The Legacy of Danse Macabre: From Symphony to Efteling's Haunted Spectacle

Efteling, known for enchanting attractions has introduced its latest haunted spectacle, Danse Macabre, at the brand-new Huyverwoud area. Inspired by the park's former spooky icon, Het Spookslot, Huyverwoud immerses visitors in a world of medieval ruins, mystery, and chilling legends, setting the stage for a completely reimagined scare experience. With Danse Macabre as the central attraction, this area has become Efteling's scariest place, where guests encounter eerie thrills on an unprecedented scale.

Danse Macabre: A Unique Spooktacular Attraction

Danse Macabre draws its inspiration from the famous music piece by Camille Saint-Saëns, enveloping guests in its haunting melody. The attraction consists of an 18-meter rotating platform with six smaller rotating disks, each housing choir-style benches that accommodate up to 108 guests. In a remarkable twist, the main platform tilts, ascends, and descends, creating the sensation of a coin spinning before it lands flat. This unique blend of thrill ride and immersive show, developed in collaboration with ride manufacturer Intamin, has never been attempted anywhere else in the world.

 

The Legend of the Charlatan Family

The story of Danse Macabre revolves around the mysterious Charlatan family and their ancestor, conductor Joseph Charlatan, who disappeared on Friday, October 13, 1876, during a prestigious music competition. Since his disappearance, the family has been on a global search, guided by the haunted organ Esmeralda, to uncover Joseph's fate. Now, in Huyverwoud, the family’s final stop, they believe Joseph’s spirit lurks within the ancient abbey ruins, leading them toward the deadly Danse Macabre melody that reverberates through the forest.

An Immersive Experience in Huyverwoud

Huyverwoud transports visitors to an overgrown medieval abbey surrounded by towering trees and eerie sounds. Guests can explore crumbling walls, encounter a superstitious cat, and purchase charms from the Charlatan family to ward off impending doom. The abbey square offers views of the ancient chapel (dating back to 1379) and features amenities such as terraces, a shop, and a themed restaurant. The adventure begins through an old stone gate, guiding guests along a path through graveyards and herb gardens until they reach the Danse Macabre chapel entrance.

In keeping with Efteling's sustainable design principles dating back to 1952, Huyverwoud has been made accessible for all guests, including those with mobility needs. Visitors with disabilities can partake in the queue experience before entering a special viewing room, where they witness an alternative version of the attraction through vivid multimedia elements.

Dining and Shopping at Huyverwoud

To complete the immersive experience, visitors can enjoy themed food and drink at In den Swarte Kat, a revamped tavern offering Efteling-inspired treats like Ketelkoek (spongecake), Abbey Bread, and Bloedsap (fruit juice). Self-service kiosks allow for quick and convenient purchases. Nearby, Dr. Charlatans Kwalycke Zaken (Dr. Charlatand Quirky Affairs) offers eerie souvenirs, while ’t Koetshuys (Carriage House) serves popcorn, ice cream, and courage-boosting snacks.

Environmental Responsibility and Accessibility

Danse Macabre was built with accessibility in mind, allowing guests of various needs to experience the attraction. The ride includes a 13-meter accessible pathway for individuals who can transfer with assistance, and an alternative immersive experience room for those unable to access the main ride. Sustainability features are also prioritized, including a connection to Efteling’s Anderrijk heating and cooling system (WKO) that repurposes the ride's heat to prevent nearby ponds from freezing in winter. Additionally, the costumes worn by attraction staff are crafted from repurposed Efteling uniforms, embodying the eerie style of the Charlatan family with a vintage, worn look.

Facts & Figures: The Stats Behind Danse Macabre

  • Attraction type: A one-of-a-kind thrill ride, blending physical and immersive elements.
  • Platform size: 18-meter diameter with six smaller rotating disks.
  • Capacity: 108 riders per session, 1,253 guests per hour.
  • Sound and lighting: 64 speakers, 53 top speakers, 10 subwoofers, and 1 ultra-subwoofer with over 600 lighting fixtures.
  • Height: The chapel stands around 20 meters tall.
  • Total area: Huyverwoud spans approximately 17,000 square meters.
  • Cost: Around €35 million.
  • Construction time: Two years with around 500 workers involved.

Danse Macabre in Popular Culture

To celebrate this new attraction, author Paul van Loon released Danse Macabre: Het Begin, exploring the lore of the Charlatan family. Composer René Merkelbach also produced a reimagined orchestral version of Danse Macabre, recorded with a 75-piece ensemble—the largest in Efteling history.

Preserving Efteling’s Heritage

Elements from Het Spookslot have been repurposed throughout Huyverwoud, from stone ruins to antique candelabras. These relics serve as a haunting tribute to Efteling's history, blending nostalgia with a fresh, spine-tingling adventure.

In Danse Macabre, Efteling fans can rediscover the magic of an iconic haunted attraction, now reimagined and enhanced for a new generation of thrill-seekers. This spooky tale in the heart of Huyverwoud brings a bold twist to the park’s legacy, captivating all who dare to dance with the macabre.

 

Buy Danse Macabre inspired merch on our website and celebrate the opening with us.

See our reaction when we first rode Danse Macabre last Saturday in this video: