CHESSY, France — A spectacular new nighttime display at Disneyland Paris is set to usher in an exciting era for the continent’s most frequented theme park. This cutting-edge show employs lasers that were previously showcased at the Paris Games, aligning with a broader €2 billion ($2.05 billion) expansion initiative aimed at revitalizing the resort.
This ambitious upgrade encompasses a full renovation of the luxurious Disneyland Hotel, the impending rebranding and expansion of Walt Disney Studios Park, and the eagerly awaited introduction of The World of Frozen alongside a unique Lion King-themed area. These enhancements come as a response to the difficulties theme parks faced during the pandemic, signifying a robust recovery.
The newly launched “Disney Tales of Magic” offers an immersive, 20-minute experience that integrates impressive drone technology, synchronized water features, high-definition visuals, and powerful lasers. This show debuted to enthusiastic crowds this month, capturing the imagination of visitors. The lasers—used previously in the grand opening of the 2024 Paris Olympics at the Eiffel Tower—can project over 23 miles (37 kilometers), delivering mesmerizing effects while ensuring audience safety. “The Paris Olympics utilized it first, but we had the opportunity to showcase it here initially,” remarked Dana Harrel, the executive entertainment director at Disneyland Paris.
This dazzling spectacle brings Disney and Pixar stories to life with drone-produced 3D visuals that light up the night sky, complemented by synchronized fountains and live orchestral music performed by a 100-piece ensemble. The experience is further enhanced by an original anthem titled “Live in Magic.” Attendees of all ages have expressed their amazement. “It’s stunning! We’ve never witnessed such a beautiful light display,” exclaimed Sacha Tellier, a mother of three. Nathan Ruiz, a graphic designer from Madrid, added, “The blend of music, lights, and drones created an enchanting atmosphere. Having visited Disney before, I can say this performance is on an entirely different level.”
Artistic director Tim Lutkin emphasized the innovative nature of the show, revealing that projections will not only illuminate Sleeping Beauty’s Castle but will also encompass Main Street USA, the park’s bustling thoroughfare lined with shops and souvenirs. Lutkin noted how Disney’s storytelling approach has evolved, highlighting a shift from traditional fairy tales to contemporary stories that tackle more profound issues like anxiety and depression, as seen in films like “Encanto” and “Inside Out 2.” He remarked that the latter’s box office triumph was unexpected but demonstrated that audiences are ready for complex narratives.
Simultaneously, the expansion project at Walt Disney Studios Park rebrands it as Disney Adventure World. Set to unveil in spring 2025, a new entry point named World Premiere will offer guests a Hollywood premiere vibe, ushering them into various immersive experiences. “These developments reflect our dedication to storytelling and innovation,” stated Natacha Rafalski, Disneyland Paris’s head, noting that they will bolster the park’s status as Europe’s leading tourist destination. Disneyland Paris, already the most popular theme park in Europe and a top tourist spot in France—outpacing even the Louvre—welcomed over 10 million guests in 2023.
The expansion features two highly anticipated themed sections. The World of Frozen is scheduled to open in 2026, inviting visitors into the enchanting realm of Arendelle, complete with a central lake for water shows and the Frozen Ever After boat ride, along with dining, shopping, and accommodation options. Meanwhile, The Lion King area promises to bring the Pride Lands alive with attractions such as a log flume ride descending from Pride Rock and opportunities to meet iconic characters like Simba and Timon.
The COVID-19 outbreak posed immense challenges for Disneyland Paris, forcing the park to shutter its doors for eight months in 2020 and once again in 2021. However, the company responded by committing to its future. The ongoing €2 billion upgrade is part of a broader $60 billion global investment disclosed in September 2023, aimed at transforming Disney parks, cruises, and attractions over the next decade. A pivotal aspect of the Paris revitalization is the remodeled Disneyland Hotel, featuring suites themed around beloved Disney royalty.
Disneyland Paris, which welcomed its first visitors in 1992 under the name Euro Disney Resort, serves as Disney’s inaugural venture into Europe. Despite initial struggles, including cultural missteps and financial challenges that led critics to label it an “American cultural invasion,” the park has undergone significant rebranding over the years. Renaming itself Disneyland Paris in 1994 helped position it more closely with its location and the capital. Consequently, strategic enhancements and tailored marketing have allowed the resort to flourish, securing its place as a vital part of Disney’s global enterprise.
