Editing Efteling

{{Short description|Amusement park in the Netherlands}}

{{Infobox amusement park
| name = Efteling
| image = Efteling The House of the Five Senses.jpg
| image_size = 250px
| caption = [[The House of the Five Senses]], the entrance to the Efteling theme park
| location = [[Kaatsheuvel]]
| location3 = Netherlands
| opening_date = May 11, 1951 (Naturepark)<br />May 31, 1952 ([[Fairytale Forest]])
| theme = [[Fantasy]] - ancient [[legend]]s, [[mythology]], [[fables]], [[folklore]] and [[fairy tales]]
| season = Year-round
| rides = 62 (including [[Fairytale Forest]])<ref>[https://www.efteling.com/en/park/attractions Overview of attractions], ''De Efteling''</ref>
| coasters = 8 (including both [[Joris en de Draak]] and [[Max_%26_Moritz_(roller_coaster)|Max & Moritz]])
| water_rides = 1
| other_rides = 4
| visitors = 5.56 millions in 2023<ref name="TEA">{{citation |author=[[Themed Entertainment Association|TEA]]|url=https://aecom.com/wp-content/uploads/documents/reports/AECOM-Theme-Index-2023.pdf|title=2023 Theme Index & Museum Index: The Global Attractions Attendance Report|website=[[Aecom]]/TEA |access-date=February 10, 2025}}</ref>
| area = {{convert|72|ha|m2|abbr=on}} (park); {{convert|276|ha|m2|abbr=on}} (resort); {{convert|400|ha|m2|abbr=on}} (total)<ref name="lesoir"/>
| owner = Efteling Nature Park Foundation
| homepage = [http://www.efteling.com www.efteling.com]
| coordinates = {{Coord|51|39|01|N|5|02|53|E|region:NL_type:landmark|display=it}}
}}

'''Efteling''' ({{IPA|nl|ˈɛftəlɪŋ}}) is a [[fantasy]]-themed [[amusement park]] in [[Kaatsheuvel]], the [[Netherlands]]. The attractions reflect elements from ancient European [[myth]]s and [[legend]]s, [[fairy tale]]s, [[fable]]s, and [[European folklore|folklore]].

The park was opened on May 31, 1952. It evolved from a nature park with a [[playground]] and a ''[[Fairytale Forest]]'' into a full-sized theme park. It now caters to both children and adults with its cultural, romantic, and nostalgic themes, in addition to its wide array of [[amusement ride]]s including six [[roller coasters]] and four [[dark ride]]s.

It is the largest theme park in the Netherlands and one of the oldest theme parks in the world. It is twice as large as the original [[Disneyland]] park in the [[United States]] and predates it by three years. Annually, the park has more than 5 million visitors. In 2020, due to differences in pandemic policy, it was the most visited theme park in Europe, ahead of [[Disneyland Park (Paris)|Disneyland Park]]. In 2019 and 2022, it was the third most visited theme park in Europe, after Disneyland Park, Paris and [[Europa-Park]], Germany.<ref name="TEA" />

== History ==
[[File:Geeuwende gijs.jpg|thumbnail|Paper gobbler ''Hollow Bulging Gijs'' - classic Pieck design]]

Efteling is one of the oldest theme parks still in existence. Its roots go when the R. K. Sport en Wandelpark was inaugurated.<ref>{{cite web|title=The history of Efteling| publisher=efteling.com|url=https://www.efteling.com/en/about-efteling/history|access-date=15 January 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|language=fr|title=Information de presse 2011| publisher=efteling.com|date=2 May 2012|url=http://www.efteling.fr/media/Pdf/DEF-Persmap-Frans-april-2011-b.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120502205131/http://www.efteling.fr/media/Pdf/DEF-Persmap-Frans-april-2011-b.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 May 2012|access-date=15 January 2020}}</ref>

In 1950, Efteling Nature Park Foundation (Stichting Natuurpark de Efteling) was founded by the mayor of Loon op Zand, R.J. van der Heijden, filmmaker [[Peter Reijnders]], and designer artist [[Anton Pieck]] (1895-1987). The foundation was named after a 16th-century farm named Ersteling.{{Citation needed|date=July 2023}} Efteling officially opened on May 31, 1952,<ref>{{cite web|title=About the Efteling|publisher=Efteling|date=July 12, 2010|url=http://www.efteling.com/EN/EN-Home/EN-Home-Over-de-Efteling.html|access-date=July 12, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719055633/http://www.efteling.com/EN/EN-Home/EN-Home-Over-de-Efteling.html|archive-date=July 19, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> when the [[Fairy Tale Forest]] (''het Sprookjesbos''), designed by the famous Dutch illustrator Anton Pieck, was opened to the public. Initially, the Fairy Tale Forest was home to some 10 different fairy tales, all of them brought to life using original drawings by Pieck alongside mechanics, lighting and sound effects designed by the Dutch filmmaker [[Peter Reijnders]]. The life-sized dioramas, displayed together in an atmospheric forest, were a tremendous success. Efteling welcomed 240,000 visitors in 1952 alone.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kaatsheuvel 1952|publisher=[[VPRO]]|date=2010-07-12|url=http://geschiedenis.vpro.nl/plaats/37792180/|access-date=2010-07-12|language=nl}}</ref>

Since 1978, the park has been expanded and grown to become one of the most popular theme parks in the world. In the same year, English singer [[Kate Bush]] performed in the park in ''De Efteling Special'', which was broadcast on 11 May 1978. In early 1978, the amusement park's Haunted Castle was completed and the opening was scheduled on 10 May that year. Bush, who just had a big hit in the Netherlands with "[[Wuthering Heights (song)|Wuthering Heights]]", made her debut on Dutch television in the special. Her popularity was used to draw the attention to the Haunted Castle.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.dutchnews.nl/features/2017/05/10-things-you-dont-yet-know-about-the-efteling-theme-park/|title=10 things you didn't know about the Efteling theme park - DutchNews.nl|work=DutchNews.nl|access-date=26 February 2018|language=en-GB}}</ref>

In 2010, Efteling announced plans to remain open year-round. From November through about February, the 'Winter Efteling' theme remains in place. However, attractions that involve water, such as the rapids ride 'Piraña' or the water coaster 'Vliegende Hollander' (Flying Dutchman), are closed.{{Citation needed|date=July 2023}}

Gisela Williams, a reporter for ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'', wrote a review of the park in early 2014.<ref>{{cite web|title=Efteling, a European Alternative to Disney | publisher=The Wall Street Journal |date=2014-10-01 | url=https://www.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304632204579339311984384386}}</ref> Williams praised Efteling but criticized the [[teacups]]-style ride Monsieur Cannibale due to ethnic stereotypes.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.looopings.nl/weblog/2233/Amerikanen-begrijpen-Monsieur-Cannibale-niet-Walgelijke-discriminatie.html |title=Amerikanen begrijpen Monsieur Cannibale niet: 'Walgelijke discriminatie' |date=2014-02-02 |website=Looopings.nl |language=nl |trans-title=Americans angry at Monsieur Cannibale: "Disgusting discrimination" |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170610163925/https://www.looopings.nl/weblog/2233/Amerikanen-boos-om-Monsieur-Cannibale-Walgelijke-discriminatie.html |archive-date=10 June 2017}}</ref> Her review was later mentioned in ''[[De Telegraaf]]'', a daily newspaper in the Netherlands, and drew several angry comments from its readership. Williams also received her first death threat for her comments about the controversial attraction.<ref>{{cite web|title=American journalist gets death threat for Efteling racism comment| publisher=Dutch News |date=2014-07-02 | url=http://www.dutchnews.nl/news/archives/2014/02/dutch_newspapers_and_commentat.php}}</ref> In recent years, activists have repeatedly requested the Efteling to remove or re-theme the attraction. In June 2021, the park closed the ride for an extensive renovation including a re-theme.<ref>{{Cite web|date=June 24, 2021|title=Monsieur Cannibale verdwijnt uit Efteling: 'Iedereen moet zich welkom voelen'|url=https://www.rtlnieuws.nl/editienl/artikel/5238129/monsieur-cannibale-verdwijnt-uit-de-efteling|url-status=live|access-date=October 23, 2021|website=|publisher=[[RTL Nieuws]]|language=nl|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624090228/https://www.rtlnieuws.nl/editienl/artikel/5238129/monsieur-cannibale-verdwijnt-uit-de-efteling |archive-date=2021-06-24 }}</ref>

The park received its 123,456,789th guest on June 19, 2015.<ref>{{cite web|title=Efteling receives 123,456,789th visitor| publisher=efteling.com|date=19 June 2015| url=https://www.efteling.com/en/press/efteling-receives-123456789th-visitor/|access-date=15 January 2020}}</ref> The Efteling opened the trackless darkride [[Symbolica]] in 2017. With a price tag of 35 million euros, it is the most expensive investment in Efteling history.<ref>{{cite web|title=Review: Symbolica at Efteling| publisher=leparcorama.com|date=24 January 2018| url=http://www.leparcorama.com/2018/01/24/review-symbolica-at-efteling/|access-date=15 January 2020}}</ref> Beside the theme park, the Efteling operates two hotels, a theatre, and two holiday villages.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Discover all accommodation locations at Efteling |url=https://www.efteling.com/en/overnight-stays/locations |access-date=2025-01-27 |website=Efteling |language=en}}</ref> The Efteling inaugurated its 30th fairytale in 2019.<ref>{{cite web|title=Efteling theme park opens new fairytale-themed attraction and it's magical| publisher=[[Daily Mirror]]|date=9 October 2019|author=Julie Delahaye|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/travel/europe/efteling-theme-park-opens-new-20543926|access-date=15 January 2020}}</ref>

In December 2020, the park was forced to close in compliance with the new [[COVID-19 pandemic|COVID-19]] restrictions introduced by prime minister [[Mark Rutte]] and the [[third Rutte cabinet]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Efteling niet meer open in 2020 |url=https://www.efteling.com/nl/blog/nieuws/20201214-derde-tijdelijke-sluiting |access-date=2022-04-27 |website=www.efteling.com |language=nl}}</ref>

== Design ==
[[File:Efteling 21-7-2007 005.jpg|right|thumbnail|''Efteling Theater'' - typical Van de Ven design]]

[[File:Baronaanzicht.JPG|right|thumbnail|''[[Baron 1898]]'' - a dive coaster in Efteling]]

The success of Efteling has been attributed largely to its ride designs, architecture and atmosphere. When Anton Pieck was asked to design the initial fairy tales for the Efteling, he made sure the park would live up to his personal high standards. There would be no use of cheap building materials, plastic, or concrete. Pieck's illustration style, somewhat grim and dark, but also romantic and nostalgic, was the thematic base on which nearly all future expansions were built.<ref>{{cite web|title=My love letter to Efteling| publisher=leparcorama.com|date=14 October 2011| url=http://www.leparcorama.com/2011/10/14/my-love-letter-to-efteling/|access-date=15 January 2020}}</ref>

Pieck worked for Efteling until the mid-1970s, when his position as chief designer was passed on to the younger [[Ton van de Ven]]. Van de Ven had already been working for Efteling for several years and Pieck was very pleased with his work. The Haunted Castle (''het Spookslot''), which opened in 1978 as the park's first new large attraction, was Efteling's first to be designed entirely by Van de Ven.

Van de Ven continued his work until 2002, when he retired. A new team of imagineers works on new Efteling attractions, still in a style suitable to the Efteling.

== Divisions ==
The Efteling Theme Park Resort now comprises several divisions: the theme park (1952), the four-star Efteling Hotel (1992), the 18-hole golf course (1995), [[Efteling Theatre]] (2002), accommodation parks: Efteling Bosrijk (2009) & Het Loonsche Land (2017). The theatre, which was once used for park shows, is one of the five biggest theatres in the Netherlands and can house big theatre productions, which will not be included in park admissions.{{Citation needed|date=July 2023}}

Besides using it as a home base for shows/musicals created by the Efteling itself (like "Droomvlucht") it also lends itself out for other big productions, events, and business events. The hotel was operated by [[Golden Tulip]] for several years, but Efteling decided in 2004 to manage it independently. All divisions are now profitable, although it took the golf course several years to [[Break even point|break even]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Meer winst door grotere drukte in De Efteling|publisher=NU Zakelijk|date=2010-07-12|url=http://www.nuzakelijk.nl/algemeen/2239599/meer-winst-grotere-drukte-in-efteling.html|access-date=2010-07-12|language=nl}}</ref> The divisions are each contained in commercial corporations, but all shares are still held by the [[Non-profit organization|nonprofit]] Efteling Nature Park Foundation (''Stichting Natuurpark de Efteling'').{{Citation needed|date=July 2023}}

== The park ==
[[File:Efteling bootjes pagoda.JPG|right|thumbnail|''Gondoletta'' and ''Pagode'']]

[[File:Symbolica_(Efteling)_20170521.jpg|right|thumbnail|Symbolica Palace of Fantasy]]

The theme park covers {{convert|72|ha}}. This area has changed only marginally over the course of its history. The Efteling Theme Park Resort also offers the Efteling hotel, the Efteling hotel Loonsche Land, a theatre, a golf course, Villa Pardoes, and two holiday villages (Efteling Bosrijk and Efteling Loonsche Land) on {{convert|276.1|ha}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mt.nl/business/28-getallen-over-de-efteling-die-u-nog-niet-wist/88159|language=nl|title=28 getallen over De Efteling die u nog niet wist|date=3 July 2015|website=MT.nl|author=Peter Boerman|access-date=15 January 2020}}</ref> The park's foundation owns a total of {{convert|400|ha}} also including young forest, nature reserve, some grassland, fields and roads.<ref name="lesoir">{{cite web |url=http://archives.lesoir.be/tourisme-5-7-une-journee-de-detente-ou-de_t-20030819-Z0NF5U.html?queryand=efteling+400+hectares&firstHit=0&by=10&when=-1&sort=datedesc&pos=0&all=1&nav=1 |language=fr |title=Tourisme (5/7) - Une journée de détente ou de découverte de l'autre côté de la frontière S'amuser au royaume d'Efteling REPÈRES |date=19 August 2003 |website=[[Le Soir]] |author=Daniel Conraads |access-date=15 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303181026/http://archives.lesoir.be/tourisme-5-7-une-journee-de-detente-ou-de_t-20030819-Z0NF5U.html?queryand=efteling+400+hectares&firstHit=0&by=10&when=-1&sort=datedesc&pos=0&all=1&nav=1 |archive-date=3 March 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

The park is divided into five themed areas or 'realms'. Originally, the park was divided into four areas called North, West, East, and South, with most of the park's historical rides and attractions, such as the [[Fairy Tale Forest]], located in West. When the park reorganized its infrastructure in the late 1990s, adding the Pardoes Promenade (named after Efteling's [[mascot]] ''Pardoes'', a court [[jester]]) and a central hub called Efteling Brink, it also changed the areas' names. North was changed to ''Reizenrijk'' (Travel Realm), West became ''Marerijk'' (Fairy Realm), East became ''Ruigrijk'' (Adventure Realm), and South became ''Anderrijk'' (Other Realm). In 2017 a fifth realm opened in the center of the park called ''Fantasierijk'' (Fantasy Realm).{{Citation needed|date=July 2023}}

Although the park was not built with these divisions in mind and the names may seem cryptic, they do make sense. Perhaps the area most suited to its name is ''Ruigrijk'', where most fast rides such as the double-loop [[roller coaster]] Python (constructed in 1981) are located. ''Marerijk'' is the home to the Fairy Tale Forest and the Fairies of the ''Droomvlucht'', ''Anderrijk'' has some rides that are inspired by non-Western cultures (e.g. Fata Morgana and Piraña), while ''Reizenrijk'' has the Carnaval Festival ride, which travels through several different 'countries'. The ''Fantasierijk'' got its name from the darkride ''Symbolica: Palace of Fantasy''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fantasierijk - Eftepedia - alles over de Efteling |url=https://www.eftepedia.nl/lemma/Fantasierijk |access-date=2025-01-27 |website=www.eftepedia.nl}}</ref>

Efteling was largely built in an existing [[pine tree|pine]] forest located in a rural area, giving it a 'nature park' feeling. Together with its large ponds and gardens, its abundant green space is rather unusual among the world's leading theme parks.{{Citation needed|date=July 2023}}

== Efteling Grand Hotel ==

The Efteling Grand Hotel is an upcoming hotel located in the Efteling theme park in the [[Netherlands]]. Scheduled to open in the summer of 2025,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Efteling Grand Hotel |url=https://www.efteling.com/en/grand-hotel |access-date=2025-02-10 |website=www.efteling.com}}</ref> it will be the largest hotel within the park and will provide direct access to its [[attractions]].

The hotel will feature 140 rooms and suites,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Efteling Grand Hotel |url=https://www.efteling.com/en/grand-hotel |access-date=2025-02-10 |website=www.efteling.com}}</ref> each designed with a unique color theme and incorporating subtle references to Efteling’s [[fairytale]] aesthetic. It will consist of seven floors and include various amenities such as [[restaurants]], a [[boutique]], and wellness facilities.

Each room is designed in a single-color theme with decorative elements inspired by Efteling. A total of 644 beds will be available,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Efteling Grand Hotel |url=https://www.efteling.com/en/grand-hotel |access-date=2025-02-10 |website=www.efteling.com}}</ref> with an emphasis on comfort through high-quality pillows and [[duvets]].
The [[hotel]] will include a spacious lobby, shopping facilities, and [[dining|dining options]].

The hotel will offer multiple dining options, including Brasserie 7,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Efteling Grand Hotel |url=https://www.efteling.com/en/grand-hotel |access-date=2025-02-10 |website=www.efteling.com}}</ref> a casual dining venue featuring a variety of dishes, with a [[Conservatory (greenhouse)|conservatory]] overlooking the [[Aquanura|Aquanura water show]]. For a more refined experience, Restaurant & Bar Mystique will provide an extended dining experience with a selection of [[cocktails]] and [[snacks|bar snacks]].

In addition to dining, guests will have access to wellness and recreational facilities. The Pool & Spa area will feature a swimming pool designed around a spring theme, as well as a wellness area with a [[sauna]], [[steam bath]], and [[massage|massage services]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Efteling Grand Hotel |url=https://www.efteling.com/en/grand-hotel |access-date=2025-02-10 |website=www.efteling.com}}</ref>

The Efteling Grand Hotel is expected to open in the summer of 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Efteling Grand Hotel |url=https://www.efteling.com/en/grand-hotel |access-date=2025-02-10 |website=www.efteling.com}}</ref> It is centrally located within Efteling, allowing guests easy access to the theme park’s attractions.

== Attractions and rides ==
[[File:Langenek Efteling1.JPG|right|thumbnail|''[[Langnek]]'', A well-known icon of Efteling theme park]]
[[File:Eft FataMorgana 04.jpg|right|thumbnail|Darkride ''Fata Morgana'' by night]]
[[File:PANOrama decor Raveleijn Efteling 20120915 155711.jpg|right|thumbnail|The [[Raveleijn]]]]
[[File:View of De Vliegende Hollander from across the pond, Efteling, 2017.jpg|thumb|[[De Vliegende Hollander]]]]

* 1952 – [[Fairytale Forest]] (Dutch: ''Sprookjesbos''; [[Anton Pieck]], [[Peter Reijnders]], [[Ton van de Ven]], [[Henny Knoet]], Michel den Dulk, [[Karel Willemen]] and Pim-Martijn Sanders)
* 1954 – [[Children's Railway (Efteling)|Children's Railway]] (Dutch: ''Kinderspoor''), ([[Pedal car|pedal trains]], Anton Pieck and Peter Reijnders)
* 1954 – [[Anton Pieck Square]] (Dutch: ''Anton Pieckplein''), (square with [[nostalgic]] rides, Anton Pieck and Michel den Dulk) 
* 1956 – [[Steam Carousel (Efteling)|Stoomcarrousel]] ([[carousel]], bought from L. Janvier)
* 1969 – [[Efteling Steam Train Company|Stoomtrein]] (a {{RailGauge|600mm|lk=on}} [[Narrow-gauge railway|narrow-gauge]] [[heritage railway]])
* 1971 – [[Diorama (Efteling)|Diorama]] ([[Model railway]]/ [[Diorama]], Anton Pieck)
* 1981 – [[Python (Efteling)|Python]] (double [[Loop (roller coaster)|loop]] [[Corkscrew (roller coaster element)|corkscrew]] [[roller coaster]], [[Vekoma]]) (original demolished in 2018, replaced by a replica 3 months later) 
* 1981 – [[Gondoletta]] ([[tow boat ride]], Ton van de Ven)
* 1982 – [[Half Moon (Efteling)|Half Moon]] (Dutch: ''Halve Maen'') ([[Pirate ship (ride)|ship swing]], Ton van de Ven)
* 1983 – [[Piraña (Efteling)|Piraña]] ([[river rafting ride]], Ton van de Ven) 
* 1984 – [[Carnival Festival]] ([[Dark ride (Amusement)|dark ride]], Geesink)
* 1984 – [[Tin Lizzies]] (Dutch: ''De Oude Tuffer'') (car ride, Ton van de Ven)
* 1986 – [[Fata Morgana (Efteling)|Fata Morgana]] (dark, tow boat ride,<ref>[http://data.sphosting.ch/Intamin/Media/Tow%20Boat%20Ride/Tow%20boat%20Ride.pdf Tow Boat Ride The flexible family ride] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714200417/http://data.sphosting.ch/Intamin/Media/Tow%20Boat%20Ride/Tow%20Boat%20Ride.pdf |date=2014-07-14 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.trips-n-pics.com/parcs/efteling/pics/|title=Galerie photos Efteling|website=Trips-n-Pics.com|access-date=19 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150603110029/http://www.trips-n-pics.com/parcs/efteling/pics/|archive-date=3 June 2015|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Ton van de Ven)
* 1987 – [[Pagoda (Efteling)|Pagode]] ([[observation tower]], Ton van de Ven)
* 1990 – [[The People of Laaf]] (Dutch: ''Volk van Laaf'') (Ton van de Ven)
* 1993 – [[Dreamflight]] (Dutch: ''Droomvlucht'') (dark ride, Ton van de Ven)
* 1996 – [[The House of the Five Senses]] (Dutch: ''Het huis van de 5 zintuigen'') (park entrance, Ton van de Ven)
* 1996 – [[Villa Volta]] ([[Madhouse (ride)|madhouse]], Vekoma)
* 1998 – [[Bird Rok]] (Dutch: ''Vogel Rok'') ([[enclosed roller coaster]], Ton van de Ven)
* 2007 – [[Flying Dutchman (Efteling)|The Flying Dutchman]] (Dutch: ''De Vliegende Hollander'') ([[Water Coaster (roller coaster)|water coaster]] / dark ride, Karel Willemen) 
* 2010 – [[George and the Dragon (Efteling)|George and the Dragon]] (Dutch: ''Joris en de Draak'') ([[Racing roller coaster|wooden racing coaster]], Karel Willemen)
* 2011 – [[Ravelin (Efteling)|Ravelin]] (Dutch: ''Raveleijn'') ([[theatre]], Sander de Bruijn)
* 2012 – [[Aquanura]] ([[Fountain#Musical fountains|Musical Fountain]], [[WET Design|WET]]) 
* 2015 – [[Baron 1898]] ([[dive coaster]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.leparcorama.com/2015/09/07/baron-1898-efteling-review-dive-coaster/|title=Review: Baron 1898 at Efteling|date=7 September 2015|website=leparcorama.com|access-date=15 January 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.looopings.nl/weblog/2952/Naam-van-dive-coaster-Efteling-eindelijk-bekend-Baron-1898.html|title=Naam van dive coaster Efteling eindelijk bekend: Baron 1898|date=15 October 2014|website=Looopings.nl|access-date=19 December 2017}}</ref> [[Bolliger & Mabillard]], Sander de Bruijn) 
* 2017 – [[Symbolica]] ([[dark ride]], [[ETF Ride Systems]]/Sander de Bruijn and others)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.eftelist.nl/a_symbolica.html |title=Eftelist |website=www.Eftelist.nl |access-date=19 December 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.looopings.nl/weblog/4904/Meer-details-over-nieuwe-attractie-Symbolica-in-de-Efteling.html |title=Looopings |website=Looopings.nl |access-date=19 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818073505/http://www.looopings.nl/weblog/4904/Meer-details-over-nieuwe-attractie-Symbolica-in-de-Efteling.html |archive-date=18 August 2016 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all}}</ref>
* 2019 – Fabula replaces the former [[PandaVision]] (€3.5 million renovation by Efteling and [[Aardman Animations]])<ref>{{cite web|url =https://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201905/6774/|title=Aardman's first original 4D movie is coming to Efteling|date=13 May 2019|author=Robert Niles|website=themeparkinsider.com|access-date=15 January 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url =https://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201912/7153/|title=Efteling opens its new 4D movie from Aardman|date=10 December 2019|author=Robert Niles|website=themeparkinsider.com|access-date=15 January 2020}}</ref>
* 2020 – [[Max & Moritz (roller coaster)|Max & Moritz]] (double roller coaster, [[Mack Rides]]), Robbert Jaap Janssen 
* 2022 – [[Sirocco]] replaces the former [[Monsieur Canibale]], Jeroen Verheij 
* 2024 – [[Danse Macabre (Efteling)|Danse Macabre]], Jeroen Verheij

'''Former attractions:'''

* 1953 – 2011 [[Rowing Pond]] ([[Dutch language|Dutch]]: ''Roeivijver''), replaced by [[Aquanura]]
* 1953 – 1988 Swimming Pool ([[Dutch language|Dutch]]: ''Zwembad'')
* 1966 – 2010 Water Organ ([[Dutch language|Dutch]]: ''Waterorgel''), in use as a TV studio since 2010
* 1978 – 2022 [[Haunted Castle (Efteling)|Haunted Castle]] (Dutch: ''Spookslot'') ([[Haunted attraction (simulated)|haunted attraction]], Ton van de Ven and Anton Pieck), closed 2022, will be replaced by [[Danse Macabre (Efteling)|Danse Macabre]] in 2024.
* 1984 – 2020 [[Polka Marina]] (a combination of a carousel and a minirollercoaster, Ton van de Ven)
* 1985 – 2019 [[Bob Track]] (Dutch: ''Bobbaan'') ([[bobsled roller coaster]], [[Intamin]] [[Ton van de Ven]]), demolished in 2019, replaced by [[Max & Moritz (roller coaster)|Max & Moritz]]
* 1988 – 2021 Monsieur Cannibale ([[teacups]] ride, Henny Knoet) Replaced by Sirocco
* 1991 – 2009 [[Pegasus (Efteling)|Pegasus]] (junior [[wooden roller coaster]], demolished in 2009), replaced by [[George and the Dragon (Efteling)|George and the Dragon]]
* 2002 – 2019 [[PandaVision]] (Dutch: ''Pandadroom'') (a [[4-D film]] cinema, Van Doorn and associates),<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://eftelinguk.com/2019/11/03/goodbye-pandadroom/|title = Goodbye Pandadroom!|date = 3 November 2019}}</ref> replaced by Fabula

[[File:Bosrijk dorpsplein.jpg|right|thumbnail|Village's square at Forest Realm (Bosrijk)]]'''Other ventures operating independently from the amusement park:'''

* 1992 – Tower Realm (Dutch: ''Torenrijk'') (theme hotel)
* 1995 – Efteling Golf course (Dutch: ''Golfclub Efteling'') ([[golf course]])
* 2002 – [[Efteling Theatre]] (theatre, [[Ton van de Ven]])
* 2008 – Efteling Radio (radio station)<ref>[http://www.efteling.com/NL/Radio/Programmering.html Radio Efteling homepage] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719055301/http://www.efteling.com/NL/Radio/Programmering.html |date=2011-07-19 }}</ref>
* 2009 – Forest Realm (Dutch: ''Bosrijk'') (accommodation area, Karel Willemen)
* 2017 – The Loonsche Land (Dutch: ''Het Loonsche Land'') (accommodation)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.efteling.com/NL/Over-de-Efteling/Pers-en-Publicaties/Persberichten/persberichten-persberichten/Efteling-realiseert-nieuwe-verblijfsrecreatie-in-het-Loonsche-Land.html|title=Newsroom Efteling|website=www.Efteling.com|access-date=19 December 2017}}</ref>

== Awards ==
* In 1971, the Efteling was the first theme park to receive the ''[[Pomme d'Or]]'' (Golden Apple), in recognition of superior efforts in promoting and raising Europe's level of tourism. The ''Pomme d'Or'' is the highest award in the European tourist industry.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fijet.net/?Info=FIJET_Awards|title=The Golden Apple Award|publisher=FIJET|access-date=2009-09-25}}</ref>
*In 1992, the Efteling was awarded the [[IAAPA Applause Award]] for best theme park in the world.
*In 1997, Villa Volta, as the first 'new style' madhouse in the world, received the [[Themed Entertainment Association|Thea Attraction Award]].
*In 2005, the Efteling received the [[Themed Entertainment Association|Thea Classic Award]] for the year 2004, a notable token of recognition of quality awarded by other people in the [[theming|themed entertainment]] industry.<ref name="thea">{{cite web| title =Thea Classic Award: Efteling Park Netherlands| publisher =Efteling| date =2018-04-30| url =http://www.themeit.com/thea2004/creftlng.pdf| access-date =2005-02-09| url-status=dead| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20060318212518/http://www.themeit.com/thea2004/creftlng.pdf| archive-date =2006-03-18}}</ref> Efteling is the second park to receive a prize for their entire oeuvre, the first being [[Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen|Tivoli Gardens]] in [[Copenhagen, Denmark]].
*In 2014, 2015 and 2016, the Efteling won the award for the best holiday park in the Netherlands according to the booking sites BungalowSpecials.nl, BungalowSpecials.be, FerienparkSpecials.de and HolidayParkSpecials.co.uk. These awards were based solely on ratings from guests who have stayed at the Efteling.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://blog.holidayparkspecials.co.uk/2016/02/16/efteling-village-bosrijk/|title=Awards: Efteling Village Bosrijk|date=2016-02-16|website=HolidayparkSpecials.co.uk|access-date=2017-01-30}}</ref>
*In 2017, the Efteling was titled 'Best Themepark' in the world by Theme Park Insider, based on overall reader and visitor ratings.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201707/5631/|title=Announcing the Winners of the 16th Annual Theme Park Insider Awards|website=Theme Park Insider|access-date=19 December 2017}}</ref>
*In 2018, Symbolica received the [[Themed Entertainment Association|TEA Award For Outstanding Achievement]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.teaconnect.org/Thea-Awards/Past-Awards/index.cfm?year=2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190831004412/http://www.teaconnect.org/Thea-Awards/Past-Awards/index.cfm?year=2018&redirect=y|title=Past Awards: Thea Awards 2018|publisher=Themed Entertainment Association|archive-date=2019-08-31 }}</ref>
*In 2018, 'Best Themepark' and 'Best new dark ride' in the world by Theme Park Insider.<ref>{{cite web|url =https://www.themeparkinsider.com/awards/|title =Theme Park Insider Awards|website=Theme Park Insider Awards|author =Robert Niles|date=2018|access-date=31 August 2018}}</ref>
*In 2019, 'Best Themepark' in The Netherlands & Belgium. Diamond Theme Park Awards 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Efteling wint 8 Diamond ThemePark Awards|url=https://www.efteling.com/nl/blog/nieuws/20190403-dta|access-date=2021-02-01|website=www.efteling.com|language=nl}}</ref>

== Economy and governance ==
{{multiple image
| align = right
| image1 = Herautenplein Efteling.jpg
| width1 = 250
| alt1 = 
| caption1 = 
| image2 = Efteling Herautenplein.jpg
| width2 = 180
| alt2 = 
| caption2 = 
| footer = Herald Square (''Herautenplein'') in the Fairy Tale Forest
}}

[[File:Danse Macabre (2024).jpg|right|thumbnail|Danse Macabre the replacement for the [[Haunted Castle (Efteling)]]]]

=== Structure ===
The Efteling is a private company limited by shares. The Efteling Nature Park Foundation (''Stichting Natuurpark de Efteling'') is the only shareholder. The foundation was founded in 1950 by R.J.Th. van der Heijden, Peter Reijnders, and Anton Pieck. The company is led by two directors. They manage four sections: the theme park, the Efteling Hotel, the Efteling Golf course, and the [[Efteling Theatre]].{{Citation needed|date=July 2023}}

Since April 17, 2014, the company's [[CEO]] has been Fons Jurgens.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fons Jurgens nieuwe bestuursvoorzitter van de Efteling |url=https://www.efteling.com/nl/pers/fons-jurgens-nieuwe-bestuursvoorzitter-van-de-efteling/ |access-date=2025-01-27 |website=Fons Jurgens nieuwe bestuursvoorzitter van de Efteling |language=nl}}</ref>{{Citation needed|date=July 2023}}

=== Employees ===
In the high season, Efteling employs 2,500 workers. In 2000, the number was 1670, of which 400 had a permanent contract (24%), 450 were seasonal employees (27%) and 820 had temp jobs (49%).<ref>[http://www.volkskrant.nl/archief_gratis/article852822.ece/Efteling_zoekt_winterwerk_voor_personeel Efteling zoekt winterwerk voor personeel], ''de Volkskrant'', 17 July 2000. Geraadpleegd op 3 September 2009</ref>

=== Visitors ===
[[File:Schatkist.jpg|right|thumbnail|Treasury]]
<timeline>
ImageSize = width:677 height:336

PlotArea = left:70 right:10 top:10 bottom:20
TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal
AlignBars = justify
Colors =
 id:gray1 value:gray(0.9)

DateFormat = yyyy
Period = from:2008 till:2020

ScaleMajor = unit:year increment:1 start:2008
PlotData =
 bar:16000000 color:gray1 width:1
 from:start till:end
 bar:15000000 color:gray1 
 from:start till:end
 bar:14000000 color:gray1 width:1
 from:start till:end
 bar:13000000 color:gray1 
 from:start till:end
 bar:12000000 color:gray1 
 from:start till:end
 bar:11000000 color:gray1 
 from:start till:end
 bar:10000000 color:gray1 
 from:start till:end
 bar:9000000 color:gray1 
 from:start till:end
 bar:8000000 color:gray1 
 from:start till:end
 bar:7000000 color:gray1 
 from:start till:end
 bar:6000000 color:gray1 
 from:start till:end
 bar:5000000 color:gray1 
 from:start till:end
 bar:4000000 color:gray1 
 from:start till:end
 bar:3000000 color:gray1 
 from:start till:end
 bar:2000000 color:gray1 
 from:start till:end
 bar:1000000 color:gray1 
 from:start till:end
 bar:0 color:gray1

# x: 70+((year-2007)×50)
# y: 20+((305/16.000.000)×Attendance)

LineData =
 layer:front
 points:(65,82)(70,82) color:blue width:2 #2008: 3.290.000
 points:(70,82)(120,96) color:blue width:2 #2009: 4.000.000
 points:(120,96)(170,96) color:blue width:2 #2010: 4.000.000
 points:(170,96)(220,99) color:blue width:2 #2011: 4.125.000
 points:(220,99)(270,101) color:blue width:2 #2012: 4.230.000
 points:(270,101)(320,100) color:blue width:2 #2013: 4.150.000
 points:(320,100)(370,104) color:blue width:2 #2014: 4.400.000
 points:(370,104)(420,109) color:blue width:2 #2015: 4.680.000
 points:(420,109)(470,111) color:blue width:2 #2016: 4.760.000
 points:(470,111)(520,119) color:blue width:2 #2017: 5.180.000
 points:(520,119)(570,123) color:blue width:2 #2018: 5.400.000
 points:(570,123)(620,123) color:blue width:2 #2019: 5.400.000
 points:(620,123)(670,75) color:blue width:2 #2020: 2.900.000

LineData =
 layer:front
 points:(65,262)(70,262) color:red width:2 #2008: 12.688.000
 points:(70,262)(120,263) color:red width:2 #2009: 12.740.000
 points:(120,263)(170,220) color:red width:2 #2010: 10.500.000
 points:(170,220)(220,229) color:red width:2 #2011: 10.990.000
 points:(220,229)(270,239) color:red width:2 #2012: 11.500.000
 points:(270,239)(320,219) color:red width:2 #2013: 10.430.000
 points:(320,219)(370,209) color:red width:2 #2014: 9.940.000
 points:(370,209)(420,217) color:red width:2 #2015: 9.790.000
 points:(420,217)(470,180) color:red width:2 #2016: 8.400.000
 points:(470,180)(520,204) color:red width:2 #2017: 9.660.000
 points:(520,204)(570,208) color:red width:2 #2018: 9.840.000
 points:(570,208)(620,206) color:red width:2 #2019: 9.745.000
 points:(620,206)(670,69) color:red width:2 #2020: 2.620.000

</timeline>
:{{color|red}} Disneyland Paris,<div style="font-size:85%"> #2 amusement park in Europe of annual attendance, in 2020</div>
:{{color|blue}} Efteling,<div style="font-size:85%"> #1 amusement park in Europe of annual attendance, in 2020</div>

Efteling welcomed 3,240,000 visitors in 2007, making it the most popular theme park in the Netherlands.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20090824043430/http://www.holland.com/files/corporate/top20attract2007.pdf Top 20 attracties naar bezoekersaantallen per jaar], ''Nederlandse Bureau voor Toerisme en Congressen'' (Holland.com)</ref> In 2009, the park's attendance surpassed for the first time since its opening 4,000,000 visitors and in 2017 roughly 5,180,000 visitors went to the park, making it the most popular tourist daytrip destination in all categories.<ref>[http://www.nbtc.nl/nl/homepage/artikel/efteling-blijft-meest-bezochte-dagattractie.htm Most popular daytrips], ''Nederlandse Bureau voor Toerisme en Congressen''</ref> The objective was to reach 5 million admissions in 2020. It is reached in 2017, three years earlier than expected.<ref name="tea2017">{{cite web|title=Theme Index 2017|url=https://www.aecom.com/content/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/2017-Theme-Museum-Index.pdf|website=aecom.com|access-date=4 February 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=4.68 million Efteling visitors in 2015|url=https://www.efteling.com/en/press/468-million-efteling-visitors-in-2015/|website=efteling.com|date=10 March 2016|access-date=15 January 2019}}</ref>

In its opening year (1952),<ref>[http://www.efteling.com/EN/EN-Home/EN-Home-Over-de-Efteling.html About the Efteling] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719055633/http://www.efteling.com/EN/EN-Home/EN-Home-Over-de-Efteling.html |date=2011-07-19 }}, ''de Efteling''</ref> the park had 222,941 visitors. In 1954, the millionth visitor since the official opening was welcomed.{{Citation needed|date=July 2023}}

In 1983, the attendance increases by 30%. Efteling is the leading leisure park in Europe with 1.9 million visitors per year.<ref>{{cite book|editor=L'Harmattan|editor-link=L'Harmattan|language=fr|title=Disney et la France: les vingt ans d'Euro Disneyland|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FoMrfEV1muUC&q=Disney+et+la+France%3A+les+vingt+ans+d%27Euro+Disneyland|author=Sébastien Roffat|year=2007|pages=107|publisher=Editions L'Harmattan |isbn=978-2296029897|access-date=15 January 2020}}</ref> In 1989, Efteling leads European parks in terms of attendance,<ref>{{cite web|language=fr|url =http://archives.lesoir.be/les-rendez-vous-soir-de-l-ete-1-le-kangourou-de-walibi_t-19890627-Z01RQJ.html?query=efteling&queryor=efteling&firstHit=20&by=10&when=-1&sort=datedesc&pos=23&all=24&nav=1|title = Les rendez-vous Soir de l'été 1 Le kangourou de Walibi met en poche ses concurrents|website=[[Le Soir]]|author = Jean Vandendries|date = 27 June 1989|access-date=26 July 2011}}</ref> 2.1 million people go to the park, including 1.6 million from the Netherlands.<ref>Press release, « Efteling élu meilleur parc d’attractions au monde », 22 November 1992</ref> In 1991, Efteling is on the top step of the European podium with 2.6 million visitors. On the second step, three parks have 2 million admissions: [[Europa-Park]], [[Alton Towers]] and [[Phantasialand]]. On the third step, two parks show 1.4 million admissions: [[Walibi Belgium|Walibi Wavre]] and [[Parc Astérix]].<ref>{{cite web|language=fr|url=http://www.efteling.fr/FR/Homepage-FR/Parc/Parc-Geschiedenis/Parc-Geschiedenis-1986-tot-2000.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928143620/http://www.efteling.fr/FR/Homepage-FR/Parc/Parc-Geschiedenis/Parc-Geschiedenis-1986-tot-2000.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=28 September 2011|title=1986 à 2000|website=efteling.com|access-date=26 July 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|language=nl|url=http://docplayer.nl/docs-images/72/68026659/images/170-0.jpg|title=Grote attractieparken – Slag om dagjestoerist neemt in hevigheid toe|date=2 April 1992|website=Twentsche Courant|author =J. van Kerkvoorde|access-date=9 September 2018}}</ref>

Most of the visitors are Dutch; 94% of the Dutch population has visited the park.<ref>[http://archief.nrc.nl/index.php/2005/Juni/27/Binnenland/2/Knusheid+van+de+Efteling+kan+alleen+in+Nederland Knusheid van de Efteling kan alleen in Nederland] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100709033106/http://archief.nrc.nl/index.php/2005/Juni/27/Binnenland/2/Knusheid+van+de+Efteling+kan+alleen+in+Nederland |date=2010-07-09 }}, ''NRC Handelsblad'', 27 juni 2005. [http://www.fiscaweb.nl/Efteling/NRC_270605_De_Nederlandse_knusheid_van_pretpark_de_Efteling.pdf Online versie]{{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724152050/http://www.fiscaweb.nl/Efteling/NRC_270605_De_Nederlandse_knusheid_van_pretpark_de_Efteling.pdf |date=2011-07-24 }}.</ref> About 16% of visitors live in areas such as [[Flanders]] (Belgium), [[Westphalia]] (Germany) and [[Southern England]] (UK).<ref>[http://www.ad.nl/ad/nl/1004/Economie/article/detail/101528/2006/09/11/Efteling-investeert-100-mln-in-rsquo-bedden-rsquo.dhtml Efteling investeert 100 mln in ’bedden’], ''Algemeen Dagblad'', 11 September 2006.</ref>

A graph of the number of visitors of the Efteling during the period 1952–2018:

<timeline>
ImageSize = width:777 height:336
PlotArea = left:70 right:10 top:10 bottom:20
TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal
AlignBars = justify
Colors =
 id:gray1 value:gray(0.9)

DateFormat = yyyy
Period = from:1952 till:2020

ScaleMajor = unit:year increment:5 start:1955
PlotData =
 bar:6000000 color:gray1 width:1 #gridlijn ywaarde6_3
 from:start till:end
 bar:5000000 color:gray1 width:1 #gridlijn ywaarde5_3
 from:start till:end
 bar:4000000 color:gray1 #gridlijn ywaarde4_3
 from:start till:end
 bar:3000000 color:gray1 #gridlijn ywaarde3_3
 from:start till:end
 bar:2000000 color:gray1 #gridlijn ywaarde2_3
 from:start till:end
 bar:1000000 color:gray1 #gridlijn ywaarde1_3
 from:start till:end
 bar:0 color:gray1

# berekening van xwaarde punt: 70+((jaartal-jaartalminimum)×10)
# berekening van ywaarde punt: 20+(50×bezoekers)

LineData =
 layer:front
 points:(90,31)(100,40) color:blue width:2 #1952: 222.941 & #1953: 411.671
 points:(100,40)(110,48) color:blue width:2 #1954: 561.433
 points:(110,48)(120,55) color:blue width:2 #1955: 705.941
 points:(120,55)(130,57) color:blue width:2 #1956: 737.170
 points:(130,57)(140,53) color:blue width:2 #1957: 664.384
 points:(140,53)(150,53) color:blue width:2 #1958: 663.639
 points:(150,53)(160,57) color:blue width:2 #1959: 743.862
 points:(160,57)(170,55) color:blue width:2 #1960: 710.032
 points:(170,55)(180,63) color:blue width:2 #1961: 862.701
 points:(180,63)(190,66) color:blue width:2 #1962: 914.876
 points:(190,66)(200,63) color:blue width:2 #1963: 862.687
 points:(200,63)(210,66) color:blue width:2 #1964: 925.073
 points:(210,66)(220,63) color:blue width:2 #1965: 858.156
 points:(220,63)(230,77) color:blue width:2 #1966: 1.145.184
 points:(230,77)(240,76) color:blue width:2 #1967: 1.114.926
 points:(240,76)(250,76) color:blue width:2 #1968: 1.121.923
 points:(250,76)(260,74) color:blue width:2 #1969: 1.080.137
 points:(260,74)(270,75) color:blue width:2 #1970: 1.108.857
 points:(270,75)(280,83) color:blue width:2 #1971: 1.254.812
 points:(280,83)(290,83) color:blue width:2 #1972: 1.264.953
 points:(290,83)(300,81) color:blue width:2 #1973: 1.220.969
 points:(300,81)(310,81) color:blue width:2 #1974: 1.230.889
 points:(310,81)(320,82) color:blue width:2 #1975: 1.246.649
 points:(320,82)(330,78) color:blue width:2 #1976: 1.163.974
 points:(330,78)(340,77) color:blue width:2 #1977: 1.133.504
 points:(340,77)(350,92) color:blue width:2 #1978: 1.449.078
 points:(350,92)(360,86) color:blue width:2 #1979: 1.321.970
 points:(360,86)(370,84) color:blue width:2 #1980: 1.287.440
 points:(370,84)(380,103) color:blue width:2 #1981: 1.669.868
 points:(380,103)(390,97) color:blue width:2 #1982: 1.536.479
 points:(390,97)(400,119) color:blue width:2 #1983: 1.979.000
 points:(400,119)(410,117) color:blue width:2 #1984: 1.942.000
 points:(410,117)(420,128) color:blue width:2 #1985: 2.157.255
 points:(420,128)(430,135) color:blue width:2 #1986: 2.304.768
 points:(430,135)(440,131) color:blue width:2 #1987: 2.220.000
 points:(440,131)(450,125) color:blue width:2 #1988: 2.100.000
 points:(450,125)(460,123) color:blue width:2 #1989: 2.064.000
 points:(460,123)(470,130) color:blue width:2 #1990: 2.200.000
 points:(470,130)(480,145) color:blue width:2 #1991: 2.500.000
 points:(480,145)(490,135) color:blue width:2 #1992: 2.300.000
 points:(490,135)(500,156) color:blue width:2 #1993: 2.717.000
 points:(500,156)(510,147) color:blue width:2 #1994: 2.530.000
 points:(510,147)(520,153) color:blue width:2 #1995: 2.650.000
 points:(520,153)(530,173) color:blue width:2 #1996: 3.051.311
 points:(530,173)(540,175) color:blue width:2 #1997: 3.100.000
 points:(540,175)(550,155) color:blue width:2 #1998: 2.700.000
 points:(550,155)(560,170) color:blue width:2 #1999: 3.000.000
 points:(560,170)(570,175) color:blue width:2 #2000: 3.100.000
 points:(570,175)(580,178) color:blue width:2 #2001: 3.150.000
 points:(580,178)(590,191) color:blue width:2 #2002: 3.417.000
 points:(590,191)(600,182) color:blue width:2 #2003: 3.235.000
 points:(600,182)(610,183) color:blue width:2 #2004: 3.253.000
 points:(610,183)(620,179) color:blue width:2 #2005: 3.170.000
 points:(620,179)(630,173) color:blue width:2 #2006: 3.050.000
 points:(630,173)(640,182) color:blue width:2 #2007: 3.240.000
 points:(640,182)(650,185) color:blue width:2 #2008: 3.290.000
 points:(650,185)(660,219) color:blue width:2 #2009: 4.000.000
 points:(660,219)(670,219) color:blue width:2 #2010: 4.000.000
 points:(670,220)(680,226) color:blue width:2 #2011: 4.125.000
 points:(680,226)(690,231) color:blue width:2 #2012: 4.230.000
 points:(690,231)(700,227) color:blue width:2 #2013: 4.150.000
 points:(700,227)(710,239) color:blue width:2 #2014: 4.400.000
 points:(710,239)(720,254) color:blue width:2 #2015: 4.680.000
 points:(720,254)(730,258) color:blue width:2 #2016: 4.760.000
 points:(730,258)(740,279) color:blue width:2 #2017: 5.186.945
 points:(740,279)(750,290) color:blue width:2 #2018: 5.400.000

</timeline>

=== Ticket price ===
A graph of the ticket price in euros of the Efteling during the period 1952-2014:

<timeline>
ImageSize = width:736 height:230
PlotArea = left:70 right:10 top:10 bottom:20
TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal
AlignBars = justify
Colors =
 id:gray1 value:gray(0.9)

DateFormat = yyyy
Period = from:1952 till:2015

ScaleMajor = unit:year increment:5 start:1955
PlotData =
 bar:40 color:gray1 width:1 #gridline ywaarde4_3
 from:start till:end
 bar:30 color:gray1 #gridline yvalue3_3
 from:start till:end
 bar:20 color:gray1 #gridline yvalue2_3
 from:start till:end
 bar:10 color:gray1 #gridline yvalue1_3
 from:start till:end
 bar:0 color:gray1

# calculation of value x point: 70+((year minus minimumyear)×10)
# calculation of value y point: ticket price in euro's

LineData =
 layer:front
 points:(90,22)(100,22) color:blue width:2 #1952: 0,36 & #1953: 0,36
 points:(100,22)(110,22) color:blue width:2 #1954: 0,39
 points:(110,22)(120,22) color:blue width:2 #1955: 0,41
 points:(120,22)(130,23) color:blue width:2 #1956: 0,45
 points:(130,23)(140,23) color:blue width:2 #1957: 0,45
 points:(140,23)(150,23) color:blue width:2 #1958: 0,45
 points:(150,23)(160,23) color:blue width:2 #1959: 0,45
 points:(160,23)(170,23) color:blue width:2 #1960: 0,45
 points:(170,23)(180,23) color:blue width:2 #1961: 0,45
 points:(180,23)(190,23) color:blue width:2 #1962: 0,45
 points:(190,23)(200,23) color:blue width:2 #1963: 0,45
 points:(200,23)(210,23) color:blue width:2 #1964: 0,45
 points:(210,23)(220,24) color:blue width:2 #1965: 0,68
 points:(220,24)(230,25) color:blue width:2 #1966: 0,73
 points:(230,25)(240,26) color:blue width:2 #1967: 0,91
 points:(240,26)(250,26) color:blue width:2 #1968: 0,91
 points:(250,26)(260,26) color:blue width:2 #1969: 0,91
 points:(260,26)(270,27) color:blue width:2 #1970: 1,13
 points:(270,27)(280,28) color:blue width:2 #1971: 1,36
 points:(280,28)(290,28) color:blue width:2 #1972: 1,36
 points:(290,28)(300,29) color:blue width:2 #1973: 1,59
 points:(300,29)(310,30) color:blue width:2 #1974: 1,82
 points:(310,30)(320,32) color:blue width:2 #1975: 2,27
 points:(320,32)(330,35) color:blue width:2 #1976: 2,72
 points:(330,35)(340,37) color:blue width:2 #1977: 3,18
 points:(340,37)(350,38) color:blue width:2 #1978: 3,40
 points:(350,38)(360,39) color:blue width:2 #1979: 3,63
 points:(360,39)(370,40) color:blue width:2 #1980: 3,86
 points:(370,40)(380,44) color:blue width:2 #1981: 4,54
 points:(380,44)(390,46) color:blue width:2 #1982: 4,99
 points:(390,46)(400,49) color:blue width:2 #1983: 5,67
 points:(400,49)(410,52) color:blue width:2 #1984: 6,13
 points:(410,52)(420,55) color:blue width:2 #1985: 6,81
 points:(420,55)(430,58) color:blue width:2 #1986: 7,49
 points:(430,58)(440,62) color:blue width:2 #1987: 8,17
 points:(440,62)(450,64) color:blue width:2 #1988: 8,62
 points:(450,64)(460,66) color:blue width:2 #1989: 9,08
 points:(460,66)(470,69) color:blue width:2 #1990: 9,53
 points:(470,69)(480,72) color:blue width:2 #1991: 10,21
 points:(480,72)(490,78) color:blue width:2 #1992: 11,34
 points:(490,78)(500,85) color:blue width:2 #1993: 12,71
 points:(500,85)(510,89) color:blue width:2 #1994: 13,61
 points:(510,89)(520,91) color:blue width:2 #1995: 14,70
 points:(520,91)(530,95) color:blue width:2 #1996: 14,75
 points:(530,95)(540,100) color:blue width:2 #1997: 15,88
 points:(540,100)(550,100) color:blue width:2 #1998: 15,88
 points:(550,100)(560,106) color:blue width:2 #1999: 17,02
 points:(560,106)(570,109) color:blue width:2 #2000: 17,70
 points:(570,109)(580,116) color:blue width:2 #2001: 19,06
 points:(580,116)(590,126) color:blue width:2 #2002: 21
 points:(590,126)(600,131) color:blue width:2 #2003: 22
 points:(600,131)(610,136) color:blue width:2 #2004: 23
 points:(610,136)(620,141) color:blue width:2 #2005: 24
 points:(620,141)(630,146) color:blue width:2 #2006: 25
 points:(630,146)(640,151) color:blue width:2 #2007: 26
 points:(640,151)(650,156) color:blue width:2 #2008: 27
 points:(650,156)(660,161) color:blue width:2 #2009: 28
 points:(660,161)(670,166) color:blue width:2 #2010: 29
 points:(670,166)(680,181) color:blue width:2 #2011: 32
 points:(680,181)(690,186) color:blue width:2 #2012: 33
 points:(690,186)(700,193) color:blue width:2 #2013: 34,50
 points:(700,193)(710,196) color:blue width:2 #2014: 35,00
 points:(710,196)(720,201) color:blue width:2 #2014: 36,00
</timeline>

From 1952 to 2002, the ticket price was set in Dutch [[guilder]]s. These prices were converted to [[euro]]s using a conversion factor of 0.45378. In 1952, the ticket price was 0.80 Dutch guilders (0.36 euro). From 1956 to 1965, the ticket price was 1 Dutch guilder. The price had risen to 42 Dutch guilders by 2001 and was converted to 21 euros in 2002, during the switch to the euro in the Netherlands. {{As of|2019|5|alt=In May 2019}} tickets cost 42.00 euros or 40.00 euros by "low season". There are also {{langx|nl|"luxe"|label=none|lit=de luxe}} tickets for 68.00 euros that include lunch, dinner and free parking among other things. Tickets ordered online are sold with a discount of 2 euros. Admission is free for children under 4.<ref>See: https://www.efteling.com/en/park/tickets</ref>

=== Investments ===
On December 11, 2008, theme park officials announced that they would spend EUR40 million during 2009–2012 on three large construction projects: a convention centre accommodating 1500 visitors (de Burcht), an arena from the Middle Ages for 750 show spectators (Raveleijn), and a redesign for [[snack bar]] "De Likkebaerd" to turn it into a station for the park's [[Efteling Steam Train Company|steam train]]. They also said they did not expect to suffer from the [[Financial crisis of 2007–2008]].<ref name="depers12-12-2008">{{cite news | title=De Efteling is niet bang voor recessie|last=van Dongen |first=Annemieke| date=December 12, 2008| work=De Pers |pages=7| language=nl}}</ref> In 2009, the Efteling announced that the Burcht has been cancelled.<ref>{{cite web| title = Sprookjesboerderij en Burcht van de baan| website = Eftelist.nl| language = nl| date = 2009-07-19 | url=http://www.eftelist.nl/mail/5840}}</ref>

The park announced in 2015 that they had the ambition to welcome 7 million guests by 2030. For this they drew up a zoning plan in the period from 2015 to 2018 called 'Bestemmingsplan Wereld van de Efteling 2030'. The park will at first expand to the east as far as the road De Horst and the highway N261. After the eastern expansion, the park will expand in a western direction on the site where parking spaces are currently located. In 2018, the zoning plan was unanimously adopted within the municipality of Loon op Zand, after which three objections were submitted to the [[Council of State (Netherlands)|Raad van State]]. Two objections were investigated by the council and in the meantime the council decided that De Efteling was not allowed to start implementing the plan. With an adjustment on a number of points, the council approved the zoning plan in June 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bestemmingsplan Wereld van de Efteling 2030|url=https://www.efteling.com/nl/pers/bestemmingsplan-2030/|access-date=2022-01-25|website=Bestemmingsplan Wereld van de Efteling 2030|language=nl}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=State|first=Raad van|title=Bestemmingsplan voor uitbreiding attractiepark Efteling is nu definitief|url=https://www.raadvanstate.nl/@125603/bestemmingsplan-uitbreiding-efteling/|access-date=2022-01-25|website=Raad van State|language=nl}}</ref> Due to the outbreak of the [[COVID-19 pandemic in the Netherlands|COVID-19 pandemic]] that led to the multiple closures of the park, the park had to review its investments. It decided to postpone the expansion towards the east side for a few years and to focus on expansions within the existing park boundaries. On January 24, 2022, the company announced that it would invest €75 million in the construction of a new hotel within the park on the square behind the entrance and in an attraction that will replace [[Haunted Castle (Efteling)|Spookslot]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=van Beers|first=Merel|date=2022-01-24|title=Efteling bouwt stug verder, attractie en hotel voor 75 miljoen: waar doen ze het van?|url=https://www.bd.nl/brabant/efteling-bouwt-stug-verder-attractie-en-hotel-voor-75-miljoen-waar-doen-ze-het-van~ad0e02cf/|access-date=2022-01-25|website=Brabants Dagblad}}</ref>

== Gallery ==
<gallery widths="180">
File:Efteling (NL)800px-Photo-0570.jpg|Efteling logo seen from [[Pagoda (Efteling)]]
File:Efteling Spookslot hoofdshow.jpg|[[Haunted Castle (Efteling)]](1978-2022)
File:Efteling Pirana.jpg|The [[Piraña (Efteling)]], a river rafting ride in a pre-Columbian atmosphere
File:Villa Volta, Efteling, 2017.jpg|''[[Villa Volta]]'', the first modern [[Madhouse (ride)|Madhouse]] in the world
File:Python DSCF5907.JPG|The [[Python (Efteling)]]
File:Winterefteling - panoramio (4).jpg|Entrance to ''[[Raveleijn]]'', Park Show
File:Sprookjesboom.jpg|Fairytale Tree, [[Fairytale Forest]]
File:Troll king.jpg|"Troll King"
File:Winter Efteling The Six Swans.jpg|[[The Six Swans]], [[Fairytale Forest]]
</gallery>

== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}

== External links ==
{{Portal|Trains|Netherlands}}
{{Commons category|Efteling}}
{{Wikivoyage|Efteling}}

* {{Official website|http://www.efteling.co.uk/}}

{{Efteling}}

{{Navigation Applause Award}}

{{Amusement parks in the Netherlands}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Efteling]]
[[Category:1952 establishments in the Netherlands]]
[[Category:Amusement parks in the Netherlands]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in North Brabant]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in North Brabant]]
[[Category:Loon op Zand]]
[[Category:Amusement parks opened in 1952]]
[[Category:20th-century architecture in the Netherlands]]