Efteling’s new attraction, Danse Macabre, will officially open its doors on October 31, 2024. However, winners of an exclusive giveaway will have the chance to experience this thrilling spectacle one day earlier. Participants in the giveaway can explore the eerie and captivating attraction on October 30, 2024, securing a unique early access experience.
Exclusive Giveaway for Early Access
Starting from September 30, 2024, until October 16, 2024, theme park enthusiasts can participate in a special giveaway. The prize includes six Efteling tickets valid for October 30, just one day before Danse Macabre officially opens to the public. The lucky winners will be notified via email by October 21, 2024, at the latest.
To increase your chances of winning, it’s recommended to share the giveaway with friends and family. If one of your friends wins, you could experience early access to the attraction together. This giveaway is not only an exciting opportunity to be among the first to sit on the attraction's choir benches, but also a chance to create a memorable group experience.
Danse Macabre Attraction: A Dark Journey through Huyverwoud
Efteling’s new Danse Macabre attraction promises to immerse visitors in a dark and mystical world. At the heart of the experience lies the fictional village of Huyverwoud, where the Danse Macabre theme takes over not only the abbey walls but extends throughout the entire area. Visitors will enjoy an immersive experience that combines captivating shows with dancing choir benches, along with atmospheric elements that evoke a sense of mystery and the passage of time.
A key feature of the attraction is the Kabinet der Vermisten located at Abdijplein. This memorial commemorates musicians who mysteriously disappeared in Huyverwoud. Visitors can view personal belongings left behind by the missing musicians and be enveloped in the somber atmosphere. According to project manager Laura Evers, the design of this space is inclusive and accessible, allowing all guests to fully experience the sensory elements of the exhibit.
Cutting-Edge Technology and Sustainability
Danse Macabre is not only impressive in terms of atmosphere but also in its use of state-of-the-art technology. The developers have integrated audio, video, and lighting systems to create an immersive environment that perfectly enhances the eerie mood. All lighting has been upgraded to sustainable LED technology to reduce energy consumption. Another eco-friendly aspect of the attraction is its heat management: heat generated by the attraction will be funneled into Efteling's energy system to warm nearby buildings.
Joost Schetters, an engineer responsible for testing the attraction, emphasized that the ride undergoes extensive movement and safety tests to ensure the best possible experience. Visitors should feel as if the choir benches are dancing to the rhythm of the music – an experience unlike any other in the world.
Accessibility and Inclusion
A core element of the project is its focus on accessibility and inclusion. Guests with disabilities will be able to experience the attraction in the same way as everyone else. Special pathways and areas have been designed so that groups with and without disabilities can enjoy the experience together. Stan Dingemans, the stage engineering expert, highlights the attention paid to ensuring the attraction is fully accessible. Guests with disabilities can wait in line with their companions and then journey together into the mystical forest.
A special feature for guests with disabilities is the mini-show in the chapel of Huyverwoud. Here, visitors can enjoy an individualized show where all sensory elements—surround sound, lighting effects, and even scents—are fully integrated. This ensures that every visitor feels like a part of the Danse Macabre experience.
Final Touches and Testing Phase
As the official opening of Danse Macabre approaches on October 31, 2024, final preparations are underway at Efteling. Engineers like Joost Schetters and Stan Dingemans are conducting final tests to ensure that all systems function flawlessly. The last steps include fine-tuning the atmosphere—adjusting lighting, removing or adding stains, and configuring the technical systems for the perfect experience.
The developers are particularly proud of how modern technology has been seamlessly combined with the classic storytelling of Danse Macabre. The combination of music, movement, and lighting creates a unique experience that will transport visitors to a mystical world, blurring the line between reality and fantasy.
To the Efteling competition:
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