Danse Macabre at Efteling: The Ultimate Guide to Vekoma's New Thrill Ride

The secret is finally out. Efteling has officially unveiled the name, concept, and manufacturer of the major new addition that will enrich the medieval district of Raveleijn: Ravenring.

Forget simple zone redevelopment rumors. This is a true new interactive thrill ride, coupled with a unique world-first prototype. Discover all the technical details, the story, and the impact of this major project.

What is Ravenring?

The Concept and Experience

Located just outside the ramparts of the city of Raveleijn, Ravenring ("The Ravens' Ring") invites visitors to participate in a magical flight ritual on the backs of ravens to protect the fortified city from the oppressor, Count Olaf Grafhart.

The experience offers a unique blend of dynamism and interactivity:

• A tailor-made flight: Using an integrated joystick, passengers control the tilt of their wings in real-time. This allows them to choose to glide their vehicle calmly or push the limits to achieve extreme tilts (up to 90 degrees, placing them almost horizontal at full speed).
• An interactive ending tied to the Lore: At the end of the 1 minute 30 second flight, the attraction reveals to each passenger which magical element of Raveleijn corresponds to them among the five in the story: Water (blue), Fire (red), Wood (green), Earth (brown), or Metal (purple).

Technical Specifications: A World Prototype by Vekoma

While the fan community was betting on a Sky Fly model from Gerstlauer (similar to Pixarus at Toverland), Efteling surprised everyone by partnering with national manufacturer Vekoma Rides. Ravenring is a completely new world prototype.

• Manufacturer: Vekoma Rides (Netherlands)
• Attraction Type: Dynamic aerial carousel / Interactive thrill ride
• Configuration: 18 raven-shaped gondolas (2 seats per gondola)
• Capacity per ride: 36 passengers
• Maximum speed: ~40 km/h (faster than its direct competitors)
• Maximum height: Up to 5 meters high
• Minimum height: Accessible from 4 years old and 1m minimum
• Planned opening: December 2026

At the center of the structure will be an immense medallion adorned with the Raveleijn raven, all designed under the direction of Efteling designer Karel Willemen.

The Metamorphosis of Raveleijn: A Zone Without Animals

The arrival of Ravenring is part of a comprehensive 360° redesign plan for the district, estimated at several million euros.

• The Puy du Fou Show (End of Animals): After 15,000 performances and 10 million spectators, the historical version of the show ended permanently last January. Efteling and Puy du Fou are co-creating a brand new version of the show. The major revolution is ethical: there will no longer be any live horses or birds on stage. The show will rely on new special effects, enhanced sets, and a more spectacular and immersive orientation.
• Infrastructure and Horeca: The current major earthworks aim to install the attraction's station, but also to open a new souvenir shop and significantly expand the catering offer on the ground floor of the adjacent buildings, in order to transform this thoroughfare into a true hub of activity.

Update on Other Efteling Construction Sites

Efteling's landscape has changed dramatically in recent months. The major projects that were under construction are now fully integrated into the park:

• Danse Macabre: The major immersive attraction by Intamin, which replaced the Haunted Castle (Spookslot), is open. It plunges visitors into the heart of a macabre ballet and unique rotating platforms to the music of Saint-Saëns.
• Efteling Grand Hotel: This imposing high-end hotel complex located at the main entrance of the park opened its doors last summer (2025), transforming the entrance esplanade with its rooms offering breathtaking views of the Aquanura show.
• Hooghmoed: Launched very recently (early May 2026), this mini-zone offers three junior drop towers with a height of 9 meters, themed around the world of Baron 1898's mine.
• The Fairytale Forest (Sprookjesbos): The Princess and the Pea joined the route in 2025. The park has also announced the development of the 32nd fairytale for 2027: The Fairytale Library (Sprookjesbibliotheek), which will be accompanied by a redesign of the tale of The Nightingale and the Emperor of China.

Ravenring is therefore set to be the highlight of Efteling's 2026 winter season, confirming its strategy of adding compact but intense infill rides to balance its family offering.