Where is Efteling?

It’s in the south of Holland. It’s about half an hour from Eindhoven, 45 minutes from Rotterdam, 1.5 hours from Amsterdam and 2.5 hours from Calais.

What’s new in the park?

The park opened in 1952 and has expanded. Last year, we added a hair-raising rollercoaster, Baron 1898, which is a freefall into a mineshaft. Next March, we will open a new attraction, which for now remains a closely guarded secret. But I can tell you it will be an indoor ride. 

What makes Efteling special?

It is set in the natural surrounds of a fairytale forest, which makes it very different from other theme parks. When the bulbs appear in springtime, it’s just beautiful. 

What is there to do?

There are rollercoasters and rides, including a steam carousel that’s more than a century old, but it’s more than that. There is a lake where you can take boat trips and there are play areas for children. There’s live theatre and music including a water, fire and light show, Aquanura, that runs every night. It features horse stunt riders, a five-headed fire-breathing, water-spurting dragon and is the third largest water show in the world after Dubai and Las Vegas.

Where can you stay at Efteling?

We have a hotel with 122 rooms and themed suites, including a Red Riding Hood Suite and a Cinderella Suite. It’s right across the road from a secret entrance to the park. A five-minute stroll away is Efteling Village Bosrijk, which has a mix of accommodation, from Woodland Houses to Lakeside Houses. The village has amenities on site, so you can order croissants to be delivered to your front door for breakfast and pizza for dinner. 

How can agents sell Efteling?

Agents earn a basic 8% commission on direct bookings, but I am in the process of setting up packages with tour operators and ferry operators that will include transport, accommodation and entry tickets. Superbreak is the first confirmed operator, with packages from £378 for a family of four for two nights. At present it’s just me in the UK working to get the Efteling name out there, but I am recruiting a sales team so we can visit more agents. It’s a new product in the UK, which is exciting for agents, yet it comes with a great deal of heritage. It’s also very good value; day tickets are €34 and kids under three go free. Ticket prices include all rides and shows.

Any fam trip plans?

We’re planning a big fam trip in April with Superbreak. We want the trade to get behind it and sell it. Once people see it, they’re amazed how different it is. It’s not sold on a heart-shaped mouse – our fairy tales are more realistic, in the style of Hans Christian Andersen and the Brothers Grimm.

Is the park open year-round?

Yes. Winter is a wonderful time to visit – in mid-November the park is transformed into Winter Efteling, with fake snow, bonfires, lights and winter attractions such as ice-skating. In July and August, closing hours are put back to 8pm so people tend to eat out in the park, but there is a restaurant in the village too. 

What is the recommended length of stay at the park?

We suggest at least two to three days, but you can easily extend your stay in the local area and explore the beautiful nature and local culture beyond the park’s borders. You can hire bikes in the village and hotel, and head off on well-maintained trails through the forest. You can also jump on a bus and visit local towns such as Tilburg and Breda, and even head into Amsterdam for the day. Or vice versa, make Efteling part of a short break in Amsterdam. 

Is the park signposting in English?

We only started promoting Efteling to the UK market last year, so the signs are slowly being changed to include English. We have English maps, all the staff speak English in the park and there’s an English app available for download. 

How are the queues?

I’ve not seen any queues that were too bad. There’s no need for a fast-track system because it is spread out over a huge area. Plus UK half-term holidays are not always the same as European ones, so they can be a good time to visit.