Thanks to Efteling for gifting us free tickets to provide our honest review on this brand new ride.
Efteling always go above and beyond with their attractions and Hooghmoed, a family drop tower which opened this year is absolutely no different.
The new family drop towers are a perfect example of what the park does better than anyone else where they take a simple ride system and elevate it into a themed story-led experience.
On paper this is a ride for younger guests but in reality the ride feels like a natural extension to the Baron 1898 roller coaster and adds atmosphere to an already incredibly elaborate and beautiful area.
Intricate theming fills the area as these towering chimneys complete with smoke effects and rotating towers to an iconic soundtrack makes this generic ride system evolve considerably.
The attraction genuinely feels like it has always belonged there. The visual design is rich with detail without becoming overwhelming, and the towers fit seamlessly into the Ruigrijk skyline.
The views of Baron whilst on the drop towers gives you that urge to look forward to jumping on the coaster and if you’re too young to ride it I can imagine you’ll get a real sense of desire or determination to go on the ride one day whilst sitting atop the towers as they slowly rotate giving you breathtaking views of the surround area.
Hoogmoed combines mist, sound effects, and the sudden mini free-falls to create a ride that feels far more intense than its modest height suggests. It’s exciting without being scary, which is exactly the balance a family attraction should aim for.
Seeing everyone else’s reactions on the multiple towers is an on-ride and off-ride experience for all and it’s an attraction that will certainly aid with capacity in that area.
This ride isn’t filler, this ride is an extension of creation and ingenuity that makes Efteling so special whilst further adding more chapters to an already detailed and magical story.
What it lacks in thrills it makes up for in atmosphere and charm and you can’t ask for more than that!
