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Efteling: General Discussion

Concept art has been leaked for “Danse Macabre” , the Spookslot replacement. Still no word on the ride system but this is a stunning design. Certainly fits with what has been speculated so far too

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Seems they're going for a very similar theme then, possibly with a modernised version of the existing music? I imagine that as it's been in the park for such a long time they'll be wanting to pay tribute in some way, not just erase it from the park map.
 
Yesterday (31st May) was Efteling's 70th anniversary and they held a special opening ceremony. They've also released a unique pin set on top of all their other 70th anniversary merchandise.



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I'm dearly hoping they'll still have some pins when I go later this month!

They did have the pin badges on Saturday but they were pretty hard to find. There was just a small display of them at one of the tills in the main shop. I'm really digging the 70th anniversary merch actually (as you'll see from my trip report). I forget what I paid for the pin badges as it was just one item in a big 90 euro blowout! (I have no self-control.)
 
Seems they're going for a very similar theme then, possibly with a modernised version of the existing music? I imagine that as it's been in the park for such a long time they'll be wanting to pay tribute in some way, not just erase it from the park map.
The name Danse Macabre is taken directly from the name of the music that is used in SpookSlot

Pin badges were 10€ , I also bought the 70th Umbrella for 14€ and the new Efteling sweater was 30€
 
Looopings have announced that after speaking with several people involved they now believe the new Efteling attraction Danse Macabre will be a spectacular ghost show with moving seating, physical decor and special effects.
During the ride the ghostly decor comes to life to the famous music. This appears to share characteristics of the previously speculated Intamin tower, but with a more family approach and less visible / apparent ride hardware for the rider

Looopings has been able to obtain a screenshot of a simplified computer simulation to illustrate.

The experience starts in the catacombs of the convent where unsuspecting visitors take their seats on the church seats.
During the ride the plateau will be lifted up and down.
The platform can also turn and tip.
It will not be a dome ride theatre as physical decor will be used instead of a TV screen.

The design shows a symmetrical interior with arches, elegant windows, railings and gates in the same gothic style as the current Spookslot.
The iconic violin will return as wel as parts of the ghostly orchestra.

In the middle we see a large church organ with a conductor. In this way Jeroen Verhij pays tribute to the original designer Ton Van De Ven.
The conductor was drawn by him but due to costs never before implemented.

As previously announced the capacity will be 1250 people per hour. It will be suited to children 8 and up. It will cost 25 million. It will open in 2024.

- This is not an official announcement from the Efteling so none of this is confirmed -

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Honesty that looks so sickly with the screen


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So from what I have read while it will likely use this ride system, it seems instead of screens it will be using physical props instead (to at least mostly) which will be interesting to see come together, especially with them all on different levels with you dropping/spinning around to them. I for one am quite looking forward to this, it will be quite unique and interest to see put together. Efteling have done fantastic jobs on some of their dark rides (I love the dark section of Flying Dutchman) so I think they are a good park to pull this off.
 
Efteling have just put out a lovely video were some of the original designers of Spookslot visit the attraction for the final time.



Sad to see it go as it was the first ever attraction I experienced at the park and was my first inkling of how different this place was.

I've no doubt with Danse Macabre Efteling will once again knock it out of the park.
 
Joris is to receive GCI titan track:

The Efteling is making a major change to the wooden roller coaster Joris en de Draak. During a major overhaul, which starts next Monday, part of the wooden track will be replaced by a steel rail. So officially Joris en de Draak will be a hybrid coaster: a roller coaster that combines wood and steel.

For the time being, however, it concerns a limited part of the coaster, namely the large bend on the side of the Python. That part is currently suffering the most wear and tear. The popular attraction has been out of service for emergency repairs many times unannounced in recent years. By choosing steel instead of wood, it is hoped to prevent such situations.
Joris en de Draak in the Efteling is running at half capacity again
The steel rail, which is officially called Titan Track, is supplied by the American builder Great Coasters International. "Our steel rail system, for which a patent application is pending, has no welds", the company says. "It ensures a seamless transition between the steel and wooden parts of the track. It makes maintenance easier and more economical."

Quieter and smoother
According to Efteling, the ride experience will hardly change. "The experience will at most be quieter and smoother," said a spokesperson. Joris en de Draak will soon be the second hybrid coaster in the Netherlands, after Untamed in Walibi Holland. This attraction consists of an all-steel track on wooden supports.

This fall's refurbishment is expected to take nearly three months, but it doesn't stop there. "We will tackle the entire attraction in three years' time," adds the Efteling information officer. "Now we focus on the areas that suffer the most. We extend the life of the attraction and reduce the need for maintenance."

Higher tax
In addition to the addition of steel, the wood layers are replaced in many places. In some places, Efteling has opted for the special hardwood type iron wood. "It can handle a higher load." Joris en de Draak, consisting of the two parallel orbits Water and Fire, opened in 2010.

Efteling also confirms that Edna, the big dragon next to the roller coaster, will finally be refurbished. Looopings was able to report yesterday that the movements at the animatronic are returning, after years of standstill. It concerns "the head, neck and eyes" of the dragon, adds the spokesman. "Smoke will come out of the dragon's nose and the swamp will start to bubble again." Only the fire and water effects are omitted

Just part of the track to begin with, but they have plans to do the whole thing. I hope it’s open for my visit in December!
 
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Just part of the track to begin with, but they have plans to do the whole thing. I hope it’s open for my visit in December!
It is due to re-open on 23rd December, you can see their planned maintenance here.

Interesting that they are giving it Titan track. I'm at Efteling next week, we arrive on Sunday and are hoping to pop on park in the evening to get on Joris and Vogel Rok before they go down for maintenance.
 
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