Happy 20th Anniversary, Disneyland Paris!
Disneyland Paris, or Euro Disney as it’s still known to some, opened its gates twenty years ago today. Although I’ve never been to Disneyland Paris, the history of this park fascinates me. To some, it represents the beginning of the end for Eisner (I strongly disagree with this), as a vanity project that went way over budget, attracted far fewer guests than expected, and was met with general disdain by the French, who felt that the park was an example of America’s cultural imperialism.
Although beautiful as-built, many of the best plans for Euro Disney never came to fruition. Eddie Sotto’s vision of an edgy Jazz-era Main Street, Journey to the Center of the Earth, an incredibly detailed restaurant concept, and many other things. The park spent its first decade-plus in heavy financial turmoil, and it is just now finally starting to right the ship, becoming one of the most popular destinations in France. Maintenance standards have recently (purportedly) been increased, the Walt Disney Studios (the ugly duckling–uglier than Disney California Adventure once was) is starting to receive attention, and a new nighttime spectacular titled Disney Dreams just opened. All in all, it seems like Disneyland Paris has a bright future, and we cannot wait to visit this park!
Technical details: Nikon D7000 and Rokinon 8mm Fisheye Lens. See our Disney Photography Guide for more photography equipment recommendations.
DLP is great, The castle is just beautiful (and my fave) but it does lack something that WDW has… almost as though it doesn’t have as much magic… it’s a strange feeling. I just wish they’d built it in England instead!