CHESSY, France (AP) — A cutting-edge nighttime spectacle at Disneyland Paris heralds a bold new chapter for Europe’s most visited theme park, as a series of ambitious developments come to fruition under a plan expansion of 2 billion euros ($2.05 billion). .
The revamp includes the complete redesign of the luxury Disneyland Hotel, the upcoming renaming and doubling of the size of the Walt Disney Studios park, as well as the highly anticipated arrival of The World of Frozen and a first-ever Lion King land in his type. cementing the station’s achievements after the years of wilderness for theme parks during the pandemic.
Disney Magic Tales
Disney Tales of Magic was revealed this month. It’s a dazzling 20-minute spectacle combining drones, synchronized fountains, high-definition projections and ultra-bright lasers.
“For the first time ever, we will be projecting not only on Sleeping Beauty Castle, but also on Main Street USA,” said Tim Lutkin, artistic director of the production, referring to the park’s main commercial thoroughfare lined of shops and merchandise.
The show’s flagship feature, ultra-bright lasers, has only been used once before, at the Paris 2024 Olympics at the Eiffel Tower during the iconic opening ceremony which included a performance with Celine Dion. The lasers, which travel 37 kilometers, provide extraordinary power while remaining safe near crowds.
“The Paris Olympics used it first. But we saw it first,” said Dana Harrel, executive director of entertainment at Disneyland Paris.
Featuring Disney and Pixar tales brought to life by 3D drone-made characters, synchronized fountains and a 100-piece orchestra, the show is further enhanced by the original anthem “Live in Magic.”
The audience was stunned. “It’s wonderful. We have never seen such a beautiful light show,” said Sacha Tellier, a 33-year-old mother visiting with her family. “It gave me goosebumps,” added Nathan Ruiz, a graphic designer from Madrid. “The combination of music, lights and drones was like pure magic. I’ve been to Disney before, but this show is on another level.
The show also reflects the evolution of Disney storytelling. Lutkin noted the shift from classic ballgown tales to modern ones like “Encanto” and “Inside Out 2,” which delve into deeper themes such as anxiety and depression. The latter’s unexpected box office success, Lutkin said, proved that “the world and its relationship with Disney is ready to embrace more complex stories.” This shift is reflected in the series’ selection of films, ranging from timeless Disney classics to emotionally resonant modern hits.
Disney Adventure World
At the heart of Disneyland Paris’ expansion is the transformation of Walt Disney Studios Park, doubling in size and reimagined as Disney Adventure World. Opening in spring 2025, a new park entrance, World Premiere, will welcome visitors with the glamor of a Hollywood film premiere, leading them into immersive themed areas.
“These projects reflect our commitment to innovation and storytelling,” said Natacha Rafalski, director of Disneyland Paris, adding that they will further strengthen the site as Europe’s leading tourist destination.
Already the most visited theme park in Europe and the leading tourist attraction in France in front of the Louvre, Disneyland Paris welcomed more than 10 million visitors in 2023.
The expansion includes two highly anticipated themed lands. The World of Frozen, which will debut in 2026, will transport guests to Arendelle with a central lake hosting water shows and the Frozen Ever After boat ride, as well as themed restaurants, shops and accommodations. Meanwhile, The Land of the Lion King will bring the Pride Lands to life with a log flume cascading from Pride Rock and encounters with beloved characters like Simba and Timon.
Life after the pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic posed one of the most difficult challenges for Disneyland Paris, as it has for all resort parks around the world, forcing an eight-month closure in 2020 and another in 2021.
But Disney has doubled down.
The ongoing €2 billion expansion is part of a $60 billion global investment announced in September 2023, aimed at redefining Disney parks, cruises and attractions over the next decade.
One of the centerpieces of Paris’ overhaul is the renovated Disneyland Hotel, with suites themed after classic Disney royalty.
Birth and evolution
Disneyland Paris opened in 1992 under its original name, Euro Disney Resort. Located on the outskirts of Paris, in Marne-la-Vallée, it marked Disney’s first foray into Europe. However, the park’s early years were fraught with challenges, including cultural missteps, financial difficulties, and lower-than-expected visitor numbers. Critics in France derided it as an American cultural invasion, calling it a “cultural Chernobyl.”
To reverse its fortunes, the park underwent a significant name change, changing its name to Disneyland Paris in 1994 to emphasize its French location and connection to the capital. Over time, strategic changes, including the addition of new attractions and a change in marketing, helped the resort turn around. It is now the cornerstone of Disney’s global operations.