Next month marks the 20th anniversary of Disneyland Paris, a celebration with a forward-looking focus. This park once innovated for survival; in the 1990s, a rebranding and the launch of Space Mountain saved it from closure just a few years post-opening.
Today’s theme park visitors are known for their demanding nature, constantly seeking new entertainment and attractions to maintain their loyalty. With advanced special effects and detailed storylines, some suggest we’re in a second Golden Age of theme park development, prompting parks worldwide to enhance their offerings.
Earlier this year, Disneyland Paris announced it had secured €150 million from its parent company for a multi-year expansion. Rumors suggest some of this investment will go towards a new Ratatouille attraction featuring state-of-the-art 3D projections and sophisticated trackless cars, allowing guests to chase Remy through a virtual kitchen. Disneyland Paris CEO Philippe Gas hinted that another new attraction might open in 2014, with fan sites speculating about potential 3D shows or a new tram tour.
These developments are in addition to the 20th-anniversary plans, which include refurbishments like the revamped La Tanière du Dragon, a rebuilt Captain Hook Pirate Ship, and the dazzling new Disney Dreams show opening on April 1. According to Steve Davison, producer of Disney Dreams, this show will feature the brightest show lasers in the world, water screens, and pyrotechnics.
In the US, Disney is also striving to keep up with competitors. Robert Niles from ThemeParkInsider.com noted that Universal Orlando’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter, opened in 2010, has significantly raised the bar. In response, Walt Disney World is expanding its Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom, and California’s Disneyland is about to unveil a billion-dollar expansion and renovation of its California Adventure park.
Asia, which has seen significant growth in theme park attendance, is experiencing an investment boom. A new Disneyland park is set to open in Shanghai in 2016, blending traditional Disney attractions with Chinese influences, and will be three times the size of Hong Kong Disneyland, which opened in 2005. Consequently, Hong Kong Disneyland is undergoing a major investment program, with three new attractions planned by 2013, including Toy Story Land, Grizzly Gulch, and Mystic Point.
Tokyo Disney Resort, with its two parks, is also adding new attractions as part of an investment program running through 2016. The next major addition is Toy Story Mania!, expected to open this summer.