What does Bart say? – A Theme Park blog!

The summer season is in full swing, and so is Efteling. As in previous years, various squares in the park have been equipped with extra entertainment and catering facilities to bring you in the summer vibes. Is Efteling worth a visit this summer with its extra entertainment and extended opening hours. Or would it be better to postpone your visit to Efteling until a quieter period? Find out now in.. What does Bart say about.. Efteling’s summer spectacular ☀️

Meet the Djinn at the Fata Morgana plein:
Compared to last year, “het Fata Morgana plein” has under gone the biggest change. Whereas last year it was possible to meet and greet the Djinn and his guardians, this year a storyline centered around the Djinn has been chosen. In a 30-minute show full of dance, acrobatics and a touch of humour, the guards are trying to keep the Djinn awake to prevent the Fata Morgana from disappearing forever (in Dutch, Fata Morgana means Mirage, a joke that is probably only understood by Dutch-speaking visitors). The show was well put together, but felt a little too long for me at some moments. 

A few points of criticism: the Efteling app did not indicate how long the act would last, which caused my mind to wander at one point, which was a shame because the ending was very well put together. Also, a large part of the square is cordoned off to give the actors the freedom they need while performing. This is understandable, but it reduces the flow of visitors on their way to Fata Morgana.

All in all is this an addition that “het Fata Morgana plein” definitely could use, making “het Fata Morgana-plein” a lot livelier. If you plan to skip the show and only visit the attraction, the best time to visit is between 12:00 and 16:00, as it is often quiet at the attraction during these times.

It’s time to daydream with the Droomvlucht fairies at the Ton van de Ven plein:
Just like last year it’s possible to take a seat on one of the flower swings at the “Ton van de Ven plein”. While music of Droomvlucht is playing in the background, it’s time for you to relax and unwind, and with a bit of luck, one of the Droomvlucht fairies will join you on the swing. A new addition this year is a short performance by the fairies (and by short, I mean really short; the performance lasted less than a minute). The fairies’ short performance has made the square a little livelier, but for now, there is not enough going on here to linger for a long time.

One positive addition here is that the Efteling brought back the virtual queue for Droomvlucht. You have to be near Droomvlucht to join the virtuel queue, but you are allowed to explore the rest of the area (or visit attractions like Villa Volta or Lavenlaar) while you’re waiting in the virtual queue. After a permanent virtual queue at Danse Macabre, you can tell there is demand for this, and the response has been very positive. Let’s hope Efteling will decide to keep the virtual queue even after summer.

Despite the addition to the act, the “Ton van de Ven plein” lacks atmosphere. Efteling has created additional catering locations and picnic facilities, but apart from the fairies, no additional entertainment has been added here. The area is perfect for setting up a small stage with a singer-songwriter, or a small group of musicians. This not only makes the virtual wait for Droomvlucht more pleasant, it also ensures that the square has more repeat value. Efteling has been using this summer concept for several years now, and you can see that they improve it every year. Perhaps an option for the 2026 summer season? 

Python Pietje presents: the Steelcrew:
Just like last year, Python Pietje is back with the Steelcrew on the Python stage. In a 20-minute show, Python Pietje shares his love for steel and especially his love for the Python roller coaster, accompanied by the Steelcrew on drums. The Python stage was introduced a few years ago with two different acts, DJ Dizzy and the “Sterkstaaltjeskrachtshow”. When these acts were present, the stage became more involved in the act. The Python hanging above the stage was the connection with the Python headquarters. Unfortunately, this is no longer used for the Python Pietje presents the Steelcrew show. It’s such a shame, as this could have made the act a lot more interactive, and it would involve the whole stage in the act. The story they are clearly trying to tell is straightforward and easy to follow, even for foreign visitors, with English subtitles visible on the screen. Although it is easy to follow, I find it a pity that it is a performance that, for me, has no replay value.

You can tell that the target audience for this act is a younger crowd. It’s an enjoyable show for an older audience, but you shouldn’t worry if you haven’t seen this act during your visit. Efteling has proven the last few years that they could show us more, for example Dr. Charlatans Cabaret Macabre. In 2026, I would like to see something different on this stage, or possibly alternated with another act.

Dr. Charlatans Cabaret Macabre in the Huyverwoud:
Virginie and Otto Charlatan have left the Huyverwoud to make way for two new members of the Charlatan family (they didn’t mention their name, or I might have missed that). Did you know that a Charlatan can(can ;)) do anything? No? Neither did I! Until I’ve seen “Dr. Charlatans Cabaret”. The Charlatans reveal more about themselves during a musical number set to the music of the famous cancan, combined with a touch of humour and various magic tricks. 

Despite the lack of interaction with the audience, the Charlatans ensure that your attention remains focused on them during their performance. I must admit that I was a little sceptical about this act. Virginie and Otto Charlatan have been a huge success in recent years, and their success is difficult to surpass, But Efteling has managed to find a suitable, and in my opinion, good successor to the success of Virginie and Otto Charlatan. The new act is separate from the story of Viriginie and Otto Charlatan, and the Danse Macabre attraction. This ensures that the act remains timeless and can continue to be performed for years to come during the summer season, and perhaps even beyond.

The act lasted 20 minutes and was entertaining throughout, with enough pace to keep the audience (and me) watching for the full 20 minutes without the urge to leave. The song is such an earworm, and the performed magic tricks surprised me in a positive way. I’m still wondering how some of these tricks work, well done Efteling!

The Jokie and Jet Summerbeach, and the Red Nose Boogie Boys:
Are your feet warmed up? Are you ready to party? Because you won’t be able to stand still for the next half hour! The Red Nose Boogie Boys are back for the 2025 season to turn the “Jokie en Jet Summerbeach” to one massive dancefloor. This is a performance to be enjoyed by young and old alike. The audience is involved in the performance by clapping, waving or even dancing with one of the Red Nose Boogie Boys. The Red Nose Boogie Boys arrive at the summer beach swinging in their red bus, until their bus breaks down and they have to warm up for their big performance here. The story is told in Dutch, but with English-language songs, it’s also an act that international audiences shouldn’t miss! 

The Red Nose Boogie Boys are not the only visitors to the “Jokie and Jet summer beach”. Jokie and Jet (what’s in the name?) are present at the beach from end morning till mid-day. Please note that they are here for a performance, I can’t guarantee a meet and greet with Jokie and Jet after their performance. What I can guarantee is a meet and greet with Princess Pardijn in her summer outfit. Princess Pardijn is present throughout the day, enter the queue if you want your photo taken with Princess Pardijn. A professional photo will be taken, which will be available for purchase at the merchandise stand next to the meet and greet. And of course, you are also welcome to take your own photo with your smartphone.

Unfortunately, in my opinion, after several years, Efteling has not yet succeeded in making the summer beach interesting, even in less favourable weather (or rain). I understand the concept of a beach, with various catering establishments, palm trees, and beach chairs with parasols. However, it is not quite satisfactory. In my eyes it lacks atmosphere, and I’m pretty sure Efteling knows how to bring atmosphere, for example the Warm Winter Meadow during the winter season. It’s the same part of the park, but much cosier and much better decorated.

The Anderberg Musikverein and Max & Moritz at the Max en Moritz plein:
One of the squares I like least during Summer Efteling is ‘het Max en Moritz plein ‘. During the day, you will be able to see Max and Moritz driving around in their homemade creations to get up to mischief. I still find this a strange image: two adult actors portraying two young children getting up to mischief. Don’t get me wrong, the actors are great, but the acting is hard to get used to, even after the few years Efteling brought back Max and Moritz. When the afternoon draws to a close, the Anderberg Musikverein arrives to transform the village square into a large village festival. The atmosphere on this square is great, but in my opinion, there is too much going on at once. You have the Anderberg Musikverein providing musical entertainment, and Bakker Krümel together with Mrs. Schmetterling hyping up the audience to sing and dance along with the Anderberg Musikverein.

A few years ago, I was introduced to the Anderberg Musikverein for the first time. It’s the perfect act for having a drink with your friends, but one that repeats itself every year, several times a day. I’m probably not going to make any friends among most annual pass holders with this, but this isn’t my kind of entertainment. It’s possible to have a great evening here, but with what Efteling has to offer this summer, I personally choose to dance with the Red Nose Boogie Boys.

An evening with Donkey in the Fairytale Forest Theatre:
This year it was finally Donkey’s turn to tell his story at the Fairytale Forest Theatre, and it did not disappoint at all! What  a fantastic and original show! Like most shows in the Fairytale Forest Theater, this was another interactive show full of humour, and perfectly matched songs to enhance Donkey’s story. In a 20-minute performance, Donkey was able to tell his story to the audience. Certain jokes were not understood by the audience, or were understood too late, which sometimes led to awkward silences, but the actor handled this well and continued with the performance. An Evening with Donkey is clearly a beloved show; the theatre was filled with audiences of all ages. This might be due to the actor who played Donkey that evening (I have seen him play other roles before, and he is very good). Otherwise it’s great to see that the theatre is getting the love it deserves: a full house.

One point of criticism, which has nothing to do with ‘An Evening with Donkey’, is the fans. You can clearly see that a certain group of people have seen the show more often and started singing and dancing along before Donkey even had a chance to start his song. Here too, the actor handled this well, but I found it very distracting. Especially when you’re watching the show for the first time.

All in all, ‘An Evening with Donkey’ is something you shouldn’t miss when you’re visiting Efteling during the summer period. I am curious to see what Efteling has in store for the Fairytale Forest Theatre in the coming years, but if it were up to me, ‘An Evening with Donkey’ would definitely remain in the Fairytale Forest for the foreseeable future.

Conclusion: is Efteling worth visiting this summer?
With extended opening hours, extra entertainment and hopefully good weather, Efteling is definitely worth visiting during the summer season. With virtual queuing at Droomvlucht and Danse Macabre, you will be able to use your time usefully to ride one of the attractions nearby, or grab a bite to eat. I’ve visited Efteling several times last July to form a good opinion about the entertainment acts, and I didn’t see the queue times go over 30 minutes. With a few exceptions, such as the Piraña on the warmer days. With queue times like this you will be able to ride all your favorite rides, and see some of the entertainment acts. 

If you want to visit all your favorite rides, and see all the extra entertainment acts during the summer I recommend staying for at least 2 days in the park. It took me several visits to see all the entertainment acts at a leisurely pace. Most show times are close together or start at the same time, which means you have to rush if you want to see everything in one day. Even with the extended opening hours you have to rush, this leads you to the questions: will I see the extra entertainment or will I ride my favorite rides?

August has begun, the Efteling Grand Hotel is now officially open, and the summer season is coming to an end later this month. I’m curious, are you booking a trip down to Kaatsheuvel after reading my blog? Let me know!

Thank you for reading, and see you next time.
Bart