Christmas at Disneyland Paris
Page 10 of 14

it’s a small world holiday
Regulars at Disneyland will be acutely aware of the transformation that appeared there several years ago. Disneyland Paris has a slightly altered version of the attraction makeover. Unfortunately, the entire facade is under extensive renovations and therefore has been shrouded in canvas and scaffolding for several months and therefore the Christmas plussing is not visible this year. The attraction makeover is not as substantial as the Anaheim version but the additions ensure huge crowds for this ancient attraction at DLP over the festive season.

Three Small World characters clothed in traditional festival dress
Click here for a much larger version of this picture
(531 X 477, 35,702 bytes)

A few Santa hats appear throughout the attraction!
Click here for a much larger version of this picture
(587 X 351, 43,619 bytes)

Le Noel De Mickey
The Christmas celebration is not merely limited to Main Street U.S.A. Both Fantasyland and Frontierland get a piece of the action in the form of two special stage shows.

Le Noel de Mickey has been presented at the Fantasyland Stage for several years now and is beginning to show its age. The enclosed theatre is nestled in front of the Fantasyland train station and has always been a popular location compounded by the fact that is is actually a small theatre (visitors to Tokyo Disneyland’s Fiesta stage will appreciate the coziness of this theatre).

The show is an opportunity to sing a host of Christmas carols and traditional songs provided by a collection of cast members that resemble the Kids of the Kingdom (recognisable by the ‘70s style suit pants and polyester jumpsuits). The set is very simple and two dimensional (note the odd Lichtenstein inspired opening set....all those dots!) and has only two alternatives.

However, the show features a whole host of Disney characters including the Fab Five and a few more unusual ones like Brer Bear and Baloo. The story is fairly flimsy (much like the sets) and is aimed squarely at the children. The story is that Mickey and Minnie have fallen asleep and are dreaming on the couch when the three bears tiptoe in to the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy by Tchaikovsky on the night before Christmas. The pair are excited about the arrival of Santa Claus who turns out to be Goofy when he falls down the chimney.

The show climaxes with the characters being pulled off the stage in a sleigh. The show is looking tired and is crying out for a replacement for the 2002 season.

The gang on stage at the Fantasy Festival Stage
Click here for a much larger version of this picture
(640 X 305, 46,298 bytes)

The gang on stage at the Fantasy Festival Stage
Click here for a much larger version of this picture
(563 X 292, 73,257 bytes)