Christmas at Disneyland Paris,

Christmas at Disneyland Paris
Page 14 of 14

And Finally........Walt Disney Studios Paris
No DLP update would be complete without the latest news on the second park.

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The back page of the Guide Map features a teaser for the Studios!
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As I reported recently on LaughingPlace.com, the management have fixed March 16 2002 as the Grand Opening date. This gives the park the opportunity to tap the peak Easter crowds (Easter being late March next year) and is distinct from Disneyland Paris’ tenth anniversary on April 12 2002. The extra 6 weeks’ revenue will be crucial for the Resort to help repay loans in 2002 and is a culmination of determination and hard work on the part of all concerned who have virtually completed the park.

Cast got an opportunity see the park’s version of Main Street two weeks ago. The covered soundstage is the first attraction for all guests through the main gates and has gone through a whole host of name changes. "Lights, Camera, Hollywood"was the favourite until last week, when a huge number "1" appeared on the building and now, cast are referring to the building as "Soundstage One". The cast were treated to a fashion show showcasing some of the costumes to be worn in the park and a sneak peak at some of the attractions inside the park. Managers confirmed that cast previews will take place in the last week of January. The shareholder preview has been fixed for February and Fantasia Annual Passholders (the equivalent of a Premium annual at Disneyland) will receive information about their preview day(s) in January.

Before heading to Florida for the kick-off of the 100 Years of Magic celebration, Paul Pressler and Michael D. Eisner visited the new park in Paris and both were impressed with the results. The park is on-budget, ahead of schedule and already developing Phase Two (Twilight Zone Tower of Terror amongst others with a possibility of a Parisian Fantasmic to follow). Both rode Catastrophe Canyon and Rock n Roller Coaster as these attraction are both complete and the sand bag tests have been concluded. Pressler even commented that he preferred the new version of Rock n Roller coaster (the ride is totally different to its sibling in Florida as this ride utilises lights in the soundstage buildings and offers a wholly different experience). Several attractions are having their finishing touches added like the Magic Carpets of Aladdin clone and rehearsals on the shows are underway.

Many of us are also questioning whether the Resort intends to celebrate Disneyland Paris’ tenth anniversary on April 12. With the Studios opening a full 4 weeks prior to this date as opposed to the original joint Grand Opening and Tenth Birthday, we can only hope that the Resort’s birthday will be celebrated in an appropriate manner.

Anyhow, watch out for future updates on the Studios! Please visit the disneylandparis.com website to see the ultra-cool trailer for the new park. Next stop for me is the Disneyland Resort for New Year! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all laughingplace.com readers and thanks for stopping by!

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-- Posted December 26, 2001
-- Story and pictures by Lee MacDonald