Originally Posted By Doobie This topic is for discussion of the First Look at the Walt Disney Studios Paris. This article starts at: <a href="News-ID503230.asp" target="_blank">http://LaughingPlace.com/News-ID503230.asp</a>.
Originally Posted By dennis-in-ct Great article and I agree with your conclusions - take each park for what it is and do not compare. I visited DLP three times and think it is the best designed Magic Kingdom - the best SHOW. But this does not prevent me from enjoying Florida or California. Each is unique in mood and atmosphere. I personally love Animal Kingdom. THAT place has so much mood and atmosphere it was like instant *magic*. Why aren't people gushing over THAT park? AK is so well done with quality of construction and detail just like the pictures I have seen from TDS. Disneyland Paris has the same "top notch, spared no expense" feel to it and so many people TRASHED that place when it opened. I don't get it. The bottom line is: When I leave the park, did I have fun and was I wowed in some way? If the answer is "yes", then I am happy. Personally DCA left me having fun. How could you leave the animation exhibit and NOT be wowed? DCA has it's true gems and some klunkers, but I left having fun knowing these places are a work in progress and WILL change - always for the better. Thank you for a nice article and I agree with your "comparing other parks" statement. Compared to DLP's Fantasyland, Florida's Fantasyland look like a tacky roadside carnival - but it doesn't stop me from visiting or enjoying myself. Thanks for a GREAT article!
Originally Posted By wtg2000 Dennis, I agree about DLP. I spent three days there in 1997 and it's a simply beautiful park. And it might be my favourite, despite the fact that it lacks three of my favourite attractions - Jungle, Splash and DL's Indy. Adventureland is the most exotic of any park and has the best foliage, despite its northern clime. Pirates and Big Thunder were the best of their kind. I also agree about Animal Kingdom. It is instant magic.
Originally Posted By WDW RR <<THAT place has so much mood and atmosphere it was like instant *magic*. >> I agree. Epcot is my favorite and AK is probably my second favorite at WDW. AK is not about rides. It is about the animals. It is pure Disney.
Originally Posted By dlport Great article. Not only did it give an informative look at the new Paris park, but it correctly discussed the economic realities the Company faces in building new parks. Excellent article, I hope this author contributes more to LP.
Originally Posted By wtg2000 I was surprised to not see any musical theatre type shows mentioned for the Paris studios. I thought this would be a natural. Perhaps there are some.
Originally Posted By jmuboy I agree with Disney's decision to start small. There is certainly plenty of Ideas and space to expand the park. Fantasmic and Tower of terror are already strong rumors. But with the disappointing performance of DL Paris its first few years, I can understand why they wanted to star small with the Studios Paris. Disney MGM started small and it's a GREAT park now. I kinda wish they would change the MGM park's name to Walt Disney Studios Florida now. I like the name of the park honoring the man behind all the magic! Anyway, in the end, yes, DL Paris is the nest Magic Kingdom park out there and I hope the Europeans accept it's little brother for what it is. A compliment to the original that will continue to grow and expand in the future. Even DL Paris added a lot of rides it's first few years. Now, DCA's small size and "economy of scale" construction is another story! ( a sad one)
Originally Posted By gregzzz Hello I am from Belgium and I live just 300km away from DLP! I suppose here in Europe we know things u just think are rumors in the US. For example, the flying carpets over agrabah has a complete story: guests will be part of a movie, directed by the genie! The Armageddon ride will not take place on the asteroïd, butin the russian space station. There will be a Monsters,inc kind of show or parade... As far as rumors are concerned, TOT should open in 2004. I have seen the park in construction and i can tell u the entrance is very impressive. The stunt show set, wish is almost finished, is quite well done. It looks like the Miracosta hotel from TDS, unfortunately it's just a set And BTW, DLP just released some concept arts, pics, and logos of the park, with official information on all the rides and show, for the travel agencies. You can see all of that here (including an impressive Armageddon concept art!): <a href="http://dlp.disneyfans.com/wdsp/starteng.html" target="_blank">http://dlp.disneyfans.com/wdsp /starteng.html</a> or here: www.disneydream.net
Originally Posted By ahecht I believe that in the Pressler interview that LP posted here recently, he said that the Armaggedon attraction took place in the "Russian Space Station," not on the asteroid.
Originally Posted By gregzzz Hello I am from Belgium and I live just 300km away from DLP! I suppose here in Europe we know things u just think are rumors in the US. For example, the flying carpets over agrabah has a complete story: guests will be part of a movie, directed by the genie! The Armageddon ride will not take place on the asteroïd, butin the russian space station. There will be a Monsters,inc kind of show or parade... As far as rumors are concerned, TOT should open in 2004. I have seen the park in construction and i can tell u the entrance is very impressive. The stunt show set, wish is almost finished, is quite well done. It looks like the Miracosta hotel from TDS, unfortunately it's just a set And BTW, DLP just released some concept arts, pics, and logos of the park, with official information on all the rides and show, for the travel agencies. You can see all of that here (including an impressive Armageddon concept art!): <a href="http://dlp.disneyfans.com/wdsp/starteng.html" target="_blank">http://dlp.disneyfans.com/wdsp /starteng.html</a> or here: www.disneydream.net
Originally Posted By jmcobery The new studio sure look's like it will be as much fun as Florida. My wife and I cant wait for our first trip to Paris Disneyland next year. This has been a great week of artical's keep them coming. The Cobery Family
Originally Posted By damon63 I thought that Lee's article was thoughtfully researched, well written and very informative. Lee's points about budgeting and economics make a lot of sense. Disney is making a wise and sound decision to build DSP modestly. The park will pale though in comparison to the gloriously detailed Magic Kingdom next door. I will be visiting Disneyland Paris next month and look forward to peeking of the fence at the new studios.
Originally Posted By Marc -DL Traveler I really enjoyed your article, Lee. Thanks. I'd love it to see more from you! And I also appreciate the sound of your reasonable voice in the all too small a chorus of us who are pointing out the importance of the differences in international economic realities. I read your piece after I went off on a rant on the topic on the TDL board. Seeing your comments was like a breath of fresh air. Marc
Originally Posted By foolishmortal A very good article and more balanced opinions too. One thing to remember when stating that a company "cannot afford to do" something is that the Disney Company dictates very high rates of return on investment. There have been many ideas that have fallen on deaf ears, not because they weren't fiscally sound, but not hitting high enough margins. If those same return rates were applied to the investment required for the first Disneyland, it would have never been built in the first place. It may be true that the cost or investment in a TDS is un realistic for this market, it may also be true that the business expectations of the Japanese are more" long term" and not a "short term" focus like we have here. The original disneyland was a longshot and was planned to have only a million guests its first year. Oh well... just another perspective to keep in mind.
Originally Posted By leemac Hi guys Thought I should answer a few of your questions. The CEO of Eurodisney has confirmed that the new park is due to have a sneak peak to shareholders in March. No set opening date yet. RnR Coaster does star Aerosmith. Rumours persist that it is different to the Florida version but all the internal elements that are being put in place seem the same. No Muppets at all and no suggestion that we will see them. There is no official words on any Monsters Inc attraction and no signs of any development or construction that could be. The park is to sell other Henson merchandise though, especially Bear in the Big Blue House has is a huge success in Europe, so maybe a Bear show might crop up at some point. Thanks for taking the time to read my article!
Originally Posted By gregzzz bear int he big what????? this show is totally unknown in France and in Belgium so dont expect it too soon... There will be a monster,inc thing on opening day, but nobody can say what exactly (not an attraction!)
Originally Posted By gregzzz bear int he big what????? this show is totally unknown in France and in Belgium so dont expect it too soon... There will be a monster,inc thing on opening day, but nobody can say what exactly (not an attraction!)
