(News) In 2012, the Efteling theme park in The Netherlands celebrates its 60th anniversary. What began in 1952 as a Fairytale Forest with 10 animatronic fairytale scenes has grown to become the third largest theme park in Europe, with its own hotel, golf course, and media and theatre productions.

And the park will not let its 60th birthday pass by unnoticed , planning new ride launches, park attributes, restaurants and productions throught the year. From the opening of Polle’s Kitchen, Aquanura and The Emperor’s New Clothes, to the première of Efteling’s first film for cinema, the park not only looks back on 60 years of fairytales, but also forward into the future.

Bart de Boer, Efteling’s Chairman and CEO, is very excited about all the developments in the pipeline over the coming months. “We have actually already made a start on the anniversary festivities. The première of Dreamflight the Musical, in October, and the launch of Efteling’s second Book of Fairytales earlier this month can both be regarded as a prelude to our anniversary year. But the year really kicks off during the New Year celebrations, when the park will remain open until 01.00 hours for the first time. At midnight, an unforgettable firework display will mark the official start of this unique year for Efteling.”

One of the special events planned for 2012 is the launch of an entirely new brand: Jokie. Although Jokie has hosted the Carnaval Festival attraction since 1984, he is set to become a true globetrotter in 2012. From early in the year, he will discover the world outside Efteling in a television series and books. The anniversary year also continues with the festive opening of the fully themed pancake restaurant, Polle’s Kitchen.

Efteling’s actual birthday falls on 31 May 2012. On this day the sensational water show, Aquanura, will be revealed to the public for the first time. Aquanura is Europe’s largest fountain show and is built around the elements of water, fire, music and light. Later in the anniversary year, at the beginning of Winter Efteling, a new fairytale scene will be added to the Fairytale Forest: The Emperor’s New Clothes.

For more information visit De Efteling!