Over the past year, Disneyland Paris has had a spotty operating calendar, with numerous shutdowns. But they’ve finally found their footing again and things have been turning around for the resort. As of July 17, Disneyland Paris has been open again for just 1 month. In that time, there have been a lot of changes around the resort and a full list of items for us to check out today. 

, Disneyland Paris Update: One Magical Month Later

Before we take a look at recent happenings from the parks, I want to take a moment to acknowledge and thank the hardworking Cast Members and employees of Disneyland Paris who welcome visitors with an unfailing joy and unprecedented level of service in these difficult times.

And now, onto the parks!

Disneyland Paris Refurbishments and Construction

Although the resort had a lapse of 7 months between its last shutdown and subsequent reopening, there have been plenty of updates around the parks. While guests were away the cast members continued to work on beautification projects and general park maintenance. Here are a few of the latest refurbishments from around the park.

Part of the Main Street facades have been repainted, with some having been entirely restored, including the Discovery Arcade and the StoryBook Store. Additionally, construction continues on the gazebo. The most obvious project happening though is the renovation on Sleeping Beauty Castle. With Disneyland Paris’ 30th anniversary coming up in 2022, there are some major updates ahead to add some extra magic. We expect the castle to remain under construction until the beginning of the 30th anniversary celebration.

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The tall castle can be seen from all over the park, so it’s nice that the printed scrims help obscure whatever is happening behind them. 

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At the entrance to the Walt Disney Studio Park, the Front Lot’s pavement has been completely redone.

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At the other side of Studio 1, in the Production Courtyard asphalt has also been repaved. Although there are areas that feel a bit temporary.  

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Are you looking for the Orbitron? Well, it’s not here anymore! The iconic attraction has been completely dismantled for a complete refurbishment. 

, Disneyland Paris Update: One Magical Month Later

, Disneyland Paris Update: One Magical Month Later

The entrance to the NewPort Bay Club has been completely renovated on the lake side. I think that the final product is absolutely stunning. Additionally, there is also a new photo spot that shows off Mickey, Minnie, or Donald in a unique costume created specifically for the hotel.

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On the side of the Disney’s Hotel New York, work continues on the roof of the convention center. 

, Disneyland Paris Update: One Magical Month Later

At the Disney Village, the ceiling of Café Mickey has several damaged spots. You can see electric cables hanging from the ceiling. This is possibly caused by the extreme weather conditions we’ve had in the last few weeks. We hope that this gets resolved quickly and safely. 

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Major storm warnings for Disneyland Paris are rare, but when they do occur, the storms can be powerful and damaging. On June 19, some places around the resort got nearly 8 inches of rain! There was a power outage in Phantom Manor, and there was flooding throughout queue lines and even in the parking lots.

, Disneyland Paris Update: One Magical Month Later

Cars can now park under new solar panel roofs in the parking lot. Although the work isn’t quite finished yet, it’s great to have a shady, covered spot to park. That said, we’re certainly hoping that the final lighting will be more than just the simple industrial neon currently placed under the structures.

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Attractions

Although the closure was difficult for a park fan like me, there has also been a major plus-side to things. The attractions all seem to be in excellent condition right now. But the real joy has been rediscovering attractions, especially ones that I had previously overlooked.

Cars Road Trip

This is the “new” attraction. Disney realized that the “Studio Tram Tour Behind the Magic” wasn’t as popular as it should be for its large footprint. There was only a single point of interest in the tour, Catastrophe Canyon, but it wasn’t particularly exciting or noteworthy. Additionally, the Tram Tour used a lot of land that was needed for park expansion set for 2023. So, it was decided that to combat the problem, the park would change the tram tour into a shorter attraction based on a well-performing IP (Cars) and would include a beautiful promenade with plenty of green spaces. The end result is a good attraction with a good soundtrack and decent animation. It’s nothing revolutionary but it’s still enjoyable.

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The old Catastrophe Canyon has been repainted to reflect the Cars franchise. It’s now a Dinoco tanker which bursts into flames. 

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The road to and from the main event is Route 66 and populated with beloved Cars characters and props.  

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Snow White & Pinocchio

Snow White got a little bit of an update. While it isn’t nearly to the extent of “Snow White’s Enchanted Wish” out at Disneyland in California, there has been some retouching and painting done in scenes like the forest. Similarly, in Pinocchio, the amusement park and seaside scenes have been given a refresh. It’s great to see these attractions maintained and looking beautiful. That said, I’m hoping to see California’s version come out to Disneyland Paris because it makes the timeless tale of Snow White more entertaining and more accessible to all audiences. 

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Disneyland Railroad

This classic attraction has a minor operations change. You can now board the train from either Main Street or from Discoveryland. From there, you make a complete tour around the route before disembarking. It is a slightly different experience than before, but it increases the pleasure of traveling on the Disneyland Railroad significantly.

Buzz Lightyear

At long last, the Buzz Lightyear attraction has finally gotten a makeover! The ride’s facade has been redesigned (for a second time!) to better match the style of Discoveryland. This update was sorely needed. The new colors are a flashy blue and a striking purple that make for a beautiful entrance. Inside, however, nothing has changed. Aside from a fresh coat of paint and a technical tuneup, the attraction functions identically to before.

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Entertainment

Although things are getting back into a feeling of normalcy, entertainment is one area that hasn’t completely returned. Just as in the park’s original reopening in July 2020, parades are suspended this time around as well. However, there are many cavalcades throughout the day that are perfect for lifting spirits.

On the show side of things, there’s only one show this year: “Disney Junior Dream Factory” at Walt Disney Studios. And if you’re more interested in character photos, you’re in luck. You can see several characters all from a single spot.

Upcoming Holidays

Disneyland Paris, like Disneyland in California and Walt Disney World, has announced the return of both the Halloween and Christmas seasons this year. There will also be a special ticketed New Year’s Eve Party on December 31st.

, Disneyland Paris Update: One Magical Month Later

Disney Hotels

As the resort ramps back up to full operations, the next thing on the agenda is opening more hotels. Last month, the NewPort Bay Club Hotel opened at the same time as the parks, June 17. Then, on July 1, Disney’s Hotel Cheyenne returned. And on July 15, Disney’s Davy Crockett Ranch reopened.

The Disneyland Paris resort will continue to add more hotels to its operational lineup. Disney’s Hotel Santa Fe will return on October 23, and Disney’s Sequoia Lodge will reopen on December 1. It should be noted that the Davy Crockett Ranch will close temporarily for the winter season, from November 10, 2021, until March 31, 2022. 

Now all those hotels are well and good, but the completely revamped Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel has really evolved the hospitality experience at the resort. Since the hotel’s closure back in 2019, there were many obstacles for completion, such as the postponement of its opening and then the current health crisis which has strongly impacted the construction schedule. However, nearly a full year after its projected opening date, it is finally open! If I could sum up the hotel in just three simple words, it would be modern, elegant, and volume.

But there are some drawbacks. The sleekness of the hotel means losing out on some of the hotel’s original New York deco design aesthetic; the hallways have lost their splendor with the disappearance of the glossy green marble floors, and instead have been replaced with standard off-white tiles. Additionally, the exterior floor between the hotel and the Disney lakeside has not been renovated yet.

Apart from the noise level and flooring choices, there isn’t much to say except that this hotel is magnificent. The work is phenomenal, and the mixture of materials and textures make it feel very upscale. The rooms are modern and streamlined; guests can enjoy new room features such as an Italian shower, mirrored TVs, and a variety of artwork. Because of the more “adult” feel to it, you’ll likely see more business people staying for conventions than families with children. 

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Restaurants

As for the restaurants around the resort, there aren’t many major changes. Though, there is one small change that has made things quicker and easier: all the prices on food have been rounded up to the nearest euro. Say goodbye to menus with 15.99€ and hello to a simple 16€ and likewise prices. One cent makes all the difference when it comes to checkout. There’s no more looking for change for either the customer or the cashier. 

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Fuente Del Oro has changed from a Mexican fast food restaurant into a counter that offers lighter fare, such as Frozen Margaritas and chicken nuggets. We’re assuming this is a test for the location since it always seems to struggle with enough seating for patrons. So, by offering a simpler selection, guests will take less time eating/drinking and help solve the problem with the lack of tables.

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The real specialties for dining at the resort can be found at Disney’s New York Hotel – The Art of Marvel. Whether you choose the Bleecker Street Lounge or opt for the Skyline Bar, you’ll be in a cozy setting that is either relaxing (Bleecker Street) or upscale and modern (Skyline). Both options offer a unique selection of food and drinks. The hours differ from each other, and prices increase after lunch. 

, Disneyland Paris Update: One Magical Month Later

, Disneyland Paris Update: One Magical Month Later

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The hotel’s two new restaurants, Downtown and Manhattan, each offer a unique concept, so it’s always an enjoyable experience wherever you choose to eat.

If you’re in the mood for something hearty, Downtown is the place to go. This buffet serves Chinese, Italian, and American cuisines among 55 different options (at the end of COVID restrictions). While everything has been delicious, here are a few of the most remarkable ones: the salmon bagel or the beef brisket that has cooked for more than 10 hours in its own juice.

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If you’re looking for something a bit more intimate set under a magnificent chandelier, you should visit the Manhattan restaurant. Here, you can be served by one of the restaurant’s talented staff and enjoy a well-crafted menu. You will find a succulent mozza di buffala or a delectable homemade lasagna before finishing with a stunning dessert.

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Among the many things that these restaurants offer, what stands out is the quality of their products and their exceptional taste. Overall, the Disneyland Paris resort is sorely lacking in good food, and just doesn’t live up to the potential or standard of traditional French cuisine. France takes food seriously, which is why its cuisine is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Disneyland Paris is light years behind the Disneyland Resort in California and Walt Disney World in Florida where it comes to food. But the new restaurants at Disney’s New York Hotel prove that Disneyland Paris CAN do better when they make it a priority. 

But what about the food in the rest of Disneyland Paris? Well, that’s something that we’re hoping will be upgraded soon. If there is one thing to be hoped for, it is that the food around the resort is diversified and that the quality is raised, whether in fast food, at table restaurants, and especially the food carts littering the alleys of the park. 

Disney Premier Access

Say goodbye to the free FastPass system. This summer, guests will have to pay extra to skip the line. Prices are expected to be 8€-15€ (roughly $9.50-$17.75) per person, per attraction. This price will fluctuate depending on the season and the number of people in the park. So, that means this system’s prices will be dynamic.

, Disneyland Paris Update: One Magical Month Later

Some might see the shutdown of FastPass as an improvement of the visitor experience. For instance, on a normal day, the queue for Big Thunder Mountain is 50% standby and 50% FastPass; Peter Pan is typically 25% standby and 75% FastPass. Back in the summer of 2019, Big Thunder Mountain was typically a 120-minute wait. In a busy park, without FastPass, the wait would be closer to 60 minutes. Similarly for Peter Pan, the typical wait of 80 minutes in the queue would actually be closer to just 20 minutes despite the queue being full in both cases.

, Disneyland Paris Update: One Magical Month Later

Disneyland park has not had any new expansions for over 20 years, and queues across the resort are spiking due to the growing number of visitors. While the new Premier Access program may help keep lines shorter for everyone (if Disney doesn’t over subscribe the system the way it did Fastpass), it also drastically increases profits for Disney.

Universal Studios Orlando has a front-of-line pass that starts at $109.99 and can go up to $309.99 that allows guests to skip any lines— and that’s on top of taxes, park admission and the cost is per person!

Disney Premier Access is essentially an industry standard procedure, that offers purchasers the ability to skip the line. However, we anticipate that the vast majority of guests will not use this service.

, Disneyland Paris Update: One Magical Month Later

It’s important to note that the rides that will utilize Disney Premier Access will be the ones that already have the FastPass system. But the service will eventually expand to other attractions such as Autopia, Phantom Manor, and much more. 

The jury is out on this one. We’ll have to see how things go. 

Standby Pass (Virtual Queue)

The Standby Pass service can be used as needed on certain attractions to help keep physical queues at a manageable threshold. The goal isn’t to eliminate the wait time, but instead to spend part of the wait virtually, out of the physical queue. This system can be implemented on very busy days or at times when lines get too long for their physical queues. 

, Disneyland Paris Update: One Magical Month Later
The Standby Pass will have a QR code which can be scanned at the attraction for entry into the physical queue when you are notified that it’s time for you to return.

Attractions that can utilize Standby Pass: 

  • Dumbo the Flying Elephant
  • Peter Pan’s Flight
  • Big Thunder Mountain
  • Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain
  • Autopia
  • The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
  • Crush’s Coaster
  • Ratatouille: L’Aventure Totalement Toquée de Rémy

But we have a feeling that once rides need to start using a virtual Standby Queue, it will push many guests to consider buying a Premier Pass instead to avoid the extra wait.  

Pass Sanitaire (Health Pass)

The continuation of the health crisis in France and the arrival of new variants has led to a country-wide “Pass Sanitaire” (Health Pass) which is compulsory for access to large events and venues such as Disneyland Paris. The Health Pass requires a completed vaccination or a negative PCR/Antigen test taken within 48 hours, or a test attesting to a full recovery from COVID. 

Disneyland Paris offers guests a COVID screening center at the Disney Village. This allows visitors access to the park (with valid admission) once they are in possession of negative test results. These new measures help minimize the risk of visiting Disneyland Paris. So does this Health Pass mean that social distancing can be eliminated in queues and attractions? Effectively, the answer is yes. It’s possible that capacity restrictions on the park can be lifted as well. That would mean that instead of the 28,000 visitors allowed now, the park could accommodate tens of thousands more.

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Disney Ticket & Travel Deals

(Discount Theme Park Tickets and Travel Packages)

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It’s time to give the family something to look forward to. Our travel partners at Get Away Today are here to help you with that by planning a future theme park vacation. There are all sorts of new theme park tickets and travel deals, including a 2 free days offer at Walt Disney World, hotel discounts, ticket deals to various theme parks, and now TICKETS TO DISNEYLAND: More details and to get a quote (HERE)

Let’s Hear From You

There was certainly a lot of news to cover from Disneyland Paris! What do you think of the operational changes? Do you think that the Disney Premier Access Pass will be a popular option? Would you be willing to pay? Are you interested in visiting Disney’s New York Hotel – The Art of Marvel? We’d love to hear from you in the comments. Au revoir et merci!

, Disneyland Paris Update: One Magical Month Later

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Max
Max
http://www.dlpwelcome.com/
Maxence "Max" Pinard is a small shareholder of Disneyland Paris, and is the creator and reporter at DLP Welcome, which he founded in June 2009. Max has worked with MiceChat author and Disney and More Editor, Alain Littaye, since 2012 on many MiceChat articles. Max looks forward to continuing where Alain left off by bringing Micechat readers news and beautiful images from Disneyland Paris.