Magische Vallei at Toverland is the park's largest expansion, offering visitors a magical world full of imagination and nature. This meticulously designed themed area is characterized by vibrant characters, impressive architecture, and a deep connection to the natural world. But how did this fascinating world come to life, and what creative processes are behind it? Chief designer Peter van Holsteijn and other renowned designers revealed exciting insights into the creation and development of Magische Vallei.
Magische Vallei: An Expansion for the Whole Family
The decision to create Magische Vallei was made as part of Toverland’s strategy to evolve into a comprehensive resort. Magische Vallei was designed as an outdoor area for the entire family, from young children to grandparents. A concept was developed based on the themes of “hope and love,” creating an optimistic atmosphere. This themed world, characterized by lush nature and cascading waterfalls, aligns with Toverland’s values, where fantasy and nature seamlessly intertwine.
A Unique People: The Creation of the Dwervels
An essential element of Magische Vallei is the Dwervels, a fantastical race of creatures created specifically for this world. The Dwervels are small, monkey-like beings with colorful feathers and leaf headdresses who use their magical abilities to control natural phenomena such as swirling winds and roaring waterfalls. This unique race was inspired by famous designer Ton van de Ven, adding a special charm to Magische Vallei. The Dwervels are not just part of the story but are also central to attractions like the Djengu River and Dwervelwind, guiding visitors on magical journeys through nature.
Attractions and Connections to Nature
The design of the attractions in Magische Vallei is deeply intertwined with nature. Natural forms are reflected in the architecture and design, from swirling shells to graceful tree branches. A notable example is the Dwervelwind coaster, whose spiral-shaped station is inspired by natural wind patterns. The Djengu River water ride also takes visitors through a mystical world where the Dwervels control the river with their magical powers.
Late Additions: Katara - Fountain of Magic
One of the more recent additions to Magische Vallei is the fountain show Katara - Fountain of Magic. Initially, only a small pond with simple fountains was planned, but the development team decided to expand this experience greatly. Today, the Katara show is one of Magische Vallei’s main attractions, enhancing the magical atmosphere of the area with impressive water and light effects. This dynamic decision demonstrates how flexible and innovative Toverland is when designing its themed worlds.
The Role of Ton van de Ven and Peter van Holsteijn
Designer Ton van de Ven played a crucial role in the creation of Magische Vallei. As a creative advisor, he brought his expertise to help shape the vision of this new world. For chief designer Peter van Holsteijn, Magische Vallei was his first major project at Toverland, where he was supported by experienced colleagues like former CEO Caroline Kortooms and theme park expert Pieter Cornelis. Together, they developed an area deeply rooted in nature while stimulating the imagination.
A Creative Team with Vision
The creation of Magische Vallei highlights the importance of creative collaboration and entrepreneurial flexibility in developing theme park attractions. For example, the decision to integrate a spinning coaster like Dwervelwind was a late change. Originally, a boomerang coaster was planned, but with the target audience in mind, the team decided on a spinning coaster for more flexibility and fun. These changes reflect the dynamic nature of the Toverland team, which is constantly looking for new ways to enhance the visitor experience.
Collaboration with Renowned Designers
Ton van de Ven, famous for his iconic designs, was involved in the development of Magische Vallei from the start. His creative input helped shape the unique characters and architecture. But he wasn’t the only one; other designers and specialists also contributed to the development. Peter van Holsteijn learned a great deal from these experienced professionals during this phase, incorporating their insights into the final design.
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