Christmas at Disneyland Paris
Page 11 of 14
Mickey's Winter Wonderland
The second Christmas show in the park is infinitely superior to its aging cousin in
Fantasyland. The show debuted two years ago and has been such a smash success, that the
show debuts as early as the first week in November (after the Tarzan show concludes at the
start of September). The setting certainly assists the show as it is held in the giant
Chapparral Theatre hidden in the back of Frontierland The theatre is more reminiscent of
the Showbase theatre at Tokyo Disneyland for size.
The set uses elements of the Tarzan show, most notably a rock structure on the right of the stage which the crew simply spray white. A cabin is on the left and the show begins with Donald attempting to fish and enjoy the peace and quiet of the secluded location. The peace is shattered by the arrival of the two hosts, each dressed in ski gear and clutching skis. The duo provide the dancing for the show tunes, although the singing is mimed throughout. The remainder of the Fab Five arrive down the slide that leads from the rocky outcrops and which serves as the entrance to all but Goofy, who misses the slide and appears as a Goofy snowball rolling down the hill!
The storyline has given way to mainly song and dance numbers, but the real entertainment is provided by the characters in an unusual way. The majority of the stage area is covered by an ice rink. At one point, the characters all disappear into the cabin to put on skates! The resulting skating is both professional and enjoyable to watch. Each character has their own moment on the ice and Mickey and Minnie share a duet. The running joke in this show is the cave on the right from which smoke and snoring billows at the end of each number. The cast are frightened of what might reside in the cave, but it merely turns out to be three outcasts from the Country Bear Jamboree (remember, the majority of DLPguests would not know who these guys were as DLP does not have the Playhouse as an attraction). The middle section of the show is given over to a country hoedown with the bears leading the way. The finale sees Mickey and Minnie being dragged by a full size horse-drawn carriage off the stage.
This show has always been a favourite of mine as it has something for everyone. It has grand production values and is (to my knowledge) unique in utilising a skate rink. The show is always a big success and people are often willing to queue an hour plus for this show at the weekends.
Mickey and the gang enjoy the Winter Wonderland
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The gang are all wrapped up warm for the show
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The grand finale sees Mickey and Minnie being pulled off stage on a sleigh!
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The left side of the Chaparral Theatre set for Mickey's Winter Wonderland
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The right side of the Chaparral Theatre set for Mickey's Winter Wonderland
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Posted: 11/7/09