Looopings have released some original concept arts for the long planned circus coaster; these are at least 5 years old and now outdated as the project has developed over time but give a taste of the theme and ambition for their expansion.
The expansion of the park including this new area and coaster was first officially mentioned in 2018. The situation with Bob, it's removal and replacement then took priority for 2020 pushing "Grand Circus Balancé" to 2021.
Efteling were confident the State Council would approve the expansion zoning plans however were surprised when it was rejected due noise and traffic complaints. A planned press release with concepts announcing the new coaster was cancelled when the news broke.
Eventually 2021 the expansion was finally approved - but the ride was not announced. Efteling stated the impact of corona meant the money wasn't there for such a major investment. Safer investments within the park like Danse Macabre and Grand Efteling Hotel for 2024 would take priority.
What the future holds for Grand Circus Balancé is unknown. Whether it will still come one day in some form; be it similar to this or dramatically changed remains to be seen.
The new area centrepiece would be a 35m tall circus tent. The rollercoaster would invoke a historic/nostalgic time with white supports faking an old wooden coaster.
Believed to be from Intamin; this family launch coaster would have a long layout and a trick track element called a Teeter Totter - tilting the train and rotating it (simulating a balancing act in the circus) before releasing into a short backwards section.
Top speed of 65km/h, 5 trains and a theoretical capacity of 1,800 guests per hour.
The circus tent would also have stands for non-riders to view the "balancing act" of the show and a gastro offering.
The area could've featured some flat rides too. The entrance would have been through/under the coaster's outdoor lift hill.
Het is geen geheim dat de Efteling plannen heeft klaarliggen voor een grote nieuwe achtbaan in circusthema. Maar hoe die rollercoaster eruit moet gaan zien, bleef tot nu toe een mysterie. Daar komt vandaag verandering in. Ter gelegenheid van ons...
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