Disney Announces Transformative Multi-Year Expansion for Disneyland Paris
Published: February 27, 2018 / Last Updated: February 27, 2018 / By: Arvid Bux
The Walt Disney Company has just announced a 2 billion euro expansion plan for Disneyland Paris. This includes the transformation of Walt Disney Studios Park with 3 new areas based on Marvel, Frozen and Star Wars.
The multi-year development will start in 2021 and will see major changes to the Walt Disney Studios Park. It is not known by when the multi-year development will be completed. One major addition is the lake that will be added to the back of the park that will allow for new shows to be shown.
“We’re very excited about the future of Disneyland Paris and continue to invest in its long-term success,” said Robert A. Iger, chairman and chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company. “The resort is already the leading tourist destination in Europe, and the transformative expansion we announced today will add even more of our beloved characters and unparalleled storytelling to create new lands, attractions and entertainment that further elevate the guest experience and drive new opportunities for tourism in this dynamic region.”
La Reine des Neiges, Star Wars et Marvel, bientôt trois nouveaux parcs à @DisneyLandParis. Écoutez @RobertIger, PDG de Walt Disney Company reçu à l’Élysée ce matin, nous dire pourquoi il continue d’investir en France. #ChooseFrance pic.twitter.com/w239hdsb2r
— Élysée (@Elysee) February 27, 2018
Changes in detail
Let’s have a closer look at all the changes we can distill from the artist concept. This is purely speculative and my opinion, I have no solid information on what each change will be.
Frozen
This area at the back of the lake and park shows Arendelle behind the lake. We see a full village including the mountain and ice castle. It is not clear yet what type of ride we will see in that area, but we might be able to expect something similar as the Frozen ride at Epcot.
Star Wars
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge hasn’t opened yet at Disneyland Resort or Walt Disney World Resort but Disneyland Paris is already getting its own version. It does seem like it will be a bit smaller than its counterparts in the US, but we will still see some great Star Wars theming.
The Lake
I don’t know why but I’m really excited about the addition of the lake. Seeing a ferry on the water, and some fountains on either side just makes me happy. Will we see a World of Color, Rivers of Light or Illuminations – Reflections of Earth type of show? I don’t know but I do hope so!
Future Expansion?
On the right side of the lake and just behind Ratatouille we see a vacant lot. Will this just be backstage area? Or will we see more here in the future? It would be nice to have a small Animal Kingdom type of area.
Parade
Not sure what to expect from this, but this seems like a lost parade of some kind. It would be nice to have a parade come back to Walt Disney Studios Park, and it would be nice seeing it go around the lake and maybe down the long stretch of walk-path.
Walk-Path
While this means that part of Hollywood Boulevard and the Tram Tours has to be taken, I’m can’t say I’m sad. It looks amazing what we see here and I’m curious to see how this will be filled in. Will it be mainly a walk-path, or shopping area or parade route? At least there is room to add some things and add some street entertainment.
Toy Story Land Addition
This seems like a new addition to Toy Story Land, and it might even be the Alien Swirling Saucer attraction which will open soon at Toy Story Land at Hollywood Studios Park in Florida.
Hollywood Tower of Terror
It seems like Hollywood Tower of Terror is staying! At least for now.
Marvel Changes
And last but not least, the Marvel changes which we already had some confirmation of, but it seems like more is being added. The building seems to be new buildings and not just re-purposed existing buildings. I just can’t place the shark that we see at this picture. We do get an early look at the Iron Man Roller Coaster, we see that the stunt show will have a new facade and it seems like Armageddon is on the chopping block as well.
What do you think?
Reading about all these changes, what do you think? Happy to see this Parisian Park finally getting the love it deserves?