disneyland paris – WDWNT Archive

BREAKING: Blockbuster New Attraction Coming to Disneyland Paris in 2024

WDWNT on December 1, 2017

A “major new attraction”is coming to Disneyland Paris Resort in 2024, according to Forbes. While there are no details on what the new attraction will be or which of the two Paris parks will host it, it is part of a $2.4 billion investment in the parks following the Walt Disney Company taking full ownership of the resort earlier this year. Rumors have circulated recently that a Tron Lightcycle Power Run Coaster, similar to the one in Shanghai and the one coming to the Magic Kingdom by 2021, may be coming to Disneyland Paris. This would likely not be the blockbuster new attraction, as that should be something larger and original for Disneyland Paris.

According to recent filings, “capital expenditure included in the business plan represents a total of €2.1 billion ($2.4 billion in US dollars) over the period. This includes in particular the renovation of two hotels and attractions, as well as a major new attraction in 2024.”

Forbes reports that the information was disclosed in the cash tender offer document that was issued in connection with Disney’s takeover of the resort. The documents are connected to evaluating the company’s share value as part of its de-listing from the Euronext stock exchange. The filings indicate that Disney projects a 4% growth in annual revenue through 2026, with an 11.3% underlying profit margin through 2026 and rising to 15% four years later.

The documents also reference major hotel renovations to Hotel New York, which will close in October 2018 to become Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel, as well as to the Disneyland Hotel. Last month, Disney opened Villages Nature Paris, a new “nature” resort in collaboration with tourism and hotel operator Pierre & Vacances-Center Parcs.

In addition, “Marvel-themed attractions and entertainment” will be coming to the Walt Disney Studios park. Those attractions include a Marvel Stunt Show that will replace Cinemagique, which closed in March, as part of a special Marvel Summer of Superheroes from June 10th to September 30th that will feature new entertainment including character appearances by Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, Spider-Man, Star-Lord and Black Widow.

Other rumors that have circulated regarding developments at the resort include a conversion of the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror to Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission Breakout in the Walt Disney Studios park. Tower of Terror is expected to close in September 2018 and reopen as Mission Breakout in March 2019. According to Forbes, Mission Breakout in Disney’s California Adventure has become the “highest rated thrill ride in the whole of [Disney’s] California resort.” An entire land based on MARVEL characters is expected to be part of the investment in the Resort.

Other recent changes to the resort include a 3D update to Star Tours, a new finale for Big Thunder Mountain, and the new Disney Stars on Parade daytime parade featuring a fire-breathing Malificent dragon like that in the Magic Kingdom’s Festival of Fantasy Parade.

Attendance has already started rising at the resort, up 5% for the six months ending March 31 from the same period a year before, revenue increasing $21.7 million, and occupancy up 3% to 81%.

Hotel New York at Disneyland Paris Will Close for Two Years to Become “The Art of MARVEL”

WDWNT on October 25, 2017

As we previously reported, Disney announced it would revamp the Hotel New York in Disneyland Paris with a Marvel theme and rename the new property Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel.

AT D23 EXPO 2017, DISNEY PARKS CHAIRMAN BOB CHAPEK UNVEILS MARVEL-THEMED HOTEL COMING TO DISNEYLAND PARIS — Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel at Disneyland Paris will transport guests to the action-packed world of Super Heroes, including Iron Man, The Avengers, Spider-Man and more.

Hotel New York will close for about two years for the renovation, beginning in October 2018. According to Disney’s site for the hotel, “We’re always adding a little more shine and magic to our hotels for your future enjoyment. From October 2018, we’ll be busy at work, totally re-imagining the Disney’s Hotel New York into an inspiring world of Marvel Super Heroes. Opening planned within 2020.”

The move is part of an expected massive overhaul to take place at Disneyland Paris since the Walt Disney Company took full ownership of the park in June.

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RUMOR: Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission Breakout Opening in Early 2019 at Disneyland Paris

WDWNT on October 7, 2017

We have certainly told you on numerous occasions that Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission Breakout would likely be coming to Walt Disney Studios Paris in the near future. Well, it now seems that Disney has settled on a timeframe for the closure of Tower of Terror and the opening of this new attraction.

If the rumors are to be believed, the facade of the Tower of Terror will begin its conversion in March 2018, with the ride closing forever in September 2018. Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission Breakout would open in March 2019, starting a new MARVEL land for Walt Disney Studios Paris. This would also give Paris a halloween attraction overlay, with Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark operating each Fall.

Again, this is just a rumor at this time, but it seems highly likely.

Disney Chairman, CEO Bob Iger & Imagineer Executives Tour Disneyland Paris As Company Eyes Massive Expansion

WDWNT on September 27, 2017

With the Walt Disney Company taking control of Disneyland Paris, it is no secret that executives are eyeing a massive overhaul and expansion of the resort similar to projects executed at the other Disney Resorts around the world since 2007. Today, Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger was spotted with Walt Disney Imagineering President Bob Weiss, Senior Creative Executive Tom Fitzgerald, and others touring Disneyland Park at the Parisian resort.

Photo courtesy of @ED92live on twitter

While Disney has not announced any details of an expansion plan for the resort, rumors are abundant that several MARVEL themed attractions are planned for Walt Disney Studios Paris including Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission Breakout. Several enhancements and additions should also be in the works for Disneyland Park as well, but it could be some time until we get any sort of an update on any of this.

UPDATE: Walt Disney Company Takes Full Ownership of Disneyland Paris

WDWNT on June 25, 2017

In a rather exciting piece of new, the Walt Disney Company has successfully taken full ownership of Disneyland Paris.

In order to take full ownership, France’s laws require Disney to own more than 95% of the stock. After offering a buyout to existing shareholders that ended last week, Disney reached 97.08% ownership which will now allow them to take full ownership of the entire resort for the first time in its 25 year history. The remaining shareholders will see their shares automatically redeemed at the price of €2 each.

Before the buyout, Disney stated that this deal “affords maximum flexibility to shareholders, addresses the group’s financial needs and reflects its ongoing support for the long-term success of Disneyland Paris”. To this end, Disney said it will support Euro Disney’s recapitalization to the tune of 1.5 billion euros. This follows a 2014 rescue plan in which Disney committed to at least 1 billion euros over 10 years.

Disneyland Paris racked up a net loss of 858 million euros (over $900 million) in 2016 after the terrorist attacks in Paris in late 2015 led to a downturn in the tourism industry across France. Additionally, the European economy hasn’t been been kind to businesses across the continent. In 2015, the company recorded a net loss of 102 million euros. The financial saga of Euro Disney is frequently discussed in most writings about the resort, including the recently released “Building Magic – Disney’s Overseas Theme Parks” and the earlier “Once Upon an American Dream: The Story of Euro Disneyland“.

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D23 Expo 2017 Rumors – Fixing Disneyland Paris with MARVEL and More

WDWNT on June 25, 2017

With the D23 Expo 2017 quickly approaching, it seems logical that we begin speculating as to what announcements will be made by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek at 3PM on July 15th during what is usually a fairly interesting presentation. In the past, New Fantasyland, Star Tours: The Adventures Continue, Fantasy Faire, Star Wars Land, Toy Story Land, and Soarin’ Around the World have all been announced at this event, so needless to say, we can expect some things to drop in 3 weeks time, but what will they be? Well, let the speculation begin with Disneyland Paris, the latest acquisition of the Walt Disney Company.

With the ink still drying on this corporate takeover to save Disneyland Paris, many believe Disney will come roaring out of the gate with a billion dollar enhancement of the troubled Walt Disney Studios Park, easily the worst Disney theme park currently on this planet. While it would just be the beginning of what would be needed to bring the entire European resort up to snuff with the others around the world, a massive expansion of the Studios is good start.

Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission Breakout and the Marvel Super Hero Land

I’m not even sure if this qualifies as a rumor because it just seems so certain, but it is at least a rumor that it will be announced so soon.

Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission Breakout

Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission Breakout has been a huge hit at Disney California Adventure, where it will eventually anchor an entire themed land based on the MARVEL universe, and it will do the same for Disneyland Paris’ Walt Disney Studios Park where it will also replace the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Whether it is announced at the D23 Expo or not, this is the next big investment for Paris and is expected to happen within the next year. The remainder of the MARVEL themed land will follow, simultaneously being built for Hong Kong, Anaheim, and here in Europe.

MARVEL Themed Land in development for Hong Kong Disneyland

Any further expansions remain unclear at this time, but Star Wars Land seems unlikely for the future of Disneyland Paris. Regardless, a massive themed land filled with numerous new attractions seems like a nice way to welcome Paris to the family.

New Details on Marvel Summer of Super Heroes at Disneyland Paris

WDWNT on May 28, 2017

New details on the Marvel Summer of Super Heroes coming to Disneyland Paris next year were recently announced. The event is slated to run from June 10 to September 20, 2018 – a few weeks after the premiere of Avengers: Infinity War – as a conclusion to Disneyland Paris’ 25th Anniversary celebrations.

The event will feature new shows with a number of characters from the Marvel Universe at the Walt Disney Studios Park.

Marvel: Super Heroes United is an immense show at the Studio Theater. Characters including Thor, Iron Man, Black Widow, Doctor Strange, Black Panther and Spider-Man will battle Thanos in the 20-minute show to be performed several times daily. The storyline of the show: “Thanos has found a way of manipulating the Avengers and their allies in order to destroy them. Will the heroes manage to escape his clutches? You’ll find out in this show that’s packed full of breath-taking twists and turns.”

The show will focus on three themes – origins, duality, and unity – and feature cutting-edge special effects that will bring the Hulk and Thanos to life, along with spectacular projections and many other surprises.

Stark Expo presents: Energy for Tomorrow! will take place at the foot of the Hollywood Tower Hotel in Production Courtyard. In the show, Tony Stark will reveal the latest version of his revolutionary ‘Arc Reactor.’ Loki interrupts, but Black Widow, Spider-Man and Thor attempt to foil his plans.

Guardians of the Galaxy Awesome Dance-Off will feature Star-Lord and Gamora making an entrance to hit songs from the 70s and 80s. During the show, the two find themselves in danger and call on the audience for a helping hand. The show will take place several times a day, also in the Production Courtyard.

Heroic Encounter: Captain America is a new character meet and greet with Captain America in the Walt Disney Studios Park.

The Marvel Summer of Super Heroes event will also feature Marvel merchandise exclusive to Disneyland Paris, including Marvel hero headbands.

Jack Sparrow and Other ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ Movie Characters Being Added to Paris Attraction

WDWNT on May 18, 2017

Disneyland Paris has confirmed today that Captain Jack Sparrow will be a permanent audio animatronic feature in The Pirates Of The Caribbean when it reopens later this year. The news comes after the media event on Sunday to welcome the European premiere of the new movie. Disneyland Paris will be the final Disney park to receive the character additions in hopes to incorporate the movie franchise with the classic Pirate Of The Caribbean attraction.

There’s still more to come with this renovation plan, as Pirates of the Caribbean is set to receive brand new latest-generation audio-animatronics, to give the vignettes a more lifelike effect. Characters from the successful film franchise – such as Jack Sparrow himself – will also be brought into this iconic ride at Disneyland Park, from July 24th.

The release remarks that multiple film characters will join the ride, but who all will be joining Jack remains to be seen. The attraction is currently under refurbishment, as seen below:

Look out for a trip report for more photos of Disneyland Paris and assorted news in the next few days.

RUMOR: Disneyland Paris to Introduce Paid ‘Fastpass Premium’ Service

WDWNT on May 8, 2017

Starting in May, Disneyland Paris are said to be introducing a paid FastPass service.

It will reportedly be at a cost of €90 per day for unlimited Fastpasses and €15 for a single Fastpass. Thankfully, the current Fastpass system isn’t going anywhere, but this seems to be going hand in hand with the recent changes to the annual pass structure.

Shanghai Disney Resort is currently the only other Disney property that offers such a service, with Disneyland offering a paid service called MaxPass in the coming months that allows for digital FastPasses, but not for unlimited.

What do you think of the new changes? Let me know in the comments!

Disneyland Paris Was Targeted by Apprehended Terrorist Cell

WDWNT on November 29, 2016

From Deadline:

Disneyland Paris

Just a little over a year since 130 people died in the November Paris Attacks, it has emerged that a suspected terror cell researched such landmarks as Disneyland Paris, the annual Christmas Market on the Champs-Elysées and the headquarters of the Police Judiciare at 36 Quai des Orfèvres as it plotted a series of coordinated attacks for December 1. Five out of seven people arrested last weekend have now had their custody extended for another two days.

According to French daily Libération, the seven people who were arrested last weekend between Strasbourg and Marseille had been under surveillance since the June arrest of another cell planning attacks during this summer’s Euro 2016 soccer tournament. Security sources told Le Parisien that the suspects had fought in Syria and were linked to the Isis cell that carried out the Paris Attacks last November.

The extension of the custody today suggests there is concern over an imminent attack or that the investigation is part of an international cooperation. Found with the suspects were handguns and automatic weapons as well as jihadist propaganda.

Disneyland Paris said in a statement, “We work closely with state and local authorities, and constantly review the security measures we have in place.” Last January, potential danger was thwarted when French police arrested a man attempting to enter the New York Hotel at Disneyland Paris carrying a suitcase holding two automatic guns; although the situation was not believed to be terrorism-related.

France has remained in a state of high alert — or Vigipirate — since November 13, 2015, when the Paris Attacks began at the Stade de France football stadium before gunmen ravaged the Bataclan and the 10th arrondissement of the capital city, ultimately killing 130 people. Then, on Bastille Day this summer, a truck drove into a crowd on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice, killing 86. Sting recently performed a charity concert at the Bataclan, re-opening the theater for the first time.

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