Efteling – the fairytale theme park in the South of Holland – has announced that 4D theatre attraction PandaDroom will re-open with a new restaurant, a new 3D film and a new name; Fabula. PandaDroom was first opened in 2002 in collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF NL), to celebrate Efteling's 50th anniversary, showing a film about the fragile nature of Mother Earth.

In 2019, the attraction is being re-named Fabula. Fabula will comprise a new 3D film in a 4D theatre, featuring 4D effects, such as water, smell and wind effects. The new film is created in collaboration with award-winning studio Aardman – also known as the producers of much-loved British shows Wallace & Gromit, Chicken Run and Shaun the Sheep. The film will be created with the aim of providing an improved and updated experience for visitors.

Fons Jurgens, CEO at Efteling says: “We, at Efteling, are delighted to be working with one of the best animation studios in the world. Working with Aardman on the production of Fabula has allowed us to combine the latest in film and animation technology with a humorous and dynamic film that also teaches important moral lessons.”

Heather Wright, Executive Director of Partner Content at Aardman comments: “This is Aardman's first major piece of original content for the theme park environment, bringing our unique skills of storytelling with brand new characters to a fresh audience.  We have relished the challenge of combining humour, emotion and drama with 4D effects in this exciting experience. 

The impassioned collaboration of the creative and technical teams from Aardman and Efteling has been critical in delivering a project we are all proud of.  We hope fans of Aardman and Efteling alike, will love Fabula as much as we do.”

The bear that would not share

During the pre and main shows of the attraction, lasting eight minutes each, visitors will watch the story of a grumpy young bear who does not get on well with other animals. As such, Klaas Vaak (Mr Sandman) decides to teach the bear some important life lessons by taking him on a magical tour of different habitats around the world. An inquisitive squirrel unexpectedly becomes scooped up in the adventure. The bear eventually gains a little perspective and learns how to be respectful towards other animals. The film will be funny, exciting and suitable for all ages to enjoy.

The renovated attraction will again be centred on the theme of nature with a pre-show, a main show and a play area where guests can play and eat in the theme of savanna, ocean and jungle. In addition to the pre-show and the main show, the restaurant and the souvenir shop will also be renovated to enhance the guest experience. The restaurant will have more seats and a new menu with fresh and responsible meat, fish and vegan dishes that match international cuisine. The investment for the development of Fabula amounts to 3.5 million euros. The collaboration with WWF NL will end with the re-opening of Fabula at the end of 2019.

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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 2018. 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, Efteling became an international destination with five million visitors per year.

About Aardman

Aardman, based in Bristol (UK) and co-founded in 1976 by Peter Lord and David Sproxton, is an independent and multi-award-winning studio. It produces feature films, series, advertising, interactive entertainment and attractions for both the domestic and international market. Their productions are novel, entertaining, brilliantly characterised and full of charm reflecting the unique talent, energy and personal commitment of the Aardman team. The studio's work is often imitated and yet the company continues to lead the field producing a rare brand of visually stunning content for cinema, broadcasters, digital platforms and live experiences around the world. In November 2018, Aardman became an Employee Owned organisation, ensuring that the studio remains independent and securing the creative legacy and culture of the company for the future. www.aardman.com

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

Media enquiries Efteling:
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.

Alternatively contact Rosie Godwin, Studio Publicist at Aardman rosie.godwin@aardman.com or call 0117 307 1318.