Following the reopening of “Eethuys”, the central restaurant in the Bosrijk holiday park, Efteling, one of Europe's leading amusement parks, has become the center of a heated debate. The newly introduced interior design of the restaurant, showcased in a photo reportage, sparked a flood of negative comments on social media platforms like Facebook and X.
Unexpected Style Shift: Modern Meets Tradition
Originally known for its cozy atmosphere with wooden elements and nostalgic stucco, the Eethuys now present themselves in an entirely new light. The current interior, characterized by gray panels and modern furniture design, marks a striking contrast to the traditional Efteling flair. Surprisingly, the design did not originate from the in-house creative department but was realized by an external design firm. The project's aim was to transform the Eethuys into a tighter and more contemporary environment.
Public Outrage Over the Redesign
This radical transformation has caused discontent among Efteling fans. Many find the new design to be “ugly,” “abominable,” and “characterless.” The criticisms on social media platforms are clear: visitors miss the warm, fairy-tale ambiance that used to define the Eethuys. Concerningly, some critics, including Karel Loeff, have expressed worries about Efteling's challenge in maintaining its identity.
Diverse Perspectives and Ironic Comments
While Thomas Vansteelandt and Jacko Pennings compare the new design to the ambiance of funeral homes and hospital canteens, other visitors express their views ironically and disappointedly. Carla van der Werff sarcastically describes the decor as a “nice meeting room for a funeral director,” and Romina on X wonders if this is a “bad dream of Sandman.”
Efteling's Statement
In response to the public criticism, a spokesperson for Efteling stated that the renovation is not yet complete. Additional details will be added to endow the Eethuys with the characteristic Efteling atmosphere once again. However, it appears that fundamental elements of the new design will be retained.
Internal Voices and Future Orientation
There is also unrest internally regarding the design changes. Statements from employees on the intranet reveal a lack of understanding of the decisions made. A Bosrijk receptionist expressed regret over the premature criticism and emphasized the functional advantages of the new design for the staff.
The Future of the Eethuys
Efteling now faces the challenge of balancing public criticism and internal concerns. The future of the Eethuys remains to be seen – will it be possible to combine the traditional Efteling magic with a modern touch?
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