Danse Macabre: a tribute to the old Haunted Castle + competition

Picture this: you are standing in front of the gates of the Efteling , your heart pounding with anticipation. Where the beloved Haunted Castle once stood, a new sensation now awaits: "Danse Macabre"! From resistance to wonder - that's how the reactions changed. This enchanting attraction, which opens to the public on October 31, is a dizzying journey that honors the past and embraces the future. It's more than a ride; it's a whirling dance between nostalgia and innovation. Do you dare to immerse yourself in this magical world, where shivers and smiles go hand in hand? One thing is for sure: the Efteling magic is more powerful than ever! Read on quickly...

From Haunted Castle to Danse Macabre: A Magical Transition

When Efteling announced in 2022 that the Spookslot would close, there was a lot of emotion among loyal visitors. The Spookslot was one of the first attractions to bring a mysterious and creepy theme to the park. Yet the change was inevitable; the attraction attracted fewer visitors and no longer met modern standards. However, Efteling did not want to lose the magic of this classic attraction and decided to capture the soul of the Spookslot in a new guise: Danse Macabre .

Preserving the musical essence

What pleased many is that the iconic music of the Haunted Castle, composed by legendary composer Camille Saint-Saëns , plays a central role in Danse Macabre. This classic melody, both mysterious and captivating, ensures that the nostalgia of the old Haunted Castle lives on in the new attraction. Visitors will immediately recognize the familiar sounds, but at the same time be surprised by a modern twist and spectacular sound effects.

A spectacular experience for mortals

Danse Macabre goes a step further than the Spookslot ever could. The new attraction is an impressive combination of technology, music and movement. Unlike the Spookslot, which was a static show, Danse Macabre moves visitors through the space. The round floor of the attraction moves mysteriously, literally shaking you back and forth to the beat of the music. This creates a feeling of tension and excitement that is unique to Efteling.

Did you know that…

• The name Danse Macabre refers to a medieval theme that means "the dance of death". It is a symbolic dance that shows that death affects everyone, regardless of rank or position. A nod to the creepy theme of the attraction.
• Het Spookslot opened in 1978 and was the first attraction in the Netherlands with a large, continuous show. The use of animatronics and special effects was revolutionary for that time.
• The new Danse Macabre attraction is a whopping 20 meters high and can accommodate 125 visitors per ride. This makes it one of the largest and most impressive attractions in the Efteling!
• Sustainable materials and energy-efficient techniques were used in the construction of the new attraction , in line with Efteling's ambition to be a sustainable amusement park.
• The theming around the attraction is unique : the entire environment of Danse Macabre, including the waiting area, is designed to immerse visitors in the mysterious atmosphere. Even if you are not yet in the attraction, the experience already begins!

The magic of the Efteling

With "Danse Macabre", Efteling has once again proven that the park is capable of innovating while remaining true to its roots. It is this mix of tradition and innovation that makes Efteling so popular with visitors of all ages. "Danse Macabre" is not just an attraction, it is an experience in which music, movement and atmosphere come together to form a magical whole. Visitors are immersed in a world where time seems to stand still for a moment, and that is exactly what Efteling does so well.

👻 Spooky fun contest!

The good news is that Efteling is giving you the chance to be one of the first to experience the new Efteling attraction Danse Macabre! Click here and participate if you are brave enough to take a seat in the choir stalls. By participating, you have a chance to win 6 Efteling tickets for Wednesday 30 October 2024. Then, in the evening, one day before the opening, you can be one of the first to visit the new Efteling attraction Danse Macabre! We are definitely participating, are you?

The importance of change and innovation

Change can be difficult at times, especially when it comes to beloved places like the Spookslot. But with Danse Macabre, Efteling shows that change can also yield something very beautiful. It is a wonderful example of how you can honor the past while embracing the future. Without renewal, the magic of Efteling might not remain as strong. That is why it is admirable how the park manages to renew itself time and time again without losing its identity.

For example, did you know this?

The future of the Efteling

With Danse Macabre, Efteling shows that it is ready for the future. The attraction fits perfectly in the list of innovative and unique experiences that the park has to offer. And who knows what else is to come! Efteling continues to develop itself and we can't wait to see what else they have in store for us.

💬 Tell me, are you going to visit the new Danse Macabre ? Share your experience with us and let us know what you think.

Image: © Efteling 2024