Innovation Wave at Efteling: De Vliegende Hollander Tests a Revolutionary Boarding Method

Efteling is testing a new boarding method for its popular attraction, “De Vliegende Hollander”, which has the potential to shorten waiting times and enhance the visitor experience.

New Boarding Method: Inspiration and Functionality

The method, trialed from January 2nd to 7th, 2024, takes a leaf out of the successful entry strategy of the Dive Coaster “Baron 1898”. In this strategy, visitors receive colored tickets that assign them to a specific row in the boat. This ticket distribution occurs at a strategically crucial point: at the top of the stairs to the “Flying Dutchman” station, where the lines for single riders and regular visitors converge.

The concept of “Pre-Seating” aims to minimize uncertainties and bottlenecks at boarding by providing clear instructions to the visitors. This system promises not only more efficient processing but also a fairer distribution of seating.

The Capacity of De Vliegende Hollander

The boats of “De Vliegende Hollander” feature a cinema-style arrangement, with four rows offering three to four seats each. This layout allows a maximum capacity of fourteen passengers per boat. The new boarding method is expected to ensure that each seat is optimally utilized, potentially increasing the ride's throughput rate and reducing waiting times for all visitors.

Ticket Return and Feedback

The colored tickets allocated to the visitors are an integral part of this system. They are collected at the end of the ride, in the harbor area. This not only allows the park to monitor the system, but also to gather valuable feedback from visitors to continuously improve the experience.

Future Perspectives and Significance for the Amusement Park Industry

Should this new method prove successful, it could serve as a model for other attractions in the park and even for other amusement parks worldwide. With this initiative, Efteling once again demonstrates its leadership in the amusement park industry and its commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.

The trial phase of the new boarding method for “De Vliegende Hollander” is an exciting step towards an improved visitor experience. Efteling shows that continuous innovation and striving for efficiency are crucial to succeeding in the dynamic world of theme parks. Visitors and industry experts alike eagerly await the results of this experiment and its potential impact on the future of theme park visits.

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