CHESSY – Disneyland Paris is stepping into an exciting new era! The park is undergoing a massive 2 billion euro ($2.05 billion) expansion, which includes many thrilling developments.
The luxury Disneyland Hotel has been revamped, and the Walt Disney Studios Park is set to be renamed and enlarged. Guests can look forward to the arrival of The World of Frozen and a brand-new Lion King land, highlighting the park’s resilience after facing challenges during the pandemic.
This month, Disneyland introduced the spectacular Disney Tales of Magic show. It’s a 20-minute visual feast that brings together drones, fountains, high-definition projections, and powerful lasers. For the first time, projections will illuminate both Sleeping Beauty’s Castle and Main Street USA, the park’s lively hub.
Tim Lutkin, the show’s artistic director, noted, “The Paris Olympics used the lasers first, but we conceived them here.” These lasers travel an incredible distance of 23 miles (37 kilometers) while ensuring safety for onlookers.
This enchanting show features beloved stories from Disney and Pixar brought to life with 3D drone figures, synchronized fountains, and the music of a 100-piece orchestra. The original anthem for the show, “Live in Magic,” adds to its charm.
Audiences are captivated. Sacha Tellier, visiting with her family, exclaimed, “It’s marvelous. We’ve never seen such a beautiful light show.” Another visitor, Nathan Ruiz from Madrid, said, “The combination of music, lights, and drones felt like pure magic. This is on another level.”
The show also reflects a changing narrative style at Disney. Lutkin mentioned how contemporary stories like “Encanto” and “Inside Out 2” explore deeper themes, making them relatable to a wider audience. This evolution is evident in the mix of classic and modern films featured in the show.
Disney Adventure World
A centerpiece of this expansion is the reimagining of Walt Disney Studios Park into Disney Adventure World. Set to open in spring 2025, the new entrance will capture the excitement of a Hollywood premiere and lead visitors into immersive experiences.
Natacha Rafalski, the head of Disneyland Paris, emphasized the park’s dedication to innovation and storytelling, aiming to solidify its status as Europe’s leading tourist destination. Disneyland Paris already attracts over 10 million visitors annually.
The expansion will introduce two eagerly anticipated lands. The World of Frozen is set to debut in 2026, featuring a sparkling central lake and the Frozen Ever After ride, along with themed dining and shops. The Lion King land will offer adventures inspired by Pride Rock, including a log flume ride and appearances from familiar characters like Simba and Timon.
Recovering from the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic presented major challenges for Disneyland Paris, causing prolonged closures. However, Disney responded with determination. The ongoing €2 billion expansion is part of a broader $60 billion investment plan revealed in September 2023, which aims to enhance various Disney parks and attractions over the next decade.
A significant focus of the renovation is the newly remodeled Disneyland Hotel, featuring rooms inspired by various Disney royalty.
Disneyland Paris: A Brief History
Disneyland Paris first opened its doors in 1992 as Euro Disney Resort. Located just outside Paris in Marne-la-Vallée, it marked Disney’s entry into Europe. Initial years were tough due to cultural mismatches and lower-than-expected visitor numbers. Criticism labeled it a “cultural Chernobyl.”
To improve its fortunes, the park rebranded itself as Disneyland Paris in 1994 and began embracing its French identity. Over time, it recovered, adding new attractions and refining its marketing approach. Today, it stands as a key part of Disney’s global portfolio.
Source link
Nathan Ruiz,Entertainment,Sacha Tellier,Dana Harrel,World news,Lifestyle,Tim Lutkin,Lion King,Celine Dion
