CHESSY, France (AP) — Disneyland Paris is stepping into a new era with an exciting nighttime show. This event is part of a larger 2 billion euro ($2.05 billion) expansion plan that promises to enhance the park experience.
Key developments include the newly renovated Disneyland Hotel, the transformation of Walt Disney Studios Park, and the eagerly awaited lands themed around Frozen and The Lion King. These updates aim to rejuvenate the park after tough times during the pandemic.
Disney Tales of Magic
This month, Disneyland unveiled Disney Tales of Magic. It’s a stunning 20-minute show featuring drones, fountains, high-definition projections, and bright lasers.
Tim Lutkin, the artistic director, shared, “For the very first time, we will project onto both Sleeping Beauty’s Castle and Main Street USA.” This change allows even more guests to enjoy the spectacle.
The show’s eye-catching lasers, previously used at the Paris 2024 Olympics, can reach up to 23 miles (37 kilometers) and create an amazing visual experience while being safe for viewers.
The performance features beloved Disney and Pixar stories, enhanced by 3D drone figures, synchronized fountains, and a large orchestra. The original song “Live in Magic” adds to the magic of the show.
Visitors are thrilled. One mother, Sacha Tellier, called it “marvelous” and shared that it gave her “goosebumps.” Nathan Ruiz, a graphic designer from Madrid, exclaimed, “The mix of music, lights, and drones felt like pure magic.”
Disney’s storytelling is evolving. Lutkin noted the move from classic fairy tales to modern stories, such as “Encanto” and “Inside Out 2.” These films tackle deeper themes that resonate with audiences today, highlighting a broader range of emotions.
Disney Adventure World
Central to the expansion is Walt Disney Studios Park, set to double in size and become Disney Adventure World by spring 2025. The new entrance, World Premiere, will welcome guests with the feel of a Hollywood premiere.
Natacha Rafalski, head of Disneyland Paris, emphasizes that these changes reflect a commitment to innovation and storytelling. In 2023, the park attracted over 10 million visitors, solidifying its status as Europe’s top tourist destination.
Upcoming attractions include The World of Frozen, debuting in 2026, which will transport guests to the enchanting land of Arendelle. It will feature water shows and a themed boat ride. There will also be a dedicated area for The Lion King, complete with character encounters and a thrilling log flume ride.
Life after the pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic posed huge challenges for Disneyland Paris, including an eight-month closure. However, Disney responded with a bold expansion plan.
This €2 billion investment is part of a larger $60 billion plan to upgrade Disney parks and attractions worldwide over the next decade, with a revamped Disneyland Hotel at the center of these efforts.
Birth and evolution
Disneyland Paris first opened in 1992 as Euro Disney Resort, marking Disney’s entry into Europe. Early struggles, including cultural missteps and low attendance, led to criticism. It was even labeled a “cultural Chernobyl.”
To turn things around, the park rebranded as Disneyland Paris in 1994, emphasizing its location and connection to the capital. With new attractions and strategic marketing efforts, the resort gradually flourished, becoming a cornerstone of Disney’s global presence.
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