Real, live fairytales!

Yesterday Jeroen and I spent a lovely day in the wonderful world that is The Efteling. I am soooooo NOT into rollercoasters, so this is the perfect amusement park for me! The Efteling dates back to 1952, when the Fairy Forest was officially opened. The Fairy Forest is like walking into every single fairytale you have ever read as a child - Little Red Riding Hood, Rumpelstiltskin, Hansel & Gretel, Rapunzel, Sleeping Beauty, Tom Thumb etc etc They have all been bought to "life" in the forest, and reminded me a bit of the Myer Xmas windows.

We did go on some "rides" too - a flight through the magical fairy forest, a boat ride through 1001 Arabian Nights, a crazy spin in Monsieur Cannibale's cooking pots (modelled on Disneyland's spinning teacups!), a magical monorail ride through the village of the Laaf people, and a somersault through the haunted Villa Volta where the whole room spins around you as you sit on a bench (the optical "illusion" and the slight movement of the bench makes it feel like YOU are spinning 360 degrees!).

Everything is "different" in the world of the Efteling. We managed to spot pink, blue, and green doves; a parade of waddling geese following a drummer & a flute player; a miniature train that choofed its way over water; ATM's in the shape of giant treasure chests & couches; rubbish bins that thanked you for your rubbish; and giant mushrooms that played music :-D Even the drink and junkfood vending machines are magical!

All in all, a very fun day out in the sunshine. I enjoyed it soooo much more than Disneyland Paris! The Efteling is way bigger and is set in beautiful parklands and forest, so even if you don't visit any of the attractions at all, it is still a nice day out.

See here for yourself:

http://www.efteling.nl/home.aspx?LanguageId=2

Oh, and see below for some photos!

Alli xxx

ATM's at The Efteling

Vending machine




















Alli & our new house!
















Jeroen & his musical mushroom