Disneyland Paris is generally the ultimate symbol of Christmas, filled with whimsy and magic. And while the parks are currently closed, there are a few things that have reopened. Today, I’ll take you on a journey to the resort and also remember the embers of holidays past.
But let’s start with some news just released from the parks.
(This article was written on December 16th and updated on December 19th with additional Disneyland Paris news)
Route 66 Road Trip
We previously told you about a plan to retheme the old tram ride to Disney/Pixar’s Cars. That project is now well underway. Imagineer Tom Fitzgerald fills us in on what’s coming.
But here’s what else is coming:
New Dream Factory Show
Even with the parks closed, Disneyland Paris entertainment is hard at work on a new Disney Junior “Dream Factory” show featuring Mickey and Minnie.
Hotel New York: Art of Marvel Retheme
The popular Hotel New York is being given a thorough retheme to add lots and lots of Marvel.
The lobby now features hundreds of Marvel sketches. The new Black, Silver and Brown vibe is sophisticated but slightly sinister.
All of the shops, restaurants, and bars are also being completely redone. The new Skyline Bar has video screens behind the bar which show the New York skyline with the Avengers Tower in the center. The sun rises and sets and the lights twinkle.
Here’s what the Imagineers have to say.
Major Castle Refurbishment
For the first time in its history, Disneyland’s central icon, Le Chateau de la Belle au Bois Dormant, will be given a major refurbishment. In addition to a new paint job, some of the towers will be completely removed and rebuilt. But don’t get too worried, the shops and restaurant will remain open during the refurbishment. And to make sure that your family photos still look pretty, the scrims on the scaffolds will have a printed image of the castle.
It’s encouraging that the color samples shown in the video below are in a familiar spectrum.
It does sound like a great deal of care is being taken to fully restore what I consider to be the most important structure in the park.
Disneyland Paris Silent Christmas
Back in October, we told you that Disneyland Paris had hoped to reopen briefly for the holidays. Unfortunately, those plans had to be dashed due to growing cases in France. For now, entertainment enterprises, like theme parks, remain closed. But not everything . . .
If all goes well with the current restrictions, Disneyland Paris may be able to reopen on February 12, 2021. Christmas is generally the most profitable time of the year for the resort. Disneyland Paris has long struggled financially, so this shutdown really hurts. As a result, The World of Disney shop in the Disney Village shopping district has been reopened.
Legally, guests are not permitted to journey more than 20 km to reach the destination. But from December 5th through 23rd, guests within that radius can shop at Disney from 2 p.m until 7 p.m. each day (the early closing is due to curfew constraints currently in place).
So, that’s how the holiday season stacks up at Disneyland Paris in 2020. But don’t worry, we’ll add all the extra magic for you. Let’s start with this video of what’s currently open:
Back on December 8th, lights from the castle tantalized us from afar as European television channel TF1 recorded its New Year’s Eve production.
Walt Disney Studios park looked like a scary ghost town with all its lights off:
It’s the same for much of Disney Village (the Paris version of Downtown Disney):
But World of Disney can still pull an hour and a half long wait to enter on the weekends (but there’s no problem getting in during the weekdays). Two Christmas cottages have been set up nearby for those looking for sweets.
The shop itself has not changed, except for the capacity limits and expected safety precautions.
As small a thing as this one shop is, it’s a real pleasure to see it take life again.
The shop offers many items with up to 40% discount.
Now, since there isn’t much to remind us of the Disney holiday magic this year, let’s light up our memories of the past. We have 8 glorious videos of previous Christmas seasons at Disneyland Paris – enjoy the various shows and major productions since 2012 . . .
Did you see a favorite show in the videos above? What are your Disneyland Paris holiday memories? What do you think of the Castle redo and new Cars overlay to the defunct tram tour? We look forward to your thoughts below.
I’ll say adieu until Disneyland Paris hopefully reopens on February 12th. Happy holidays to all, and best wishes for a much happier 2021.
Merci