Danse Macabre
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Danse Macabre
Danse Macabre is the successor to Spookslot (1978-2022). This new attraction forms the heart of Het Huyverwoud, a themed area where you'll also find places to eat and drink such as “In den Swarte Kat” and “Het Koetshuys.”
With Danse Macabre and Het Huyverwoud, Efteling has gained another themed area.
The Story
On Friday the 13th in 1876, an international music competition was held in the abbey of Capelle van Kaatsheuvel. That evening, an orchestra led by conductor Joseph Charlatan played the dance of death, with dramatic consequences. The orchestra and the conductor vanished without a trace, swallowed up by “Het Onnoembare.” Ever since, the sounds of the Danse Macabre have echoed eternally through the abbey, luring visitors who eventually fall prey to “Het Onnoembare” as well.
The Attraction
You have fallen for “Het Onnoembare.” What first seemed innocent now has you completely in its grip. The chapel has been entirely taken over too, and the cursed orchestra appears out of nowhere. Then the Danse Macabre begins.
The abbey comes to life. The waltz plays, the choir stalls spin, and conductor Joseph Charlatan waves his baton. The most terrifying apparitions emerge from niches and corners. The pace quickens along with the music, until the evil seems to weaken. Just in time, “Het Onnoembare” lets you go… but for how long?
The Inclusive Queue Experience
The queue at Danse Macabre takes you past various scenes around the chapel. While you wait, you get a feel for the atmosphere and story of the attraction. This makes the wait a little more pleasant, as you already get a taste of the experience. The queue is also fully wheelchair accessible, so everyone can enjoy it.
Kruysgang
We start our queue journey in the Kruysgang (cloister), where every now and then we hear the sound of monks chanting, as if we're not alone. The garden looks deserted, and what immediately stands out is the fire damage, which has destroyed the roof in several places.
Herb Garden
We arrive in the Kruydentuin, where the herbs have been completely overgrown by weeds and ivy. All that remains are the little signs showing what should once have grown here.
Graveyard
From here you're split into larger groups and allowed to enter the abbey's graveyard.
The large mausoleum of conductor Joseph Charlatan immediately catches your eye. He and his orchestra members lie here, surrounded by the other graves.
Het Huyverwoud
This spot is at its best at dusk or at night, but even during the day it isn't without danger. You hear unexplained noises coming from the bushes. You're not alone here… the abbey may be the only place where you're safe for a moment. Or perhaps not?
In Het Huyverwoud, just before you enter the abbey, you're split into different groups. Single Riders also join here to make the best use of capacity. Want to use the Single Rider queue? Bear in mind that you won't experience the full queue journey and you'll ride the attraction on your own. Sometimes it can even take longer than the regular queue.
Practical Information
More about Danse Macabre:
Visiting Danse Macabre with a disability
What is the queue journey of Danse Macabre like?
