The popular Carnaval Festival attraction at Efteling celebrates 35 years with a €3 million makeover in 2019.
The family dark ride will be closed from 4th March to 31st May while the major renovation work takes place, which will include upgrades to the ride system, replacement of the lighting and changes to some of the scenes.
Carnaval Festival opened in 1984 and features many animatronic dolls representing different regions around the world. It was designed by Joop Geesink and uses catchy music written by Ruud Bos and Toon Hermans.
The ride is similar to Disney's "it's a small world" and has nine sections inspired by countries from Europe, Asia, Africa and North America.
100 of the 275 dolls will be updated, including those that have drawn criticism for stereotypical or racist characteristics, all of the motors that power the 118 ride carriages will be replaced, and the halogen show lighting will be replaced with more sustainable LED lighting.
Fons Jurgens, General Director of Efteling:
"We not only invest in new attractions, but also like to keep the older attractions up-to-date. The planned maintenance is a logical moment to also make adjustments in terms of the theming and sustainability."
Carnaval Festival is due to re-open in June 2019.
