Back When Disney Adventure World Was Walt Disney Studios Paris

Disney Adventure World  in Paris has its grand opening today. It is truly the grand re-opening as the place was originally named Walt Disney Studios Paris in 2001. Three Disney Parks opened that year, this place, Disney's California Adventure and Tokyo Disneysea. Only one was incredible. The French park was the worst of the lot, making Anaheim's second park look at EPCOT Center in comparison. Let's go back in time to our first visit to Paris' second Disney park...

Visiting the Walt Disney Studios Paris was on day two of our agenda to this resort, and we allotted only half a day. It was much more than enough! It goes without saying that this park suffers from sitting next door to the most beautiful Magic Kingdom ever created. I won't lie and say we didn't enjoy a few items during our visit there, but we promptly returned to its older sister only after a few hours of touring. Here is a quick review- befitting a park that was thrown together quickly as well!

Crush's Coaster is one of the few small gems to be found here. It had opened a couple of years prior to this trip, so we were very curious as to how it impacted the park. Simply said: the coaster is just fun! The theming is minimal on the ride itself, but the track is laid out in such a way to evoke a good amount of laughs. The indoor queue sets the mood for what lies ahead. It's fairly basic, on par with an old "C" ticket attraction as in Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. Nothing special but it does set the pace. The line is understandably long for this attraction and was our first ride of the day. This is the one place where we found crowds, showing just how badly this park needed something of substance.

From a firsthand look, the newest attractions from Cars are smaller than they seem from viewing them in photos. Minuscule, actually. Very cute, highly detailed, but disappointing in scope, scale, and just about every way. It does provide a very small taste of what California Adventure's Cars Land. However in California, everything is grander and more fully realized. It remains the premier land at the park even though it was completed 14 years ago back in 2012.

The newest additions to the park are the most highly themed of the attractions. It is almost as if Disney discovered that its guests like themed environments after all. This is 180 degree change in direction in terms of detail is most welcome at this bare bones park. However, it also makes the Studios shortcomings more obvious than ever. Damned if you do, damned if you don't. But I guess you do have to start somewhere.

Many attractions are repeats from Florida, but Tower of Terror was not yet open at the time of this trip- and this high thrill attraction was really needed to flesh out the park a bit. The real highlight of the few hours we spent were the original attractions- especially the effects-laden Armageddon. The tram tour, stage shows, and even Rock 'N' Rollercoaster had an overcast of cookie cutter boredom, as if Disney's Imagineers were themselves disinterested designing these attractions. Add to this, big box architecture, lack of greenery, and vast expanses of concrete. Not a winning combination. 

We will not return to the Studios next trip- at least not until there are more unique attractions to be found- but we will certainly make a stop in the neighboring park and take one day out of our Paris visit. This Magic Kingdom continues to be magical but also badly needs new and original attractions. Hopefully, Disney is hearing this message from its theme park fans... and listening.

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After concluding this trip report, things began to change for this disaster of a park. As I wrote- "Maybe I called it too soon on this one." 

The more recent additions like Ratatouille: L’Aventure Totalement Toquée de Rémy (Remy's Ratatouille Adventure) to Paris' Walt Disney Studios have successfully brought in the crowds. It also made the park a more appealing experience. When added to The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Crush's Coaster, the opening of Avengers Campus, the park's line up has begun to look more impressive. Every change has been well planned to introduce charm, appeal, and yes, Disney magic, to a park that had none.

I wholeheartedly welcome the newly renamed but rather generic sounding Disney Adventure World! There's not too many attractions added to the park as the main restructuring was expansive and will only set up what the Imagineers and the Disney suits have planned for the future. Perhaps there will be no more cheaply budgeted parks in Disney's future. Maybe they have learned it costs them years of profit and goodwill to do something poorly at the beginning. Also, maybe they have learned that the decades of minimal park investment is not the way to go either. Walt Disney considered his Anaheim park a gem. It's about time the new team takes on a similar perspective. Does Josh D'Amaro have Walt's perspective and DNA? We shall see.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company. Photographs copyright Mark Taft.)

A New Autopia Poster for Disneyland Paris

Those great Imagineering attraction posters are some of my favorite pieces of Disney theme park memorabilia, and here's a brand new one from Disneyland Paris! (Will they create them for Disney Adventure World when the revised studio park opens in 2026? Let's hope so!) 

I'd say this new poster for Discoveryland's Autopia is not one of my favorites, but it does have some cool elements, particularly the shiny centerpiece red car. 

Now, I'll admit Autopia is one of few attractions I haven't ridden there. During our first trip in the 90's, my youngest son was this much too short for Space Mountain. My wife came to the rescue and took him for a spin in the cars. (Surprisingly, Star Tours is the other attraction I haven't ridden!)

Imagineer Tony Baxter's pet project for Europe is a park that must be seen to be believed! It's sets a very high standard for what a Disney castle park should be. So, go see it- even if you don't see all of it.  ;)

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Just Released: New Park Map for Disney Adventure World in Paris

It didn't take a genius to figure out Walt Disney Studios Paris was going to be an absolute bomb at opening. And I don't mean that in a good way. Disney California Adventure 1.0 looks like an Imagineering masterpiece in comparison. But that's all about to change! The new Disney Adventure World continues to come to life. The Parisian crew released this brand new map showing the layout and the compelling attractions that will part of the re-envisioning. 

Frozen Ever After will put Epcot's version to shame. The Lion King river adventure in the model of Splash Mountain is set to have ground break by the end of the year. Perhaps most importantly, the entire park is getting refreshed and given a new lake, beautiful gardens and dining spots, and a full on night time show. It should be beautiful!

(Map copyright The Walt Disney Company, courtesy the Main Street News.)

New Concept Art For Disney Adventure World in Paris

As the Walt Disney Studios Paris transforms into the new Disney Adventure World , the recently announced addition of a whole area based on the Lion King, Pride Lands, seems no more out of place than a land dedicated to Frozen. 

The park needed a new identity and seems to have found one based on Islands of Adventure's layout. I must say, though, the land looks wonderful and more akin to something you'd find in Disney's Animal Kingdom. Gives me hope for this place that was once the worst of all Disney parks.

Speaking of ugly parks, with the addition of Pandora / Avatar, will the still underdeveloped California Adventure get a new name, too?)

No Laughing Matter: Introducing Disney’s California Adventure!

Do you remember this television ad? "Come to California Adventure! We have a Ferris wheel, lots of flat rides and spinners, and an entry area that brings you back to the malls from the 1970s and 1980s. Ignore that old school park across the way- Disneyland is outdated while we are hip and edgy with B List celebrities and Beach Boys music. So, come to Disney’s California Adventure where you can have the best of what Knott's Berry Farm has to offer- All at Disney's inflated prices." No, I don't remember it either, but it could have happened.  

Disney California Adventure has quite the history. It was the laughing stock of the theme park industry when it opened in 2001, especially compared to the jaw dropping beauty of Tokyo Disneysea which opened a few months later. Yet, Anaheim's second park looked like an absolute Imagineering masterpiece when placed up against the Walt Disney Studios Paris park. 

I was there opening year, and the park was an unmitigated disaster. It was so bad and so against everything Walt Disney stood for, that I walked out just a couple of hours later and asked for a refund. Instead, I took the offer to get into Disneyland for the rest of the day. I was not alone. Word of mouth spread quickly. The park built on the cheap by then CEO Michael Eisner was a disaster. The press had a field day.

The very ugly concept art for a very ugly park.

The quickly announced budget version of the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror open in 2004, but it wasn't enough to bring in the crowds or give it an authentic Disney park feel. 

On October 17, 2007 new CEO Robert Iger announced a total redesign of the park and to thunderous response. It was a "brand withdrawal" in his words- not up to par with what a Disney park should be. 

The project took many years. It brought the amazing Cars Land and Radiator Springs Racers, the brand new entry Buena Vista Street, an evening show on the lagoon World of Color, and a new dark ride based on The Little Mermaid. When the last stage opened in 2012, the crowds responded favorably and attendance went way, way up.

To be honest, I've had zero desire to visit California Adventure since I've seen Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout.  Nothing they have added/subtracted at the park has been a draw. And frankly, more Marvel won't do it for me.

There's been many changes and additions since, some good, some bad, and some very bad.  A Bug's Land gave way to Avengers Campus, while Paradise Pier became Pixar Pier. the rustic and attraction free Pacific Wharf (bakery tour and sourdough bread exhibit aside) became Big Hero 6's San Fransokyo. You judge for yourself whether these were great moves or not.

The little park that was the step child in Anaheim has a fascinating story to tell- and when you look through the concept art, you can see it was all Bargain Basement Imagineering at its finest. (Worst?) 

Follow the full story by reading at the series below. Look at the tons of concept art and evaluate it all. You'll be shocked at the park's awful  design and beginning compared to what it is now. Will the D23 in August help the park go forward or backward? We shall see.

Bargain Basement Imagineering - 1.0

Bargain Basement Imagineering  - 1.5

Bargain Basement Imagineering (or Back to the Drawing Boards)

Imagineering A New Dream- DCA  2.0 - The 2017 Announcement & Reimagining

Various other articles on the park:

California Adventure's Cool Retro Attraction Posters

Our First Visit to California Adventure in 2001

20 Years of DCA: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Disney's Real California Adventure: The Challenge and the Reputation at Stake

Ten Years of Disney California Adventure

A California Adventure Christmas- and More Dirty Secrets of Disneyland 

Steps in Time: California Adventure's Grand Opening

(Concept art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Is This the New Ride System for the Avengers E Ticket?

Long rumored, hinted at, finally announced, and not built. At least not yet. With a property as precious as Marvel, the Disney Imagineers- and more importantly, the suits that run the show- had better do a great job with the Avengers Campus E Ticket attraction for California Adventure and Hong Kong Disneyland. (Will it come to Avengers Campus at Walt Disney Studios Paris? Probably not but you never know.)

However... I have a feeling that the BATMAN: Knight Flight attraction at Warner Brothers Adu Dhabi might have beaten Disney to the punch. The ride system is used to full effect in this cutting edge attraction. Incorporated with full sets and a thrilling storyline, I believe this to be the ride system or a variant that we'll soon find in the Disney Parks. 

The competition is still for tourist dollars- and Disney can't afford to try to recover from either the lack of opening day enthusiasm for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge or Spider-Man Web Slingers attractions. Can they do it or will they blunder it big time?

You decide for yourself if they've already been beaten. Look at the video below and determine the thrill factor for yourself... including whether or not you'll journey to the Arabian Peninsula to ride it for yourself.

(Video by Denis S.)

Details on The Walt Disney Studios Paris Expansion

Here it is- a very detailed look at the expansion plan for Walt Disney Studios Paris. There's been lots of speculation about what would join the Frozen themed land and its clone of Epcot's popular Frozen Ever After.  As you can see for yourself, one of the largest lots is used for a Lion King themed land and one for Avatar. While I understand the need to re-use some expensive, existing Imagineering work, I'm more excited about Simba and friends coming to the second gate in Paris.

Disneyland Paris is the most beautiful castle park in the world. Will the Studios ever compete? No, they just can't with its awkward layout and scattered themes. But it can become a pretty good companion park- and right now, it is the bottom of the barrel of all the Disney parks in the world. Avengers Campus is a good beginning, but it's just not enough.

(Image from Passport Wonderland.)

Attraction Equations: Disney's New Math Doesn't Add Up

What's an Imagineer to do when the suits at the Walt Disney Company issue a mandate for a popular attraction to receive a layover using one of the company's seemingly endless, hot, new Intellectual Properties? Be it Marvel the latest Pixar movie, or just a savvy move to be more politically sensitive, those Imagineers have to take on the project to stay employed. They try to do the best they can do even if it is usually with a limited budget and a lot of pressure. A lot of pressure.

The suits see the end result of these projects as fresh visibility and marketing potential at a lower investment than designing a whole new attraction with the sum potentially equaling much greater income from the turnstile clicks and sale of plush toys, apparel, trinkets, and gadgets. 

Looking through the lens of the accountant's very popular Bargain Basement Imagineering mindset, why create new and fresh when you can fall back on the incredible artistic expertise of those who came before you? (Or the suits force their design teams to go in the opposite direction and create a park so cheap it take billions of dollars to correct the mistake. California Adventure and the Walt Disney Studios Paris prove that the public is smarter than Disney gives them credit for. It's always better to do it right the first time. Look at DCA's Bargain Basement Imagineering in detail here.)

Even the Oriental Land Company is not immune to the temptation!

But the new math doesn't always add up! Sometimes, what came before it was greater and better designed than the newer end result. From Disneyland to Epcot, California Adventure to Disneyland Paris, and Hong Kong Disneyland to Tokyo Disneysea, no park is immune to the temptation to engage the question of the equation. 

Does a layover strengthen or lessen the image and the brand of the Company compared to what came before it? Or, from a guest and theme park fan perspective, which attraction version is better?

Let's take a look at some Disney Math. We'll travel around the globe in no particular order. We'll start with an easy one...

Enchanted Tiki Room > Under New Management

One of the Magic Kingdom's earliest "improvements". The new version was crass instead of classy, charming, and elegant. Aladdin's Iago is not a lovable character. Pretty straightforward. In this case, the old is clearly better than the newer.

Swiss Family Tree House > Tarzan's Treehouse> Encanto?

Imagineer John Hench's art for Disneyland's tree was stunning and mysterious. The reality was an all time old school favorite. Tony Baxter saved the tree from Disneyland's one time President Paul Pressler's shop, but it just wasn't as charming. How will the new rumored Encanto makeover be received? Will it matter?

Submarine Voyage > Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage

Almost the same story as above it seems. What did Pressler have against Disneyland?

 

Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout = Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

I hate to admit this one. I love the original and best version at Disney's Hollywood Studios but... the Audio-Animatronic Rocket sets the bar pretty high, making up for the characters on a screen. The flavor of each is so different: one is irreverent, one spooky and mysterious. In each of the California versions, the building is equally unappealing. I call it a tie.

Journey into Imagination > Journey into Imagination with Figment > Journey into Your Imagination 

Along with Peter Pan's Flight, the original is one of the most beloved adventures ever created. Many of the attractions in this competition might be worth arguing about, but if you don't agree here, I may have to consider your sanity. What's the hold up on a new version? Apparently, no, they cannot imagine, too.

Pirates of the Caribbean > with Captain Jack Sparrow > Redd's Auction

For what it is, the addition of Captain Jack was as good as it could get. Redd, on the other hand, was an embarrassment. Chalk one up to pirates that pay for what they plunder. Ridiculous.

Countdown to Extinction > Dinosaur

The new generic name should say it all. Now with broken effects and underwhelming lighting. Can anyone say Disco Yeti?

Goofy's Sky School > Mulholland Madness

Theming goes a long way but not too much in this reimagined wild mouse carnival coaster from California Adventure's opening day. A definite placeholder in either version. Unfortunately, in any form, it is a new low for Disney Imagineering. 

California Screamin' > Incredicoaster

Take one great unthemed coaster and force-feed an overlay of one of Pixar's best movies. Go all the way or leave it alone, but do not insult us with babies on a stick and call it themed.

The Living Seas > The Seas with Nemo and Friends

Say goodbye to "edutainment" and hello to the cutest clownfish ever. The replacement for a great attraction should have been a separate dark ride within the pavilion and not its replacement.

Disney California Adventure 2.0 > DCA 3.0 > DCA 1.0

Version two was a theme park worthy of the Disney name.  Yes, there was still room for improvement, but the Imagineers were given freedom to create something pretty special. Somewhere along the line, the suits moved backwards. Will the park bounce back? Avengers Campus is a neutral at best, so it's hard to say.

Monsters Inc > Superstar Limo 

When you get off a Disney attraction and can't really help but wonder what the Imagineers were thinking, you know it's a mistake. Superstar Limo is the poster child for a park everyone rightfully made fun of. Eisner's folly. But not his worst misstep.

Haunted Mansion = Haunted Mansion Holiday- The Nightmare Before Christmas 

Personally, I prefer the Marc Davis/Rolly Crump/Yale Gracey original version over the Tim Burton inspired makeover.  Yet, it's hard to deny that the holiday version is wonderfully inspired and executed with wit and elegance. When a holiday layover feels like a brand new and excellent attraction, it's a win for park guests.

Space Mountain> Hyperspace Mountain > Ghost Galaxy

Version one of the Tomorrowland classic is beloved for a reason and duplicated the world over. It's especially difficult to appreciate Disneyland Paris' Hyperspace Mountain/Mission Two in light of the fact the Jules Verne inspired journey in Discoveryland was one of my favorite attractions ever.

Jungle Cruise > Jingle Cruise 

Floating Christmas presents does not equate to excellence or worthiness of a holiday makeover. Next. 

 

Tom Sawyer Island = Pirates Lair 

Pirates Lair. Hmmm. Intriguing idea and very well done, but after visiting the Magic Kingdom's version of the island, I prefer the original Disneyland attraction back when the fort and everything else was maintained and opened. The Imagineers did some excellent work on the revision, however.

 

El Rio del Tiempo > Gran Fiesta Tour 

There was no turning back it seemed after the conversion to a Donald Duck focused attraction. World Showcase and all of EPCOT Center  lost its soul when the characters invaded. There had to be a better solution. 

Frozen = Maelstrom

So, I'll follow that with a contradiction. Frozen Ever After has grown on me. What's not to love about Olaf? On the other hand, I hate projected face animatronics- and I'm sure Tokyo Disneysea's Frozen attraction will far outshine what's been done Stateside for Disney's biggest moneymaker in decades. Maelstrom was an original. And who doesn't love trolls?

Universe of Energy > Ellen's Energy Adventure

Let's pander to the lowest common denominator and lose the quasi scientific angle. What is this, an attraction from Disney's Hollywood Studios? I like Ellen, but not in this.

Test Track 1.0 > 2.0 

True to Epcot Center edutainment, if something had to replace World of Motion, this was a good fit as any. The "test dummy" crash scene was a piece of perfect Imagineering meets educational aspect. It's fun and fully in theme. A must do every trip. Tron Track is just not as good.

Flik's Flyers > Inside Out: Emotional Whirlwind

New rule of thumb: The longer the name, the more recently it was created. The surrounding area of Flik's Fun Fair was sweet and charming. Not so at Pixar Pier. Someone once suggested this ride should have been named "Mood Swings". Perfectly describes DCA 2.0 to what the park is becoming under current leadership.

Soarin' > Soaring Over the World

The California original was created by those who loved the Golden State. The newer version seems to clearly be one created by management. Less heart, less charm, and an awkwardly bent Eiffel Tower.  That had to be painful. 

               Buzz gave way to Ant-Man in Hong Kong. Exclamation included to convey excitement!

Buzz Lightyear> Ant-Man and Wasp Nano Battle!

Let's force a Marvel property anywhere we can. How about Hong Kong where we're free to do anything. Who doesn't like Paul Rudd? But something else could have been created with one of the more humorous Marvel superheroes.

 

Snow White's Enchanted Wish > Snow White's Adventures

It was time for Walt's first major animated hit to have a ride with cutting edge special effects. It was once dark and brooding. Now, there's light at the end of the tunnel- and it's not the train from Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. A success with minor quibbles. 

Stormrider> Nemo and Friends Searider Tokyo Disneysea

The character infusion hits the world's most luxuriously themed and respected theme park. Was it even necessary?

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In the long term, these lesser products cheapen the Disney brand and relegate the often brilliant Imagineers to the lowest level of themed entertainment.   

The next big assessment will be whether or not Disneyland and the Imagineers can pull off a very culturally sensitive remake of a beloved attraction. Yes, I think Tiana definitely deserves her own brand new ride. But the question remains for now: Will The Princess and the Frog makeover of Splash Mountain be a home run or an also ran? 

One last and final equation for now:

Anything > Walt Disney Studios Paris 1.0

(Concept art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Fresh Concept Art for Marvel's Avengers Campus at the Walt Disney Studios Paris

It's Captain America and the facade of the reskinned Rock N Rollercoaster, Avengers Assemble Flight Force! They are the focus of this brand new concept art for Marvel's Avengers Campus at the Walt Disney Studios Paris. Opening this summer, it's the next step in the transformation of the park that made the dismal Disney California Adventure 1.0 look like an Imagineering masterpiece. Hopefully, it's great- and here at the Disneyland Paris Resort, Web Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure (or its supposed new name, Spider-Man WEB Adventure) does not have to compete with the popular Toy Story (Midway) Mania. Now, bring on the next phase with that grand centerpiece lake and Frozen and Star Wars attractions! Thanks to the DLP Report for this piece.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

New Iron Man Coaster Graphics for Walt Disney Studios Paris

Avengers Campus at the second park at Disneyland Paris Resort will take the old Rock n Rollercoaster and turn it into an Iron Man themed attraction. Thanks for a couple of very generous folks, we now have a first look at some interesting concept art.

From a group called "Sequoia Gang" comes these images shared by WDWMagic boards user "montydysquith-navarro". The top image shows the queue for the attraction and what looks like an actual Audio-Animatronic. The image below reveals the 3D rendering of the same area. 

Is it possible that after the choice to use filmed images of Spider-Man / Peter Parker for California Adventure's new WEB Slingers- A Spider-Man Adventure, the Imagineers decided to up their presentation a bit? I mean, let's be real, Walt Disney Studios Paris is a very underwhelming park- at least for now. This could be a step in the right direction. Let's hope so!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Design Detail: Disneyland Paris' Entrance

Sometimes the tropics, sometimes elsewhere, but today I want to take you to the most beautiful of all Magic Kingdoms, the stunning Disneyland Paris! Once you arrive on the property either by RER train or by auto, you find yourself walking through the Disney Village. Think Downtown Disney or Disney Springs but entirely different in execution. You'd expect to come to the end of the shopping district and see the gates of the Magic Kingdom. No, not at all!  Instead, to your left you find the entrance to Walt Disney Studios Paris. It's rather bland and unappealing.

The entrance to the castle parc is unexpected. Behind this lush French garden with water pond lies the official Disneyland Hotel. You must pass under the entryway before you reach the turnstiles and get into the park. Only when you've done so can you see the Main Street U.S.A. railroad station. It's a masterful reveal and a wonderful design detail! 

Imagineering's genius Eddie Sotto worked under the inspired leadership of  Tony Baxter, creating the perfect version of an elegant French vision of the dreamlike American cities of years gone by. Must be seen to be appreciated. 

(Photograph copyright Hello Disneyland.)

Just Love the Logo

Our last visit to Walt Disney Studios Paris was a bust. But it seems as if the Imagineers and the money men are finally giving it some love with fresh ideas. 

The infamous Backlot Tram Tour will be reimagined to a Cars road trip down Route 66. The concept art is ok, but the logo is terrific!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

With 25 Years of Thrills, Tower of Terror Brings New Drops Sequences... to Walt Disney Studios Paris

What a surprise! A surprise it isn't coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios, that is! Just read this unexpected announcement regarding the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror:

"Random drop sequences as well as “new stories” with new sound and visual effects during your elevator ride are coming to The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror starting September 28!"- ED92

On the 25th anniversary of one of Walt Disney World's greatest attractions- and the one and only original version of the ride, you'd think the suits would allow the Imagineers to plus it with something new. They did- but only at the Walt Disney Studios in Paris. That little park with big plans ahead gives guests something we in the States really deserve!

(Photograph copyright ED92.)

Will Hong Kong Disneyland Be the True Center of the Marvel Universe?

A little research doesn't bring the most satisfying information. Marvel additions to the Disney theme parks seems like the brand will experience its own withdrawal in spite of the billion dollar plus sales of Avengers: Endgame. 

Let's be honest here: No one seems all that thrilled with what's happening at California Adventure. The epic Spider-Man being reduced to a shooter game a la Midway Mania with similar plans for the same attraction at the struggling Walt Disney Studios Paris? The redo of Twilight Zone Tower of Terror into a Guardians of the Galaxy ride? 

Sure, it's fun, but one day soon, somebody at the Disney headquarters is going to have to breakout and come up with an exciting, fresh, and powerful concept for a new attraction that's worthy of the Marvel name. This is not it. The real Imagineers can do it if given the right budget and space. Unless that means Hollywoodland goes away soon to provide more breathing room, as far as it looks now, California won't be the Marvel headquarters the company would like fans to think it will. Star Wars, yes. Marvel, no.

Walt Disney Studios Paris? Well, an Iron Man redo of Rock n Rollercoaster is a start, but again, it's only a cheap and easy way to slide him into place in a struggling park. (Plans for the exterior have already been leaked. Unimpressive. The above image of the Parisian Marvel coaster, by the way, comes from Jake Sully at Disney Central Plaza Forum.) What comes afterwards will be more telling, and it had better be compelling.

This leaves poor little Hong Kong Disneyland. Starting with the Iron Man Experience and now the long titled Ant Man adventure, this Chinese park could be the little park that could make it the true place to go for great Marvel themed adventures. Yes, it is a simple revisioning of Star Tours technology and the Buzz Lightyear attraction, the latter a misfire it seems, but just maybe that new mega coaster in 2022 (or later) could kickstart the whole thing. Is a unified land even possible? The answer is unknown. Perhaps after a newly redesigned castle and a Frozen land, things will look up there.

Not always, but sometimes, bigger is better. Think bigger and better, Disney suits! Marvel fans are expecting something worthy of the brand, and what you're currently planning is not it.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Prediction: Disney's Flying Robots Bring Spider-Man to Life

Why in the world would I think that we'll see this? Listen to this quote from Marvel project lead  Disney Imagineer Scot Drake: 

"I’m personally most excited to see Spider-Man swinging through these lands in a new suit that you can see now at Walt Disney Studios Park, soon at Disney California Adventure park, and at other locations in the future. "

Brings to mind this video from about 8 months ago or so. What do you think?

What's Next for Disneyland Paris

Thoughts about the future of Disneyland Paris and a little retro Disneyland today. Let's start in California. 

This is a sweet piece of great Imagineering concept art for Walt Disney's original Magic Kingdom area, the very popular Frontierland. Not entirely politically correct. Perhaps having the Native American Indian encampment outside the fort's gates dates the timing of it, but from the perspective of just being artwork, it stands up quite well.

From what I can uncover from all my reading, this never made it past the design stage. Once the park made its debut in 1955, the tepees were positioned on the far side of the park. 

In what eventually became Bear Country then Critter Country, the village was found on the outskirts, but it was so worth discovering! There were Native American dancers and arts and crafts to be found. It created a slice of history in the middle of a theme park. A bit of Disney's America long before a park like that was even considered. 

Walt was not only showcasing Davy Crockett, Daniel Boone, and other heroes of the Wild West in Frontierland. He was also giving due respect to the people who lived there long before them. The sense of place brought new depth to the theme park experience. As Robert Iger and company continue to force film characters into places and parks they don't belong, I'm very thankful for Walt's original vision... and it continues on in Disneyland Paris' Frontierland.

Perfection reborn in Paris.

At opening, Disneyland Paris parc was not a place where shoving in characters or being politically correct took hold. The piece of concept art above is very similar to what was actually built. It's just the beginning of a land that is my favorite of all when I visit there. 

From the hub to the fort, walking up inside the stockades is thrill!  The views are incredible, including Big Thunder Mountain on the island and Phantom Manor off to the side. Frontierland is one of the places where Disneyland Paris' version fully outshines similar areas in Florida and California, even with its recent changes that make room for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. The sense of being totally immersed in one land at a time is in itself a testament to the detail in the park and the vision of Tony Baxter and his whole crew, including Frontierland project lead Jeff Burke. (Read my detailed article here.)

The town of Thunder Mesa holds its own stories, some obvious and some hidden. The legends tell of a search for gold (Big Thunder Mountain Railroad) and a wealthy family torn apart by a forbidden love (Phantom Manor). There's clues all around. In fact, you can spend a whole day in just this area of the park and at all not feel shortchanged. It's a brilliant piece of theme park eye candy!

With Walt Disney Studios Paris getting a two billion plus (much needed) overhaul, it's time to look once more at what is needed in the first French Kingdom. The suits need to bring more bodies to that side of the park. Indiana Jones' cheapened roller coaster romp is just not doing it. If it's not Adventureland, then Frontierland is the place for expansion. If it's done well and in the spirit of the original park design.

There's room for many more stories to be told and much more land here to be used to tell them. Bring on a new version of Marc Davis' unbuilt Western River Expedition instead of Splash Mountain. Think it through. Expand the story from mining to logging, but let the land's integrity remain. I say no more characters on this side of the park unless they strengthen the already amazing story.

(Artwork copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Star Wars, Frozen and More Come to Walt Disney Studios Paris!

Running out the door, but this is absolutely wonderful news! Walt Disney Studios Paris is the most miserable of parks with the poorest theming in all the kingdoms. But that's about to change!  Catch all the details at Disney and More! 

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

New Hope for Walt Disney Studios Paris

Poor maligned Walt Disney Studios Paris! It's saddled with a poor layout, no real sense of focus, and most unfortunate of all, being right next door to the most beautiful Magic Kingdom ever created! As with many lesser projects, beautiful concept art can still be created by Imagineering, as this piece from Christian Hope shows. (Love the name, by the way.)

While Disneyland Paris is consistent in theme and execution, the Studios park is hit and miss: There's the gorgeously themed area surrounding Ratatouille right around the corner from the minimally themed Toy Story area. Then you've got the rather fun and cute Crush's Coaster - still an obvious box however- next to the carnival like attractions and landscapes of the rest of Toon Studios. (The simple little Cars area right next door to the Aladdin spinner!) 

Help is on the way in the form of Marvel. Or is it? Certainly the here and now landscapes of the Avengers does not lend itself to an interesting atmosphere. God forbid the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror changes to Guardians of the Galaxy! The building is found directly in the center of it all, the main focus of the park sight lines  But alas, we may be headed that way. Time will tell.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

What's Next for Disneyland Paris

Now that the Walt Disney Company has completed its purchase of Disneyland Paris, it's time to look at what is next for the beautiful but struggling resort. First, let's begin what is not next...

New hotels are not on the way. Not only are the existing properties in various stages of being refurbished, the current visitor trends do not point to a need for any additional rooms. The overbuilding of resorts became the primary reason that the EuroDisney resort struggled in its earliest years. Empty but overpriced rooms were the norm - and still are to some degree. While you will see ongoing improvements to the properties, do not expect any new additions.

The Walt Disney Studios Paris still needs help to bring it increased attendance. Even with the fairly new Ratatouille attraction, the second park on the property remains a blight on the landscape. In place of a full remodel similar to what was accomplished (and sorely needed) at California Adventure, the suits will instead infuse Marvel attractions into the park. The rabid success of Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout in the US park almost entirely assures the same transformation will occur in France. The Twilight Zone will be on its way out. Yes, Rock N Rollercoaster will be rethemed (an easy remodel to be sure), and the minimally landscaped and decorated area will become home to more superheroes. There's no restrictions for the Walt Disney Company is using Marvel in France, so it will come full bore. That has already been announced. This includes Spider-Man, Iron Man, Captain America and company. 

Disney Village will see upgrades to keep it fresh, but the general structures and layout will remain. It is clearly not a highlight for visitors, and the place continues to clear out not too much after the parks close. It's difficult to choose night life here when the city of Paris is minutes away!

This leaves the biggest investment and improvements for the most beautiful of all Magic Kingdoms. The question remains, "What will be added?"  More Star Wars in various forms. Perhaps not the large attractions from the US parks (at least not yet), but there will be additional enhancements to play off the popularity of the film series. 

Now that the parc looks better than it has in years, crowds need to be spread out. This means the most likely place for a big expansion is in that huge old empty piece of next adjacent to the great Cowboy Cookout Barbecue in Frontierland. There are well known plans for a version of Splash Mountain, but certainly die hard Disney fans would kill for a brand new version of Imagineer Marc Davis' Western River Expedition. Imagine using some of the amazing technology from Shanghai's Pirates of the Caribbean in another form and theme! Instant home run- and an instant way to keep new folks coming back to a parc that hasn't seen a major expansion since Space Mountain. 

The other option looks to be in Fantasyland in space originally reserved for Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast expansions. With the international success of the live action film, my money is on Beast. Done right, meaning better than in Florida and with a real "E Ticket" attraction, this is another way to make the French kingdom a fresh must-see. Does this mean it has to be the same as the Tokyo Disneyland attraction? No, it can be different- and just as good.  Frozen is another option that would bring success, but Beast is just so French, that is absolutely belongs here. 

Last thought- don't be misled into thinking or believing the suits and the Imagineers need time to figure out what to do. They have been planning this move for quite awhile. The braintrust behind the Walt Disney Company is determined to turn Paris into a hugely successful moneymaker. Something they should have done with integrity long ago. 

(Photograph copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Smelling A Rat(atouille) in Epcot

Here's an interesting tidbit of news that is sure to delight some, dismay others, and one that will certainly be met with all kinds of fan speculation: According to an insider on the great WDWMagic site, a new attraction is being planned at Epcot for the 50th anniversary celebration of Walt Disney World. 

The good news? It should be an incredible, people pleasing attraction. The winning Disney film property is either Beauty and the Beast or Ratatouille in the France pavilion in World Showcase. Regardless of how loyal EPCOT Center fans feel, the character invasion is taking hold of the park. But let's be honest, this park needs a facelift with new attractions, greater capacity, and a clear focus. Something it hasn't had since the 90's.

The once planned Audio-Animatronic show for Paris. 

Now turned into an exclusive Mystic Manor type attraction for Tokyo Disneyland.

The downside? Seems that the rather weak and undernourished Walt Disney Studios Paris will be losing one of its few original attractions. It's still a dismal little park. More bad news? It also seems Tokyo Disneyland will remain the only home of the greatest Beauty and the Beast attraction ever. Could they place it in the Florida Magic Kingdom and expand the New Fantasyland? Yes, they have the room. Will they do it? Probably not.

This concept art (above) shows an Audio-Animatronics show for Disneyland Paris that was never built, as that style of Disney attraction has sadly gone the way of the dinosaurs. (See article here.)  

Beauty in Tokyo: A vast improvement over Frozen Ever After!

Tokyo's super "E Ticket", perhaps even an "F Ticket" is a castle tour filled with all the best the Disney Imagineers can do. Music, mystery, adventure- and a family friendly people eater to boot. Imagine exploring Beast's Castle along the lines of an excursion through Hong Kong's Mystic Manor or the Haunted Mansion. Cool, huh? You'll just have to go overseas to do it- a disturbing trend of placing groundbreaking, breathtaking attractions in other countries, one that continues on with Shanghai Disneyland. 

Discarded French attraction concept.

(By the way, if you want to explore all the ways Beauty and the Beast has impacted the Disney world, check out my mega-post here.)

Anyway... Frozen Ever After is bringing in the crowds even if it is a rushed remake of the old Maelstrom attraction in Norway and uses only a slightly altered boat route adding about 30 seconds and one new show scene compared to its predecessor. But suits at Disney have taken notice. And fans that did not experience the great original park are all too happy for more characters to invade- or they are just so desperate for attractions that they have to wait for this one. 

Personally, Ratatouille is my absolute favorite Pixar flick, but I'm rooting for Beauty and the Beast, my favorite classic Disney animated film. The Rat might be a better fit, but who wouldn't love the Tokyo version-  an attraction that will be the envy of the West? Aren't we tired of getting cheaper second rate attractions at Epcot instead of those that are truly world class? I am- and at least from reviews and film I've seen, Remy's adventure in Paris is not as good as it should be. Good? Yes. Great? No.

If the Imagineers and suits expand France as they did Norway, to bring a brand new attraction, I'm ok with that. There should be room at the top right of the pavilion towards the U.K. showcase. However, if they get rid of Impression de France, I will be very angry. I'm not getting my hopes up. The track record for what the suits have done with Epcot lately is not good. That's what really stinks.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)