Efteling visitors can once again enjoy a trip on the Python roller coaster with loops. Over just 12 weeks, the 37-year-old Efteling roller coaster has been almost entirely dismantled and reconstructed to complete the €4.5 million renovation.

The renovated Python roller coaster has retained its familiar appearance because the loops, double corkscrew and helix have all been restored. However, the course has been optimised according to modern standards and models so that the ride is smoother.

The track now has a perfect line with less angular corners and rounder shapes in the corkscrew. The renovated Python has been optimised according to modern standards, particularly now that Efteling – in contrast to 37 years ago – is open every day.  The famous Efteling roller coaster is now equipped for the decades to come.

"At Efteling, we like to build for eternity and the Python roller coaster with loops is certainly a part of that future. Many guests have special memories of the Python, and we want future generations to be able to look back upon their rides on the roller coaster in the same manner. It's great to see again how the first children at the entrance judge whether they are tall enough. And then the happy looks on their faces after their ride on the renovated Python", explains Fons Jurgens, Chairman of Efteling's Board of Directors.

 The history of the Python roller coaster

The Python roller coaster with loops has been turning things topsy-turvy from the very moment it was conceived. During the 1960s, Efteling was already talking about making the park more attractive for older children and teenagers. To help the park keep pace both nationally and internationally, in the late 1970s the decision was made to build a 'giant roller coaster'. When the Python roller coaster with loops was first introduced in 1981, it was not only the first roller coaster at Efteling, it was also the largest and most spectacular roller coaster of the entire European mainland.

At that time, Efteling consisted only of a Fairytale Forest and playground, and the Python certainly stood out on the other side of the park. Although opinions on the introduction of the roller coaster were rather divided, it soon became apparent after the opening of the Python that the debut of this thrill ride gave important new direction to the future of the park. In 1981 alone, 400,000 additional guests visited Efteling as a result of the Python's arrival.

About Efteling…

Since the opening in 1952, more than 130 million visitors have experienced an unforgettable day at Efteling, in the south of Holland. Over the years, Efteling has grown to become one of Europe's biggest theme parks, with a unique fairytale atmosphere, natural surroundings and a wide range of thrilling attractions. It is now ranked in the top 25 theme parks in the world, according to the Tea Theme Index 2016. Efteling is open all year round and is an ideal family short-break destination with the Efteling Hotel and the holiday villages Efteling Bosrijk and Efteling Loonsche Land just a stone's throw away. Through a programme of phased growth over the coming years, Efteling aims to become an international destination with five million visitors per year by 2020.

For further information please visit: www.efteling.com/en  

Images are available HERE

Media enquiries:

Efteling is represented by Lotus in the UK. Please contact Jules Ugo, Georgina Oakley or Lucy Keenan at jules@wearelotus.co.uk / georgina@wearelotus.co.uk / lucy@wearelotus.co.uk or call the office on 0207 953 7470.

For all Efteling press releases and images please visit: www.efteling.com/en/press/