November 18, 2008

The Little Park That Could?

Maybe I called it too soon on this one.

The recent additions to Paris' Walt Disney Studios have successfully brought in the crowds. Crush's Coaster and Cars Race Rally began something good that culminated with the relatively recent opening of The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. The former two attractions brought much charm and a family focus to a rather dismal area of the park. The latter attraction and the surrounding area is heavy on the theming and strongly executed, something this park was poorly lacking.

From most accounts, guests seem to be spending more time here. That's a good thing. With response so positive, more elaborate plans are ready to be approved. This expansion and enhancement proves what Imagineering can do to take a bare bones park and turn it into one that feels like it belongs in the Disney family. Could even be a model for what the Imagineers hope to accomplish with the also quickly and cheaply built California Adventure. I guess I've learned an important lesson: Never underestimate the underdog!

(Artwork copyright The Walt Disney Company)

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