Efteling hosts a year-long celebration of its 60th anniversary

Anniversary year packed with new features

In 2012, Efteling celebrates its 60th anniversary. What began in 1952 as a Fairytale Forest with 10 fairytale scenes has grown to become the third largest theme park in Europe, with its own accommodation, a golf course, media and theatre productions, and even an entire ‘imaginary’ world outside the park’s borders. Naturally, Efteling is not allowing this momentous occasion to slip by unnoticed. Something special is taking place in almost every month of 2012. From the opening of Polle’s Kitchen, Aquanura and The Emperor’s New Clothes, to the première of Efteling’s first film for cinema. And from an anniversary book with accompanying documentary to the launch of an entirely new brand; Efteling not only looks back on 60 years of fairytales during 2012, but also forward into the future.

Bart de Boer, Efteling’s Chairman and CEO, is very excited about all the developments in the pipeline over the coming months: “We have actually already made a start on the anniversary festivities. The première of Dreamflight the Musical, in October, and the launch of Efteling’s second Book of Fairytales earlier this month can both be regarded as a prelude to our anniversary year. But the year really kicks off during the New Year celebrations, when the park will remain open until 01.00 hours for the first time. At midnight, an unforgettable firework display will mark the official start of this unique year for Efteling.”

One of the special events planned for 2012 is the launch of an entirely new brand: Jokie. Although Jokie has hosted the Carnaval Festival attraction since 1984, he is set to become a true globetrotter in 2012. From early in the year, he will discover the world outside Efteling in a television series and books. The anniversary year continues with something very different: the festive opening of the fully themed pancake restaurant, Polle’s Kitchen.

Efteling’s actual anniversary falls on 31 May 2012. As a special gift to all Efteling guests, on this day the sensational water show, Aquanura, will be revealed to the public for the first time. Aquanura is Europe’s largest fountain show and is built around the elements of water, fire, music and light. Later in the anniversary year, at the beginning of Winter Efteling, a new fairytale scene will be added to the Fairytale Forest: The Emperor’s New Clothes.

Anniversary agenda:

February  Première of Fairytale Tree the Movie (Efteling’s first film for cinema)

February  Introduction of Jokie (television series, books, restyled Carnaval Festival     and The Valise shop)

March      Opening of themed pancake restaurant Polle’s Kitchen on National Pancake Day

April        The World’s Largest School Trip (Guinness Book of World Records attempt)

May        Television documentary and DVD ‘Are we there yet?’ and 60th     anniversary book 
 
31 May 2012   Opening of the Aquanura anniversary attraction 

July   New-style Summer Evenings

August   Anniversary parade: Cavalcade of Colour

November  Opening of new fairytale scene: The Emperor’s New Clothes