I've always felt that first scene to be a bit underrated. The castles breathe. The point is to start wondering, are you looking at a building, or something alive? It should set the tone, but it's so subtle it's easy to miss.
Great point. I love how a lot of the dark rides at Efteling start with a slow moody scene to set the tone. I honestly didn't realise the castles even moved until I was editing this video!
Marty Sklar, who was the head of Walt Disney Imagineering for many years, called Efteling the best non-Disney park in the world. He was not wrong. It certainly has the most complex and beautiful dark rides outside of Disney’s. Droomvlucht is easily the best of them. While their animatronic figures lack the more natural movements of Disney’s figures, you’re absolutely correct that the simple movements in this ride’s figures are perfectly appropriate for what the ride is trying to get across.
You are probably the only one that could make a video about the American Dream Mall with the dark gravitas it deserves. You have such a unique storytelling ability.
"I fell asleep, then I dreamed I was flying through the forest, then I flew up into the night sky, then I fell back to Earth and woke up" makes perfect sense as a story. I'm baffled by any claim that it doesn't.
I'm 33 now and I've riden Droomvlucht pretty much every year since it opened and never have I thought to over analyse it in this way. That being said, I think you nailed it, more Efteling content please!
The talking tree is a rip of of our own talking tree, the Sprookjes Boom. Its a talking tree that tell’s fairytales to kids, it is in Efteling and has its own tv program and for a while could be heard on “efteling radio”
I didn't know about the radio show! I was just joking around about it being ripped off from Tayto Park, I did a long video on that park which only opened in 2010
When you talked about the musical ambiguity and I heard the music, I got a little teary eyed. I've been going to De Efteling ever since I was little, every now and then, it's like a meter that fills up and I need to go there again. I jokingly call myself an Efteling Adult, lol. The ambiguity of De Droomvlucht has allowed it to feel different in all parts of my life I've been on the ride; the better parts of my childhood, the terrible parts of my early teens and twenties, and the good parts of my thirties. Sometimes I worried it couldn't enjoy the ride anymore because it has so many memories and emotions attached to it. But as I went to De Efteling again this summer for an impulsive second date, we went on it as the first ride in the morning to avoid any lines. As we rode it, I saw it with my new "themepark-nerd eyes" and was amazed at how this ride has always looked beautiful and well kept, no parts of the eleborate scenes ever seem to be in decay. So much effort must be going into the upkeep! I had a little themepark nerd exitement rant to my date, and later on the day we had our first kiss in the themed waiting line for The Flying Dutchman. It was the most fun date I've ever had, a new Efteling memory that made me feel like despite all the bad things that happened in my life, this themepark has always been there as an escape, a fantastical comfort in a sometimes dreary world. The relationship did not last past the summer, but I'm thankful for the new good memory being added to the collection.
This is such a lovely story, thank you for sharing! I only got to experience it as an adult but I'm excited to see how it plays a part of my life going forward
I really love this interpretation of Droomvlucht, Mike! The ride is just pure beauty. I’d never thought about how you’re falling from space back down to earth either. And I guess falling is a pretty common sensation in dreams too so it makes even more sense…
As someone who goes to the Efteling often and even has an Instagram and tiktok dedicated to the Efteling, I highly appreciate that you compare Efteling to Ghibli. I have never made that link before but it's so true. Moreover, it's notable how for a lot of Dutch people, regardless of whether they like fairytales, the Efteling is very important. It's something extremely nostalgic for all of us. Can you imagine experiencing this park as a small child? Absolute wonder. I'm so excited for my future kids to experience that. Needless to say, my favourite attraction is and has always been Droomvlucht.
I can't even imagine how much I would have loved this a child! However, I'm really glad I got to experience it for the first time as an adult, it's rare I get to experience a new classic with no expectations ☺️
Love this video! I’ve had an obsession with this theme park for years, it’s the main theme park in Europe I really want to visit. It has the magic of Disney without the intellectual property! And I love that weird creativity
Loved this video so much! On a podcast about the Efteling (Kleine Boodschap, unfortunately in Dutch) they talked about different types of storytelling and how the Efteling often used implicit storytelling, where through the environment (decor, sound, music, lights etc) there is a story evoked in your head rather than implicitly told.
A "Garden of Earthly Delights" darkride would be incredible, it's one of my favorite paints for just how strange it is. This whole park reminds me so much of the Enchanted Forest, a small theme park in the U.S. in Oregon. The storybook theme, the surreal and dreamlike quality, there's a ton in common. If I ever make it to the Netherlands, I'm adding Efteling to my "must see" list!
That is a fantastic idea! I spend at least half an hour in front of that painting because there is so much to see. Don’t know if it can be a children’s ride though…
Droomvlucht has been my absolute favorite ride since I was 4. No matter what, it will always wow me and will always have a special place in my heart. I’ve even considered walking down the isle to the soundtrack
The Efteling has truly some of the darkrides you can find. My personal favourite is probably Fata Morgana. It's an older ride, but i think it still holds up pretty well for the most part.
When my sister won a class school trip by choice and they went to Efteling, 1 hour before returning to the schoolbus, back to Belgium, she and her classmates went for one last ride on Fata Morgana. While in waiting line, a girl from her class noticed a boy she has seen before at sport games events. To they all talked and having fun and when going into the boat, he sat next to my sister, talking and they exchanged phonenummbers and told they would meet next time in Antwerp at the 'Vogeltjesmarkt' cause that's the only thing the Dutch boy knew. This happened in 1987, all in a moment that, if they didn't win that school trip, the girl form that class wouldn't have known the boy, they wouldn't have talked and this would never have happened. Cause they are still together, have grandkids and for them, Efteling really gave them the fairytail moment. And that's why Fata Morgana still holds that magical spark.
As a Dutch guy, I never gave this ride much tough. I never consider the mid tone of the music being intentional to make you feel like you are half awake until now. I think as this ride gets older it's getting better because the bigger theme parks really push hard to make you feel what they want you should be feeling, especially with music. It's nice to have a ride by an artist with a specific vision that goes against that.
aah i love this video! i’m half dutch (currently not living there, sadly) and this video actually made me miss de efteling. i have never seen any other youtuber discuss the efteling before! what a great synopsis and analysis of something very near to my heart.
As a Dutch person who has gone to the efteling way to many times I have a fun fact about the ride. There actually is a tiny story connected to the ride. In the Fairy garden you can see a weird troll sitting on a throne, this is the troll king. He has a story that connects back to the droomvlucht! If you ever go back to the efteling, wander around the Sprookjesbos and maybe you’ll find out just what the story is.
This isn't true sadly, the troll King in the fairytale forest and the King of the forest (King Oberon) aren't the same person, I don't doubt that Ton van de Ven had a story in mind when creating the attraction but it's not yet been told
@@basmathijsen4401 I believe that he said in an interview that there isn't a story, because he wants the visitors to experience this new world and its scenery, so they can come up with their own stories and associations
Absolutely cannot express enough how much I loved this video!! As a Dutch person who visits the efteling almost every week, its not often you come across such a well-researched and well thought-out video about this wonderful park! Your interpretation of the ride is stellar, thank you so much for willing to tell almost exactly what this ride feels like!! Also loved the comparison to studio gjibli, it's almost like you're reading my thoughts🤣 Keep going man, I think I've found a new favorite channel!
I had a very similar experience when I visited Efteling last year without having done any prior research. I thought the ride was incredible and the entire thing gave me a slightly uneasy but relaxed feeling. I came off it not really knowing how to feel but wanting to ride again and again. Your points around Disney are really interesting ! It’s an amazing park and can’t wait to go back!
this was my favourite ride as a child, I remember coming back from efteling in the evening and laying in bed still feeling like I'm floating through the ride
even though it is very unknown, I think the movie that best pulls of being set mostly in a dream is Imaginaerum. It doesn't really have anything in common with Droomvlucht since it pulls off the dreamy feel in a completely different way but I adore both equally.
Carnival festival is a kidsride for sure. I still love it because of the nostalgia, but I can understand why someone wouldn’t like it if you saw it as an adult for the first time.
As a proud Dutch individual, I find immense joy in our exquisite park, the Efteling. It's a delightful blend of amusement, fairy tale enchantment, and natural beauty all rolled into one. What truly distinguishes the Efteling's charm for me is not just the rides themselves, but the remarkable dedication poured into their construction and upkeep, coupled with the meticulous theming that crafts an unforgettable overall experience. Among the various attractions, Droomvlucht, or Dream Flight in English, holds a special place in my heart. This sentiment is shared by many others, and there's an undeniable quality that elevates this attraction above the rest. Its lack of a defined story adds an air of mystery, creating an ethereal sensation that truly transports you into a dreamlike state. I'm particularly thrilled that Droomvlucht underwent a significant refurbishment, especially with the reintroduction of the celestial scene's planets (which fell down during the major maintenance). While I found the projection that was temporary replacing them fascinating, the restoration of the planets adds a nostalgic touch. Droomvlucht, with its dreamy ambiance, will forever occupy a cherished corner in my heart.
Welcome back mate! Love your videos, they always make me think! I love the style and how simple it is. The research is amazing that you do and the results, well they speak for themselves!
whenever I go to the Efteling I always have to go on Droomvlucht at least once. I love the way you broke it down in this video to explain just why it feels so much like an actual dream. This video is great
Interesting analysis of the two. If Disney feeds you imagination, De Efteling often gives you the ingredients and let your imagination create the complete experience. Fantastic place.
This is plain truth, it probably has to do with the mk ultra mind control program disney is involved in for years upon years, clearly this is not the case with de efteling.
Hookhand , the Lanterns and flags hanging across the set and the painted flowers in the doorway . This is where Disney's inspiration for TANGLED came from .
6:24 We have to have a reflection/response video of you visiting a park, lore/destination blind. It's a really nice way to appreciate the work of ride/show designers sans marketing.
Tip from a guy from Amsterdam. Dreamflight is at it's best when your on Cannabis. You will have a great time if you smoked a joint before. Just be sure no one knows otherwise you will be suspended from the park.
i think the statement that every ride tells a story is still true, but not in a literal way, instead of literally telling a story, it creates an environment with events that the viever can interpret in their own way, thus allowing each guest to create their own "story" for themselves
I think Efteling really captures that dreamlike fairytale feel like no other. Many of the rides are based on local folklore which are firmly rooted in old Germanic traditions. In these traditions the focus is always on honorable behavior, and finding a balance in that which is light, and that which comes from darkness. Jim Henson also was able to capture this atmosphere with his creative vision. Movies like Dark Crystal, Labyrinth, but also the “Storyteller” series have this unique feel.
After 2 days and nights of horror and crashing mentally rock bottom. I come to your video. I love your naration and almost poëtic form of telling. The DroomVlucht was my favorite atraction as a kid. No Efteling visit was perfect without The Droomvlucht. I am a musician, fascinated by sound since my 7th age (im 32 now) and I often even make music IN MY DREAMS. In my dreams they sound better as any sound ive heard, and when I wake up, i go to the studio sometimes at night to put this on paper. only to come back and see its just a basic Am-F-C-G progression. (the pop progression...) the thing what makes the "normal" so special in dreams are the neurotransmitters in your brain. I am neurodivergent, and only with music I can achieve similar dreamlike fantasies. The 2 disney music examples sound too crowded to me, too much going on with the music, with a view I can only describe as "vaguely a city I have seen on TV from the skies". While droomvlucht works with speakers with sounds, of crickets, water, and even mist generators to feel the moisty forest youre in. Also even the flowery side of these forests are too good to be true. And only in THAT way you can achieve that. They aim for a Sensory experience rather than a story/plot experience. And I always love that. not just as a kid, but still today. It is, and will always be my favorite atraction. To the point I kinda wanna go back. And the People Of Laaf? I love these silly bulky friendly versions of little people. I live in a appartment complex, and one of our neighbours put a Laaf Dude in our garden. I litteraly thought I was tripping. I wasnt, I love this little man. I truely do. Our dutch species of Human. You truely made my day man. thanks a lot. I hope you get millions of subs. you got mine!
I love the Efteling and go there at least once a year. Even after dozens of visits. The attraction is still something special. I once was there with three friends. It was around closing time, and Droomvlucht’s que times were quite literally nonexistent. So we decided we’d ride it one last time. We got through the entire que in less than a minute. And sat down. After the ride was over, the ride operators said we could keep sitting. Since there was barely anyone. We did this 3 more times. Riding Droomvlucht 4 times in a row, and enjoying every single ride just as much as the ones before. Discovering new things with every ride. I absolutely adore the Efteling, the people working in the park love it too. And it shows, I’ve had some great interactions with just other people, walking around the park.
I think a Microsoft Excel ride could be pretty cool. Make it old school, with the Paperclip tapping your ride vehicle, breakdowns in the ride could be called "error in file loading", a room based on Pivot tables with numbers flying all around, choosing a Graph type room, etc. Or just make it like that traveling Zombie dark ride that's just a blank metal box inside but add pictures of Bill Gates.
you just earned a new subscriber! your videos are engaging and you have a good way of storytelling. your interpertation of droomvlucht is so good and really articulates how this ride makes you feel. And imagine how the ride also has a big nostalgia factor for the dutchies. Awesome!
Great video! One thing I would add is that the vehicles used to fly over the scenes, but stricter safety regulations forced Efteling to build pathways underneath most of the tracks. It is true that you mostly look out into the scenes, not down, but the effect of flying has really changed over the years.
Didn't see it mentioned, but if you haven't watched Vanilla Sky you definitely should, I think it does an amazing job presenting the world of dreams vs inception.
There’s a really interesting vibe to that ride from what I’ve seen. The style of the figures reminds me of the work of artists like illustrator Brian Froud and comic book artist Mike Ploog. And the dreamy fantasy feel reminds me of 1980s fantasy films like Legend and Labyrinth.
If you’re a fan of good dreamy media, on the off chance you haven’t had the pleasure of seeing it yet, I highly recommend Paprika. It’s one of Satoshi Kon’s best works (besides Tokyo Godfathers, the best Christmas film haha), and a masterclass in dream logic. Iirc inception is loooosely based on it, but removed all the joy and weirdness and color and unease of the original (also Paprika’s ost is lovely) (I skimmed through the comments to check if someone mentioned it already, but giving them credit in case someone beat me to it
I've not seen Paprika but I've heard great things (definitely remember it being brought up in relation to Inception a lot). Honestly my first day at Efteling was one of the best days of my life, I was on such a euphoric high all day!
I love how English people pronounce droomvlucht but I also absolutely love this video. I am a rollercoaster girls through and through. But not in the Efteling. Droomvlucht is my go to.
I really need to experience this attraction!! I have brain damage, severe dissociation and amnesia, as well as complete aphantasia. This prevents me from visualizing things or reliving memories. But my dreams are astonishingly vivid. I'd love to see if this captures that feeling of "more real than real life" my dreams always give me!
About that Tayto park tree: yes, Efteling has an unpleasant habit of pre-emptively copying ideas from other parks. They obviously have a time machine which allows them to do this.
As someone who has visited Droomvlucht at least yearly since it opened (As a grown up I have a year pass but as a kid we only got to go once a year) I really like your take on it. And am happy you got to see it before the planets got damaged and taken down. I hope the get restored soon. The scene is really empty with just the castles. I like the music so much better than Peter Pan or ET. To me it is all about gently flying and wondering what you will find. The first castle scene always felt to me like awakening into the dreamworld from just sleeping. I always imagened that the forest scenes are the fairytale forrest from the Efteling at night when the visitors left the park, represented in the dreamworld. And then the stary coridor is transforming you to a galaxy far far away to my favorite floating castles and planet scene. I love how the music changes in that room. The last scene with going down in the forest represent to me slowly waking up. To this day my favorite darkride.
Love your assessment of Droomvlucht Mike! Spot on, I feel. I've always liked the ride a lot, but never gave it much thought. You clearly did. Having grown up in Kaatsheuvel (where Efteling is located) in the sixties and seventies, Droomvlucht was always one of the "newer" attractions for me. Other features like "De Indische Waterlelies" (not sure about the name in English) carried more sentimental weight for me. On my next visit, which I am planning on when Dance Macabre (the new horror ride replacing the old Spookslot) has opened, I will visit Droomvlucht again and pay more attention!
Interesting analysis, the bit about the music I found most interesting. I agree with your assessment of the Disney music, the way it pushes you down the path they select for you. And the music for your ride was more in letting your mind drift along at its own pace, exhibiting a dream like experience, not in a focused direction like Disneys. I enjoyed your post Thank You. 👍🏻🍻😎
0:28 you are the first time i hear someone else mention how weird and sometimes creepy the rooms and corridors of the diorama area are, and i could not agree more
Also; Liked, subscribed, watched, shared on tumblr, etc. You are a good content creator from what I have seen so far. I wish nothing for you except good things. That goes for anybody reading this message.
This is just such a fantastic video! I've been to the Efteling a lot as a kid, but since I live on the other side of the country it's not possible for me to go very often. This video definitely makes me want to go again, though. I love your interpretation of what the Droomvlucht is and it makes me want to go back to experience it myself again! Also, I really wouldn't hold it against you to do more Efteling videos And apart from that, I too would LOVE to visit the Efteling with you
Every ride does have a story but not in a traditional way. The story is more emotional than literal if that makes any sense. It leaves just enough room to give your own interpretation to things and that makes the rides very reridable: You dont want to experience the story again, you want to revisit that feeling. The clever thing is, is that every participant develops an almost personal connection to the rides. The music plays a huge part in this too, every ride has an original track of course specifically composed to strenghten such a connection. Thats probably the case with the Ghibli films too because the story often makes little sense to me, but the feeling the art, the characters and the music cause is all too familiar. Sometimes things are just better when they are not literally spelled out for you 100%
As a Dutch person who really is obsessed with this park. I have to say that you are really well in formed and really ubderstood the meaning of this dark ride in contrast with other English speaking youtubers.
@@MikeFromTheParty Also maybe a few fun facts, when your in the big room with all the fairies and the fairy king, you can see little dolls of fairies in the back to show scale, and you can also see small fairy hands and arms peaking through a wall of plants. To kinda give the idea that there are more hidden that you can't see just yet. Dromen met je ogen open "Dreaming with your eyes open" Was also the title of a show that played in the que of the ride in the 1997, 1998 and 2000's. It told us the story of the dark ride. Droomvlucht is a dark ride that is not very friendly to people in wheelchairs or people that can't get into the ride them selfs. Thats why the invented the Droomvlucht VR. Its a small room in the same building that can give a small bit of the experience to someone that can't ride the ride it self. And here is a small personal fact for me. Not very important to the normal guests, but just a personal one. When I was little, my great grand father and great grand mother died. They lived a long live and from there last money we went to the Efteling with every branch of the family. Me and my sister where very young, and we did not understand 1 thing. Where are great grand father and mother. So our parents told us the following. We whent on the dark ride. And when we arrived at the big dark room with all the planets Floating, that for a kid where huge castles through the stars. They told us then, that our great grand parents where resting there. Where everytime we visited the Efteling, they would be here. Since then, about 15 years ago, I still wave them goodbye when I ride the dark ride. For me one of the most personal and beautiful things in the park. (sorry for any spelling errors, I'm not very good at long English comments)
It’s the iconic theme park in the Netherlands. I visited myself last year and I was in love with it. In my view, you can’t compare this park and Disneyland as they all have the uniqueness.
Wow i've ridden that thing multiple times over the course of 20 years and never stopped to think about this. Now the little red fucker at the end of the ride that pops up makes sence. I think most adults remember that animatronic. When i was riding this for the first time as a kid i went into a sort of trance,or i suppose dreamlike state, just utterly baffled by the experience. Then that little red troll thing at the end felt like such a jolt. A jumpscare that made me and allot of other kids cry. While watching your video it all came together for me. That little bastard is supposed to scare you awake :P.
Your pronunciation of droomvlucht makes me giggle. But great video! I have so much nostalgia attached to this ride and you explained perfectly what I could never put into words. I really enjoy the style of these videos and the insight provided. So thank you for making this.
I love being right and I love it even more when a video is this enthrallingly well articulated and clearly passionate about such an incredibly niche and wonderful topic
That was a very interesting take on Droomvlucht! Great video! When you say it can be hard to pinpoint what the emotions are really supposed to be, I found that pretty valuable. When I first visited the Efteling (my first time at a theme park btw) I was looking forward to Droomvlucht so much, and also rode it 5 times too, but I didn't love it as much as I thought I would... I had built it as kind of 80's fantasy film ride not unlike the Dark Crystal or the Never-ending Story... and it wasn't like that. So, your video totally gave me a renewed perspective which I really appreciate. And yes these dolls inspire a feeling one cannot pinpoint haha so true! The smells did give me a headache tho. My favourite dark ride was Symbolica tho. I also really appreciate how friendly towards solo riders Efteling is. I walked into Villa Volta not knowing what to expect and it was incredible and I can't wait for Danse macabre !
Droomvlucht is by far and away my favourite dark ride and Eftelling somehow surpassed my sky high expectations. It's like Heaven to me. Also, Carnival Festival is amazing lol.
I've always felt that first scene to be a bit underrated. The castles breathe. The point is to start wondering, are you looking at a building, or something alive? It should set the tone, but it's so subtle it's easy to miss.
Great point. I love how a lot of the dark rides at Efteling start with a slow moody scene to set the tone. I honestly didn't realise the castles even moved until I was editing this video!
Marty Sklar, who was the head of Walt Disney Imagineering for many years, called Efteling the best non-Disney park in the world. He was not wrong. It certainly has the most complex and beautiful dark rides outside of Disney’s. Droomvlucht is easily the best of them. While their animatronic figures lack the more natural movements of Disney’s figures, you’re absolutely correct that the simple movements in this ride’s figures are perfectly appropriate for what the ride is trying to get across.
Tony Baxter is a big Efteling fan too and is friends with Ton van de Ven! Always cool to hear Disney Imagineers talk about non-Disney parks
You are probably the only one that could make a video about the American Dream Mall with the dark gravitas it deserves. You have such a unique storytelling ability.
Googling it right now brb
"I fell asleep, then I dreamed I was flying through the forest, then I flew up into the night sky, then I fell back to Earth and woke up" makes perfect sense as a story. I'm baffled by any claim that it doesn't.
Fair haha
I'm 33 now and I've riden Droomvlucht pretty much every year since it opened and never have I thought to over analyse it in this way. That being said, I think you nailed it, more Efteling content please!
Thank you!
The talking tree is a rip of of our own talking tree, the Sprookjes Boom. Its a talking tree that tell’s fairytales to kids, it is in Efteling and has its own tv program and for a while could be heard on “efteling radio”
I didn't know about the radio show! I was just joking around about it being ripped off from Tayto Park, I did a long video on that park which only opened in 2010
As a Dutch person I love how you pronounce Droomvlucht
Aha I only realised how it wasn't quite right when I was editing 😶
Don't worry about it. I always enjoy to hear the effort. Dutch has some crazy sounds.
@@MikeFromThePartyit's good enough! it'd be worse if you said droom like zoom lol
I get him tho, Dutch is a hard language 😂 especially the grammar
When you talked about the musical ambiguity and I heard the music, I got a little teary eyed. I've been going to De Efteling ever since I was little, every now and then, it's like a meter that fills up and I need to go there again. I jokingly call myself an Efteling Adult, lol. The ambiguity of De Droomvlucht has allowed it to feel different in all parts of my life I've been on the ride; the better parts of my childhood, the terrible parts of my early teens and twenties, and the good parts of my thirties. Sometimes I worried it couldn't enjoy the ride anymore because it has so many memories and emotions attached to it. But as I went to De Efteling again this summer for an impulsive second date, we went on it as the first ride in the morning to avoid any lines. As we rode it, I saw it with my new "themepark-nerd eyes" and was amazed at how this ride has always looked beautiful and well kept, no parts of the eleborate scenes ever seem to be in decay. So much effort must be going into the upkeep! I had a little themepark nerd exitement rant to my date, and later on the day we had our first kiss in the themed waiting line for The Flying Dutchman. It was the most fun date I've ever had, a new Efteling memory that made me feel like despite all the bad things that happened in my life, this themepark has always been there as an escape, a fantastical comfort in a sometimes dreary world. The relationship did not last past the summer, but I'm thankful for the new good memory being added to the collection.
This is such a lovely story, thank you for sharing! I only got to experience it as an adult but I'm excited to see how it plays a part of my life going forward
@@MikeFromTheParty Aw thank you! I hope you get to experience the park many more times too ☺
I really love this interpretation of Droomvlucht, Mike! The ride is just pure beauty.
I’d never thought about how you’re falling from space back down to earth either. And I guess falling is a pretty common sensation in dreams too so it makes even more sense…
Thanks for the support King 👑
As someone who goes to the Efteling often and even has an Instagram and tiktok dedicated to the Efteling, I highly appreciate that you compare Efteling to Ghibli. I have never made that link before but it's so true. Moreover, it's notable how for a lot of Dutch people, regardless of whether they like fairytales, the Efteling is very important. It's something extremely nostalgic for all of us. Can you imagine experiencing this park as a small child? Absolute wonder. I'm so excited for my future kids to experience that. Needless to say, my favourite attraction is and has always been Droomvlucht.
I can't even imagine how much I would have loved this a child! However, I'm really glad I got to experience it for the first time as an adult, it's rare I get to experience a new classic with no expectations ☺️
Love this video! I’ve had an obsession with this theme park for years, it’s the main theme park in Europe I really want to visit. It has the magic of Disney without the intellectual property! And I love that weird creativity
If you ever get the chance it's definitely worth a visit!
It is indeed great! Definitely go if you ever have the chance
here for both the essay content and just how much i enjoy the ongoing framing device.
Glad it's still working 🥳
I know, right? I want to really be at these parties!
Loved this video so much! On a podcast about the Efteling (Kleine Boodschap, unfortunately in Dutch) they talked about different types of storytelling and how the Efteling often used implicit storytelling, where through the environment (decor, sound, music, lights etc) there is a story evoked in your head rather than implicitly told.
This is a really interesting distinction, thanks for sharing! I guess I'm going to have to start learning Dutch...
A "Garden of Earthly Delights" darkride would be incredible, it's one of my favorite paints for just how strange it is.
This whole park reminds me so much of the Enchanted Forest, a small theme park in the U.S. in Oregon. The storybook theme, the surreal and dreamlike quality, there's a ton in common. If I ever make it to the Netherlands, I'm adding Efteling to my "must see" list!
Being at Enchanted Forest feels like being in purgatory lol, love that place
The idea of basing a dark ride on a painting is so cool, I'd love to see something like that one day
That is a fantastic idea! I spend at least half an hour in front of that painting because there is so much to see. Don’t know if it can be a children’s ride though…
The thing I love about Efteling is that it is living proof that anything outside of Disney can flourish and even be amazing on its own.
Droomvlucht has been my absolute favorite ride since I was 4. No matter what, it will always wow me and will always have a special place in my heart.
I’ve even considered walking down the isle to the soundtrack
The Efteling has truly some of the darkrides you can find. My personal favourite is probably Fata Morgana. It's an older ride, but i think it still holds up pretty well for the most part.
Fata Morgana is great too!
When my sister won a class school trip by choice and they went to Efteling, 1 hour before returning to the schoolbus, back to Belgium, she and her classmates went for one last ride on Fata Morgana. While in waiting line, a girl from her class noticed a boy she has seen before at sport games events. To they all talked and having fun and when going into the boat, he sat next to my sister, talking and they exchanged phonenummbers and told they would meet next time in Antwerp at the 'Vogeltjesmarkt' cause that's the only thing the Dutch boy knew. This happened in 1987, all in a moment that, if they didn't win that school trip, the girl form that class wouldn't have known the boy, they wouldn't have talked and this would never have happened. Cause they are still together, have grandkids and for them, Efteling really gave them the fairytail moment. And that's why Fata Morgana still holds that magical spark.
As a Dutch guy, I never gave this ride much tough.
I never consider the mid tone of the music being intentional to make you feel like you are half awake until now.
I think as this ride gets older it's getting better because the bigger theme parks really push hard to make you feel what they want you should be feeling, especially with music.
It's nice to have a ride by an artist with a specific vision that goes against that.
aah i love this video! i’m half dutch (currently not living there, sadly) and this video actually made me miss de efteling. i have never seen any other youtuber discuss the efteling before! what a great synopsis and analysis of something very near to my heart.
You have such a wonderfully evocative way of describing and explaining rides.
Thank you!!
As a Dutch person who has gone to the efteling way to many times I have a fun fact about the ride. There actually is a tiny story connected to the ride. In the Fairy garden you can see a weird troll sitting on a throne, this is the troll king. He has a story that connects back to the droomvlucht! If you ever go back to the efteling, wander around the Sprookjesbos and maybe you’ll find out just what the story is.
This isn't true sadly, the troll King in the fairytale forest and the King of the forest (King Oberon) aren't the same person, I don't doubt that Ton van de Ven had a story in mind when creating the attraction but it's not yet been told
Will keep an eye out next time I'm there, definitely didn't spend enough time in the Sprookjesbos!
@@basmathijsen4401 I believe that he said in an interview that there isn't a story, because he wants the visitors to experience this new world and its scenery, so they can come up with their own stories and associations
Absolutely cannot express enough how much I loved this video!! As a Dutch person who visits the efteling almost every week, its not often you come across such a well-researched and well thought-out video about this wonderful park! Your interpretation of the ride is stellar, thank you so much for willing to tell almost exactly what this ride feels like!! Also loved the comparison to studio gjibli, it's almost like you're reading my thoughts🤣
Keep going man, I think I've found a new favorite channel!
I really appreciate this, glad you enjoyed it!!
Let's get this party going!
I've been looking forward to this as Efteling is so slept on by English speaking channels bar Themepark World
Agree it's so slept on in the Anglosphere! Hope you enjoyed it 🥳
@@MikeFromThePartyAlways do Mike Van het Feest. Keeping making great videos 🎉
13:30 i find the music very soothing & relaxing
CARNAVAL FESTIVAL IS PERFECT. IT IS MY CHILDHOOD.
I had a very similar experience when I visited Efteling last year without having done any prior research.
I thought the ride was incredible and the entire thing gave me a slightly uneasy but relaxed feeling. I came off it not really knowing how to feel but wanting to ride again and again.
Your points around Disney are really interesting !
It’s an amazing park and can’t wait to go back!
i like to imagine that all of these videos take place at the same party and he just has a ton of costume changes
I can relate to the 15 minute rant about a Dutch theme park in the middle of a party. great video man!
It's a great experience and the whole family can ride it.
I'm from the Netherlands and this theme park is my childhood it's great
I am begging you to make more Efteling videos, this was great
Wouldn't rule it out, I love this park a lot!
Droomvlucht is nostalgia for me, it has always been there, a beautiful ride through space and fantasy that I will never forget.
this was my favourite ride as a child, I remember coming back from efteling in the evening and laying in bed still feeling like I'm floating through the ride
even though it is very unknown, I think the movie that best pulls of being set mostly in a dream is Imaginaerum. It doesn't really have anything in common with Droomvlucht since it pulls off the dreamy feel in a completely different way but I adore both equally.
Carnival festival is a kidsride for sure. I still love it because of the nostalgia, but I can understand why someone wouldn’t like it if you saw it as an adult for the first time.
As a proud Dutch individual, I find immense joy in our exquisite park, the Efteling. It's a delightful blend of amusement, fairy tale enchantment, and natural beauty all rolled into one. What truly distinguishes the Efteling's charm for me is not just the rides themselves, but the remarkable dedication poured into their construction and upkeep, coupled with the meticulous theming that crafts an unforgettable overall experience.
Among the various attractions, Droomvlucht, or Dream Flight in English, holds a special place in my heart. This sentiment is shared by many others, and there's an undeniable quality that elevates this attraction above the rest. Its lack of a defined story adds an air of mystery, creating an ethereal sensation that truly transports you into a dreamlike state.
I'm particularly thrilled that Droomvlucht underwent a significant refurbishment, especially with the reintroduction of the celestial scene's planets (which fell down during the major maintenance). While I found the projection that was temporary replacing them fascinating, the restoration of the planets adds a nostalgic touch. Droomvlucht, with its dreamy ambiance, will forever occupy a cherished corner in my heart.
Welcome back mate!
Love your videos, they always make me think!
I love the style and how simple it is.
The research is amazing that you do and the results, well they speak for themselves!
I appreciate this a lot Zack, glad you enjoyed it!
whenever I go to the Efteling I always have to go on Droomvlucht at least once. I love the way you broke it down in this video to explain just why it feels so much like an actual dream. This video is great
Interesting analysis of the two. If Disney feeds you imagination, De Efteling often gives you the ingredients and let your imagination create the complete experience. Fantastic place.
Great way of putting it!
This is plain truth, it probably has to do with the mk ultra mind control program disney is involved in for years upon years, clearly this is not the case with de efteling.
Hookhand , the Lanterns and flags hanging across the set and the painted flowers in the doorway . This is where Disney's inspiration for TANGLED came from .
6:24 We have to have a reflection/response video of you visiting a park, lore/destination blind. It's a really nice way to appreciate the work of ride/show designers sans marketing.
I think sadly this might be the closest we'll get to this, it was a unique set of circumstances that let me visit this blind!
This was some cool-ass shyt. I am so glad I clicked the video. Your love shows through the way you talk about the park
Im obsessed with your style of video, you really captured the essence of droomvlucht while also making me think deeper about it
Tip from a guy from Amsterdam. Dreamflight is at it's best when your on Cannabis. You will have a great time if you smoked a joint before. Just be sure no one knows otherwise you will be suspended from the park.
i think the statement that every ride tells a story is still true, but not in a literal way, instead of literally telling a story, it creates an environment with events that the viever can interpret in their own way, thus allowing each guest to create their own "story" for themselves
I think Efteling really captures that dreamlike fairytale feel like no other. Many of the rides are based on local folklore which are firmly rooted in old Germanic traditions. In these traditions the focus is always on honorable behavior, and finding a balance in that which is light, and that which comes from darkness. Jim Henson also was able to capture this atmosphere with his creative vision. Movies like Dark Crystal, Labyrinth, but also the “Storyteller” series have this unique feel.
After 2 days and nights of horror and crashing mentally rock bottom. I come to your video. I love your naration and almost poëtic form of telling. The DroomVlucht was my favorite atraction as a kid. No Efteling visit was perfect without The Droomvlucht. I am a musician, fascinated by sound since my 7th age (im 32 now) and I often even make music IN MY DREAMS. In my dreams they sound better as any sound ive heard, and when I wake up, i go to the studio sometimes at night to put this on paper. only to come back and see its just a basic Am-F-C-G progression. (the pop progression...) the thing what makes the "normal" so special in dreams are the neurotransmitters in your brain. I am neurodivergent, and only with music I can achieve similar dreamlike fantasies. The 2 disney music examples sound too crowded to me, too much going on with the music, with a view I can only describe as "vaguely a city I have seen on TV from the skies". While droomvlucht works with speakers with sounds, of crickets, water, and even mist generators to feel the moisty forest youre in. Also even the flowery side of these forests are too good to be true. And only in THAT way you can achieve that. They aim for a Sensory experience rather than a story/plot experience. And I always love that. not just as a kid, but still today. It is, and will always be my favorite atraction. To the point I kinda wanna go back. And the People Of Laaf? I love these silly bulky friendly versions of little people. I live in a appartment complex, and one of our neighbours put a Laaf Dude in our garden. I litteraly thought I was tripping. I wasnt, I love this little man. I truely do. Our dutch species of Human. You truely made my day man. thanks a lot. I hope you get millions of subs. you got mine!
Ive never noticed the talking tree!!! So cool, its propably a nod to the other one in het sprookjesbos
Apparently it predates the one in het sprookjesbos which is interesting!
I love the Efteling and go there at least once a year. Even after dozens of visits. The attraction is still something special. I once was there with three friends. It was around closing time, and Droomvlucht’s que times were quite literally nonexistent. So we decided we’d ride it one last time.
We got through the entire que in less than a minute. And sat down. After the ride was over, the ride operators said we could keep sitting. Since there was barely anyone.
We did this 3 more times. Riding Droomvlucht 4 times in a row, and enjoying every single ride just as much as the ones before. Discovering new things with every ride.
I absolutely adore the Efteling, the people working in the park love it too. And it shows, I’ve had some great interactions with just other people, walking around the park.
That sounds like the dream!
This is such a wonderful take on an attraction i’ve loved since i was a little kid. I enjoyed the video a lot, thank you!!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Loved this ❤ thank you for sharing
This video felt like a love letter to my childhood. Droomvlucht is magical
I've been waiting for this this video!! Such a great concept and well researched, love the video's man keep it up!
Thank you so much for your help 🙏
I think a Microsoft Excel ride could be pretty cool. Make it old school, with the Paperclip tapping your ride vehicle, breakdowns in the ride could be called "error in file loading", a room based on Pivot tables with numbers flying all around, choosing a Graph type room, etc. Or just make it like that traveling Zombie dark ride that's just a blank metal box inside but add pictures of Bill Gates.
Ok you've sold me on this concept
I am so happy to see another video from you!!!
Hope you enjoyed it!
@@MikeFromTheParty I sure did! Love your content!
This just makes me want to go to Efteling with you! Couldn’t agree more with what you say about Droomvlucht, such a whimsical experience
Thanks for watching! What I'm hearing is group trip next year once Dans Macarbe is open? 👀
👀👀👀
you just earned a new subscriber! your videos are engaging and you have a good way of storytelling. your interpertation of droomvlucht is so good and really articulates how this ride makes you feel. And imagine how the ride also has a big nostalgia factor for the dutchies. Awesome!
Glad you enjoyed it!!
Who keeps inviting this guy to parties?
And how do I get these invites?
It's even funnier if you imagine it's all the same party
Who needs an invite
Efteling is my favourite theme park all time its huge, soooo authentic and the landscaping is breathtaking 😍
I remember going here as a child but I’ve always wanted to go back to experience it with new eyes. You made me want to go even sooner!
I obviously don't have the childhood connection but I think it really works whatever age you are!
Great video!
One thing I would add is that the vehicles used to fly over the scenes, but stricter safety regulations forced Efteling to build pathways underneath most of the tracks. It is true that you mostly look out into the scenes, not down, but the effect of flying has really changed over the years.
This is really interesting, thanks for sharing!
Didn't see it mentioned, but if you haven't watched Vanilla Sky you definitely should, I think it does an amazing job presenting the world of dreams vs inception.
The king of youtube has returned (I really enjoy all your videos, this one was no exception!!)
Appreciate the support, glad you enjoyed it!
There’s a really interesting vibe to that ride from what I’ve seen. The style of the figures reminds me of the work of artists like illustrator Brian Froud and comic book artist Mike Ploog. And the dreamy fantasy feel reminds me of 1980s fantasy films like Legend and Labyrinth.
The Ghibli to Disney comparison is actually perfect, never thought of it that way
Another incredible video as always! Love how you really transported us to the park!
Thank you Roxy!!
Excellent review of Droomvlucht! It is truly a piece of art. Love your take on it
Glad you liked it!
If you’re a fan of good dreamy media, on the off chance you haven’t had the pleasure of seeing it yet, I highly recommend Paprika. It’s one of Satoshi Kon’s best works (besides Tokyo Godfathers, the best Christmas film haha), and a masterclass in dream logic. Iirc inception is loooosely based on it, but removed all the joy and weirdness and color and unease of the original (also Paprika’s ost is lovely)
(I skimmed through the comments to check if someone mentioned it already, but giving them credit in case someone beat me to it
I've not seen Paprika but I've heard great things (definitely remember it being brought up in relation to Inception a lot).
Honestly my first day at Efteling was one of the best days of my life, I was on such a euphoric high all day!
Dreamflight gives me the vibes that “Love Particle” by Benyamind gives me. We could use more non-standard EDO music on our rides
Yessss so happy to see a new upload from you
Hope you enjoyed it!
this video was AMAZING!!! thank you for appreciating our beloved ride and park!!!
The pleasure was all mine! An amazing ride in an amazing park
Saving this for my drive to work tomorrow! Can’t wait!
Legend 🙌
I love the efteling so much
I love how English people pronounce droomvlucht but I also absolutely love this video. I am a rollercoaster girls through and through. But not in the Efteling. Droomvlucht is my go to.
I really need to experience this attraction!!
I have brain damage, severe dissociation and amnesia, as well as complete aphantasia. This prevents me from visualizing things or reliving memories. But my dreams are astonishingly vivid. I'd love to see if this captures that feeling of "more real than real life" my dreams always give me!
I ADORE the fairy designs! Reminds me of the charlie and the chocolate factory animatronics, I was obsessed with them when I was younger
great video!! visited efteling for the first time over the summer and this ride definitely stood out, especially the final coastery bit
Hey Eric, thank you!! That final coastery bit is so fun and surprising
About that Tayto park tree: yes, Efteling has an unpleasant habit of pre-emptively copying ideas from other parks. They obviously have a time machine which allows them to do this.
As someone who has visited Droomvlucht at least yearly since it opened (As a grown up I have a year pass but as a kid we only got to go once a year) I really like your take on it. And am happy you got to see it before the planets got damaged and taken down. I hope the get restored soon. The scene is really empty with just the castles.
I like the music so much better than Peter Pan or ET. To me it is all about gently flying and wondering what you will find.
The first castle scene always felt to me like awakening into the dreamworld from just sleeping.
I always imagened that the forest scenes are the fairytale forrest from the Efteling at night when the visitors left the park, represented in the dreamworld. And then the stary coridor is transforming you to a galaxy far far away to my favorite floating castles and planet scene. I love how the music changes in that room.
The last scene with going down in the forest represent to me slowly waking up.
To this day my favorite darkride.
Love your assessment of Droomvlucht Mike! Spot on, I feel. I've always liked the ride a lot, but never gave it much thought. You clearly did.
Having grown up in Kaatsheuvel (where Efteling is located) in the sixties and seventies, Droomvlucht was always one of the "newer" attractions for me. Other features like "De Indische Waterlelies" (not sure about the name in English) carried more sentimental weight for me. On my next visit, which I am planning on when Dance Macabre (the new horror ride replacing the old Spookslot) has opened, I will visit Droomvlucht again and pay more attention!
I love de efteling. It's one of my favourite themeparcs❤❤❤
Interesting analysis, the bit about the music I found most interesting. I agree with your assessment of the Disney music, the way it pushes you down the path they select for you. And the music for your ride was more in letting your mind drift along at its own pace, exhibiting a dream like experience, not in a focused direction like Disneys. I enjoyed your post Thank You. 👍🏻🍻😎
0:28 you are the first time i hear someone else mention how weird and sometimes creepy the rooms and corridors of the diorama area are, and i could not agree more
You sir, are spot on. Droomvlucht is my favorite. (and the only thing about Carnaval Festival is uncomfortable is the music)
Also; Liked, subscribed, watched, shared on tumblr, etc. You are a good content creator from what I have seen so far.
I wish nothing for you except good things. That goes for anybody reading this message.
This is just such a fantastic video! I've been to the Efteling a lot as a kid, but since I live on the other side of the country it's not possible for me to go very often. This video definitely makes me want to go again, though. I love your interpretation of what the Droomvlucht is and it makes me want to go back to experience it myself again!
Also, I really wouldn't hold it against you to do more Efteling videos
And apart from that, I too would LOVE to visit the Efteling with you
I think the Efteling is still great however old you are! I definitely will be back and might return to it as video topic if I have a good idea...
Every ride does have a story but not in a traditional way. The story is more emotional than literal if that makes any sense. It leaves just enough room to give your own interpretation to things and that makes the rides very reridable: You dont want to experience the story again, you want to revisit that feeling. The clever thing is, is that every participant develops an almost personal connection to the rides. The music plays a huge part in this too, every ride has an original track of course specifically composed to strenghten such a connection. Thats probably the case with the Ghibli films too because the story often makes little sense to me, but the feeling the art, the characters and the music cause is all too familiar. Sometimes things are just better when they are not literally spelled out for you 100%
You really got it !❤
As a Dutch person who really is obsessed with this park. I have to say that you are really well in formed and really ubderstood the meaning of this dark ride in contrast with other English speaking youtubers.
Glad to hear it, I did a lot of research because I was so fascinated by this ride!
@@MikeFromTheParty Good on you, it really shows.
@@MikeFromTheParty Also maybe a few fun facts, when your in the big room with all the fairies and the fairy king, you can see little dolls of fairies in the back to show scale, and you can also see small fairy hands and arms peaking through a wall of plants. To kinda give the idea that there are more hidden that you can't see just yet.
Dromen met je ogen open "Dreaming with your eyes open" Was also the title of a show that played in the que of the ride in the 1997, 1998 and 2000's. It told us the story of the dark ride.
Droomvlucht is a dark ride that is not very friendly to people in wheelchairs or people that can't get into the ride them selfs. Thats why the invented the Droomvlucht VR. Its a small room in the same building that can give a small bit of the experience to someone that can't ride the ride it self.
And here is a small personal fact for me. Not very important to the normal guests, but just a personal one.
When I was little, my great grand father and great grand mother died. They lived a long live and from there last money we went to the Efteling with every branch of the family.
Me and my sister where very young, and we did not understand 1 thing. Where are great grand father and mother.
So our parents told us the following. We whent on the dark ride. And when we arrived at the big dark room with all the planets Floating, that for a kid where huge castles through the stars. They told us then, that our great grand parents where resting there. Where everytime we visited the Efteling, they would be here.
Since then, about 15 years ago, I still wave them goodbye when I ride the dark ride.
For me one of the most personal and beautiful things in the park.
(sorry for any spelling errors, I'm not very good at long English comments)
That's such a beautiful story about your great grandparents, thank you for sharing! What a lovely personal connection to the ride
It’s the iconic theme park in the Netherlands. I visited myself last year and I was in love with it. In my view, you can’t compare this park and Disneyland as they all have the uniqueness.
New Mike video! Hype!
Hope you enjoyed it!
If Contrapoints was an annual passholder
Wow i've ridden that thing multiple times over the course of 20 years and never stopped to think about this. Now the little red fucker at the end of the ride that pops up makes sence. I think most adults remember that animatronic. When i was riding this for the first time as a kid i went into a sort of trance,or i suppose dreamlike state, just utterly baffled by the experience. Then that little red troll thing at the end felt like such a jolt. A jumpscare that made me and allot of other kids cry. While watching your video it all came together for me. That little bastard is supposed to scare you awake :P.
I adore this, wish I'd made this connection to include in the video!!
Your pronunciation of droomvlucht makes me giggle. But great video! I have so much nostalgia attached to this ride and you explained perfectly what I could never put into words. I really enjoy the style of these videos and the insight provided. So thank you for making this.
I definitely need to work on my Dutch pronunciation ahaha. Glad you still enjoyed it!
I love being right and I love it even more when a video is this enthrallingly well articulated and clearly passionate about such an incredibly niche and wonderful topic
Glad you enjoyed it! 🙏
That was a very interesting take on Droomvlucht! Great video! When you say it can be hard to pinpoint what the emotions are really supposed to be, I found that pretty valuable. When I first visited the Efteling (my first time at a theme park btw) I was looking forward to Droomvlucht so much, and also rode it 5 times too, but I didn't love it as much as I thought I would... I had built it as kind of 80's fantasy film ride not unlike the Dark Crystal or the Never-ending Story... and it wasn't like that. So, your video totally gave me a renewed perspective which I really appreciate. And yes these dolls inspire a feeling one cannot pinpoint haha so true! The smells did give me a headache tho. My favourite dark ride was Symbolica tho. I also really appreciate how friendly towards solo riders Efteling is. I walked into Villa Volta not knowing what to expect and it was incredible and I can't wait for Danse macabre !
It's interesting how expectations can affect our experiences so much! Glad you enjoyed the video, I'm also very excited to Dans Macarbe 🎻
HAHAHHA The intro with Carnival Festival! As an Efteling fan, I FUCKING AGREE, the space could be used for something so much better in my opinion.
Droomvlucht is by far and away my favourite dark ride and Eftelling somehow surpassed my sky high expectations. It's like Heaven to me. Also, Carnival Festival is amazing lol.
yes Mike. Best youtuber alive. Its been a pleasure dedicating my time credits to watching your videos.
Thanks king
I put this in my playlist "better than disney" so yeah haha it is better