Posts Tagged ‘Disneyland Paris’

Announcements today from Euro Disney S.C.A., which owns Disneyland Paris in partnership with the Walt Disney Company, indicate permission has been granted by the French government for a planned expansion and the construction of a new theme park.  This third park would join Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park, enlarging the area by as much as 700 acres.

Of course, there is much speculation about plans for the future expansion including the possibility of a superhero-themed park, a housing development, and a “vacation village” which would feature thousands of new hotel rooms as well as a forest and a lake.

Despite a history of financial struggles, Disneyland Paris has become the top tourist attraction in all of Europe, bringing the magic to millions of visitors since first opening in 1992. Originally called Euro Disneyland, it was renamed Disneyland Paris in 1994.  Today, the resort, known as Parc Disneyland in France, comprises two theme parks, hotels, restaurants, retail shops, convention facilities, and a golf course.

I think my son said it best.  Although he had visited Walt Disney World a dozen times with his grandmother, it was my very first trip.  I suggested giving the attraction a pass and he looked at me with horror, “But Mom, we have to do this; It’s A Small World is Disney.”

And so it is.

The cheerful little title tune, the subject of so much whining, is actually thought to be the most widely-performed and translated song in the world.  Yes, it is sung for ten minutes straight, in five different languages by audioanimatronic figures backed up by assorted animals and animated props, as guests float past a variety of scenes representing many world cultures.  But the ride, first created for the New York World’s Fair of 1964, also embodies so much of the Disney tradition and spirit.

Overseen by Walt himself, it was designed by Mary Blair, best known for her murals in the Grand Concourse of Disney’s Contemporary Resort.  It also features the work of other Disney legends: Joyce Carlson, and Marc and Alice Davis.  The original attraction found a home in Disneyland but it has been recreated for Walt Disney World, Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Tokyo Disneyland.

The exquisitely-detailed costumes alone are worth the voyage over the Seven Seaways.  Small children, dressed to evoke their native lands, bounce and twist to the ever-present music.  It is charming and colorful, promoting a message of goodwill and unity – and, let’s be honest, every vacation can generally use a dash of goodwill and unity!

It’s a Small World

Magic Kingdom, Fantasyland

Approximately 10 minutes

Guests must transfer from wheelchair and ECV to ride vehicle

No flash photography

Handheld captioning device available

Park admission required

Planning a visit to Walt Disney World this summer?  There are lots of amazing surprises in store as Disney launches Summer Nightastic!  The most exciting news is the return of the Main Street Electrical Parade.  Arriving in June of 2010 for a limited engagement, this wondrous parade returns with magical enhancements including a brand new lead float featuring Tinker Bell.

The original “light parade,” the Main Street Electrical Parade in Disneyland, was modeled on Walt Disney World’s Electrical Water Pageant which remains one of the World’s best-loved attractions, nearly forty years after its debut in October of 1971.

Initially, some of the floats that made up the Main Street Electrical Parade had flat screens mounted on platforms, much like the screens mounted on the barges of the Electrical Water Pageant.  Over the years, the light parades have undergone many changes – moving from park to park; being copied for one park from another; renamed, replaced, reincarnated.

SpectroMagic has enjoyed two long runs in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World; a second version of the Main Street Electrical Parade also ran in the Magic Kingdom for a number of years before moving to Disneyland Paris, and the original Disneyland parade was featured there briefly during the Millennium celebration.  Dreamlights, Fantillusion, Light Magic; none had the staying power of the Main Street Electrical Parade which finally returned to Disney’s California Adventure as Disney’s Electrical Parade in 2001.  Since then, there have been upgrades and additions which combine new themes and technology with the classic feel of the original.

In addition to the new parade, guests will be treated to a spectacular summer fireworks show, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is receiving a special effects makeover, and there are more new entertainment features yet to be announced.  Stay tuned!

Despite the fact that millions of children may never have seen the movie that inspired it, Dumbo the Flying Elephant remains one of the most beloved rides of all time.  This spunky little pachyderm has managed to fly to the four corners of the earth, and now appears at Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Disneyland Paris, and Tokyo Disney.

Based upon what is, perhaps, the most charming animated film ever produced, Dumbo teaches us many lessons:

• the beauty of friendship

• the value of recognizing and utilizing all of our assets

• the transformative power of belief in ourselves

It’s a gentle flight over Fantasyland; each Dumbo car equipped with a control that allows riders to raise and lower their elephants as they slowly circle around.

The huge popularity of the ride coupled with its slow loading means the lines get very long, very quickly.  For those families whose vacations will be absolutely ruined without the Dumbo experience, we turn again to our favorite tip: get to the parks early!  Head immediately to Dumbo the Flying Elephant and join the queue.  For many little kids (and big kids, too),  it will be one of the most memorable moments of their visit.

Dumbo the Flying Elephant

Magic Kingdom, Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, Tokyo Disney

Wheelchair guests must transfer to the ride vehicle

Appropriate for all ages

Park admission required