Efteling

[InterestedinEfteling]

Has anyone been here? Thoughts on it/the hotel/the area. Its only 1 hour from Amsterdam so I was thinking of combining it with a trip there too somehow. Has anyone travelled between the two without a car? Is Amsterdam a place for kids? Thanks

I can honestly say that Efteling is one of my favourite theme parks. We have visited twice now. The rides are pretty good, but it's really about getting taken away in the fairytale atmosphere, spectacle, and storytelling. It's not very commercialised and relatively affordable. Quite a bit of the storytelling is in Dutch but it's not a big deal. There’s loads to do for all ages so 3 days is perfect to explore at a leisurely pace.
The first time we went we stayed in a woodland house in Bosrijk which was super but a tad expensive. You don’t get access to the pool in Loonsche Land but if that doesn’t bother you then it’s quite a bit cheaper.

It's fab but it's about 3 hours without a car from the airport.

We've been twice and loved it. The second visit we stayed in the holiday park type thing called Loonchland (prob spelled wrong) which was nice.

Went last year and loved it so much we want to go back this year. Absolutely lovely. Went at the very last week of August and queues were pretty short.

I did this without a car as a single parent - kids were 4 and 7 i think.

It’s fine if you don’t have too much luggage - i got the train from the airport then changed to a bus which stops outside Efteling. Obviously don’t need a car when there. We did spend some time in Amsterdam ( and have done previously). I think it’s a great city for kids so would recommend. Both mine surprised me by loving the Rijikmuseum.

We didn’t stay over but my god, I LOVE Efteling!

The whole place is just enchanting. We went when my kids were 10/12 and they loved all the big rides. We couldn’t get around all of the park in one day, so skipped the attractions for very small kids but can’t wait to go back and see more.

It is popular, so most rides had a moderate queue but it wasn’t to the point of frustration and every one ended up being worth it. It feels spacious, clean and friendly.

The only thing I found slightly trying was the food. We never seemed to be in the right place to find decent food and it was a long walk between the different food areas, but there was junk food aplenty. So I’d look at the maps and plot your route, and make sure you pack some snacks, especially if you have little ones that get suddenly famished!

Tbh I found the same in Amsterdam - plenty of burgers, chips and sweet treats, but not much else!

You will have an amazing time!

Efteling is great! We’ve been twice in the past two years and absolutely loved it.
We traveled as foot passengers on the ferry from Harwich to Hook of Holland and then traveled by trains to Tilburg and then a taxi to the park. You can get a bus from Tilburg train station to Efteling. Journey took just over 2hours.
We stayed in Bosrijk both times as we wanted access to the swimming pool.
It is a great park with some big rides for kids with a 1.2m height restriction. My DD11 isn’t keen on big rides but loved Vogel Rok and Flying Dutchman. My DS7 prefers Python and George and the Dragon.
Foodwise, we found the options on offer were better than standard theme park fare; pancakes, fresh meals, filled baguettes and salads. Lots of choice depending on what you’re after.
Please try the poffertjes (mini pancakes) - delicious!

Following because I am doing this trip in May half term. Ferry from Newcastle to Amsterdam, spending the day and one night there. Then the train and bus to Efteling for two nights before we make our way back home. The only thing I'm worried about is getting from Amsterdam to Efteling (and back) without getting lost 😬😬😬

You can get a train from the airport to the nearest station (sorry I can’t remember the name) and then the bus to Efteling departs from right outside the station.

We stayed in the holiday houses- they say it’s a 15 min walk from the theme park but honestly it’s about 8 mins and through a lovely forest walkway. It’s fab.

We did spend a couple of days in Amsterdam also (dc 7 & 8). We went to the Van Gogh museum, the Nemo science museum, canal boat trips… it was also great although accommodation in central Amsterdam is £££ especially if you need two hotel rooms during peak season.

You won't get lost. Public transport is well signposted. Everyone speaks really good English too.

The only thing I'm worried about is getting from Amsterdam to Efteling (and back) without getting lost

It’s easy enough. Get the Netherlands rail app, it has all the train info, times, stops etc

I wonder if it would be best to hire a car. I imagine the roads are quite good over there. Our kids are 2 and 7.

So full disclosure because I don't think it's too outing. I've already booked a 3 night trip for my husband and I to Amsterdam but I don't think the childcare situation is going to work so now I'm replannning to include the kids. Will it be easy enough changing the booking or should I cut my losses cancel and lose my deposit (£100) and start again?

The roads in NL are excellent but the Dutch drive very close to one another, even on motorways, and in the towns and cities you will have to contend with bikes everywhere.
I don't know about your booking, but the Netherlands is very child-friendly. And Dutch kids are noisy and exuberant so don't worry if yours are too. It's nothing like France! 😉

Does anyone on here plan trips? I'm struggling to do it and would like the help!

We're going for a second time next week - kids are almost 3 and 7, so similar to yours in age. I LOVE Efteling and am probably more excited than the kids! Prepare for a lot of walking, the area is large and attractions are spread out. I'd suggest taking 2 days to visit, one day would feel very full-on.

Thank you can I ask do you fly in and then get on the train etc? Where do you stay? I'm struggling putting this together now the idea has come into my head (ADHD) so tips are gratefully received thanks.

We'll be taking the ferry to Dunkirk (from Dover) and then driving over. The roads are generally easy to drive on, although there is often some heavier traffic around Antwerp. It's only about 3 hours after the crossing.

Public transport is generally good in the Netherlands so flying and taking the train is probably also very feasible but we haven't tried it yet.

This time we're staying in one of the holiday villages in the park but last time we stayed in a very nice AirBnB nearby. The Efteling holiday homes are on the smaller side so you may get more space off-site.

Thank you if you have any links to an airbnb you might recommend I'd appreciate it. At the moment I'm thinking of flying on the Thursday; staying in Amsterdam and doing some stuff there til Saturday. Then travelling down to efteling on the Saturday and doing Saturday and Sunday in the park and travelling back up Monday to then fly home Monday evening. Does this seem feasible?

Little extra bump for the evening gang

We did Eurocamp and had a day visit to Efteling. It is a great park for kids.

Thanks is there a eurocamp close by?

We stayed at De Kempervennen (Center Parcs) and visited Efteling for the day. I think it's just under an hour between the two.
We had a great day.

Thanks I'll have to have a look at that too