CHESSY (France), Jan 19: Disneyland Paris is marking a significant new phase with an innovative nighttime show, part of a larger €2 billion (approximately $2.05 billion) expansion plan that aims to elevate Europe’s most popular theme park.
Among the enhancements are the completion of the luxury Disneyland Hotel renovation, the upcoming rebranding and expansion of Walt Disney Studios Park, and the eagerly awaited introductions of The World of Frozen and a unique The Lion King themed area. This ambitious redevelopment is a clear sign of recovery for theme parks following the challenges posed by the pandemic.
Disney Tales of Magic
Unveiled this month, Disney Tales of Magic is a stunning 20-minute display that integrates drones, synchronized fountains, high-definition projections, and vibrant lasers.
“For the first time, we will project onto both Sleeping Beauty’s Castle and Main Street USA,” stated Tim Lutkin, the artistic director, referencing the park’s main thoroughfare lined with shops and merchandise.
The show’s highlight features ultra-bright lasers, previously showcased only at the Paris 2024 Olympics during the opening ceremony featuring a performance by Celine Dion. These lasers, which can reach distances of 23 miles (37 kilometers), provide remarkable effects while being safe for large crowds.
“The Paris Olympics used this technology first, but we experienced it first,” remarked Dana Harrel, executive entertainment director at Disneyland Paris.
The show brings Disney and Pixar tales to life through drone-created 3D figures, synchronized fountains, and a 100-piece orchestra, further enhanced by an original anthem titled “Live in Magic.”
Disney Adventure World
At the core of Disneyland Paris’ expansion is the transformation of Walt Disney Studios Park, which is being reimagined and doubled in size as Disney Adventure World. Set to open in spring 2025, a new entrance named World Premiere will greet guests with the glamour of a Hollywood film premiere and direct them into immersive themed zones.
“These projects reflect our dedication to innovation and storytelling,” commented Natacha Rafalski, head of Disneyland Paris, emphasizing the aim to solidify the resort’s position as Europe’s leading tourist destination.
Having already surpassed the Louvre in visitor numbers, Disneyland Paris welcomed over 10 million guests in 2023, cementing its status as Europe’s most-visited theme park and France’s leading tourist attraction.
The expansion will include two highly anticipated themed lands. The World of Frozen, scheduled to open in 2026, will immerse guests in the world of Arendelle with a central lake for water shows and the Frozen Ever After boat ride, as well as themed dining, shopping, and accommodations. Additionally, The Lion King land will recreate the Pride Lands, featuring a log flume ride from Pride Rock and character meet-and-greets with favorites like Simba and Timon.
Life After the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges for Disneyland Paris, resulting in an eight-month closure in 2020 and another in 2021.
However, Disney responded with determination.
The ongoing €2 billion expansion is part of a broader $60 billion global investment announced in September 2023, aimed at redefining Disney parks, cruises, and attractions over the next decade.
A focal point of the Paris renovation is the refurbished Disneyland Hotel, with suites themed around beloved Disney royalty.
Birth and Evolution
Originally opened in 1992 as Euro Disney Resort, Disneyland Paris represents Disney’s initial venture into Europe, located just outside Paris in Marne-la-Vallée. The early years were challenging due to cultural missteps, financial issues, and fewer visitors than anticipated. Critics referred to it as a “cultural Chernobyl,” labeling it an American cultural invasion.
To turn around its fortunes, the park underwent significant rebranding in 1994, adopting the name Disneyland Paris to emphasize its French identity and proximity to the capital. Over time, strategic changes, including new attractions and a revised marketing strategy, helped the resort thrive, making it a cornerstone of Disney’s global operations. (AP)
