Christmas at Disneyland Paris
Page 11 of 14
Beyond Dusk
As the sun sets in the late afternoon in Northern Europe, the tree lighting ceremony begins somewhat earlier than one would anticipate. The ceremony has changed somewhat this year, with the focus being shifted from Town Square to Central Plaza. This seems an odd decision, especially with the tree itself remaining firmly rooted in at the foot of Main Street. Long gone is the arrival of Victorian carol singers on a float that used to circumnavigate the Square and then rest in front of the tree, followed by a series of performers and Santa Claus, riding high in his throne. Instead, the show producers have opted for a short show that unfolds with the arrival of some elves, Santa, Mickey, Minnie and a selected child. The centrepiece of the small stage is a series of stacked books, each a fable or fairy tale with a giant lit quill in a pot of ink. On top of the books is a tilted hardback with a giant lock. The chosen child is invited to unlock the massive tome, unleashing pixie dust that sparkles down Main Street's Lights of Winter towards the tree. The myriad of lights flash in synchrony, as the performers dance around the stage before a jet of white fireworks behind the castle signal the conclusion of the show. Personally, I prefer the intimacy of the traditional carol singing that heralded the tree lighting ceremony in prior years. Watching the spectacle from the hub meant that guests were detached from the actual lighting of the tree, happening a hundred metres away at the foot of the street. In addition, the one adult element of the park's Christmas celebration was retired in favour of another child-friendly show that had little to stimulate the grown-up members of the crowd.
Disneyland park also opted for the return of Disney's Fantillusion! Parade for the festive season for nightly performances. In addition, the park closes with the Sparkling Christmas Fireworks. Although the fireworks themselves are attractive, in their simple golds, greens and reds, the show itself is oddly short at about three minutes and is accompanied by some jazzed-up Christmas carols that sound disembodied in voice and strange in production. Lacking in any form of synchrony whatsoever, the performance is the weakest fireworks offering during the year at the park and is not worth waiting for.
Sadly, I was not impressed by the changes made by Disneyland Entertainment for 2003. Although the Nutcracker parade was ancient, it at least felt and looked festive and it was largely entertaining. The new Christmas parade was just a standard procession with a few decorations added for effect. In addition, the tree lighting ceremony was flat and anticlimactic. However, the park continues to look wonderful throughout Christmas and its neighbour, the Walt Disney Studios looked spectacular, despite having limited funds and a harsh backdrop in the form of cold, faceless soundstages.
In our first update of 2004, Lindsay and I will be presenting coverage of our New Year trip to the Tokyo Disney Resort. We would both like to extend our warmest wishes for the season to all LP readers and wish you all the best for a prosperous, healthy and happy 2004!
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Posted: 11/21/08