Carnival Festival, Dark ride at Efteling theme park in Kaatsheuvel, Netherlands
Carnival Festival is an indoor dark ride that takes you through 21 colorful scenes with 281 animated figures representing different countries and their celebrations. The 240-meter track is traveled by 118 gondolas that move slowly and smoothly through each scene.
The ride was built in 1984 by German manufacturer Mack Rides using designs by Dutch cartoonist Joop Geesink, who created this as his final project for the park. This work marked a significant conclusion to Geesink's longtime collaboration with the theme park.
The ride takes you through celebrations from around the world, guided by Jokie the jester and Jet the purple bird as they lead you on an international journey.
The ride is accessible to all ages and requires no physical effort, as the gondolas gently carry you through the entire course. Because of the slow pace and relaxed atmosphere, it works well for families and visitors who prefer a calmer experience.
In 2019, the African and Asian scenes were redesigned to reflect more contemporary perspectives and representations. These updates show how the park adapts to more current ways of thinking.
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