Some things never change…unless it’s Disneyland Paris, which recently announced another major theme park expansion.
In case you missed it, Disneyland Paris is having a moment. Before I jump into the recent news, let’s recap:
- Last year, the park opened Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel, a resort themed to a New York art gallery and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. (Think of it as a modern-looking mid rise building that happens to boast tons of Marvel art, statutes, and experiences.)
- Disneyland Paris’ version of the Avengers Campus opens this summer, and it’s sure to please. So far, we know that the park will have two attractions: Web Slingers: A Spider Man Adventure, and an Iron Man themed coaster, the latter of which will consist of an updated theme to the existing Rock’n’ Roller Coaster. Oh, and the Avengers’ Quinjet arrived in January to much fanfare. (I admit it does look cool.) Avengers campus will be located in Walt Disney Studios Park, one of the two parks at Disneyland Paris.
- Also, the Parisian park began its celebration for its 30th anniversary in early March, which includes fantastic overlays and a spectacular-looking drone show—the first of its kind at a Disney park.
- And, the park will start expanding Disney Village—its version of Disney Springs (at Walt Disney World) or Downtown Disney (at Disneyland)—later this year.
That’s a lot—and that’s not all. Yesterday, we got a progress report on construction and more information about the new Frozen Land! (It is unclear whether we will actually be calling it Frozen Land when it opens, but for the moment it works).
The Kingdom of Arendelle. Or, Frozen Land, will be located at the heart of Walt Disney Studios Park, not far from Avengers Campus. Based on the renderings, it is going to capture the quaint, seaside Norwegian village of Arendelle from the Frozen films. The new Frozen Land will feature a lake surrounded by the village, the Arendelle Castle (which is sure to become the land’s icon), and even Else’s Ice Castle, which will be perched above a 131-foot snow-capped mountain. The village will feature Norwegian-inspired architecture, a shop, and a restaurant. Perhaps most exciting is a new Frozen-inspired attraction that will be the main attraction of Frozen Land.
At this time, we don’t have more information about the shop, the restaurant, or the attraction. I am curious to know whether the attraction will be similar to Frozen Ever After at EPCOT in Walt Disney World–meaning, will it be a dark boat ride–or will it be something entirely new. Note that Frozen Ever After at EPCOT is the result of a re-theme of the beloved Maelstrom; here, Disney has the opportunity to create an entirely new, modern attraction that could endure for years.
The New Promenade. Disney also announced a new “picturesque” promenade that will connect guests to the new themed Frozen Land (the Kingdom of Arrendelle). The promenade, which will feature themed gardens and landscapes along a to-be-constructed lake, is intended to aid guests’ transition into the new, highly-themed lands. Art Nouveau, a new table-service restaurant will be added as part of the promenade expansion.
Disneyland Paris, an already whimsical, unique park within the Walt Disney theme parks, is looking to get even bigger–and better. A park that once felt like a forgotten European experience is now seemingly coming into its own. Perhaps it is a direct result of the injection of coins into the park. Or, maybe, it was this unforgettable advertisement featuring a baby duck that I think about weekly. (Probably both.) Whatever the reason, I am excited about the park that holds a special place for me, and I can’t wait to get back as soon as possible,