We’ve all been there, you head over to a ride in a theme park and once you get there, you find that the ride is closed, just temporarily. Breakdowns happen of course, but this downtime can cause unhappy visitors, which isn’t what a theme park wants.
The possible solution to this problem is an AI that can hear machine failure, such as that in a rollercoaster. It makes it easier to find the problem, as the machine locates exactly where the malfunction is, meaning less time spent by maintenance staff looking for the issue, and therefore less downtime for the ride.
Although I realise that Spring has finally sprung (hooray!) and the Efteling tulips are almost in full bloom, I remembered that I had some wonderful Winter Efteling photos that I wanted to share.
Marianne sent me some photos back in January of a visit to Efteling on January 8th for her birthday. Better late than never to share them at least!
This year, Winter Efteling starts on November 12th, so maybe it is time to start planning a Winter trip now? These photos will surely inspire you…
If you’re a member of any social media platforms, such as Facebook, you will have probably seen a barrage of posts about the Python renovation. It was quite a short renovation, but a few days ago, the Python was back on track (literally!) and open to visitors. This great video by our friends at Vijfzintuigen shows the making of the new Python, and it even has English subtitles so we can all enjoy it at Efteling UK!
As Efteling fans, there have undoubtedly been times when we have walked through the fairy tale forest, wishing that we too could have a musical toadstool at home.
Well now you can! Efteling have been selling ornamental musical toadstools (albeit indoor ones, but that’s ok!) for us to enjoy when we can’t make it to the park. I was lucky enough for Santa to bring me one last month, and now it has found it’s home, so I gave it a whirl…
A new year seems to mean fresh Efteling news, so here’s a little look at what’s going on at the moment…
First off, the Python is being ‘renewed’. It seems that the track, which has been standing since 1981, is receiving most of the maintenance, as in previous years the ride cars themselves have been replaced several times. So for a while, that corner of the park will look a little naked, at least until March when it is due to reopen.
Elsewhere in the park, there’s the good/bad news that PandaDroom will remain open for at least the next 3 years, as a new contract has been signed with the World Wildlife Fund. As visitors are aware, the technology used in the show is now rather outdated, with this 3D show opening in 2002 and not really changing since that time (hence the ‘good/bad news’). It would be nice to see a new show here along the same theme, just more 2018 and less 2002!
And most importantly, Efteling is expanding! Between Vogel Rok and Python, 8 hectares of land will be added, and a new attraction is expected to open here by 2020. If you take a look at Google maps, it seems to be where the road ‘Horst’ is now, this is the road that Efteling Hotel guests need to cross to get to the park.
So, soon there’ll be more Efteling to love! Well, in a couple of years, but until then we have more PandaDroom to enjoy! 😉
Lastly, thank you to my friend Eftelwesley for continuing to produce beautiful Efteling videos that we can all enjoy. Especially this one below which is stunning! Thank you for braving the snow!
Efteling have started what appears will be a series of videos about their superfans. This first video sees Efteling fan Frank with his back garden ‘Efteling’ that he has built himself. It’s mightily impessive, and there’s also a surprise later on in the video. Give it a watch, it’s really lovely! Oh, and it has English subtitles!
You can submit yourself or a friend to Efteling to be their next featured fan by e-mailing youtube@efteling.com
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! On November 13th, Winter Efteling arrived again, and with it came a new Ice Palace! There have been many photos posted online of the new Ice Palace, but the best way to explore it is through a video:
This new palace is much ‘cleaner’ compared to previous years, which were based around a woodland/rustic theme. The eating place looks like something from the Efteling hotel, very bright and tidy! There’s loads of places to sit, as per previous years, and Efteling mugs and hats are sure to be found when purchasing food and drinks. If only we had smell-o-vision, as in previous years the smell in the palace has been divine and very festive.
So Disney has its fast pass, and other parks have similar ways of ensuring that you don’t need to stand in line for your favourite rides. Efteling however, have never installed these queue-beating solutions into their park. Now though, their new idea is for the guest to select a time that they want to ride, and then come back later.
Take a look at the BBC’s video on what this entails:
