Disneyland Paris Update : Part One: The Return of the Molly Brown

Friday's meeting organized by DLP for webmasters was great and we learned lots of infos, most of them in relation with the refurbishment of parks and hotels so everything could be neat and pretty for DLP's 20th Anniversary in 2012. Great presentation by Imagineer Peggie Fariss who is now at the head of DLP Imagineering and i'll tell you all about this meeting in the next days as i'm still waiting for visuals that should be delivered early next week.



Part one of this DLP update will be essentially about the big return of the Molly Brown, with a total renovation of the ship as it was in pretty bad condition since he was on fire two years ago. The boat will be sailing on Frontierland's Rivers of the Far-West in about two weeks as it still needs a "final touch" but they did friday a new "inauguration" of the boat with Disney Ambassadors, William "Buffalo Bill" Cody...





...And of course Mickey and Minnie to cut the ribbon!



Here is a video of the full ceremony filmed by Mouetto from the Disney Central Plaza forum.



Afterwhat it was "all aboard" for the first cruise of the "new" Molly Brown.







A country band was also there and played music all along this "inaugural" cruise on the Rivers of the Far-West.





As you will see on the pictures above and below, they've changed the colors and the new one are more in warm brown palette. As i was part of those who liked a lot the old colors i was a bit skeptical when i saw some pictures on the web last week but now that i've seen it in real i honestly think that they did a really good job. They also did a change on the side of the ship. Previously it was written "Molly Brown - Queen of the River" and now it is "Molly Brown - Western River Line". Here is a picture of the Molly Brown with the previous colors and title...



And here is the Molly Brown with its new colors.





These changes might look not so important for you but there was a historical reason why the ship had its colors in the first version as it was more accurate with how this kind of steamship looked back at the end of the 19th century. Also, the Mark Twain was supposed to be the "king" of the river and the Molly Brown the "queen" that's why it was written "Queen of the River" on the side.

I asked Peggie Fariss why they've changed both colors and title. The new "Western River Line" title is because the ship is supposed to sail on a "river of the west" and the new warm brown colors were choosed to fit with the colors of the American west. Okay...but there is still a problem of accuracy with how these boats were historically painted as the letters on the side were painted on a white background and not on a light brown one as it is now. The colors were changed not only on the exterior but also inside and if we except this unfortunate historical mistake the colors palette looks really nice.























You'll find also brand new "old" american flags and these have only 38 "stars" like the real flags when Molly Brown was living.





Next time you'll do the cruise listen carefully to the narration as they've recorded a brand new one in which you'll hear elements from the original one but also more from Molly Brown! The narrator and captain speaks in french but on the new recording Molly Brown is now speaking in english.





Along the Rivers of the Far-West the scenes are the same, nothing was added and nothing will be in a near future which is a bit a pity as there is much less scenes to see than in others Magic Kingdom. They could do it easily, it's only a matter of money, as usual.

Old Joe is still fishing but the geysers are still not working and don't expect to see them working again anytime soon. They didn't talked about this during the presentation but apparently all the underground pipes system is in such bad condition that everything must be replaced and the cost would be as expensive as the one to repaint the castle. DLP management had to make a choice and in pure logic they've decided that the castle was the most urgent for DLP 20th anniversary. So you'll have a beautiful castle next year, but no Frontierland geysers.













I'll talk again about this in my next update but, good news, as they will totally clean again Big Thunder Mountain later this year and part of it will even be repainted.



Let's hope they will not forget the arch which really needs to be totally repainted, even more than BTM.



The Mark Twain was stopped during our cruise but was back as soon as the Molly Brown had finished its inaugural cruise.





The Molly Brown will be back in some weeks and next time you'll come at DLP don't miss it! See you soon for the part two of this big DLP update!


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All pictures: copyright Disney and more

Video: copyright Mouetto - Disney Central Plaza

Disneyland Paris will introduce next June the "Mickey’s Princesses & Pirates Party"

Last week, in my previous DLP update, i let you know about the upcoming Peter Pan show in Adventureland as well as the new Princess meet and greet in Fantasyland. Well, in addition to these, Disneyland Paris will launch in June a new kind of party, the "Mickey’s Princesses & Pirates Party".

These Mickey’s Princesses & Pirates Party will happen on June 1, 10, 17 and 24th between 8pm and 11pm. Just like the big Halloween party these new Princesses & Pirates Party will be special evenings (if i can say, considering that sunset in June is not before 10.30pm) and will begin after the park closed for normal guests who don't have special tickets for the party. Ticket price will be 25€ per guest, free for children under 3.



The title - Mickey’s Princesses & Pirates Party - is a tribute to WDW “Disney’s Pirates & Princesses Party” event, although it won't be comparable. In an answer to guests requests DLP has decided to create an event more adapted to young children who will be able to meet their favorite Disney characters as well as Jack Sparrow in an intimate and family evening. The party program has been thought for young kids with no attractions which have a height limit to make sure all children will have a magical evening.

In Adventureland, children will have fun with Captain Hook, Monsieur Mouche, Peter Pan, Wendy and the pirates during 20 minutes sessions and will also meet Jack Sparrow near Pirates of Caribbean. In Fantasyland, the "Royal Academy" will teach them all that a young children needs to know to behave in a royal manner, and kids will receive a "royal diploma". The evening will end with a surprise private parade with five floats of the afternoon parade and all the beloved characters.

All along the evening Disney characters will also meet the guests in Aventureland and Fantasyland, and this include: Minnie (Princesse Costume), Dingo (Pirate), Donald (Costume Pirate Costume), Aurora & Prince Philip, Ariel & Prince Eric, Belle, Pocahontas & John Smith, Tiana & Prince Naveen, Raiponce & Flynnd, Snow White and her Prince, Alice & the White Rabitt, Mary Poppins & Bert, Mulan, and Tinkerbell. Each children will also receive a special book that he will have to fill with special stickers and characters autographs all along the evening.



Here are the ride which will stay open during these party, until 11pm: Pirates of the Caribbean, Peter Pan’s Flight, It’s a Small World, Mad Hatter’s Tea Cups, Dumbo the flying elephant, Les Voyages de Pinocchio, Snow White, Le Carrousel de Lancelot.
If you're planning to visit the park in June with young children these new Mickey’s Princesses & Pirates Party might be fun for them!

Pictures: copyright Disney

DLP CEO Philippe Gas confirms indirectly the WDS Ratatouille dark ride project

In today's Telegraph interview DLP CEO Philippe Gas announced indirectly the WDS Ratatouille attraction project. It's the first time that he mentions Ratatouille and although he don't talk specifically about an attraction it's easy to read "between the lines". He didn't announced an opening date but, still, it's one more confirmation that the project is not pure DLP fan fantasy. In two words, it's not a rumor anymore.

He didn't talked about Star Tours 2 coming to DLP but it doesn't mean that they won't do it. They still have plenty of time - almost one year - to take their decisions and i won't be surprised if they were waiting for the ST2 opening at DL and WDW next year to see how good it is to make a decision.

I've told you in my latest DLP pdate that the park envision changes in major DLP attractions like Phantom Manor and Pirates of Caribbean and it's interesting to note that in his interview Philippe Gas mentions that the park "have enough cash today...to pay for rehabilitation of current attractions in the park".

He also talked about the third park and confirmed that the decision to build the third park may not be made until 2020.

Here is excerpts of the Telegraph interview:

“You cannot think about Disneyland Paris as a five-year play or a 10-year play. We are looking at 2035. We’re not looking at tomorrow – so, looking at this strategically, investing in a second park was the right thing to do.”

Mr Gas said the group is committed to paying back 25pc of its current debt by 2013. He plans to significantly expand the Studios Park and is now talking about developing a third theme park on its Disneyland Paris site.

“Honestly, we have enough cash today to pay our debt, to finance our expansion and to pay for rehabilitation [of current attractions in the park],” highlighted Mr Gas, denying recent speculation that the company came close to breaching banking covenants...

...High on Mr Gas’s agenda are the development of the Disney Studios, where he plans more attractions and restaurants with the intention of turning it into a “one-day experience”. New Disney characters he is keen to feature at the park include Disney’s Cars and Ratatouille.

“Ratatouille is perfect, as it is set in Paris,” he said, pointing to a large wall poster of the film in his office. Furthermore, there is the agreement to build homes as part of the development of Marne la Vallée, where Disneyland Paris is located, as well as a nature park that will be set up with French holiday company Pierre et Vacances."

Later down the line, the construction of a third theme park is also on the agenda...

...Mr Gas said a decision to build the third theme park may not be made until 2020, though it may be brought forward if planned work on the existing Disney Studios Park is completed."

You can read the full Telegraph interview HERE in which Philippe Gas also defends DLP workers condition.

Text: copyright Telegraph.co.uk

Goodbye DLP Epcot , Hello Super-Heroes City ?

DLP announcement last week of an upcoming third theme park did a tremendous effect in fans community but it is DLP CEO Philippe Gas quote that the 3rd park might be a Marvel Super-Heroes park who keep the fans discussing if it's a good idea or not. Personally i've already told you my feeling: although there is enough material in Marvel's mythology to build attractions for an entire park i still think they should do no more than a land with it, even a big one, but not a full park. But that's just my vision...

However, this announcement had other consequencies and one of them is to let us know that previous DLP third park projects are now dead. What do i mean? Well, if you would ask almost anybody working at DLP if the addition of a monorail or an Epcot theme park has ever been planned for the resort they would probably tell you that, no, never.
Hmmm...may be, except, that ONE rendering exist, a very rare one, in fact the only one i ever saw showing both a monorail AND an Epcot "Spaceship Earth" icon.



If you look well at the artwork, you will see the facade of the Newport Bay Hotel, and in the background the one of the Disneyland Paris Hotel. But the silver silhouette of the Epcot icon is located exactly in that piece of land reserved for the third park. I remind you that the land for this third theme park - well kept since 18 years - is in front of the Newport Bay and Sequoia Lodge Hotels. DLP announcement of a Marvel Super-Heroes theme park certainly means that DLP will never have its own Epcot and even more certainly no monorail, but one thing is sure: somebody at WDI, many years ago, though about building it.

I've also read on the DCP forum that a Marvel theme park could be a good idea as the three parks would have a different "target", i.e DLP Magic Kingdom for families and children up to 12 years old, the Walt Disney Studios for teens between 13 and 20, and the Marvel park for people over 20. On the "paper" it may look like a brilliant marketing argument but the problem is that reality doesn't work like that...

When they opened the WDS back in 2002 DLP marketing office already used the same kind of argument: the WDS was a park for teenagers or people loving "strong" thrill rides. And guess what happened? That's right, families with young kids came at the WDS just like they go to DLP Magic Kingdom. The result? When DLP executives understood that reality was stronger than anything including intellectual fantasy they knew that all they had to do was to create as quick as possible a whole WDS area for children under 10. And that's what they're doing since then with Toon Studios, Toy Story Playland this year and the Ratatouille ride in 2012-13.

Do you want to know why DLP Magic Kingdom didn't had a new E-Ticket since 15 years - since Space Mountain opened? This original mistake is, for a big part, the reason why. Simply because the park must fix this pathetic mistake and spend all its funds in the creation of a land for kids at the WDS. You will understand better now why i hope they're not going to do the same mistake twice. Although a park entitled "Marvel Super-Heroes" means more obviously that we're not talking here about fairy tales it will not stop families with young kids to come, at least to see how will look the new park. And of course they will come back very frustrated - if not angry - if there is no attractions for kids.

Also, this 3rd park is not supposed to open anytime soon and may be in ten years from now super-heroes movies will be less popular than now for teens, who knows? And if they're still popular in 2020 - when this Marvel park is supposed to open - DLP executives should pray that they still will be popular for, at least, 15 more years, i.e until 2035 (!) to make sure the investment will be successful... Using Marvel Super-Heroes in a theme park is not stupid, they're is a lot of great rides that can be created out of the heroes mythology but they should built it as soon as possible, let's say in 3 or 4 years from now while the super-heroes hype still exist.

Your thoughts?







If you're looking for a great gift to offer to anyone you love - including yourself - the "Disneyland Paris, From Sketch to Reality" book with its 320 pages and 750 pictures - including 250 renderings from Walt Disney Imagineering - would be a GREAT gift for any Disney fan! I still have some copies of this hard to find book and, as i am one of the two authors of the book, each copy will be sign specially for you or anyone you wish. Of course, don't forget to tell me the name to whom you wish he dedicates the book.

Price for one copy of the english updated edition (with the text in english) is 87 Euros + 15 euros shipping to any country. Payment can be done with Paypal.

You can see some inside pages of the book on this D&M page HERE and to order the book please email me at: lawrence55@wanadoo.fr

Paypal payment can be sent to: lawrence55@wanadoo.fr



Artwork: copyright Disney Enterprises Inc

All my thanks to the excellent Webcot web site who kindly provided me the artwork.

Disneyland Paris officially announces its will to build a third theme park - Edited 9/15 with more details and renderings

Disneyland Paris officially announced today that the agreement signed with the french government - which was supposed to end in 2017 - will be extend until 2030 as well as new investment with partners for an amount which could be as high as 8 Billion euros
AND their will to build a third theme park. This extension of the agreement will be signed this tuesday afternoon.

Before you get too excited about this official announcement, let's have a look to what this really means: First the whole site area will be extend from 1.943 to 2.230 hectares. The park will build in partnership with Pierre & Vacances Co a new leisure village called "Villages Nature of Val d'Europe", which is nothing new as it was announced many years ago but you'll be happy to know that these Villages will include a water park on which WDI Imagineers worked on the design - but no, it won't be, unfortunately, the original Lava Lagoon project. However it seems that the investment for this Village will be around 1.8 Billion euros, with first part delivered in 2015. Something else, and more new in the new convention talks about the building of 10000 housing as well as new infrastructures for this new area.

Edited 9/15: What will be the "Villages Nature"? Here is more about it from the Val d'Europe web site, including renderings. As you will see, for a big part, the Villages will be surrounded by water:

"Villages Nature is an ecotourism project, the concept of which is based on the search for harmony between Man and Nature. The first of its kind in Europe, this project could be adapted to each of the planet’s four elements (water, earth, air and fire). Developed over a 15 to 20-year period, its surface area would reach 530 hectares, of which only 10% would be built upon."

Below, the first Blue Sky concept-arts and master-plan of the project:







"A letter of intent for this project, which could ultimately generate up to 9,000 direct and indirect jobs, was signed on February 13th, 2007. Developed in partnership with the Pierre & Vacances Group, it aims to be exemplary in terms of reducing ecological footprints: waste management, water recycling, geothermal exploitation, car-free environment, use of sustainable materials and more."

"As the feasibility studies proceed, we find ourselves dreaming about the idea of enjoying a few days in one of the future Villages Nature ... an opportunity to breathe, recharge our batteries and expend our energy within the very depths of nature."

Below, a part of the latest master plan revealed in an official presentation of the project, June 25th 2010:



As you probably already understood they're talking here more about a huge real estate project than anything else. Still, they also confirmed their intention to build a third theme park but faithful Disney and more readers may have noticed that i've told you almost one year ago that the park was indeed working on a third gate with an opening envisioned at the end of the decade...if everything goes well.

Of course the main reason of this real estate project is to bring euros in the cash drawer, which the park needs desperately. In two words, they're probably making more money now out of the real estate operations than from the resort - i mean, at least in terms of profit on investment. Still, the park also announced that the resort is now the fifth hotel group in France and that DLRP is now making alone 6,4% of the whole french tourism earnings, which is not bad at all.

Edited 9/15: Just like you i would have prefer more details about this third theme park and they are coming today with this big news revealed today by The Telegraph and it's about what could be the theme of the third theme park! As the info is coming from Philippe Gas DLP's CEO himself this one can be considered as not a rumor, and guess what? the 3rd theme park could be a Marvel super-heroes park!:

"In the latest deal with the French government, the deadline by which Euro Disney would have to develop the land has been extended from 2017 to 2030, to provide the time needed to construct a third theme park.

Philippe Gas, the chief executive of Euro Disney, said one idea for a third park is "a superheroes park" following the acquisition of Marvel by Disney - although the construction of a third park is a long-term vision. Mr Gas said there is a possibility that a decision to build a third park could come as late as 2020, although it may come earlier if planned work on the Disney Studios park is completed."

As the 3rd park opening won't happen before ten years from now its concept and its theme may change. However, it's good to know "officially" that a third gate is always in DLP plans, let's just hope they will sell quickly as many as possible of the 10000 apartments as this should be helpful to finance the third theme park!

So, what is your opinion about having a Marvel super-heroes park at DLP? Let me know in the comments, and don't miss the part two of this article showing how could look a park in tribute to Marvel Super-Heroes!



Below, DLP's official corporate release about yesterday's agreement:

Renewed Momentum for the Partnership between Euro Disney and the French Public Parties - Signature of an Amendment to the Main Agreement of March 24, 1987

(Marne-la-Vallée, September 14, 2010) Euro Disney S.C.A. (the "Company"), parent company of Euro Disney Associés S.C.A, operator of Disneyland® Paris, announced that it will sign this afternoon an Amendment to the Main Agreement of March 24, 1987 which created Euro Disneyland in France (the "Main Agreement"), with the French State, the Ile-de-France Région, the Seine-et-Marne Département, and the Etablissement Public d’Aménagement de Marne-la-Vallée (the "Amendment").

This Amendment will represent a new phase in the existing partnership between the Euro Disney group (the "Group") and the French Public Parties that for the past twenty years has driven the development of sector IV of Marne-la-Vallée with Disneyland Paris, Europe’s number one tourist destination, as well as the urban and economic
hub of Val d’Europe.

The Amendment reinforces the ongoing significant and growing contributions of the Group to France’s draw as a tourist destination, as well as the creation of added value to the French economy, creation of both direct and indirect jobs, and to support the re-balancing of the Ile-de-France region toward the East, as was highlighted in the Economic Impact Study published in December 2009 by the French Inter-ministerial Delegate to the Euro Disney project.

This Amendment to the Main Agreement, which takes place in the context of a Project of General Interest (in French, Projet d’Intérêt Général), allows the signatories:

• To pursue the development of the tourist destination for hotel and theme park activity, including notably the right to build a third theme park in the long term thereby continuing to enhance the attractiveness of Disneyland Paris and reflecting its support of France as a leader in tourism.

• To pursue the urban development of Val d’Europe to facilitate a rebalancing of economic growth and job creation in the eastern part of the Ile-de-France region, which encompasses new housing development as envisioned by the Ile-de-France Region Planning (in French, Schéma Directeur de la Région Ile-de-France).

• To develop a new tourism project, “Les Villages Nature de Val d’Europe”, based on sustainable development. The project will be in partnership with the Pierre & Vacances Group via a joint venture that is a signatory to the Amendment. This project, which will be launched depending on market conditions, would be developed in phases up to approximately 500 hectares within a 20-year timeframe.

To facilitate the vision for future growth outlined by the Amendment, the perimeter of the Main Agreement has been modified from 1,943 to 2,230 hectares. Similarly, the parties have agreed to change the end date of the Main Agreement from 2017 to 2030. Between now and 2030, and as estimated by the French State projects within the new
perimeter could generate an approximate investment of € 8 billion by various tourist and urban developers, including € 1.8 billion for Les Villages Nature de Val d’Europe, most of which will be made by individual and/or institutional investors, and a potential of 70,000 directs and indirect jobs.

The Amendment establishes certain key principles for a balanced and sustainable development and commits the Public Parties to certain improvements and additional infrastructure in terms of road access and public transportation both within the land covered by the Main Agreement and elsewhere in Seine-et-Marne.

Philippe Gas, C.E.O. of Euro Disney S.A.S., stated “With this Amendment to the Main Agreement to be signed with the French public parties, we are renewing our collective confidence in the future of Disneyland Paris. For over twenty years, this model has brought sustained growth to the region, while ensuring a close relationship with our
public partners and neighbouring communities. We are committed to continue developing our tourist destination and supporting France’s tourism leadership, while addressing the challenges of sustainable development.”






If you're looking for a great gift to offer to anyone you love - including yourself - my "Disneyland Paris, From Sketch to Reality" book with its 320 pages and 750 pictures - including 250 renderings from Walt Disney Imagineering - would be a GREAT gift for any Disney fan! I still have some copies of this hard to find book and, as i am one of the two authors of the book, each copy will be sign specially for you or anyone you wish. Of course, don't forget to tell me the name to whom you wish he dedicates the book.

Price for one copy of the english updated edition (with the text in english) is 87 Euros + 15 euros shipping to any country. Payment can be done with Paypal.

You can see some inside pages of the book on this D&M page HERE and to order the book please email me at: lawrence55@wanadoo.fr

Paypal payment can be sent to: lawrence55@wanadoo.fr

Picture: copyright Disney