before - and adventures in the mythical lands of Archipel and Volk van Laaf. It's a full day of fun and fantasy in our second vlog from an international theme park, and we can't wait to share this magical place with you!
#efteling #devliegendehollander #fatamorgana #fabularestaurant #jorisendedraak
00:00 The Magic of Efteling
00:18 Introduction
00:48 Fata Morgana
01:48 Fata Morgana 'Djinn' Puppet
02:03 Fata Morgana Review
02:43 Piraña Water Cannons
03:07 €1 Lockers
03:23 Piraña
04:49 Piraña Review
05:19 Wayfinding
05:36 De Vliegende Hollander
07:33 Wayfinding, Redux!
08:09 Making Friends
08:25 De Stoomtrein
09:27 DJ Dizzy Dance Party
10:12 Pagode (Thai Temple)
11:19 Gondoletta Boat Ride
12:44 Archipel Play Area
13:54 Fabula Restaurant
14:15 Automated Order Entry
15:12 Order Pickup Area(s) & Savannebar
15:59 Lunch Selections at Fabula
17:30 Fabula Restaurant Play Area
19:21 Danse Macabre Construction (2024)
20:37 Meeting Pardoes!
20:56 Diorama
21:30 Joris en de Draak
22:21 Joris en de Draak Review
23:16 Festival Carnival
24:00 Monorail (Volk van Laaf)
24:43 Volk van Laaf Play Area
25:51 Wrapping Up & See You Real Soon!
OUR DAY ONE VLOG:
tinyurl.com/5fw9m6s8
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Music provided by Epidemic Sound.
(Intro) Arabian Nights ~ Sight of Wonders.
(Outro) A World of Possibilities ~ Jon Bjork.

[@timandkt]

We had an amazing summer 2023 visit to Efteling with four and a half days in one of the most beautiful, unique theme parks in the world! If you liked this video, be sure to check out our two other vlogs from Efteling... ✨ Efteling Day 1: tinyurl.com/5fw9m6s8 Efteling Hotel: tinyurl.com/yj9pc7zn

[@wisecat.]

You know, Eftelings 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

[@timandkt]

I think repeated visits to Disney have led us to casually misuse the word 'animatronic'. 😂 We tend to refer to any dynamic character model within a dark ride as being an animatronic, whereas you're quite correct to say that the term actually only refers to computerized motion. It's truly amazing what Efteling has created, and how well it's held up over the years! No other park worldwide can hold a candle to their legacy ✨

[@waltbackaert8578]

​@@timandkt and you would be right to use it for that, that is the general term, how they are animated doesn't really matter

[@SuperDutchjohn]

That is the Efteling for you, feeling a child again no matter how old you are! I am 62 years old, I have been in many parks, but the Efteling beats all when it comes to atmosphere, staff and the feeling it gives you, it is simply totally unique! You SHOULD come back, because of what I have seen of what Danse Macabre is going to be, it will totally unique as well, the 1st attraction like this in the world....................thumbs up from the Netherlands!!

[@timandkt]

Agree with you 100%, and we have already made plans to return! 😁 We cannot wait to get back to Efteling for more memories and magic. Thanks so much for watching! ✨

[@meticulousgeek]

Don't feel too bad for not feeding the ducks and birds, I think they are spoiled enough already. Another wonderful vlog, it was really fun to visit the Efteling with you two and I'm glad you also took some days for yourselfs. Much love for not caring and just embracing your inner child.

[@timandkt]

Our inner children dictate the majority of our life choices 😁 Thank you so much, again, for your kind words and your support! We always try to set aside a little bit of time for ourselves to focus on the experience moreso than the vlogging - usually before or after a proper vlogging day. 😊 Efteling was truly _the_ most amazing, magical and captivating park we've ever visited, and we wanted to soak up every last moment that we possibly could while we were there! Can't wait to return someday ✨

[@captainchaos3667]

You are in fact not supposed to feed the birds, since it's bad for them _and_ makes them into a nuisance, so it was the right thing to do.

[@xXxRobynxXx]

always love watching Efteling vlogs, also the guy who waved at 2:03 how cute!!!

[@timandkt]

Haha he was getting his cardio in, for sure! Thank you so much for watching! Glad you enjoyed the vlog! 😁

[@ZoellesWorld]

I loved Katie's dance solo. There are clearly others in the park, but you guys looked like you had it to yourself most of the time.

[@timandkt]

That is the _true_ magic of Efteling! Even on a "busy" day, the park has so much space to stretch out and move at one's own pace without feeling rushed or crowded! 😍 Disney simply can't compete with that!

[@bramvanderklaauw434]

You guys are so adorable and your voice sir is amazing

[@timandkt]

Ahhh thank you 🥹 That means a lot!

[@Yochemm]

Danse Macabre will get a spookslot 2.0. This was Spookslot, the voice-over is telling the story about the curse of a evil witch, who became on the fire pile. Every time when the clock sounds 12 o'clock happens what you see in the show... (Yeah!! The Efteling is a bit darker than Happy Disneyland 😱) kzbin.info/www/bejne/gKq0epapiraLZpo For you Dutch lessons... The "oo" sound in Spookslot & Stroopwafel, is the "O" sound from Ocean. So "Room" in Dutch sounds different then "Room" in English... 🙃 Listen to Katy, she is the most right about pronunciation 🤣

[@timandkt]

Katie is almost always better at pronunciation than I (Tim) am! 🤣 I will hold on to these lessons. We were sad to miss Spookslot, but can't wait to experience Danse Macabre on a future visit someday!

[@TheAdventuresofMegGreg]

Fata Morgana looks like such a cool dark ride! Love that its mostly animatronics. "Im sorry everyone" while spraying them hahahaha that is so funny. Don't worry Tim, it wasn't you, it was the gods 🤣 LOVE Katie dancing at the dance party!! Always love to dance! My emotions with the swan just went like this "awe a swan!!! AWE A BABY SWAN! OH NO ... the baby swan, oh no, oh no, aweee baby swan is okay!" hahaha that was a ride for sure 🤣 so funny. That restaurant looks SO cool. The ceiling is so cool and what a neat play area. Always the right to be a kid hehe! The Festival Carnival is giving Small World vibes lol! Love the monorail ride!! So cute!! I agree, never underestimate the transportation rides. That's why we are people mover people lol! Your vlog is AMAZING as always and thanks for bringing us along!! :)

[@timandkt]

Exactly! It was the gods, all I did was wave at them! 😂 As you can imagine, it was a relief to see that the baby swan escaped without coming to harm haha and the Fabula Restaurant was incredible, even better than we would have thought it was from the outside. Aren't we all just big kids looking for an opportunity to play? 😉 Same deal for the 'monosnail', a perfect kiddie ride that also suits adults who are kids at heart. I know you know that we are Peoplemover People, too! Thanks SO much for watching; we can only hope we did the park some justice with our vlog! ✨

[@FantasmicTravel]

What an amazing vlog! Love seeing Efteling! All the dark rides were adorable!

[@timandkt]

We can’t wait to show you this park, Kaylee 😍 It’s even better than Disneyland!

[@disneyanddaysout]

We are in love with Efteling after just getting back from our first trip last week!

[@timandkt]

We never wanted to leave 🥲 It blew Disney completely out of the water for us!

[@disneyanddaysout]

@@timandkt it was amazing and right up there for us. Such a special park

[@miwer1000]

Danse macabere will have a completely new ride system (world first) Will be a huge spinning cicrle with spinning benches it can Tillt and is can even drop 3m like a drop tower

[@timandkt]

We actually came across the Danse Macabere preview (model) video shortly after recording this vlog! While it definitely looks like it's going to offer a very different attraction experience from Spookslot - and for that matter, from any other "haunted" attraction we've ever seen - we are super excited to see and ride it for the first time when we visit next! 👻🎃🕸

[@Rascarrr]

Nice to see a young David Cross chilling in the Efteling with his girl. Good stuff.

[@timandkt]

Haha, I take that comparison as a compliment! 😂 We had a great time! Thanks so much for watching!

[@TwoTicketsToAdventure]

That dude was on a hamster wheel controlling the puppet! Cool. Oh Tim and his favorite type of rides, water. 💦 Digging the soundtrack to a lot of these rides. The good ol Drop track. I can't believe that was a water ride and a rollercoaster! How awesome. The kid is me whenever I have too much to drink. I get real friendly and want to chat with everyone 😅 I love me a good train ride around a park! Holy moly that's close to the water. I would love to get on that pagode! A great way to look above the tree line. You'll see swans at CP. OMG that was scary almost running it over. I'd totally be like that lady chilling on my own little island in the water play ground listening to music. I wish it would be that decently easy to order food in Japan. Savana is some type of meat, ocean is sea food and jungle is veggie burger lol. Context clues! Thankfully there's some menus in English and pictures to point at. Ah to be a kid again. I wish they would make adult play areas. Omg the teeny diorama 😍 Reminds me of Story Book Land in Disneyland. When was the last time you did a See-Saw? What a fun little kids area towards the end! I love all the greenery in this park 🖤

[@timandkt]

Believe it or not, no drop track on De Vliegende Hollander! You just sail off the end of the earth and into the maw of the Flying Dutchman 😬 Terrifying, but incredible! Context clues are definitely very helpful, but we’re still working hard to improve our Dutch vocabulary for the next trip. Also I’d say that the diorama is even better than the storybook canal boats at Disneyland, because you don’t have to wait in a 30-minute line before you can enjoy it! 😁 Thanks for watching, guys!

[@HannahEnchanted]

So excited for this one :O TIM! You wet people on a water ride you will be going on! I did laugh but still! :D Wait did you get stuck on the water ride?! There doesnt seem to be a full track sort of thing for it! Ahaaa Tim got soaked and I can just tell by your screams of joy that you loved it so so much! Love the idea of a coaster mixed with a water ride. Febula restaurant looks like my sort of place! Aww what a lovely little meet and greet too. The carnival - oooooh goodness how adorable is that ride Thanks so much for taking us along!

[@timandkt]

To be fair, my odds of getting soaked were just as high with or without my engaging the gods 👀😂 It could have been worse, but it could have been better! De Vliegende Hollander was much more enjoyable, as water rides go, but both rides had _great_ soundtracks. Fabula was a literal magic playground, so well-themed all the way around! We had an amazing day all the way around, and can't wait to go back and revisit all our favorite attractions again soon ✨ Thanks for watching, Hannah!

[@ikke5212]

glad you two enjoyd your time in the efteling😉

[@timandkt]

It was the most incredible theme park we've ever visited, _far_ exceeding any one of the dozens of parks we've visited here in the United States. We can't wait to go back! ✨

[@yannikinwonderland]

Hi guys, I watched your efteling vlog for the first time and have to say you do awesome vlogs! I loved watching you exploring de Efteling and having so much fun! Thanks for taking us there with you. I will be there for three days in about three weeks ❤

[@timandkt]

Thank you so much! 😁 We tried our best to do the park justice - one of the most beautiful and unique in the world, and our new favorite for sure! We have another video coming from our stay at the Efteling Hotel, if that has any relevance for you. Otherwise, have an AMAZING trip! 😍 Impossible _not_ to have a good time at de Efteling!!

[@yannikinwonderland]

@@timandkt Thanks guys! Very looking forward to you hotel video and I am excited to see the new hotel Efteling is building!

[@E59th]

It's so funny how Americans are surprised at a locker at a theme park being free (it's just a deposit). I can tell you that a lot of Dutch people would refuse to visit a theme park that charged them money for a locker or a toilet visit. Most Dutch families bring food and drinks into the park and if Efteling would forbid that like at Disney or Six Flags in the USA, attendance would drop sharply.

[@timandkt]

Lockers can be very hit or miss in the USA! Some of the chains like Six Flags and Seaworld utilize pay-to-play lockers for which you pay one price for a full day's use, and you then digitally move your locker from location to location as you traverse the park. There are also parks like Hersheypark, our 'home park', which are free up to a certain period of time while you're on a nearby ride or attraction. In any case, I think it's safe to say that we much prefer Efteling's system of borrow-and-return! I also don't know if we realized that Efteling permitted outside food and drink until you mentioned it - great intel for our next visit. 😁 Thanks so much for watching and providing us with proper context!

[@annehoog]

@@timandkt Efteling doesn't only permit it, but also offers great picknick areas to enjoy your food. It's not uncommon to see dutch families trolling around with a cart with coolbox and al the food and drinks in it. Best park for picknicks however is legoland Billund. They offer so many great areas with picknick tables and a lot of those with a roof to get shelter from the rain if needed. When Disney opened in Paris they didn't allow food which made us dutchies very angry. It was one of the reasons the park didn't do very well in the early days. I think they relaxed the rules now, but I'm not sure. (Disney didn't take into account the different way we spend our vacation days and money here in the Europe, their american model didn't work very well)

[@how2pick4name]

This is what happens if you just follow directions and are not worried that you sound funny. Your Dutch sounds awesome! :)

[@timandkt]

Thank you so much! 😁 We’re still learning and practicing our Dutch every day! Hope to be better-spoken by the next visit haha

[@mikepluijmen8261]

I love your vlog! Amazing to see people from other countries enjoy in de Efteling. But did you know that Carnaval festival was there before it's a small world.

[@timandkt]

Thank you so much! It's important to us that we do right by the park, as it's such an amazing place and we really want to showcase it! 😁 Ah, man, is that right about Carnaval Festival? I could have sworn it opened in 1984. Either way, we were definitely finding it interesting how similar certain rides and attractions were to those we've experienced in the Disney parks, while finding it fascinating how different certain others were! Quite frankly, I think Efteling is the better park overall ✨

[@erikvermolen8371]

yeah sorry not correct, the first It's A Small World attraction opened in 1964. I think you're confused with the one in Disneyland Paris opening in 1992....

[@ilsekuiper01]

Danse Macabre is going to be a little bit different than spookslot. Spookslot was a walkthroughshow. Danse Macabre has same music but it is a ride. In an abdij. You up and down in a bench. You can find a video on KZbin

[@timandkt]

We actually found the video that you're talking about later on after we got back to the hotel for the day! I almost included it in this edit, but it was a little disruptive to the overall narrative flow. In any case, it definitely looks like Danse Macabre is going to be a really unique addition to the park, with an excitingly high ride capacity! 😍 Can't wait!

[@ilsekuiper01]

@@timandkt me and my kids too. It is going to open, latest news, october 2024. I can't wait to join this ride. Loved your vlog by the way

[@timandkt]

Thank you so much! 😁

[@ilsekuiper01]

@@timandkt YW

[@toaojjc]

You made it to "volk van laaf" and you didn't find the sound making staircase? (Laaf's Lolhuys). You missed out!

[@timandkt]

We did, actually! It was one of a few things that had to be cut out of our vlog on the basis of time and/or cinematic quality. But we still managed to miss quite a few things at Efteling, so regardless - there's always reason to go back! 😁

[@DutchThemeparkNetworkNL]

9:09 the opening of Grand Hotel Efteling is planned for 2024 not 2025. The Efteling is able to built so much quicker then Disney does. 😊

[@timandkt]

Ah, Whoops! You're totally right! 🤦 Looks like I got some bad intel! Wow, Efteling builds things _fast_ - Danse Macabre and the Grand Hotel Efteling in the same year! Can't wait!

[@DutchThemeparkNetworkNL]

@@timandkt they where announced together. Efteling built new attractions mostly together with a place to stay. Bosrijk together with George and the dragon and Loonsche Land together with Baron. If you want to stay up to date about Efteling, we make a monthly news update on our channel. There is a new one out today!

[@timandkt]

@@DutchThemeparkNetworkNL That makes so much sense! And so cool to hear that your channel covers monthly updates. We've subscribed to you and will be sure to check that out! 😁

[@groenekever]

You get you,re euro back

[@timandkt]

Being from the US we are so unused to that, and were so surprised to see the euro come back after being deposited! Just one more thing that’s better at Efteling than most other parks 😁

[@Nitzpitz]

Great vlog again! Did you go on the kids car and train ride? Both are fantastic for grown ups too

[@timandkt]

Thank you so much! 😍 We weren’t able to squeeze in the cars on this trip, but we tried to do the pedal train and were turned away! We were a bit older than the purported cutoff of 11. 😂

[@Nitzpitz]

@@timandkt officially it is up to 12, but sometimes they will let you ride it (or you can find a kid to accompany 😂)The cars are for all ages.

[@timandkt]

Haha, I guess we just caught them at the wrong time of day! 😂 Maybe next time....

[@johnvanberkom7157]

Wich attraction you loved the most @ Efteling?

[@timandkt]

We have differing favorites! Katie is partial to De Vliegende Hollander, while I (Tim) loved Symbolica most of all. So many amazing attractions and experiences, though, it's genuinely hard to choose!

[@johnvanberkom7157]

@@timandkt My favorite is the oldest coaster Python, but I love all the rides! Thx for your reaction Katie & Tim!

[@captainchaos3667]

You looked a _little_ wimpy in your ponchos on Piraña next to everybody else in ordinary clothes, ngl... 😂

[@timandkt]

When it comes to rapids rides, we _are_ quite wimpy. 😂 But it mostly comes down to not wanting to walk around all day in wet clothes haha someone _always_ gets soaked on a proper rapids, I’d hate to be the one with all the bad luck and not have been prepared! 😜

[@captainchaos3667]

@@timandkt Fair enough!

[@marnickbarendse4828]

Maybey you like to now that efteling has a youtube channel that makes makeing of dance marabre they show them how is maked

[@timandkt]

Yes! We've been following along with Efteling's social media very closely since getting back home in July! 😁 It's been fascinating watching Danse Macabre come together over the past few months!

[@miwer1000]

Fatamorgana is from the 1970s

[@timandkt]

Is it? 😳 I could have sworn that I read 1986 as being its original opening date. In any case, everything is so well-maintained, you could have told me it was built yesterday and I would believe you! One of our favorite rides in the park, for sure!

[@SuperDutchjohn]

You are correct, it is from the 1980's!@@timandkt