IS EFTELING AS GOOD AS DISNEYLAND?

Yes. Definitely. And in some ways, it’s even better. This is a question I get asked a lot: “Is Efteling really as good as Disneyland?” Every single time, my answer is the samebased on years of visiting both parks, across different countries and eras: Yes. Efteling is absolutely as good as Disneyland. I'll make the statement even bolder, depending on what you value in a theme park, Efteling might even come out on top.

Let me explain why.

The Rides: Different Stories, Same World-Class Quality

Let’s start with the most obvious comparison: the attractions. Disneyland is famous for its rides, but Efteling plays in the exact same league when it comes to ride systems, storytelling, atmosphere, and attention to detail. The tone may be different, but the craftsmanship is not.

Think about these comparisons:

• Symbolica vs. Ratatouille, Beauty and the Beast (Tokyo), or Mystic Manor (Hong Kong)

• Droomvlucht vs. Peter Pan’s Flight

• Fata Morgana vs. Pirates of the Caribbean

What these rides share is not just technical quality, but intention. They are immersive, detail-rich experiences designed to make you feel and let you escape reality. The pacing, the layered scenes, the music, the transitions it’s all there.

Efteling’s rides may lean more toward fairy tales and European mythology, while Disney often focuses on recognizable IP, but the quality level is absolutely equal. In some cases, Efteling even takes more creative risks because it is not bound to film franchises.

The Food: Honestly… Efteling Might Do This Better

This might surprise Disney fans, but it needs to be said: Food at Efteling is genuinely very good and sometimes better than Disneyland.

Efteling offers:

• Both offer freshly prepared meals and the standard theme park fast food

• But Efteling also serves fresh seasonal dishes that actually change throughout the year and more healthy options to choose from.

Restaurants like Polles Keuken, Restaurant Seven, and even Station de Oost are also beautiful butDisneyland has better themes experiences.

Disney excels at themed experiences, snacks and iconic treats, but when it comes to full meals, Efteling often feels more relaxed and more generous. Add to that the fact that prices at Efteling are significantly more affordable, and the overall dining experience becomes less stressful and more enjoyable.

The Nature Factor: Where Efteling Truly Shines

This is where Efteling doesn’t just match Disneyland it goes beyond it. Efteling is a nature park and that changes everything. You’re walking through a real forest. Old trees, winding paths, flowers that change with the seasons, and natural shade on hot summer days. Even on busy days, there are quiet corners where you can breathe. Also, sometimes a squirrel will casually cross your path while you’re walking to your next attraction.

That combination, high-end themed rides woven into real, living nature, is something Disneyland simply doesn’t offer in the same way. It tries with Animal Kingdom, but overall you can't ind this at Disneyland. The nature create a calmer rhythm and a deeper sense of immersion.

Atmosphere: Less Rush, More Magic

Disneyland can feel intense, energetic, and sometimes a bit overwhelming in both good and challenging ways. There is always something happening, somewhere, all at once.

Efteling feels different. There is more space. More air. More room to notice things. You hear background music instead of noise. You spot tiny details instead of being pulled forward by urgency. You don’t feel pressured to rush from ride to ride.

Of course, you can move quickly if you want to but the park doesn’t force that pace on you. The atmosphere invites you to slow down, to wander, to experience rather than consume.

Prices & Value for Money

One area where Efteling clearly has the advantage is pricing. Tickets, food, parking, and even overnight stays are generally far more affordable than Disneyland, especially for families or multi-day visits. You don’t constantly feel like every extra comes with a premium price tag.

That doesn’t mean Disneyland isn’t worth its price, it absolutely can be but Efteling offers exceptional value for money, delivering world-class attractions, atmosphere, and storytelling without the financial pressure that often comes with the Disney name.

Loving Both, Choosing One

Let’s be very clear: I absolutely love Disney parks. And I absolutely love Efteling. Disneyland has a special place in my heart, and I’m genuinely excited about the upcoming Disneyland Paris expansion and the new Disney park in Abu Dhabi. Both are firmly on our must-visit list. We will be there, cameras rolling, soaking up every detail.

But Efteling is the park we love just a little bit more.

It’s the forest paths.
The quiet magic.
The feeling that the park grows with you instead of overwhelming you.

Efteling feels like home. And that’s something even the greatest castles in the world can’t always replicate.

So… Is Efteling as Good as Disneyland?

Let’s be very clear: Efteling is as good as Disneyland and if you love fairy tales, immersive storytelling without stress, and world-class attractions set within real nature… Efteling might not just be as good, it might become your favourite park too.

With love,
Jolanda