This is Efteling
This is Efteling
Efteling is the largest and most popular theme park in The Netherlands, and one of the leading theme parks in Europe. It is also one of the oldest theme parks in the world. Efteling is located in the town of Kaatsheuvel, in the municipality of Loon op Zand. Efteling was opened in 1952.
Originally the park catered towards children with a fairy tale theme. Nowadays Efteling appeals to both young and old with its cultural, romantic and nostalgic themes and its variety of amusement rides. In over fifty years the park has evolved from a nature park with playground and a Fairy Tale Forest, into a full-size theme park along the lines of Disneyland. In 1992 Efteling received the IAAPA Applause Award for Best Amusement Park in the World.
History
Efteling 'officially' opened on May 31st 1952, when the Fairy Tale Forest (het Sprookjesbos), designed by the famous Dutch illustrator Anton Pieck, was declared open. Initially, the Fairy Tale Forest was home to some ten different fairy tales. All of them were brought to life using original drawings by Anton Pieck, alongside ingenious movements, lighting and sound effects designed by the Dutch film maker Peter Reijnders. The life-size fairy tales, displayed together in an atmospheric forest, proved to be an enormous success. In 1952 alone Efteling welcomed 240,000 visitors.
There is some debate about whether May 31st, 1952 is the actual start of Efteling. Some argue that 1950 should be considered the official year of the park's establishment, since in that year Stichting Natuurpark de Efteling, or Efteling Nature Park Foundation, was founded. Others prefer 1953, when Efteling was declared 'open' by a government official, coinciding with the opening of the park's second large restaurant facility that still exists as De Ballonvaarder.
Design
The success of Efteling has been attributed largely to its high-quality ride designs and architecture and its pleasant green environments and gardening. The park, under the aegis of its creative directors, has always had high standards. When Anton Pieck was asked to design the initial fairy tales for the park, he made sure the park would live up to his personal high standards: there would be no use of cheap building materials, plastic or concrete. Pieck's illustration style, somewhat grim and dark, yet also romantic and nostalgic, was the thematic base on which most future expansions were built.
Pieck worked for Efteling until the mid 1970s, when his position as chief designer was passed on to the young Ton van de Ven. Van de Ven had already been working for Efteling for several years and Pieck was very pleased with his work. The Haunted Castle (het Spookslot), which opened in 1978 as the park's first new large ride, was the first attraction designed entirely by Van de Ven (although he used some ideas from joint brainstorming sessions with Pieck). Later on he designed many more successful rides and new fairy tales, leading him to be considered by some as the world's best 'imagineer' after Disney.
Van de Ven continued his work until 2002, when he retired. A new team of imagineers is currently working on new Efteling rides.
Divisions
Efteling has been divided in three sections; the themepark (1952), the four-star Efteling Hotel (1992), and the 18-hole golf course (1995). The hotel was operated by Golden Tulip for some years, but Efteling decided recently to manage it independently. All three divisions are profitable nowadays, although it took the golf course several years to break even. The divisions are contained in commercial corporations, but all shares are still held by the not-for-profit Efteling Naturepark Foundation (Stichting Natuurpark de Efteling).
The Park
Efteling currently covers approximately 160 acres (650,000 m²). This area has changed only marginally over the course of its history. However, the park's foundation owns a much larger area of land, covered mostly with young forests, some grassland, roads and an 18-hole golf course.
The park is divided into four themed areas or 'realms', though these are not entirely comparable to Disney's 'lands'. Originally, the park was divided into four areas called North, West, East, and South, with most of the park's historical rides and attractions, like the Fairy Tale Forest, located in West. When the park reorganized its infrastructure in the late 1990s (adding the Pardoes Promenade and a central hub called Efteling Brink), it also changed its area names. North was changed to Reizenrijk (Travel Realm), West became Marerijk (Fairy Realm), East became Ruigrijk (Adventure Realm (literally: Rough Realm)) and South became Anderrijk (Alternative Realm).
Most of these names are rather cryptic and whether they suit their areas is debatable, because the park was not built with this division in mind at all. Perhaps the area most suited to its name is Ruigrijk, where most fast rides like the double-loop roller coaster Python (constructed in 1981) are located. However, on closer inspection the other names make some sense too. Marerijk is the home to the Fairy Tale Forest and the Fairies of the Droomvlucht, Anderrijk has some rides that are inspired by non-Western cultures (e.g. Fata Morgana and Piraña) while Reizenrijk has the Carnaval Festival ride, which travels through several different 'countries'.
Not only the Fairy Tale Forest, but almost the entire Efteling park was built in a rather rural area, with lots of pine trees, giving the park a very special and unique 'nature park' feeling. Together with the large ponds and gardens (with thousands of flowers and an army of gardeners) it gives the park a green and friendly feeling which is rather unusual among the world's leading themeparks.
The only large park that seems to get close to this special atmosphere is Disney's Animal Kingdom in Orlando, Florida. Unfortunately, Dutch climate and the reliance on greenery and trees for a huge part of the park's great looks (and theming!) are putting a bit of a stopper on a truly successful year-round opening. Efteling used to be closed all winter (only being open from April through October), but the park's management, struggling to make the park more profitable and creating a better return-on-investment, has been experimenting with a so-called 'Winter Efteling' since 1999. Thanks to great efforts to decorate the park using loads of pine trees and thousands of Christmas lights in winter, 'Winter Efteling' is growing more popular every year, reaching a climax during the holidays when thousands of people visit the park.
Awards
- In 1992 the IAAPA Applause Award was awarded for the best themepark in the world.
- In 1997 Villa Volta as first 'new style' madhouse in the world receives the Thea Attraction Award.
- In 2005 the Efteling received the THEA Classic Award. This Classic Award is the ultimate token of recognition for an amusement park, because it is awarded by other people in the industry. The Efteling is the second park to receive a prize for their entire oeuvre, the first being the park Tivoli Gardens.
The Disney Connectionion
The Efteling has a good relationship with the Disney theme parks. Disneyland Paris consulted the Efteling during its construction and design phase, to have the American park adapted to European culture. As a token of appreciation the Disney Company gave the Efteling a small statue. Ton van de Ven (former Creative Director) is also a good friend of Disney's Tony Baxter (Senior Vice President of Disney Imagineering). Former Efteling employee Cees Kikstra, who used to be a manager at Efteling, worked for Disney Benelux at first and later for Disneyland Paris.
Hello Dear Fans & Friends, I thought you might enjoy a look at Efteling. This article was brought to you by Marlene Warren & Sally
efteling here we come! Lorraine
It will be interesting to hear what music Andre plays for this concert. Did you see the Flying Dutchman ride? I would like to see the Fairytale portion of the park.
It's going to be very interesting and exciting watching Andre and the JSO at this Theme Park. Three concerts, I can just imagine the fun they will have. I wonder what the dvd is going to be like?? I'm ready to buy it already.
Andre is always doing something different. This sounds like it will fun.
This sounds like lots and lots of fun wishing I was there and I'm sure others too. This is also fabulous for introducing younger would be Andre Rieu fans to his wonderful music and something extra special for the younger fans already and of course us younger ones at heart.
21 June is the first day of summer. Andre has announced tickets are for sale for a 'general rehersal' I'm wondering if there will be a CD or a DVD?
If anyone attends plllllzzzzz, give us a report, the songs selected & any details.
HOw about it, are you going to attend Arie?
Bill in Arizona
Bill you can count on the DVD. Theme Park, Beautiful Surroundings, Glorious Music...
Hey, i´ve just discovered this site, and would like to know how to participate as a fan!
Welcome Elisangela. I am happy to meet you.
You are already in our Family of Friends! And you can post here anytime.
Where in Brazil do you live? I have always wanted to visit South America and hope to see it one day. How did you hear of Andre Rieu?
So, thanks by the card! It´s so nice...rsrs..well, if you want to visit Brazil, you´re wellcome...I live in Brasília.
A frind of mine lend me a dvd Romantic Paradise last month...and I really love it!...as soon as possible I´II buy the complet collection!
Have a nice day!
congratulations Elisangela, on finding this website. Participation will greatly increase your enjoyment of Andre Rieu DVD's & CD. because you will learn so much about Andre & each orchestra member + you'll be among the first to know all the details of his most recent 'on tour' concerts.
How did you happen upon our website? Am I correct in presumming that you are from Brazil?
Bill in Arizona, U.S.A.
southpawbc-phxazandreconcert@yahoo.com
Hi Bill!
I´m so happy to type with you..rsr...then, sorry me by my English mistakes, ok?
You´re right, I´m from Brazil!
I meet the website when I was searching about André!
2 sopranos, no longer with Andre, were both from Brazil; Carmen Monarcha & Carla Maffioletti.
Welcome Elisangela, so nice to hear from you. Please come back soon and post a message. Would love to hear from you and how you came to know Andre. Hugs
Hi Jeanine!
Thank´s for your message! Well, i´m learning violin, then a friend of mine show me the dvd Romantic Paradise, and I fall in love immediately!...André is a really fabulous man!
good night
Hi Elisangela! So glad to hear from you. That is wonderful that you are playing the violin. It is such a beautiful instrument and I wish you the best of luck. I know what you mean about love at first sight with Andre. He is such a wonderful person and has so much talent. When you post again click on the June Guestbook page. Most of the girls and guys post on that page and you can get to meet everyone. We will be looking forward to hearing from you again.
Love and hugs,
Hi Jeanine Ann
Thank´s for your message!...so, I´II enter on June Guestbook as you told me.
Love and hugs!
And, if you want can call me Gel !
WELCOME Elisangela!!!
Wow...what a beautiful name! Isn't it wonderful when people from around the world get to know Andre? I think that's fantastic. I am so glad you found the JSO. Have fun!!!
With warmest wishes,
Sarah
Hi Sarah!
Thank you for the message and it´s nice that you liked my name...
Kisses
Hello Elisangela, what a lovely, lovey name.Gel...that is cute. I was thinking ANGEL.
I've found some photos of the JSO practicing at Efteling showing a new Bassoon player, a new member of the choir, & a new Trumpet player, sitting between Roger & Rene, & + all the JSO members in informal attire & wearing their sunglasses...... go here , then scroll down to see the photos
Here are some still shots. I've written to Robin. Her photographs are so pretty. Gosh all these good photographers and I'm just a snap shot taker.
Please let Robin know how much her photos mean to us.
Robin's Photos of Andre at Efteling
Uau! the photos are really nice, yes?!
André wearing glasses is so beautiful!
Thank you Robin to give us the opportunit to see this!
I've already sent an email to Robin thanking "him", for putting the photos up on the internet.
Is Robin, a guy, or a Gal?
Robin is a Guy!
Here is an email reply:
============================================================
Hi dear...ANGEL was a nickname that I have for a long time...rsrs...
So, how was your day?
I hope you´re funny!
...kisses
Hi again, yes, we are all funny! We do have a lot of fun together.
Fata Morgana (Efteling)
Fata Morgana, the forbidden city, also known as
1001 Arabian Nights (or "1001 nachten" in Dutch) is a dark ride in amusement
park Efteling in the Netherlands. It was designed by Ton van de Ven and Jan
Verhoeven and opened its doors in 1986.
16- passenger boats pass through a fairy-tale style
Arabian city that is populated by 140 animatronics. Only one transport boat is
present in a scene at the same time. The ride begins in a twilight setting,
showing a jungle and the skyline of a distant Arabian city. Upon entering the
city, in the poor quarter, beggars and merchants call for attention. The next
scene shows a palace and a harbor with ships, followed by a prison and torture
room. Passing by a harem the real ride ends in the throne room of the pasha.
Total ride time is 8 minutes, capacity of 1800 persons/ hour.
Scenes:
Prelude: jungle & wizard
Poor quarter
First market scene
Second market scene
Dark tunnel with crocodiles
Scene at the falling gate
Prison scene
Torture scene and wizard
Harbor scene
Harem scene
Throne room scene
Treasure room scene and wizard
Storm scene
Epilogue: jungle
Who wants to add more? Research and share what you know! Have you
been to Efteling? What is your favorite ride? Favorite photo of it?
Show you enjoyed the most?