Interview: Efteling’s Coen Bertens, Chief Operating Officer

Located in the southern region of the Netherlands, Efteling is a stunningly gorgeous theme park with an impressive collection of roller coasters and attractions complemented by a beautiful setting and a rich history.

While I was familiar with the Efteling’s roller coasters, I was unaware of the theme park’s history and its fairy-tale theme which the park was originally built around. So I was ecstatic to have the opportunity to ask Efteling Chief Operating Officer Coen Bertens some questions about the park’s story and what all it offers local and a growing number of international guests.

Efteling Chief Operating Officer Coen Bertens

Efteling Chief Operating Officer Coen Bertens

Coaster101: What is your role at Efteling? What is an average day like when the park is open?

I am responsible for all the daily operational activities in Efteling. This means that you can find me at the office but also in the park. As Chief Operational Officer at Efteling, I am responsible for all activities in the park and also at our overnight accommodation. The fun thing about my role at Efteling is that I get to meet a lot of our guests and can really get to know our employees. I hear the feedback from our guests and employees and we try to learn from it and improve ourselves.

C101: Can you provide a brief history and overview of Efteling?

Efteling's Fairytale Forest

Fairytale Forest at Efteling

On 31st May 1952 Efteling opened its Fairytale Forest with depictions of ten fairy tales in natural surroundings. Artist Anton Pieck was responsible for the design while film maker Peter Reijnders provided the technological expertise, succeeding in creating three-dimensional lifelike designs. More than 60 years later, visitors are still marveling at Efteling sights: Sleeping Beauty’s castle, the magnificent square with trumpeting heralds and of course that interesting character with the long neck.

Python roller coaster at Efteling

Python roller coaster at Efteling

Visitors hold on tight during thrilling attractions, such as the Python steel roller coaster, De Vliegende Hollander water coaster, the wooden double track racing roller coaster Joris en de Draak, and the dive coaster Baron 1898.

They let their imaginations run wild in unique attractions such as the Spookslot Haunted House, the Fata Morgana dark ride attraction inspired by the East and Droomvlucht dark ride, home to fairies and trolls. Their day at Efteling ends with the world’s third largest water show: Aquanura.

efteling-trainSince 1952 more than 125 million visitors have experienced an unforgettable day at Efteling, in the south of Holland, just over an hour from Amsterdam. With more than 4 million visitors each year, Efteling has grown to become one of Europe’s biggest theme parks, with a unique fairytale atmosphere, natural surroundings and a wide range of thrilling and enchanting attractions.

Efteling is open all year round and makes an ideal family short-break destination with the Efteling Hotel, the Holiday village Efteling Bosrijk and from 2017, the Holiday village Efteling Loonsche Land.

Efteling Theme Park Resort also encompasses a golf course, theatre and a wide range of facilities for business events. With its television series, musical productions and children’s radio station, Efteling continues to share its fairytale world outside the bounds of the park in Kaatsheuvel.

efteling-carouselC101:  What makes Efteling unique?
Efteling always remains true to its original aims: sharing fairy tales, sagas, legends, myths and stories. These elements characterize all the different aspects of the World of Efteling – whether that is being surprised by the fairy tales in one of the themed hotel rooms or waiting in the themed line of Baron 1898 or De Vliegende Hollander.

C101: Can you provide some background on the park’s iconic entrance structure?

The entrance of the park is called ‘House of the five senses’ and was created by one of Efteling’s leading designers, Ton van de Ven, and built in 1995. Its structure consists mainly of wood and has an impressive thatched roof on top. The five peaks refer to the five sons of a king, who all had extraordinary abilities (five senses).

Efteling's iconic "House of the five senses" park entrance

Efteling’s iconic “House of the five senses” park entrance

After the king died the sons ruled together over his kingdom and the entrance symbolizes their palace. Similar to how Efteling creates a story around each attraction, the entrance needed to share its own story.

Baron 1898 dive coaster

Baron 1898 dive coaster

C101: Efteling has excelled in theming some of its recent coasters such as Vliegende Hollander and Baron 1898. Can you elaborate on what went into the decision to make Baron 1898’s lift structure design so intricate?

Baron 1898 was inspired by the old mining industry, which is why we created the 30-meter high elevator shaft. We wanted to create a dive-coaster, and the mining theme really suited the attraction well.

Joris en de Draak racing wooden roller coaster at Efteling

Joris en de Draak racing wooden roller coaster

C101: What is your favorite ride at the park?

I really like Droomvlucht, but the thrilling double track wooden roller coaster Joris en de Draak is another of my favorites.

C101: What’s your favorite live entertainment?

The Raveleijn park show is my favorite live entertainment in the park. It features a fire breathing dragon, ravens and stunt horse riders.

C101: In contrast with its thrilling rides, Efteling appears to have plenty of tranquil areas with beautiful views. Where do you recommend guests go for a break from the rides?

Raveleijn stunt show at Efteling

Raveleijn stunt show

Since the very beginning, care for nature and the environment has always been one of Efteling’s highest priorities. This began with the green philosophy of the Efteling Nature Park Foundation, which established the Fairytale Forest in 1952. The Fairytale Forest is still one of the key parts of the park. Visitors who would like to take a break from the rides can stroll around the Fairytale Forest, and be surprised by all of its inhabitants.

C101: How many international guests does the park typically attract?

efteling-sceneryIn the first seven months of 2016 we have seen an increase in the number of international guests from last year.

Compared to the same period last year, the percentage of visitors from Belgium has increased by 6%, from France by 35%, from Germany by 27% and from the UK by 23%.

International guests are also more frequently choosing an overnight stay at the Efteling Hotel or Bosrijk.

C101: Many American parks do not face the challenge of catering to so many cultures. Do you see that as a challenge for Efteling?

Food and dining at EftelingWe always try to incorporate new food trends as well as providing a wide range of dishes, snacks and drinks. Food and drink is really important to Efteling, and our food concepts are characterised by a total experience, ensuring a wide variety of good quality choices.

Restaurants include Italian, Thai, pancake, banquet style, halal and more. You’ll can also find sandwiches, hot dogs, sweets and pizza in the park. Efteling also offers traditional Dutch food such as poffertjes and small ovens in the wall with warm snacks. We hope that all guests will find something to enjoy.

C101: Even though we can’t discuss specifics, what do you envision Efteling will look like in 2020?

Aquanura water show at Efteling

Aquanura water show

Over the next few years Efteling would like to grow into an international travel destination. One of our goals is to reach 5 million visits in 2020.

In summer 2017, Efteling’s brand new dark ride ‘Symbolica: Palace of Fantasy’ will open, located at the center of the park. Symbolica will be an indoor attraction for the whole family, similar to other famous attractions such as Droomvlucht, Fata Morgana and Carnaval Festival. The dark ride will revolve around the interacting elements of reality, dreams and fantasy, taking riders on an adventure through magical, hidden rooms in the Palace of Fantasy. In a palace hosted by Pardoes the magic Jester, visitors are invited to rediscover their own fantasy. Visitors choose one of three different routes, stepping into a vehicle like carriage with up to six people. The different interactive routes will offer unique adventures through the Palace of Fantasy.

efteling-loonscheland-hotel-2efteling-loonscheland-hotel

Efteling’s new-for-2017 Loonsche Land

Mid 2017 sees the opening of Efteling’s brand new overnight accommodation, Loonsche Land. The accommodation will cover over eight hectares of land, and are within walking distance from Efteling and central amenities. Hidden among the greenery you will find a hotel and cosy holiday houses which guarantee a special experience in the heart of nature. Guests can choose from holiday houses high in the trees, connected by bridges, within heathland or amongst dunes.

There are 65 cozy Heathland Houses, Woodland Houses or Dune Houses that are suitable for 6 to 12 people, or 75 rooms suitable for up to 6 people in the Loonsche Land Hotel. The 20 themed rooms located outside the hotel are suitable for 4 to 6 people.


Efteling dragon in Fairytale Forest

All photos courtesy of Efteling

We’d like to thank Coen for taking time out of his busy schedule to give us this insight into Efteling.

To learn more about everything Efteling has to offer, visit the park’s website.

Have you visited Efteling before? Share your experience at the theme park in the comments section below.

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