Inside Dutch fairytale theme park which guests say is ‘higher than Disneyland’ – & you’ve in all probability by no means heard of it

WITH its magical themed lands, iconic characters and epic rollercoasters, Disneyland is extensively thought of the most effective theme park on this planet.

However a fantastical attraction within the Netherlands may very well be even higher.

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Guests say Efteling in Kaatsheuvel is simply as enchanting, with storybook names like Cinderella and Tom Thumb roaming round rather than Mickey and Minnie Mouse.

The rides additionally seem extra suited to “actual daredevils”.

Baron 1898 has a 120ft free-fall drop right into a mineshaft that travels at 55mph, whereas Python includes a double loop and corkscrew.

Elsewhere, Joris en de Draak has riders screaming at its double-track alongside a 39ft fire-breathing dragon.

There may be even an indoor coaster referred to as Vogel Rok, which runs fully at the hours of darkness, and the world’s largest swinging ship.

Different sights extra suited to younger households embody a rotating home, a “spectacular” water coaster and a 100-year-old steam carousel.

There may be additionally a monorail although “Laafland”, a gondola experience on a lake and 1,150ft-long river rapids.

The entire park, simply over an hour from Amsterdam, is centred across the theme “fantasy”.

It displays components from historical myths and legends, fairy tales, fables and folklore.

Efteling, which first charmed guests in 1952, is vastly widespread with Dutch households, attracting 3.3million punters in 2021.

That very same 12 months, it ranked because the third greatest vacation spot for households in Europe, behind Europa Park in Germany and Disneyland Paris in a ballot by FatherMag.

However social media suggests it is rising in reputation and will quickly overtake the so-called “happiest place on Earth”.

TikTok person Ben Journey posted a video stating he thought Efteling was higher than Disneyland Paris.

It was flooded with feedback from individuals who could not agree with him extra.

One individual mentioned: “Omg Efteling is means higher than Disney, and I’m a fan of Disney.”

One other wrote: “I favor Efteling. Disneyland doesn’t have intense sights.”

And a 3rd commented: “Agreed. Disney is superb however in case you take away the Disney flavour, there may be not a lot left.”

‘OUTSTANDING’

Tripadvisor critiques again up their claims, with a median score of 4.5 out of 5.

One customer from Malta mentioned: “Every little thing from the sights, exhibits and theming to workers friendliness was excellent.

“There’s something for everybody at this theme park – a really magical expertise.”

One other, from Southampton, Hampshire, wrote: “What a gorgeous park.

“We love theme parks and frequently go to the Merlin parks within the UK, and we have additionally been fortunate sufficient to go to Disney World and Disneyland Paris – however Efteling is our favorite by far.

“We visited with a loopy nine-year-old and a hard-to-impress 12-year-old and all of us liked it.

“A couple of actually good thrill rides, numerous stunning darkish rides and loads of small rides to scatter in between.

“The grounds are beautiful which felt further particular with the autumn colors and superb climate we had been blessed with on the finish of October.

“This place undoubtedly has that particular magical Disney feeling with out the loopy price ticket.”

Like Disney, in addition to the rides at Efteling there are accommodations, eating places, bakeries, bars, free exhibits and meet and greets.

Efteling entrance tickets for Could 2023 and past begin at £33, whereas Disneyland Paris prices £50.15 upwards.

Costs for Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, begin at £80.

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