LP Lotion: Disneyland Resort Paris Update
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Well it has certainly been a long time since LP’s last Disneyland Resort Paris update and the resort is currently in midst of the largest construction phase at the resort since the second gate opened in March 2002. As you would probably expect the focus is firmly on the Walt Disney Studios park and that is precisely where this update begins!

Upon entering the park through the Studio gates guests are greeted by a gigantic Cars billboard that envelops the entire height of Disney Studio 1 (the indoor portal that all guests must enter to reach the attractions). Lightning McQueen and Sally have been portrayed on the road to Radiator Springs to advertise the upcoming seventh Disney/Pixar movie that is released across Europe this summer. In addition the walls facing CineMagique and Animagique have had several large-scale Disney posters added to brighten up the monotone walls including Monsters, Inc. Mary Poppins and the Lion King.

Beyond Disney Studio 1 the park has added numerous character Meet ‘n’ Greets to add some much-needed atmosphere to the industrial-looking backlots. Between Disney Studio 1 and Animagique the Studios has added a Monsters, Inc. location with the requisite Boo’s door. Kids seem to get a kick out of the Scream Monitors nearby where they can holler into the scream canisters that alter their voices. Immediately next-door is a fa�?ade of a movie theatre in Oakey Oaks. Chicken Little and Abby Mallard appear regularly for photo opportunities. Finally the White Witch’s throne from the Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe has been placed next to Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith (odd choice I know) where the Aerosmith tour bus used to be located. Even the Witch’s loyal henchman has been replicated to stand guard.

Although popular those photo opportunities are not going to be the driver for growth at the second gate. However on two separate expansion pads in the park construction crews have already made strides towards completion on the two new attractions that will debut at the Walt Disney Studios in 2007 and 2008. First up will be the Toon Studios sited between the Art of Disney Animation and Flying Carpets over Agrabah. Both Disneyland and Tokyo Disneyland have Toontown that is the place where Toons live but Toon Studios is where they go to work (heck of a commute from Anaheim and Tokyo Bay though!). The framework for the coaster/dark ride that is being installed inside (and partially outside) the show building can clearly be seen in the photos. The entrance to the building will face the Animation building and a spinner ride themed to Cars (similar to Francis’ Ladybug Boogie at Disney’s California Adventure park) will be sited there. Toon Studios should debut early in 2007.

Nearby a new E-ticket has already been topped out dominating the skyline in the Walt Disney Studios park. Tower of Terror has risen quickly due to the modular concrete construction that is viable in Europe. This carbon copy of DCA’s version is currently ahead of schedule and could debut for Christmas 2007.

Across the way at Disneyland the flagship Disneyland Hotel has been receiving a much-needed paint job to restore the vibrant pink accents. In addition a clever shroud has encased the Emporium that is also receiving some attention both inside and out. The store itself has been made brighter and several fixtures have been removed to ease guestflow throughout the store. The popular special events store has also been brought back into the main store with the removal of the two adjoining walls.

Discoveryland has also seen considerable change in the last year. Around a year ago Space Mountain: Mission 2 was unveiled with a new launch sequence, all-new special effects and a thumping new soundtrack by Michael Giacchino (Lost, The Incredibles and Mission:Impossible III). Nearby Le Visionarium gave way to the new Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast (and LP recently featured a photo update from this project). The attraction is hugely popular and it is a highly coveted Fastpass. The nearby Constellations store has also received an updating with Buzz replacing Mickey as the icon for the outlet (from the bronze store logo to the centrepiece where Buzz has replaced Mickey and pals in their spaceship).

Even the Disney Village has not escaped. The supporting columns and strings of lights stretching above the sidewalk have been removed to increase guestflow (and even the central stage has been stripped) and strange new balloons have appeared on the iconic Frank Gehry buildings. In addition the Panoramagique balloon has appeared in the last year on Lake Disney.

I would like to add that the purpose of this short trip to Disneyland Resort Paris was to help our good friends Eric & Barbara Roque celebrate a very special milestone. The Roques have visited every single Disney theme park (all eleven) and both the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder in one year. A truly remarkable and unique achievement. Congratulations!

In the next Disneyland Resort Paris update LP will recall the recent Easter celebrations at Disneyland park.

Lightning McQueen and Sally in Radiator Springs on the Studio 1 building
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