CHESSY, France — A stunning 118-foot ice mountain has just opened at Disneyland Paris, showcasing the new World of Frozen. This area brings to life the beloved “Frozen” franchise, featuring Elsa’s palace at the top and a charming Nordic fishing village below.
Disney has invested around 2 billion euros (about $2.18 billion) in transforming the park, renaming it from Walt Disney Studios Park to Disney Adventure World. This massive upgrade is the largest in Disneyland Paris’s 34-year history and part of a broader $60 billion global expansion of Disney parks and resorts.
This opening was a big moment for Josh D’Amaro, Disney’s new CEO, who took the helm just days before the event. D’Amaro, who spent nearly 30 years in Disney’s theme parks, emphasized how storytelling fuels everything the company does, from movies to theme parks. This speaks volumes about Disney’s commitment to creating memorable experiences for visitors.
President Emmanuel Macron praised the park as a vital part of France’s economy during his visit alongside D’Amaro. Disneyland Paris employs over 20,000 people and supports around 70,000 jobs in the region. The park has seen more than 445 million visits since its opening, significantly contributing to France’s tourism revenue.
When Disneyland Paris first opened as Euro Disney in 1992, it faced considerable skepticism. Critics labeled it a “cultural Chernobyl.” Today, the narrative has shifted dramatically, with the park being celebrated as a national treasure.
The themes of “Frozen” and another new ride, “Tangled,” are rooted in European folklore. These adaptations connect Disney to its origins in storytelling. “Frozen” loosely adapts Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Snow Queen,” while “Tangled” draws from the Brothers Grimm’s “Rapunzel.” This connection enriches the park’s identity, celebrating European culture.
The World of Frozen features attractions like the “Frozen Ever After” boat ride, bringing guests face-to-face with Anna, Elsa, and even a responsive troll named Mossy. The area is vibrant, with new dining options and a nighttime show featuring over 380 drones.
As the park evolves, more exciting attractions are on the way, including a Lion King area currently under construction. Disney’s careful strategy to revamp the park seems to pay off, as parks have become a crucial part of the company’s profits, especially as streaming services like Disney+ have seen ups and downs.
“This is just the beginning,” D’Amaro said at the launch, hinting at bigger dreams and even more enchanting experiences to come. The glow of pyrotechnics lighting up the ice palace marked not just a new attraction but a meaningful chapter in Disneyland Paris’s story.
Source link
Emmanuel Macron, National parks, Amusement parks, France, General news, Florida, FL State Wire, California, Europe, Hans Christian Andersen, Jennifer Lee, World news, Business, Entertainment, Naomi Campbell, Paris, Josh DAmaro, Teyana Taylor
