Efteling 2 Days: The Complete Test of the Grand Hotel, New Danse Macabre Experience, and the Ultimate Stay at the Dutch Park

Efteling theme park, often nicknamed the "Realm of Wonders," continues to evolve, offering its visitors increasingly immersive experiences. Recently, the opening of the Grand Hotel Efteling and the arrival of the new Danse Macabre experience have redefined the art of staying within this legendary park.

We had the opportunity to immerse ourselves for two full days in this enchanted atmosphere. This extended 48-hour stay was the perfect chance to test the new features, rediscover the classics, and, above all, evaluate the complete experience offered by the park and its new hotel establishment.

Luxury Accommodation: Our Honest Review of the Grand Hotel Efteling

The opening of the Grand Hotel Efteling is a major event that promises to transform the visitor experience from the moment of arrival. Majestically situated at the park entrance, the hotel is intended to be an extension of Efteling's magic. But what about the actual experience? We spent a night there to give you a complete and transparent review.

Arrival and Digital Check-in

The hotel arrival process is decidedly modern. Thanks to the Efteling application, digital check-in is done in a few clicks. The Digital Key on the phone to open the doors is a commendable innovation, offering a rarely seen fluidity. However, vehicle access, due to construction work during our visit, required following a somewhat winding route—a detail worth noting for future travelers.

The hotel lobby, while promising, is designed to be lively. During peak periods, the presence of a piano player or concierge adds a touch of magic. The privileged access to the park via an entrance dedicated to hotel guests (Early Access) is, without a doubt, the biggest advantage of this stay, allowing guests to bypass the crowd and enjoy the major attractions starting at 9:30 AM, 30 minutes before official opening.

The Room: Space, Comfort, and Decor

The in-room experience held a few surprises, some pleasant, others less so. The narrowness of the access to our room, combined with the attic effect (we were on the top floor), created a slightly disappointing first impression in terms of space.

Despite this, the decoration is an undeniable success. The touches of gold, the subtle references to the Efteling universe, and the small gestures (sweet treats, storybooks) remind you that you are indeed in a luxury themed hotel. The equipment is complete (coffee machine, fridge, large shower), although the stability of the hot water could be improved. Our view of the park entrance was an undeniable bonus.

Breakfast and Amenities

The buffet breakfast is hearty and varied. Key advice for residents: come between 8:00 AM and 8:30 AM to avoid the 8:50 AM peak, where the wait can be significant.

However, the swimming pool was the main disappointment. Described as "narrow," it looked more like a municipal pool overloaded with children than a relaxation area worthy of a luxury hotel. If aquatic relaxation is your priority, the Grand Hotel might not meet your expectations.

New Features and Classics Tested by Time

A two-day stay allows for exploring the park at a relaxed pace, lingering over the details that make Efteling famous.

Danse Macabre: A Spectacular New Experience

The new Danse Macabre zone was central to our expectations. It is superbly themed, featuring a treasure hunt and a small outdoor show that add depth.

As for the attraction itself, it is a complete new experience that replaces the former Spookslot. The use of a virtual queue (via the Efteling app) is very practical and helps avoid long waits. The show is entirely new, featuring innovative effects and different technology. The experience is more detailed and the pace, although different, is intense. It is a success, even though we had the misfortune of finding it closed due to technical issues several times during the stay.

The Duel: Joris en de Draak

A must-do among wooden roller coasters, Joris en de Draak (George and the Dragon) offers two distinct experiences: the Fire side and the Water side. After testing both, our verdict is clear: the Fire side is superior! It offers a more nervous feel, more airtime, and changes in direction, making it more intense than the Water side.

Other Attractions and Future Projects

We also took the time to ride De Vliegende Hollander (The Flying Dutchman), whose initial indoor section has been modified, as well as the very smooth Python. Attractions like Fata Morgana remind us of the importance of upcoming renovation for certain areas dating back to the 90s, but the park shines with its operational efficiency. Queues are rarely static, which minimizes the feeling of waiting, even during busy periods.

The Shows: From Disappointment to Major Surprise

Efteling is not limited to its attractions; its shows are an essential component of the visit.

Raveleijn: A Divided Opinion

The equestrian show Raveleijn, created in collaboration with Puy du Fou, was highly anticipated. However, it was the major disappointment of our stay. While the theme is beautiful, the execution, particularly the stunts and fight scenes, seemed dated and poorly synchronized. It is high time for this show to be updated to match current Efteling standards.

Caro: The Unexpected Highlight

Conversely, the Caro show (located at the Efteling Theatre) was the absolute favorite! As hotel residents, we benefited from a 50% discount, making the experience very affordable. This show, often ignored by visitors, is a true musical comedy/Cirque du Soleil style performance. The sets are magnificent, the singing is live, and the story, though simple, is emotional and engaging. It is a family show that brilliantly incorporates the park's iconic music. We strongly recommend it!

Conclusion and Summary of the 2-Day Stay

Spending two days at Efteling is the best way to appreciate the park. It allows you to step away from the frenzy of a single day, enjoy the Fairy Tale Forest, the train tour, and the shows—activities often sacrificed due to lack of time.

The Grand Hotel Efteling offers undeniable advantages, particularly early access and very friendly staff. However, a few adjustments are necessary to fully justify its status as a Grand Hotel, especially concerning the swimming pool and the optimization of space in certain rooms.

Despite some imperfections, Efteling remains a magical destination and one of the best theme parks in Europe. The park continues to invest heavily (as evidenced by the upcoming arrival of new features in the Baron zone), which is a guarantee of quality for the future.

Have you already stayed at the Grand Hotel Efteling or tried this new Danse Macabre experience? Share your opinions in the comments!