News Around Disneyland Paris

For those of you interested in the current happenings at Disneyland Paris, there has been quite a lot of news recently on possible expansions of the resort.

Earlier this week, Euro Disney S.C.A., in which the Walt Disney Company owns a 40% stake, signed a new agreement with the French Government pushing back the deadline on expansion of the resort from 2017 to 2030. The original deal, signed in March 1987, was given on the condition that Disneyland Paris (then Euro Disney) would buy pockets of land in stages and develop this land by 2017. This new extension to the contract will give the resort a longer period to build a possible third park - and it will also give an increase to the property available to develop from 1,943 hectares to 2,230 hectares.

The article over at The Telegraph gives a little more detail to this agreement. It also mentions the rumour of a new project which could be built. Entitled Les Villages Nature de Val d'Europe, it would be the first foray into residential property for Euro Disney, with sustainable development and possible holiday homes.

Interesting, nonetheless. What do you think? Do you think it would be a good idea to introduce holiday homes, or should Disneyland Paris wait and create a third unique theme park?

On a side note, Princess Fee will be in Walt Disney World for the Wine and Dine Half Marathon! If you will be around please let me know (princessfee82[at]gmail[dot]com).

Playland Update

The Royal Family haven't had a chance to get over to Toy Story Playland in the Walt Disney Studios as of yet, but we still want you to experience it!

The fantastic Disney and More blog has a great post with some fantastic photos and videos of the Playland in action. Go over and check it out.

Prepare To Play-land

One of the new attractions for Walt Disney Studios this summer is the Toy Story Playland, extending the Toon area to become a more exciting destination for children of all ages! And hopefully reducing the queue lines for Crush's Coaster a little bit.

Of course, at any Disney Park, where there is construction there is construction walls. But not just any walls, oh no. These walls are just to tease us about what is going on behind!

What's Happening at Disneyland Paris

With us approaching the Easter holidays here in the UK, and the summer holidays all over the world, there are a lot of visits and trips planned for families to the Paris resort over the next few months. Because of this I thought I would take some time to give you all a small round-up of the latest news and happenings over at Disneyland Paris!

As I have mentioned in previous News articles, this year introduces the New Generation Festival at Disneyland Paris. As well as several new attractions that will be premiering at the Walt Disney Studios, the Festival will bring a new 'Castle Show' to the Hub. Entitled Disney Showtime Spectacular, the show will allow guests to see Mickey up close and personal, as well as some other very special Disney characters. If you want to read more about this show you can over at the DLRP Today website, but beware there are spoilers! DF'82 will bring you more about this show in the next few months.

Another fun snippet of news is that there is a new Ratatouille themed car in the Stars N' Motorcars Parade at the Studios. You will be able to see Remy and Emile and their cookery themed float up close and personal!

In other news... Casey Jr Train and the Storybook Land (Le Pays du Conte de Fees) are both closed until 2nd July...The Mystery of the Nautilus in Discoveryland is also closed but only until 2nd April... It appears that Hakuna Matatta counter service restaurant is also closed for refurbishment... And the Panoramagique balloon is temporarily deflated for refurbishment, but for how long is unknown.... Over in Walt Disney Studios, the Studio Tram Tour will be closed until 30th April.

Picture copyright www.disneylandparis.co.uk

Exclusive: D23 First Year Party at Disneyland

Heading back over to Disneyland for an exclusive from D23 Member since first day, Leigh Canzoneri, who was lucky enough to attend a D23 event out at the California Park on Wednesday night. She's taken some time from her busy schedule to sit down with Royalty and tell the readers of DF'82 what it was like!

So Leigh, what was the event and how did you find out about it?
The event was the 1st anniversary of club D23. The D23 website informed all members when and where this event would be held for both the ‘Land and ‘World. I attended as a guest of Bill Farmer – the voice of "Goofy/Pluto/Practical Pig". It was available for a charge for D23 Members.

Ah so they were having it in both American parks? Excellent! What was the party going to consist of, for Disneyland?
Fantasyland was to be operational after regular park hours, and there would be rare characters seen in and around the ‘land. Celebrity and "Disney Legends" guests, desert bars, a commemorative pin and the ability for D23 members to get to know one another. The park would be open until midnight for D23 members.

That’s good – like a large social gathering for those fans. So, what happened when you arrived?
We were driven to the park from Grand Californian. There was myself, Bill Farmer, his wife Jenn and Kathryn Beaumont (the voice of "Alice/Wendy"). Bill would be meeting and greeting with the Disney fans, so we drove in through a back gate and were walked in from the cast members’ area behind Fantasyland, accompanied by a Guest Relations Cast Member.

Were there decorations or any D23 touches around Fantasyland?
Minimal. Just on the castle as you entered and the decorative tables where the deserts were

What was happening in the park once you entered?
The party was in full swing. Rides were going, music was playing, characters were in their spots doing meet and greets. There was a bar, and tables of cupcakes, Mickey rice crispy treats, cookies all around the back area in front of Casey Jr. train – there to help yourself! All rides were operating! And I highly recommend the story book canal boats at night! It could be considered better at night than during the day. It was gorgeous!

I can imagine – it is a beautiful attraction. What characters were there?
All 3 little pigs, Maleficent, Cinderella, Clara Cluck, Clarabelle, Alice, Mad Hatter, Mickey in his Band Leader outfit, The Country Bears, and I believe Peter Pan was there somewhere as well.

How did you spend your evening?
Bill signed many, many autographs and took photos with fans – it was a great experience for both him and the members. While Jenn and I went to some attractions, Peter Pan and Storybook Land, leaving Bill to meet the fans. We would check back on him to make sure he was given sufficient breaks in the ‘green room’. We chatted to Imagineer Bob Gurr for a while.
Then as the night progressed we all sat around and chatted with the original Bobby from the Mickey Mouse Club, Tony Baxter, Bob Olzweski, Margaret Kerry (“Tinkerbell”) and Bill Rogers "The VOICE of Disneyland". We also experienced a lot of the atmosphere, simply walking around and feeling involved with everything. And managed to grab some cookies too!

Would you say it was worth it for what you got to experience? And what were your overall opinions on the night.
I would say it was worth it. It was a great night for the D23 members. Not such a great night for the talent. But it isn't about the actors and the Imagineers, It’s about the Disney fans, community and D23 members so, I am guessing it went wonderfully for them and that the feedback will be positive. I haven't read anything on websites or what not, but I'm sure it was enjoyable for some and others, may not feel it was worth it. I think it was.

Pictures from D23 website - to read more about the event please visit D23.

Another Part of Disneyland

To continue to bring you news and events from all around the Disney World, our Roving Reporter in California has been to the re-opening of Captain E.O. out in Disneyland. The tribute 3D show recently opened in Tomorrowland, replacing Honey I Shrunk The Audience. Chuck Canzoneri, part of the Disneyland Gazette podcast, sent us this report of his findings.

When the decision was made to bring Captain Eo back to Disneyland, the smartest move was to name it ‘Captain Eo Tribute’. I’m sure George Lucas had a couple of meetings where he detailed his plans to update the visual effects with Computer Generated Imagery, remaster the sound and create a shiny new print that would utilize the Disney’s Digital 3D format. All of which would’ve been hopeless.

It’s completely impossible to take the existing footage and shake the 80’s off of it. Eo is hopelessly dated in that decade. More than Star Tours. More than the video for Thriller. So instead, Disney decided to embrace its time capsule quality. They didn’t change the effects, the score, or the technology. They didn’t even create a new print, which still bears scratches and dust specks that indicate its lack of a restoration. Even the preshow contains the kind of 80’s synth-pop back beat that could only come from 25 years ago.

Disney wears the retro quality like a badge of honor and the return of Captain Eo is the better for it. The preshow warms you up, so you’re all ready for the retro model work and stop motion animation. The 5 times I saw Captain Eo this week, there was only one moment of unintentional laughter. (After defeating the Whip Warriors Michael turns another fierce fighter into a dancer with a very dated faux-hawk.)

This was actually my first time ever watching Captain Eo, and I’ll be honest and say I was expecting to hate it. But I kept reminding myself I was also prepared to hate the Country Bear Jamboree and that’s one of my favorite Magic Kingdom attractions. I first saw the show from 6^th Row Center, then 3 rows from the back. After that, I was in various places around the middle.

I guess I could be negative and harp about how out of date the attraction is, but I’m very sure Disney is aware of that, and they’re wise to be keeping the Tribute for only a limited time. So, I can enjoy it for what it is, although a part of me wonders how they kept Lucas from updating the effects that have become very dated. Also, as someone seeing this after the new Star Wars trilogy I see a lot of Jar Jar Binks in the character of Hooter, who I know is a favorite of many.

My final complaint is that the song, “We Are Here to Change The World” is terribly weak. I can’t help but wonder how much more popular the show would’ve been if it had a song on the level of his classic MTV video films.

The film is fast-moving and simple enough to hold up over multiple viewings. There’s also some nice 4-D lighting effects, my favorite being a pulsating green light in the theatre when the ship lands next to the homing beacon. I was much more aware and appreciative of these effects when I sat in the back of the theatre.

From what I understand, one of the newer effects is that the film uses the moving floor, developed for ‘Honey I Shrunk the Audience’. This comes into play when Eo’s ship makes a rough landing, and acts as a bass beat during the climactic song. I like the theatre bouncing up and down to the beat, but during one showing it was thumping out of sync and twice it didn’t thump at all.

Ultimately, the return of Captain Eo serves its main purpose, to act as a fitting tribute to the mega star that was Michael Jackson. At each showing, there was quite a bit of applause when Jackson first enters the film. His singing and dancing are superb as always and when he starts the big number with his trademark high-pitched “Whooo,” it sends waves of joy through the theatre. (I also got a big smile when he worked his moonwalk into the dancing.) I was skeptical of Disney’s decision to bring back Captain Eo, but I now totally see why this was a good idea… so long as it’s for a limited time only.

What's Happening at Disneyland Paris?

It's a Monday and we haven't had any Disneyland Paris news for a while, so I thought we would have a closer look at the new New Generation Festival about to hit the Resort in April 2010!

The major introduction to the Parks will happen in the Walt Disney Studios, where Toy Story Playland will introduce the Guests of Paris to the wonderful world of Toy Story. A place where characters will be brought to life!According to the most recent guide brochure, we will be able to "shrink to the size of a toy and explore this oversized world". Sounds exciting, doesn't it? And let's have a look at what else we can experience:

Toy Soldiers Parachute Drop
The Mission: to train and make paratroopers out of you for a simulated parachute hump. It's a high-flying adventure!Slinky Dog Zig Zag Spin
This 'zigzag-a coaster' is barking mad fun for all the family - pups of all sizes will howl with laughter as they join Slinky in a rollicking spin to catch his own tail!

RC Racer
This 25 metre-high half-pipe coaster ride will get your heart and family racing - when RC zooms you around at full speed...it's a real gas!

Disneyland Paris Interactive Brochure Winter 2009/Summer 2010 (p16)

Fancy Seeing a Movie?

Now that Christmas and New Year is out of the way, perhaps you are looking for something to do - something to pass the time. I always think January is a bit of a 'down' month, so I am always interested in cheering myself up! Last year I booked a trip to Walt Disney World during it!

I am not suggesting you book a holiday to our favourite place in the world, but if you need your injection of Disney - and especially if you live in North America - why not go along and see The Princess and the Frog? The reintroduction of 2D, 'old fashioned' animation is a great way to bring a little bit of Disney into your life, whilst seeing a fun movie in return!

If you are like myself and the Royal Family, however, and live in a country where the film has yet to be released, there are many other ways you can cheer yourself up with Disney! I recently purchased a Disney-themed jigsaw, and I also love to make scrapbooks and photo albums in relation to my previous Disney trips.

But that doesn't mean we can't look forward to the release of The Princess and The Frog in a cinema near us in the meantime. For the UK market, the film is released 5th February 2010. And here are just some of the other major market dates, so make sure to make a note in your 2010 diary!

Please note, all dates are subject to change
France - 27th January 2010
Switzerland - 27th January 2010
Netherlands - 3rd February 2010
Spain - 4th February 2010
Hong Kong - 18th February 2010
Norway - 19th February 2010
Finland - 19th February 2010
Japan - 6th March 2010

What's Happening At Disneyland Paris

As we are rapidly approaching the Christmas holidays, I thought it would be appropriate to have a quick look at how Disneyland Paris is celebrating the Christmas and New Year season for 2009!

A brand new show has been introduced to the Castle Stage, since the start of the Christmas season. Entitled Snow White's Happily Ever After, the show features the beautiful Snow White, her handsome Prince, the Seven Dwarfs and - oh no, I think the Evil Queen/Old Hag also makes an appearance. Although she frightens me, I have no doubt that this show will be a must see during the festivities in Paris!

It's a small world Celebration has also been reintroduced to the Fantasyland area of Disneyland Paris, where a brand new Christmas soundtrack also features. The site DLRP Today (a great source for all Disneyland Paris fans) has a brilliant article detailing this celebration, as well as some videos, and an interview with the Costuming Production Senior Manager.
Of course, Christmas at Disneyland Paris also includes the favourite attractions such as Belle's Village, Snow Flakes on Main Street, Santa's Village, the Christmas Parade and the Christmas Castle Tree Lighting Ceremony.


First Picture from DisneylandParis.com

Monday Round-Up

I have been away this weekend, so am a little slow on any News from Disneyland Paris. But thought I would introduce you to what the Resort has in store for 2010. Thanks to DLRPToday.com, the new 'party' will be named the New Generation Festival, starting April 2010. Here is some of the Official writings of the new party:

Disney new generation festival

A new generation of Disney stars and stories are landing for one year only at Disneyland® Paris from April 2010.

Join the festival-fun at the all-new generation shows and parades – where new Princess Tiana jazzes up the Once Upon a Dream Parade, and gourmet chef Remy* drives you wild with excitement in Disney’s Stars ‘n’ Cars. Or choo-choo-choose which star to meet first on the Disney all stars express and at Monsters Inc. Scream Academy* –shriek n’ greet like no other!

And, starting from Summer, shrink to the size of a toy in Toy Story Playland* for the BIGGEST new family attractions: Toy Soldiers Parachute Drop, Slinky Dog(1) Zig Zag Spin and RC Racer(2).

Finally, gather in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle for a true Disney showstopper finale – an all-singing, all-dancing, all-together perfect end to the perfect day.

The Disney new generation festival might only last a year but your all-new memories will last a lifetime.

*Inspired by Disney•Pixar films Ratatouille, Monsters, Inc., Toy Story(1) Slinky®Dog is a registered trademark of Poof-Slinky, Inc. All rights reserved.(2) Hot Wheels® is a registered trademark of Mattel, Inc. Hot Wheels® Trademark and Track Used With Permission © 2009 Mattel, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

This all sounds really exciting! And let's have a look at some of the new parades and shows that we will have:

Welcome Princess Tiana to the Disney’s Once Upon a Dream Parade
Princess Tiana from Walt Disney Pictures’ “The Princess and the Frog” brings a little jazz, snazz and pizzazz in the Once Upon a Dream Parade. She is joining the Disney Princesses in their Dreams of Romance. Hop along with your little ones to twist and twirl to the romantic music from each of their worlds and give a warm welcome to this new Princess.
Ratatouille(1) starring in Disney’s Stars ‘n’ Cars
Drive your little ones wild with excitement as Disney’s Stars ‘n’ Cars presents the all-new Ratatouille roadster. It’s a party on wheels that goes into a spin when Remy pulls up alongside you! Get a taste of his cooking capers and the other crazy cars and characters. It’s the perfect recipe for a fun-filled motorcade.

Disney all star express
Get on track with the festivities on the Disney all stars express. This is your ticket to choo-choo-se which of your favourite Disney new generation Characters you want to meet n’ greet first. Will it be Buzz(3) ? A rendez-vous with Remy(3) ? Shootin’ the breeze with Woody(3) ? All aboard! It’s Minnie and her all stars express!

Disney showtime spectacular
It’s Showtime! It’s time to shine. It’s time to gather in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle on Central Plaza stage for an explosion of music from maestro Mickey. Together with an all-new A-list of guest stars it promises to be an all-singing, all-dancing all-new showstopper finale!

Monsters Inc.(2) Scream Academy
All screams are welcome at Disneyland® Paris. Thrill-filled shrieks, surprised yelps and screams of delight! At Monsters Inc. Scream Academy we welcome screams to break the decibel meter! Join in the tonsil-tingling fun as you shriek n’ greet Sulley and scream as loud as monster-possible – it’s ear-popping fun for all the family.

(1)Inspired by Disney•Pixar’s Ratatouille
(2)Inspired by Disney•Pixar’s Monsters, Inc.
(3)Inspired by Disney•Pixar’s movies Toy Story, Ratatouille

Thanks to DLRPToday.com for this information - if you want to keep updated on the latest Disneyland Paris news, this is the place to go!

Monday Morning Round-Up

Let's have a look at some of the news affecting Disneyland Paris this week - and as predicted, it's Halloween related!

As we approach Halloween time, Disneyland Paris is getting its Halloween party in full swing! From yesterday, October 3rd, until November 1st, the Disneyland Resort will be full of ghosts and ghouls and...pumpkins! Mickey will be ready to meet you in his special Halloween costume, and you could also meet Sally and Jack from the Nightmare Before Christmas. If that doesn't make you want to celebrate this Halloween Festival, I don't know what will. There will be special shows and celebrations throughout the park during this time too - all for the price of regular admission.

And this year there is a new introduction to Halloweensphere - Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party! Although this has been at the Walt Disney World resort for several years, this is the first time Paris has had an exclusive 'extra' party.

The Party runs on several nights - October 9, 16, 23 and 27 from 8pm to 11pm. Tickets for this are on a first-come first-served basis and are strictly limited - you can find out more about the party here. Select attractions are open during the party, and there are Dance Parties throughout the park and a special Merlin and the Witch Academy show! There is also the new Not-So-Scary show.

But on October 31st there is a special Halloween Party, where you are advised to aactually wear your spookiest costumes to the park. It is set to actually be quite a scary place, where villains will be out to scare you as much as possible, with their shows and the Fantillusion Parade.

You can find out all about Disneyland Paris at Halloween at their website here.

Adventure At Every Turn!

Do you fancy taking a ride on the Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Crystal Skull in Tokyo DisneySea? Let's have a look at the information card first!

News From DisneySea!

As DF'82 will be travelling for the next few days, I thought it would be appropriate to have a look at some of the news from around the other Disney Parks. Namely, Tokyo DisneySea.

Today's article is from the DisneySea Transit Steamer Line, No. 20059, Vol 4 (Special Issue). You can have a look at the 'Line' in full, below.

Our Transit Steamers will take you on a round-trip cruise along the waterways of Tokyo DisneySea. During your voyage, please remain seated and keep your head and arms inside the boat at all times.

American Waterfront

The rustic charm of the fishing village Cape Cod.

As the Transit Steamer completes its first turn, Hurricane Point Lighthouse comes into view. You are now in Cape Cod, named for the fish that thrive in great abundance in these chilly waters. Cod fishing is more than just an occupation here; it's a way of life.

Port Discovery - StormRider

Home of the Center for Weather Control, Port Discovery

On the starboard side is Port Discovery. Inside the Center for Waether Control, a group of researchers study the weather. Their most recent invention is a flying weather laboratory called "StormRider" that has the power to break up storms.