A new world of fantasy
If you live in the Netherlands, you may have heard of ‘De Efteling’. It’s a theme park in Kaatsheuvel which opened its doors on the 31th of May 1952. When you walk in the Efteling, you can feel the fairy tale atmosphere for wich it stands. In the Efteling you can find different attractions, for small or older children. It has its own theatre and is also apparent in meetings and events for the business market.
WHAT
Now the Efteling is planning on making a new attraction ride. This new attraction is named Symbolica. Symbolica is a planet in the universe of Pardoes. Pardoes is the mascot of the Efteling together with Pardijntje, his girlfriend. The attraction symbolizes the world where Pardoes the wizard lives in. The main goal of the Eftelings with Pardoes is to preserve their visitors imagination when it comes to fairytales.
This new attraction is going to be an inside dark ride. The visitor will ride along different decorated scenes of the planet Symbolica. Just like the idea of ‘the Fatamorgana’ and ‘Dromenvlucht’. Never before there was a place where the children could find Pardoes. You could find him walking through the park, but you never knew where he might be. Now there is Symbolica, where you can find Pardoes, the place where he lives, eats and sleeps. Symbolica tells you the story of Pardoes. You can find Symbolica at the big square between the Pardoes Promenade and the Pagode.
At first the attraction would get the name ‘Hartenhof’, but the makers wanted an international name, so that interational visitors could understand the meaning. Symbolica is going to be the most expensive attraction in the Efteling. They are still building the ride, and hope to finish it in 2017, before the Eftelings 65th birthday.
WHY
The Efteling and his new attraction are a great example of the experience economy that’s coming up. We all want to have an experience that will stay in our minds. It also totally fits the macro trend Wonderlust. We all want to get lost in a dreamworld and escape from reality. In the Efteling you can have a full day of fairy tales in a fantasy world.
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Sources:
Fig. 1 - http://www.blueprince.nl/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/efteling.jpg
Fig. 2 - http://www.looopings.nl/img/foto/081015symbol.jpg
Fig. 3 - http://documenten.eftelist.nl/hartenhof/klontwerp1.jpg
http://www.nu.nl/reizen/4161774/nieuwe-efteling-attractie-opent-in-2017.html
http://www.looopings.nl/weblog/4474/Looopings-onthult-nieuwe-topattractie-Efteling-krijgt-andere-naam.html
http://www.looopings.nl/weblog/4596/Efteling-opent-nieuwe-mega-attractie-Symbolica-in-2017.html