Consider yourself a Disney Parks expert? Here are the top 10 fascinating Disneyland Paris facts we bet you didn’t know…
Step into a world where dreams come true, where fairy tales and fantasy merge into reality – welcome to the enchanting realm of Disneyland Paris! Beyond the iconic castle and beloved characters, there’s a treasure trove of captivating facts that add even more depth to this magical destination. Let’s dive into the top 10 fascinating Disneyland Paris facts and insider information about the parks that only add to the charm of the iconic and ever-magical Disneyland Paris.
1. International Flair
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Did you know that Disneyland Paris is the only Disney Park located outside of the United States when it first opened in 1992? In the last 33 years, the park has seen more than 250 million visitors step through its gates – that’s roughly a third of the entire population of Europe! The park gained tourist popularity at an impressive rate, with the Eurostar running trains directly to Disneyland Paris by 1996. Its European setting adds a unique flair to the park’s architecture, attractions, and overall atmosphere – it’s no mystery why it’s one of the most beloved attractions across the continent. It’s like a global passport to the land of imagination, right on European soil!
2. It’s a Big Kingdom
Spanning over 4,800 acres, Disneyland Paris is not only one of the largest theme parks in Europe but also home to two distinct theme parks: Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park, offering an array of experiences for visitors to enjoy. The vast complex is also home to six individually themed hotels, all featuring iconic and intricate details from the many worlds of Disney. Whether it’s the Marvel Universe, an enchanting fairy-tale or the highways straight out of Cars that you prefer to pit-stop at for the night, there’s a comfy bed awaiting all guests after a long day of adventure.
3. Iconic Partnerships
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Disneyland Paris has played host to various extraordinary events, including partnerships with renowned luxury brands like Louis Vuitton. In 2017, the park featured a collaboration that brought together the magic of Disney with high-end fashion and accessories. More recently, to celebrate 30 amazing years of partnership, Disneyland Paris and Coca-Cola unveiled a limited-edition collection of apparel inspired by ‘90s style minimalism. The two have collaborated in the past to create special bottle designs, home-ware, and accessories but this time the collaboration, named ‘Classic Paris’ featured an eight-piece capsule collection including baseball caps, t-shirts, hoodies, and crew-necks, all in the vibrantly iconic colour palette of the two brands.
4. Deep-Sea Travel in Fantasyland
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In Fantasyland, you’ll find “Les Mystères du Nautilus,” a walk-through attraction that allows you to explore Captain Nemo’s submarine from the classic novel “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.” This walk-through attraction is totally unique to Disneyland Park at Disneyland Paris but can be seen as a subtle nod to one of the very first attractions of Disneyland in California, a walk-through experience of sets from his 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea movie production, that Walt Disney himself presented himself at park opening 1995. After closing for nearly two years for ‘lengthy refurbishments’, it recently reopened to the public and is considered a beautiful, must-see hidden gem that adds a touch of literary adventure to the park.
5. Versailles-Inspired Castle
Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant, French for “The Castle of the Beauty in the Sleeping Forest”, but more commonly known as “Sleeping Beauty Castle”, draws inspiration from various European castles, with a distinct nod to the opulence of the Palace of Versailles. Beneath all the grandeur, lies a one-of-its-kind dark lair, home to the castle’s dragon. It is the only Disney castle to have a dragon and the lair is open for exploration for guests so you can get face-to-face with the amazing animatronic beast! The castle itself is a symbol of elegance and fantasy that captures the imagination of visitors and invites them to explore the beastly secrets below…
6. Most Popular: Ratatouille: The Adventure
DisneyLand Paris is a world of magic and whimsy, but there is one attraction that is currently reigning the popularity ranks. “Ratatouille: The Adventure” is a 4D dark ride that shrinks you down to the size of a rat and sends you on a whimsical adventure through Gusteau’s restaurant – it’s an immersive experience that’s a must-try for any Disney fan. The whimsical combination of classic storytelling and state-of-the-art technology makes has made this the current most popular attraction at the park.
7. International Dining Delights
Disneyland Paris takes culinary exploration to a new level with its diverse dining options. From traditional French cuisine to international flavours, the park’s restaurants offer a delightful range of gastronomic experiences. Recharge for your next mission at the Marvel themed dining experiences such as PYM Kitchen for a variety of good food at size-defying scales, or fly over to Stark Factory, for the best power-up pizza in Paris! And that’s not all. You’ll find mouthwatering food-trucks and pit stops if you need a caffeine pick-me-up or fancy a quick snack! In our opinion, memories are best made on a full stomach!
8. Underground Tunnels
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You’ll be surprised to know that under the magical streets of the park lies a web of underground tunnels haunted by ghosts and ghouls – just kidding! These tunnels are actually just a means of easy transport for the cast and crew of the park to swiftly move through the parks and carry out costume changes under the radar, without the risk of being seen by guests. An ode to just how passionate Disney is about keeping the magic alive, the tunnels mean little adventurers will never know that their favourite characters are, in fact, just dedicated people at work.
9. The Story of the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror in Walt Disney Studios Park offers a thrilling and spine-tingling experience, based on the tale of a stormy Halloween night when 5 unfortunate souls disappeared from the Hollywood Tower Hotel’s elevator. This unique version of the attraction features a story line inspired by the “Hollywood Tower Hotel,” a nod to the classic TV series “The Twilight Zone.” The abandoned abode seemingly stuck in time, features three new hair-raising horrors, The Malevolent Machine, The Shaft Features and The 5th Dimension, this heart-stopping attraction plummets guests into darker depths than ever before
10. Disneyland Paris will never be completed
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The last, and in our opinion, the best fact about Disneyland Paris is that it will go on expanding, fabricating and mixing up more magic forever. In Walt Disney’s own words, “Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.”. The company was regularly at the forefront of technological advances under Walt’s leadership, and even now, continues to revolutionise the world of theme parks with each addition and refurbishment. Disneyland Paris is pure magic intertwined with the imagination of thousands of hard workers and geniuses behind the scenes, meticulously manufacturing attractions and events that will immortalise themselves in the hearts of its visitors and will continue to do so forever.
Disneyland Paris isn’t just a theme park; it’s a realm of wonder and imagination filled with intricate details and hidden stories that add layers of magic to your visit. From its international charm to its unique attractions, this enchanting destination continues to captivate the hearts of visitors from all corners of the world. It’s the perfect spot for theme park-enthusiasts and adventurous travellers alike. Want to experience the magic for yourself? Click here to book your tickets now!