First-Time at Efteling? What to Know Before Visiting a World Of Wonders
“I had the time of my life fighting dragons with you”
Picture this: a theme park where fairytales aren’t just stories but a world you can step into. That’s Efteling, the Netherlands’ very own World of Wonders. Whether you’re gliding through an enchanted forest, braving a dragon on a thrilling rollercoaster, or wandering through storybook scenes that seem to leap straight off the pages of your favorite childhood tales, Efteling is pure magic. From castles and carousels to enchanted gardens and thrilling coasters, it’s a place where the stories you grew up with come alive in ways like nowhere else.
In this guide, I’ll take you through everything you need to know to plan your first visit. We’ll cover the best times to go, where to stay—including hotels that feel like part of the adventure—and the can’t-miss rides and attractions that make Efteling so special. So, if you’re ready to step into the pages of a real-life fairytale, let’s dive in!
OK, ready? Here’s all you need to know about Efteling before your first visit:
Why Visit Efteling?
Efteling has been enchanting visitors since 1952, making it one of the oldest theme parks in Europe. It was created with a simple yet magical vision: to bring fairytales to life. The park was originally opened as a nature park with a fairytale theme, designed by a group of Dutch architects, artists, and designers. Its first attraction, the Fairytale Forest, was inspired by traditional folk tales, and it quickly became a favorite for visitors of all ages. Over the years, the park grew into a full-fledged theme park, expanding its storybook attractions while staying true to its roots. If you’ve ever spoken to a Dutch person about Efteling, chances are they’ve shared the fun tidbit that Walt Disney visited the park and got the inspiration for Disneyland Paris. While there’s no concrete proof of this, it’s easy to see why the story has stuck—Efteling’s whimsical charm and immersive experience are something Disney parks are known for too.
So, why should you visit? Well, if you’re a fan of fairytales, you’re in for a treat. The park brings classic stories to life in the most immersive ways. Walk through the Fairytale Forest and discover magical scenes from classic stories, or take on the thrilling Joris en de Draak rollercoaster, where a dragon awaits. The park mixes enchanting moments with plenty of excitement, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re exploring the mystical gardens or soaring through the darkness on Vogel Rok, every corner of Efteling feels like stepping into another page of a storybook.
Even though the park is full of family-friendly fun, there’s no shortage of thrills. For adrenaline seekers, there are plenty of rollercoasters that’ll get your heart racing. But it’s the overall atmosphere—rich with storytelling and attention to detail—that sets Efteling apart from other theme parks. Whether you’re there for the nostalgia, the rides, or the magical atmosphere, Efteling is an adventure that stays with you long after you’ve left. What could be better than that?
Side note: If I had to compare Efteling to Disneyland, I’d say Efteling feels less overwhelming. While I absolutely love Disneyland, Efteling has a more laid-back vibe, making it a great option for those who easily get overstimulated by the noise, bright lights, and crowds at Disney. The atmosphere at Efteling is calmer and more immersive, so it might be a better choice for those who prefer a slower, more relaxed pace without sacrificing the magic.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Efteling?
If you’re not a fan of long lines, you’ll want to avoid visiting Efteling during peak times. The park can get pretty crowded, especially on weekends and during school or public vacations in the Netherlands and Belgium. Since Efteling doesn’t offer fast passes, you’ll be stuck waiting for an hour or more for most rides—think Droomvlucht and Joris en de Draak. If you want to avoid the crowds, aim to visit during the week, and even a Friday works fine.
Personally, I love going in November. Sure, it’s a bit chilly, but that’s when the Winter Efteling takes over with beautifully lit-up trees and cozy Christmas market stalls. Plus, even if it rains a little, you’ll still have a great time. I went on Friday and Saturday, and on Friday, the waits were no more than 15 minutes for most rides. By Saturday morning, those same rides were already 40 to 60 minutes!
To help plan your visit, you can check expected peak days and find out which attractions are undergoing maintenance on the Efteling website here.
Is It Worth Staying At Efteling Hotel
Staying at the Efteling Hotel can be a convenient and enjoyable option for your visit. The hotel offers a separate entrance to the park, so you can easily skip the main entrance and dive straight into the magic. It also has parking available, making it simple to get to and from the park. Efteling offers three types of overnight stays: the Hotel, Bosrijk, and Loonscheland. The hotel is the closest to the park and is the perfect option if you're visiting with your partner or family. If you're planning to visit in a larger group, Bosrijk or Loonscheland might be great alternatives, as they offer accommodations suitable for bigger parties.
One of the best perks of staying at the hotel is that you get access to the park for two days, which means you don't have to pay for separate entry tickets (which already cost around 50 euros per person, plus parking). The hotel’s theme rooms are another fun highlight. Some rooms even come with a jacuzzi or bubble bath—ideal for relaxing after a full day of walking. I’ve stayed in both the Fata Morgana and Circus suites, and they were a real treat. The hotel also has a restaurant and a bar, so you can enjoy a meal or drink after the park closes at 6:00 PM on most days.
Can’t-Miss Rides and Attractions
When visiting Efteling, there are definitely a few must-see attractions you can’t miss! For starters, Droomvlucht is a magical ride that takes you through a fairytale world full of soaring forests, castles, and mythical creatures—it's truly a must-see. Another iconic attraction is Joris en de Draak, a thrilling wooden roller coaster that lets you race against another rider on the dragon’s back. If you're into something more whimsical, the Fata Morgana boat ride is a must. It takes you through an Arabian-themed world of treasure and hidden wonders, making you feel like you’ve stepped into a storybook. The Flying Dutchman, a spooky indoor/outdoor ride, is also a favorite, offering a wild, watery adventure on a ghost ship. And for adrenaline junkies, Baron 1898 is the park’s most thrilling roller coaster. This dive coaster sends you plunging down a near-vertical drop, followed by high-speed twists and turns, all set in a mining-themed environment. One of the most unique rides at the park is Villa Volta. This mansion features a “mad house” effect, where the entire building tilts, giving you a disorienting feeling as if gravity has changed. If you're into dark, mysterious stories and enjoy a twist on the classic haunted house ride, Villa Volta is a must-see at Efteling.
Keep in mind, though, that at heart, Efteling is more of a theme park than a roller coaster park, so if you're expecting crazy, intense roller coasters, you might be a little disappointed. While there are some roller coasters with drops and loops, nothing here is quite as extreme as what you might find at some other parks. That being said, there’s still plenty of thrills, magic, and excitement for everyone.
One of the most exciting new attractions at Efteling is Danse Macabre, a hauntingly fun addition to the park. This dark, mysterious ride takes you into the eerie world of a grand, abandoned ballroom where the spirits of a bygone era come to life for a night of dance and revelry. Think ghosts, skeletons, and an atmospheric soundtrack as you’re whisked away into this spooky experience. Even though the ride does spin backward, don’t worry—it’s really not that intense. As someone who gets motion sickness, I found it completely fine (trust me, a regular teacup ride is way worse!). The focus is really on the immersive details: the music and animatronics are fantastic, so you'll probably be more captivated by the rich storytelling and magical ambiance than worrying about the spinning.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
Best Time to Visit: Try to visit on weekdays, especially outside of school holidays, to avoid long lines. Fridays are generally fine, but weekends and school vacation periods (especially in the Netherlands and Belgium) can get crowded.
What to Wear: The weather can be unpredictable, so bring layers and wear comfortable shoes for all the walking. Even if it rains, most rides are indoors or covered, so don’t let a little rain stop you!
No Fast Passes: Efteling doesn’t offer a fast pass system, so be prepared to wait in line for popular attractions, especially during peak times.
Park Hours: Efteling typically closes at 18:00 on most days, so plan your visit accordingly. If you're staying at the hotel, you can enjoy the park for two days, which gives you more flexibility to take in the attractions.
Ticket and Parking Info: Admission to the park can be pricey (around €50 per person), and parking is extra. However, staying at the hotel gives you two-day entry, plus free parking!
Attraction Maintenance: Be sure to check the Efteling website to find out if any rides will be undergoing maintenance during your visit. This can help you plan around any closures.
Mobile App: Download the Efteling app to check ride times, events, and park updates in real-time—this is super helpful for navigating the park smoothly.
Food & Drink: There are plenty of places to grab a bite, but keep in mind that dining inside the park can be pricey. If you're staying at the hotel, you can enjoy dinner at the hotel restaurant after the park closes.
How to Get There Without a Car: If you don’t have a car, you can easily get to Efteling by train and bus. Take a train to Tilburg or 's-Hertogenbosch, and from there, catch a direct bus to Efteling (about 30-45 minutes).
Language: Similar to Disneyland, which uses both French and English, Efteling has rides and attractions in multiple languages. Some rides will be in Dutch, English, German, and French, so you’ll have no trouble understanding most of the experience. The only ride I think is exclusively in Dutch is Villa Volta, where an old man explains why the house is haunted. But don’t worry—ride information and signs are available in several languages, so you really aren’t missing much if you don’t speak Dutch.
Visiting with a Disability: Efteling is wheelchair accessible and offers services for visitors with disabilities. You’ll need to apply for a Facility Card. You can do this ahead of time here or at the Visitor’s Center on the day of your visit. You can find more details on accessibility and services here, on the Efteling website, or by contacting their guest services.
