Efteling's New Enchanted Forest Ride Breaks Attendance Records on Opening Day

Kaatsheuvel, Netherlands — Efteling opened its newest attraction, the Enchanted Forest Ride, to a sunlit crowd and a flurry of social media posts on Friday, with visitors reporting longer lines than any in memory. Park officials said the opening day attendance surpassed the previous record by a wide margin, reaching around 62,000 guests and triggering a wave of optimism for the park’s latest chapter in fairy-tale storytelling.

The Enchanted Forest Ride invites guests to drift through a hand-painted woodland world, moving aboard boats that glide along a winding river while animatronic creatures, holographic projections, and scent-delivery systems immerse riders in a multi-sensory journey. The ride, which lasts roughly four minutes, is designed to bridge classic fairytale atmosphere with modern ride technology, offering a family-friendly experience that scales up for thrill-seekers with a number of adjustable elements.

'It’s a milestone for Efteling,' said Anna de Vos, the park’s spokesperson. 'We planned this with care for the families who have been visiting us for decades and for new guests who will discover the magic of this forest for the first time. The response on opening day exceeded our expectations.'

Visitors described a mix of wonder and anticipation, noting the new forest canopy lighting, the crisp soundtrack, and the way the ride’s scenes shifted as the boat carried passengers deeper into the story. 'We came from Utrecht for the opening weekend,' said Marta Jensen, who brought her two children. 'The line was long, but the wait was worth it. The forest feels alive, almost like stepping into a storybook.'

Regional tourism officials reported a boost in hotel occupancy and dining reservations across nearby towns as the opening of the Enchanted Forest Ride coincided with a broader festival mood in the park. Local business owners, who often see foot traffic surge when Efteling unveils a new attraction, welcomed the influx, hoping the momentum will extend through the high season.

The park had prepared for big crowds with an expanded guest services footprint, extra staff at entrances, and an enhanced shuttle and parking plan designed to keep traffic moving along the two main arteries that feed the park. Despite the crush of visitors, crowd management appeared steady through the afternoon, with staff directing guests to shorter queues and offering timed-entry options during peak periods.

While the ride’s main appeal is its storytelling and visual splendor, Efteling emphasized accessibility and safety as priorities. Riders of all ages can enjoy the experience, though height restrictions apply to ensure rider comfort and safety. The company also noted that the Enchanted Forest Ride features a range of stops where interpreters provide context for international visitors, helping non-Dutch speakers understand the narrative.

The attraction’s opening also drew coverage from television crews, travel influencers, and a steady stream of posts on social media. Hashtags associated with the ride trended locally and across the Netherlands, feeding the park’s longer-term strategy to convert enthusiasm into repeat visits and seasonal passes. Analysts said the opening-day enthusiasm bodes well for a season that is expected to bring visitors from neighboring countries as well.

As twilight settled, the forest-like illumination along the ride’s exterior paths turned the park into a glow-lit landscape. Visitors lingered in the surrounding precincts, where new dining options, nighttime entertainment previews, and merchandise tied to the Enchanted Forest theme were showcased. The combination of a beloved brand and a state-of-the-art ride has created a sense of renewal after years of development work behind the scenes.

Industry observers said the record opening figures could influence how the park approaches future expansion, including potential seasonal events and additional experiential zones around the forest setting. For many guests, the Enchanted Forest Ride is more than a thrill; it’s an invitation to re-engage with the fairy-tale world that has defined Efteling for generations.

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