Sometimes It Flies, Sometimes It Doesn’t…

As Efteling announced in mid-September, the Flying Dutchman attraction has been temporarily closed. Ever since its grand opening, repeated interferences have occurred, leading to short-term shutdowns and a corresponding amount of resentment amongst guests. Efteling says that the source of the breakdowns has been localised: under water. The problem is apparently caused by the chains that pull the longboats through the lake. Even though the park’s guests were in no danger at any time, management has supposedly decided on closing down the entire attraction – at least until everything has been checked and is steadily running again. “A magical day at Efteling should not be clouded by any insecurity as to whether the Flying Dutchman is running or not…,” as the spokeswoman, Sigrid Baum, explains the park management’s rigorous decision. In my opinion, this is a highly customer-oriented decision even though it is surely a bitter pill for the park to swallow and definitely not entirely easy to determine which one of the many “cooks” actually spoiled the broth…

It is a great pity that one of the Europe’s most beautiful attractions of the day is out of order. Let’s hope that the Flying Dutchman can soon set off on a longed-for high flight once again. (eap)