Bob Iger announced plans for a 2 billion euro, multi-year expansion for Disneyland Paris alongside French President Emmanuel Macron at the Palais de l’Elysée in Paris (see how this project compares to other Disney Parks expansions in terms of price). The new development will include a transformation of the Walt Disney Studios Park including:
- A new Marvel-based area
- A new Frozen-based area
- A new Star Wars-based area
- Multiple new attractions and live entertainment experiences.
- A new lake which will be the focal point for entertainment experiences and will also connect each of the new park areas.
The multi-year development will roll out in phases beginning in 2021, significantly expanding the Walt Disney Studios Park.
The project brings new attention to a park that is considered by many to be disappointing. This strategy is similar to the redevelopment of Disney California Adventure that brought new life and acclaim to the park. The news comes after Disney has bought all of the Paris destination.
“We’re very excited about the future of Disneyland Paris and continue to invest in its long-term success,” said Bob Iger, chairman and chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company. “The resort is already the leading tourist destination in Europe, and the transformative expansion we announced today will add even more of our beloved characters and unparalleled storytelling to create new lands, attractions and entertainment that further elevate the guest experience and drive new opportunities for tourism in this dynamic region.”
The new areas will infuse some of Disney’s most popular stories and characters into this unique destination, building upon the success of the resort’s 25th Anniversary celebration and continuing to enhance the guest experience for millions of Europeans.
In the spring of 2017, Disneyland Paris kicked off its 25th Anniversary celebration including new entertainment and experiences for guests. The resort also completed a two-year refurbishment program, updating and renovating many of the classic attractions in the parks, as well as opening multiple new entertainment shows such as Mickey and the Magician, which won a 2017 International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions theme park industry award for “Best Theatrical Production.” Additionally, several major renovations took place at the resort’s hotels including Disney’s Newport Bay Club, which is now a four-star hotel.
Just this month, Disneyland Paris announced plans for a new Marvel-themed attraction that will be coming to the Walt Disney Studios, part of the new Marvel area development. In 2020, the resort will open Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel, a reimagining of Disney’s Hotel New York that will showcase the inspiring worlds of Iron Man, The Avengers, and Spider-Man, among others. And this summer, the Marvel Summer of Super Heroes seasonal event will take place at Disneyland Paris, where guests can meet their favorite heroes and experience new live entertainment.