Anton Pieck is the artist. He designed a lot for Efteling.

As a Dutchy I think the reason we're so proud of it, is because of the nostalgia. We visit the efteling as kids again as teens and again as grown-ups perhaps with your own kids that are now discovering the magic. Even as grandparents it'll be nice to visit and reminisce. Love the videos! ♡

Chris, the story of the Emperor's nightingale makes a bit more sense if you know the full story. Basically the emperor was visited daily by the real-live nightingale, a little brown, kind of ugly, bird, with a beautiful voice. He fell in love with the sound of the bird's song and it sang to him daily. Then some people made this gorgeous golden mechanical nightingale and because it was nicer to look at, the emperor started listening to it instead. The real nightingale got sad and decided not to come back anymore and the emperor didn't care/notice, because he was completely focused on the mechanical bird. but then it broke and from then on it pretty much follows the rest of the story like you described (apart from the ghost, because that Pepper's ghost effect actually represents death). The real bird came back and his song saved the emperor's life. So the moral is kinda "Don't judge things on how they look". Also, while the original Grimm stories are pretty dark (like Red Riding Hood and the 6 goats getting eaten by the wolf in their respective fairy tales) they tend to have a positive ending (Red Riding Hood and the goats get cut out of the stomach of the wolf while it's sleeping and (depending on the version) the wolf is usually filled with stones and then sown shut. When it wakes up, the wolf is thirsty and goes to a well, but as it leans forward, the weight of the rocks makes the wolf fall over into the well).

50 euro for the pooping donkey, I know inflation happened but I'm sure you mean 50 cents 🤣 love how much you explain things and how tranquil you make the park look. (which on a good day, it is)

Hey! i’m the guy that took a picture with you at the dragon. You’re an amazing person. You made my day, thank you!

Between these videos and my new obsession with Joost Klein the Netherlands is taking up more of my brain real estate than it has in my life previously combined :P

Love the idea of wandering through a park and not having to worry about fast passes or genie plus. Such a beautiful park❤ thank you for the video. Might have to visit one day 🤔

6:49 the artist chris is talking about is Anton Pieck. They didn’t just use his style he was the original designer of the Efteling! After Anton Pieck passed Ton van de Ven took over as lead designer. His style was a little darker then Anton Pieck’s style. Anton Pieck had a more romantic style while Ton van de Ven had a more grim style being responsible for the now semi demolished “Spookslot” which has been turned into “Dans Macabre” a new attraction opening this october. The current lead designer is Sander de Bruijn he and his team are responsible for Ravelijn, Baron 1898 & Symbolica (and some more). And they are working on Danse Macabre right now 😄.

I am an Annual Pass holder & I do solo trips from Australia, twice a year. I am in my late 60s. I rent a scooter from an external company for my trips. i stay 14 days at a time.

Chris.....you have no idea of the impact of your inspirational speaches have!! You helped me through my bladder cancer journey. I would like to proudly report today that I am cancer free!! Your words kept me up. Thank you for all you do and who you and your family represent.

Being from European roots.. these are the fairy tales i knew and loved as a kid.. I find them so much better and all have life lessons

"That butter, was the best butter I've had in my life" that's an amazing quote! You absolutely have to visit the park during the winter season; it's incredibly romantic, and by that time, the (second most expensive) newest attraction will be open, very spooky👻

Some things you passed by, in order of (non)appearance. -Steam Carrousel, a steam powered merry-go-round. Also, a model train diorama in the same building. -Museum of the parks origin, and of some original art pieces that no longer have a place in the park. Includes my favorite, the original electromechanical mechanism for the repeating parrot. -Carnaval Festival, a trippy trip around the world full of silly caricatures and clown noses. Includes a theme song that will get extremely stuck in your head. Pretty much exactly like "It's a Small World", but even sillier. -Piraña, white-water bumper boat ride. -Pagoda, a building that goes up in the sky to give a view over the park. -The entry to the swan boats that you keep wanting to go on. :) Mostly small stuff, but definitely more to explore if/when you do go back. You can make poffertjes (the mini pancakes) at home if you get a takoyaki pan and a squirt bottle for the batter. Spider as the symbol for scary is because the Dutch TV/movie content rating system ("Kijkwijzer") uses the same thing. It's a really neat system actually, it's more granular than the E/G/PG-13/etc.. system that the US has, because in addition to age rating, it adds symbols to give reason for what caused the rating to be what it is, so parents can make a more informed decision about letting their kids watch something.

I used to skip the inspirational heart felt call out because it made me uncomfortable but the longer I’ve watched you I realized how genuine you are with everyone round you, fans/viewers included. So now I watch and really try to feel my feels, I love the call outs. Loads of us never hear that from anyone! Thanks Chris!

I noticed quite a few references to the Danish Author Hans Christian Andersen throughout the park too which is cool 🙂

I laughed out loud at, "This is the signature fairly tale portrayed in the park, Long Neck... But let me show you the garbage can!"

The mushrooms in the fairytale forest are such a classic thing for a lot of Dutch people. I think most people have photo's of themselves sitting on the mushrooms from when they were little (or a little older as well). Or with their ear on the mushroom to listen to the music (little kids to this the most). Just some other explanations: - the indian waterlelies is a story written by the former queen of Belgium, queen Fabiola. The music is actually Afrikan Beat by Bert Kampfert. The story is: the witch is jealous of the starchildren that are so beautiful en come to earth to dance on the lake, so she turnes them into lily's. - The donkey asks 50 eurocent, not 50 euro's that would be a lot of money for a plastic coin ;), honest mistake though.. - The fairytale forest was kinda the first place. It used to be a sportcomplex for the people in the area. So there were football courts (or soccer for you ;) and tenniscourts and other things. Efteling uses the opening of the fairytale forest as their anniversary date. - Anton Pieck was the first designer/illustrator (mostly the fairytales). There is this story that he liked to have everything look like it had been there forever. So a crooked chimney on the gnome houses, no straight paths, those kind of things. After him came Ton van de Ven, who made sure it was in the style of Pieck, he also me the land of Laaf (with the snail monorail). There is a whole story about the creatures living there (the Lafen). You can probably look it up. I could tell you way more, but I think this is enough for now ;)

I do have a few slight corrections I wanted to mention. The ride you said was like "its a small world" is actually Droomvlucht (Dream Flight) which is basically their Peter Pan. It is amazing and one of if not the best ride in all of Efteling. The giant clown building that you mentioned was a souvenir shop is actually their version of it's a small world. I'm not a huge fan of the music of that ride, but to each their own. For the ride you called their version of the haunted Mansion, I can see it, because it's literally a haunted house. However, I would say their old show called Spookslot now Danse Macabre is the closest spiritual cousin personally. I point all of these out with love, I love your content. Thank you for sharing this beautiful park with more people.

A couple of things I want to note: - You were using a Dutch map, but there are English maps available as well, with English names and descriptions! - Efteling also has a very good phone app, which is multilingual, shows the map, your location, waiting times and background info on all fairytales and rides, etc. - Download it to see what you have missed or misunderstood :) .. because you have missed quite a few areas and rides due to the massive size of the park (180 acres) - The park is officially a nature park and is only allowed to build on 11% of the park which explains why it is so green and well maintained - It's also one of the oldest parks in the world (72 years) and predates Disneyland by 3 years; rumors are that Walt visited Efteling for inspiration back in the days - Anton Pieck was the original artist and designer of Efteling and his style is still used as a reference for the look and feel of everything, even trashcans or lampposts - Every Dutch person has visited the park multiple times; usually as a kid for the fairytale forest, as a teen for the thrill rides, as a parent and as a grandparent - So every Dutch person has at least 1 picture in their family album of sitting on one of those musical mushrooms in the fairytale forest; it's almost tradition - Which makes it difficult for Efteling to update or get rid of older rides or fairytales; they hold sentimental value so people get upset when they try to do so

As a Dutchie who hasn’t visited the Efteling for a while, it was wonderful to see a lot of new attractions but also known things from another perspective. Thank you for making this video with your family. I love your enthusiasm and the way you describe everything you see in the most respectful manner. I just subscribed! I can’t wait to see more videos of you, Amanda and Miles. ❤

It’s easy to forget that life can be an adventure full of flavor, discovery, wonder, and the love of family. Thank you for the reminder.

I'm in my 40s and me and my friends still have a tradition to go to the Efteling once a year, without our kids. Just so we can catch up and be kids ourselves.

It will make you happy to learn that in the end the wolf did not win from Little Red Riding Hood. The wolf swallowed her and Grandmother but the Hunter freed them by cutting open his belly. Then they stuffed the belly with stones. When he tried to drink from a pond he tumbled over and drowned. So a happy ending after all. (Except for the wolf)

Love your video's and positive energy. I am born and raised in the netherlands but lived in Anaheim for a few years, close to knotts and disney, but that efteling magic hits different

I follow another KZfaqr and she'd visited this park but your video(s) have been REALLY thorough. Just like all of you videos I felt like I was there and makes me wanna pack and go see for myself. Efteling has this European storybook feel and I love it!!! You and your family are such fantastic people and I feel like I'm part of the family and I laugh all the time lol. Thank you again for sharing. Can't wait for more 😊

Oh my goodness!!! I have to visit one day! It looks so enchanting! Enjoying this series so much! Thank you so much for taking us with you all!!!!

That was a very nice tour. Thank You! I'm surprised you didn't run into my favorite wandering musical group there called Efteling Muzikanten. They are fantastic! It's a quartet of musicians that wander around the park and perform in various places in the streets. The main guy is on accordian, then there's a person on upright bass, someone on drums, and then either a guy on saxophone, girl on violin, or girl on flute. I've been watching them on KZfaq since 2020. They make me so happy, just like you! I'm not lyin'.......and when I say Lion, I mean Tiger! Ha! Canoe believe it?!!!!

Those Netherlanders 😂 sure are in shape compared to us in the USA.

Beautiful Country!! On my bucket list! Love the theme park!

Walt Disney sent his Imagineers to Efteling for inspiration ✨️ ❤️ the Netherlands is very proud of our forrests and nature, going so far as banning cars in some cities now and turning entire streets into walking and bike paths with many trees and plants to bring back nature to cities, so its very important to us that Efteling incorperates our love for nature because conservation and fighting nature is a huge part of our history- everyones history, honestly- and nature, in our mind, is the truest beauty our planet offers so it deserves to be represented in our favorite park❤

Amanda, as a woman I get wanting to look your best. I know we will see you soon, however, you are beautiful and missed! Thank you both for sharing this tour with us.

The name of the artist and painter you looking for is 'Anton Pieck'. He is the founder of most designings of ideas in the Efteling in early days, like the style of buildings and fairy tail like characters. Most fairy tails and folklore tails are presented in 'Sprookjesbos' (Fairy tail forest) and based on famous Europian fairy tail writers Hans Christiaan Andersen (1805 - 1875) from Denmark and Brothers Grimm (Jacob (1785-1863) en Wilhelm Grimm (1786-1859) from Germany. Efteling succeeded to bring these fairy tails alive by animatronics and scenery, which gives an atmospheric vibe of many people childhood period of time. You could say it is are reflection of life. If you want to know more about this park, please ask.

The fairytale forest in Efteling is full of all the Dutch allegory stories told to kids for centuries. It's is such a treasure in Dutch culture! Beautiful!

Thank you for the shout out to the New Zealanders who watch your videos. ❤ We are such a small country, and any trip to Disneyland or beyond is such a big deal for us because we live so far away from the rest of the world. Watching your videos are a daily highlight, because we also don’t have things like Efteling or Disney. Can’t wait to watch more! 😊❤

This 72-year-old has watched all your videos for years! Keep at it. We need your joy and optimism. If you like Efteling's woodsiness have you even been to Busch Gardens 'Old Country' near Williamsburg VA? Miles is getting old enough to appreciate Williamsburg itself and this Busch Gardens is also beautiful with trees and old English, German, Irish, Italian and French type buildings. We live near Washington DC and the 4hr drive to Busch Gardens was our family's go-to special place when our kids were growing up.

I'm enjoying your European Parks Tour! I can't believe you're off to Europe so soon after those 20 days at 20 Disney resorts ... I'm impressed Chris! But I appreciate the Europe tour because I have never heard of these parks ... once again I'm learning something new from your videos. Thanks Chris! 😊

I would go as often as I possibly could! Like Disneyland. One park, couple to a few days at each park to take the time to just soak in the beauty and magic as well as enjoy all the food and rides!!! Efteling is indeed the most beautiful park in the world!!!!!

What a nice surprise to see you in "my" Efteling. I live about 5 minutes away. I always watch your videos, so it's a wonderful surprise to see you enthousiasme for a park that's so dear to my heart🎉

nice video to show off efteling! The 'indische waterlelies' at 18:00 is a fairytale by Queen Fabiola of Belgium. In short, it is about stars and moon dancing on a lake during the night. Some stars did not heed the call of the moongoddess and did not return to the sky and kept dancing. The witch caught them and turned them into lillies, to dance for her when there's a full moon. It was designed by Anton Pieck, technically made possible by Peter Reijnders. Later Ton van der Ven also was involved in the completion of the show and it has been there since 3rd of may, 1966.

Yes indeed nostalgia...visited Efteling as a kid 52 years ago...still loving it and visit this park regulary. THANK YOU FOR SHARING CHRIS

The winter wonderland is wonderful, they build logfires everywhere in the park and there's a lot of open fire bbq's for some wintery comfort food. There's also a bunch of carollers singing traditional and popular songs, it's almost worth going just for that.

Thank you for sharing your adventures at Efteling. Now I want to go!!! You have a beautiful family! I love your encouragement you include in your videos as well. Keep up the great work!

Omg I’m loving these videos! I am in awe of this park and had no idea it existed. I’ve never wanted to visit Europe, but this may have convinced me. Shout out to you, Amanda and Miles! ❤️❤️

Hi we in the Netherlands don't say Dutch. It's what English speaking people in the world use. We say Nederlands instead of Dutch. We live in Nederland, speak Nederlands and are Nederlands. Dutch as a word is very old. It originates from "Diets" which means "from the people". The word Diets is the same word used for "Germany". where Germans and Dutch people say Deutschland/Duitsland.

Our butter is really really good indeed. And poffertjes are amazing. So happy you enjoyed it!

Thank You for sharing your trip to Efteling. You and your family are Blessed to have been able to go and have an awesome time. Enjoy the rest of your trip and be safe.

I am so enjoying this adventure with you and your family. You are all amazing and special as well. I look forward to seeing you and your family each day - you truly brighten my day. Will see you tomorrow!@ 😊 ❤

You, Amanda and Myles are truly amazing people and your videos make us smile, laugh and even reflect as you encourage everyone to know it all gets better. You have a true gift for entertaining and encouraging and informing us all. Thank you!

Provost Family - I totally agree that you're an amazing family, and loved to hear in a previous vlog that your personalities don't change off-camera. Can I say that whilst you're both leading an interesting life with balancing work/life on/off camera etc you're doing an amazing job raising Miles. I've noticed that whilst he's being raised as a KZfaqr's "kid" in the spotlight he's still normal and acting like my nephews/nieces on-camera which is fun to see ;) I've been enjoying all your vlogs and whilst both all Disney and Universal Parks are on my bucket lists you're now adding to it even more as you're introducing me to parks I've never hear of and can't wait to see Asterix (World?) to determine if should be adding it as well.

Welcome to the Netherlands! So excited you get to explore the Efteling!!

It was so great to meet you guys (just after the shoutouts you did). I work @ efteling and just came across this video. If you plan to come back would love to meet up in the park somewhere.. Keep up the good work guys and hope to see you @ winter efteling 2024!

Interpretative dance is how you should do every food review from now on! 😂 We love you guys! Safe travels Chris, Amanda and Miles.

Your trips are just exquisite to watch. Many, many, MANY years ago, I went to Madurodam in the Netherlands. It would be so cool to see it again if you go there. Thx so much for your kindness and fun. You guys are the very best!

These are great videos. Looking forward to the rest of the trip!

Great tour - thank you! Efteling is ENCHANTING 😍

What a beautiful park! Thanks for sharing it with us. My kids (Nathaniel and 2 year old Mayah) loved the shoutouts! Thank you :)

In the old days, fairy tales were often a way to teach children life lessons. Like Hansel and Gretel: don't take candy from strangers, or The Wolf and the Seven Young Goats: don't let strangers into your house. That's why they can get dark sometimes. In modern day I think many people only know the 'Disneyfied' versions of the fairy tales but in Efteling they are presented in their original, sligthly dark form.

Love your videos of 'de Efteling'! it's so cool to see from your perspective! I visit Efteling almost every week, i'm never get bored of that place! Just love it ❤

That was a great full tour of the park... well almost a full tour. You missed at leat two attractions. 😊😊🙂 One is the big (old) steam carrousel (which is now electric) that originate from my hometown Bergen op Zoom. The other one is the miniature train diorama in a day and a night setting. When I was a child, that was for sure my favorite thing to see at The Efteling!! 😊😊🙂 But... to be fair. You showed a lot of attractions I've never seen, because for me it was almost 20 years ago that I was there. 🤣 And besides that... good to see that you enjoyed your visite at The Efteling and thank you for your vlog!!!

thank you for showing the park to the world. In 1998 my husband took me to this park and I was blown away. Just like you. I am an American, but lived here since then and visit that park and Disnay Paris very often. I think both parks tell stories with each visit.

Very nice video i love your videos from the Efteling, i vist it a lot whole year round

I think you’re very likeable and positive people, and I just wanted to say thank you for doing such a great video. Much love to you from Holland🌷🌷🌷

You seem like the kindest person ever you brought a smile to my face, I hope you had an AMAZING time at the Efteling and you and your wife don’t deserve hate I hope you have fun in Amsterdam to,I actually want to be your friend!❤ you made my day!💖

Enjoyed this so much! ❤

Thank you for sharing. I will now put this on my bucket list. I see so many similarities to Disneyland but Efteling looks so intriguing. And the food looks delicious!

Thank you for this great video your one of the best humans on earth! and we watch you everyday.

Thank you guys for all ur videos and ur positive attitude and just overall happy personalities! I always enjoy ur videos! Thanks for checking out this beautiful park, efteling! Thank u again for bringing me joy for the past few years!

Thank you for this tour it's making me want to go... and those pancakes look delicious!

As a Dutchie, watching your video's makes me realize that I haven't seen NEARLY all there is to see in the Efteling. I think I'm overdue for another visit!

The history of many popular fairy tales (which were even used in most of the classic Disney movies) lies at the feet of the famous brothers Grimm from Germany. They are the founders of many of the stories we know, and most of the illustrations in their books come from the Dutch Anton Pieck. Eventually he was involved in the startup of the theme park (which started with the fairy tale forest and just a small playground for children).

Enjoying the euro trip videos!

This place looks so awesome! I love darker fairytales. And the character design and animatronics are incredible. Definitely added to our list of places to visit.

Wow, I look forward to seeing efteling in December. I know Europe does Christmas beautifully. Please put it on your calendar!

Hi Cris and family Really enjoyed this vlog, good to see you all enjoying yourselves . All the best to you all. Keith (UK)

Thank you for your beautiful tour of my home park. Yes as a dutch person i am proud of Efteling. I am fortunate i can go here a least once a month. To enjoy this park i definately recommend spending more than one day here. If you take your time and wind down you can enjoy the beatiful surroundings and details in the park. The park is built to look like evetyting has always been there and always will. The fairytales are indeed a bit darker, but red riding hood and grandma were saved from the belly of the wolf by the hunter and the goats were saved bij mother goat and the little goaf in the clock, so stil a happy ending (except for the wolf). There is one tale the little matchstick girl. She dies, but it is stil happy in a way because she reunites with her grandmother in haven. Its a sad one though. Hopefully you get to return to see dance macabere when it is done because it promises to be a geat adittion again. Loved your stories about your experiences. Thank you

Loved your video, really liked how you absolutely loved the pancakes, and I thought to myself wait till you try the poffertjes, and as you did, I wasn't surprised by your reaction :) too bad you skipped my favorite ride, the carnaval festival but other than that, amazing travel vlog. Thanks for the wonderfull video's All the best to you and your lovely family.

Such dark fairytales. I love it!

What? I have never gotten a sticker at joris en de draak?! I want one 😂

Great video. It's such a special place. Easy recommendation 😊

Thank you for your lovely words that everyone is beautiful and important. You inspire me to go to the Efteling with my children and grandchildren next year for my 65th birthday. Thank you again and lots of love for you and your familie. Greetings from Amsterdam

Lol finally. Hope you enjoyed. I was in the park yesterday. :D Please let me know when you ever visit it again. There are so many hidden gems. Like the crashed witches broom in the trees and so on

What many people do not know is that the Efteling started as a sports and walking park. My earliest memory is that there was nothing more than the fairy tale forest, a playground, a swimming pool and some catering.

Thx for posting, love the way you present our park. Please come back when Winter Wonderland that would be fun to see.. You can go ice skating and have great special drinks and treats. Your always welcome!

OMG!!! Thank you for going on Fata Morgana!!! Such a cool dark ride!!!!!!

Thank you for this amazing video 😁 we are as dutch people very proud of Efteling.

These are all the stories I heard as a little girl growing up in England! Very cool!

We love De Efteling, we live in the UK and have now been passholders for 2 years, we love the park that much that we yet again renewed our passes 4 weeks ago ! Glad you enjoyed your trip 🙂

It is soooo amazing to see you enjoying Efteling!!! It is one of our favourite places. We're back again this summer ❤

Thanks for a new video!

Oh my! I want to go here, it is Beautiful, love the gardens and fountains. I love the butter dance! Thank you for doing this video, I wouLd have never known about this amazing place. I appreciate your narrative of the fairytale land and the fact you lower voice to not disrupt the experience of others around you. You and your family do a wonderful job of highlighting the parks around the world and spreading joy! Our family could go here for probably about the same amount of money of a Disneyland vacation. That would include flights from California. Thank you again for all you do.

omg what a great energy. NOW, you just missed the most iconic ride of the park. DROOMVLUCHT AAAA

Hi Chris! What a blast to see someone praising this fun park in our little country, I enjoyed both of your videos very much! I had a few fun interesting tidbits about the park just to answer some potential questions or as an attempt to make you fall in love with this park even more. In the fairytale forest area, the Magical Clock is an original by one of the people who worked on Efteling in 1952 and the Waterlilies are an original by one of the former queens of Belgium. Speaking of all these fairytales, the origins of them are from all over the world! The fairytale forest mainly focuses on classics like the brothers Grimm or Andersen, but a lot of the rides tend to have some origins from different folktales or legends. Examples of these are Dutch folktales like the White Women in Baron or the Flying Dutchman from the boatcoaster. Vogelrok and Sirocco are themed after the stories of Sindbad the Sailor from stories out of 1001 nights, and your favourite coaster is based on the legend of St. George and the Dragon! If you will return to the park someday, there are some new projects in the works right now. A new fairytale that will be added to the forest has just been announced and the new haunted house ride will be ready this fall, so there will be some new stuff to experience! Your Efteling videos are actually the first videos I've seen on this channel, but it was a comfy watch. Kind of like going to a themepark with my own dad. You've sparked an idea by visiting all these different themeparks over the world and I think I want to make a goal of this myself. If you happen to visit Efteling again, maybe I can come along to accompany you and tell more about the park, and you can take me along to see some parks in the USA!

Great video's all three of them. Thank you!!!

De Efteling is very dear to the hearts of all Dutch people, with at least 4 generations of Dutchies having now grown up visiting it. It's the oldest theme park in Europe, started in 1952 with the Fairytale Forest. And even though it keeps expanding and updating, they are very good at keeping everything in the same style (based on the whimsical art of the late Dutch painter Anton Pieck), so that old and new rides and areas blend together seemlessly. It's a beautiful green park, and still not overly commercial with merch everywhere (when I was a kid in the 80s, there were maybe 3 small food places and 1 gift shop at the exit, and that was all) which is nice. Also yes, the original European fairytales tend to be more grim. They were tales with warnings and life lessons for children. The Disneyfied versions are very American. Europeans like those, of course, but we also grow up with the more original versions of fairytales. Man, I want to visit again now. When I was a kid in the 80s and especially 90s, a ton of new stuff was constantly being added, which was so cool. But I haven't been back since the early 2000s, I'm curious now about all the newer attractions, like Baron and Raveleijn.

You guys are so awesome. This place looks amazing thank you for sharing with us.

Thank you for the vlog

Thank you for covering a different theme park. In the Netherlands 🇳🇱 Great Vlog!!!

so glad you mentioned the music mushrooms after all 👌

One thing that's good to know is that you can bring your own food and drink into the park, and there are lots of great places to eat it, such as the picnic field or the boat ride.

I love seeing the kids behind you trying to figure out what you're doing.