Yesterday evening, Efteling (Kaatsheuvel – Netherlands) held a special opening ceremony for their new long-anticipated show ride: Danse Macabre. After a few days of previews for Efteling’s annual pass holders and contest winners, the haunted abbey is now officially open to the general public.
Danse Macabre directly replaces the classic Spookslot (Haunted Castle) walkthrough and animatronic show, that closed in September 2022. The new ride embraces a similar spooky theme, uses the same soundtrack (after which it is named, the Danse Macabre by French composer Camille Saint-Saëns) and contains several nods to the former Spookslot.
The attraction features a ride system that consists of six rotating gondolas themed as choir stalls on a large rotating and tilting platform. The system, called Dynamic Motion Stage, was built by Intamin Amusement Rides, based of specification by Efteling. The ride’s story revolves around conductor Joseph Charlatan and his orchestra who one night, after performing the Danse Macabre, mysteriously vanished. After making their way through an extensive queue line, guests find out what happened through the musicians. The music, ride system and theming all come together in the inside of the abbey, where they combine into an unique show.
Efteling released a promotional video of the ride, showing parts of the queue line and onride footage:
