Disney has introduced that its worst theme park on the planet, at the moment within the midst of a large makeover and enlargement, will likely be renamed and enter anew period. This publish shares the total announcement by Imagineering and Disneyland Paris, together with new idea artwork for the reimagined park, in addition to our commentary in regards to the identify change and way forward for the new-look park previously referred to as WDSP.
Disneyland Paris introduced that after transporting generations of friends into the magic of movie-making, the second park at Disneyland Paris is getting into a brand new period marked by a recent inventive imaginative and prescient, brand-new experiences, an unprecedented enlargement, and introduction of an all-new visible identification. To have a good time this new chapter, Walt Disney Studios Park (WDSP) will likely be renamed Disney Journey World.
The renaming of WDSP to Disney Journey World will happen when World of Frozen opens, doubtless in 2025. Even past that, the whole Disneyland Paris resort will proceed to raise its choices within the coming years. This follows the addition of Avengers Campus and different stuff, and can coincide with additional transformations to the again half of what’s at the moment referred to as the Walt Disney Studios Park.
Every anniversary brings its share of surprises, and 2024 isn’t any totally different. On April 12, Disneyland Paris lifted the curtain on an formidable future for the resort. The Disneyland Paris government and artistic groups took the stage to share details about leisure that can debut within the coming months, the subsequent section of the continued transformation of Disney Resorts, and ongoing reimagining of Disney Village.
The resort has seen plenty of tasks dropped at life to reinvigorate the visitor expertise and make Disneyland Paris a repeat go to and multi-day vacation spot. One of many high priorities of this 2 billion euro transformation plan is a whole makeover of Walt Disney Studios Park.
This identify change to Disney Journey World is going on whereas persevering with to broaden the park with new themed areas that can be a part of Marvel Avengers Campus, which welcomed its very first recruits again in 2022, in addition to Worlds of Pixar. On the finish of all of it, the soon-to-be-renamed park could have roughly doubled its footprint and grow to be an all-day park worthy of the Disney identify.
When it opened in 2002, the unique thought driving the creation of the second park was to present friends a behind- the-scenes look into the making of flicks, animated function movies and tv reveals. The park idea has since developed creatively to supply extra immersive worlds, and in 2007 it launched into an thrilling enlargement journey with the launch of a number of large-scale tasks just like the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Toy Story Playland, and Ratatouille: The Journey.
From the latest opening of Worlds of Pixar and Marvel Avengers Campus to the creation of a Frozen-inspired land, the park continues to welcome beloved franchises, permitting friends to step into their favourite tales in a uniquely Disney manner. And the enjoyable is simply starting, as immersive worlds impressed by the preferred Disney motion pictures of all time grow to be the cornerstone of the park’s transformation.
“At the moment, we’re altering the story of Walt Disney Studios Park, evolving from ‘the way it’s carried out’ soundstages to celebratory theaters and adventures that come to life in immersive worlds. These totally realized journey worlds will grow to be the main focus of the park’s new identification and seem as realms that friends uncover as they navigate deeper throughout the park and are invited to take part in adventures impressed by our most beloved tales,” defined Tom Fitzgerald, Walt Disney Imagineering Chief Storytelling Govt and Senior Artistic Govt for Disneyland Paris.
“Embracing a change that entails the overhaul of greater than 90% of Walt Disney Studios Park since its debut in 2002, we’re unveiling a recent inventive imaginative and prescient that has fully redefined our second gate. Company will embark on a journey that blends the magic and emotion of our beloved franchises with explorations into faithfully recreated new worlds. This important evolution impressed us to rename the Park, heralding a vibrant new chapter for Disneyland Paris,” added Natacha Rafalski, Présidente of Disneyland Paris.
“The brand new identify will formally take impact coinciding with the grand opening of our subsequent themed land, World of Frozen, marking a harmonious begin to this thrilling new period. With our dedication to pushing the boundaries of immersion and innovation, we’re crafting breathtaking new experiences and spectacular moments at Disney Journey World hat will resonate greater than ever with our friends. It’s set to supply distinctive adventures in immersive worlds, serving as an ideal complement to Disneyland Park.”
The most recent experiences delivered throughout the park already mirror this new inventive imaginative and prescient of Disney Journey World. Among the many additions coming quickly, World of Frozen goes to take friends on a journey to the dominion of Arendelle with its colourful facades and memorable North Mountain which might be step by step coming into view.
The Frozen land will likely be effectively situated on the sting of Journey Bay, a 70,000 cubic meter physique of water surrounded by picturesque banks and a promenade on the coronary heart of the park enlargement, serving as a gateway to the brand new themed universes that can encompass it. Greater than a scenic icon, Journey Bay will function a singular leisure stage with a 360-degree viewing space. It is going to be fitted with the most recent applied sciences to offer thrilling water-based leisure, full with fountains, music, lights and particular results which might be certain to thrill friends.
That’s only the start! A brand-new themed land, the idea and design of that are at the moment being finalized by Imagineers, will additional improve the attraction of this reimagined park within the years to return. Extra particulars will likely be shared sooner or later. (It’s secure to imagine this may occupy the plot adjoining to World of Frozen that was initially for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.)
Starting this month, the transformation work at WDSP will prolong to the doorway space to immerse friends within the brand-new story as quickly as they step into Disney Journey World. After passing by means of the turnstiles, friends will likely be transported right into a vibrant, modern open-air film studio earlier than turning into particular friends of a glamorous movie premiere within the coronary heart of Hollywood on a starry evening.
To carry this all-new immersive expertise to life, the inside décor of the “soundstage” – which at the moment depicts a filming scene on Hollywood Boulevard – will likely be changed with crafted décor that pays homage to historic film theaters in Hollywood and the leisure trade as an entire. The brand new entrance constructing, renamed World Premiere, will reopen in Spring 2025.
As soon as exterior the constructing, friends will arrive within the coronary heart of World Premiere Plaza, an space that brings collectively theaters, at the moment celebrating Disney Animation and Pixar tales, in a classy Artwork Déco-inspired setting. The Walt Disney Imagineering Paris groups are already at work to show the park’s former central sq. right into a dynamic and heat atmosphere with décor impressed by the well-known facades of Broadway and West Finish theaters. The ambiance will likely be much more vibrant and magical at evening, with vivid lights illuminating the entire expertise!
To realize entry to the park’s immersive worlds, friends will stroll alongside Journey Means, a wonderful promenade surrounded by lush panorama and themed gardens. As friends wander by means of this enchanting space, they’ll uncover Raiponce Tangled Spin, an all-new household attraction providing a enjoyable tackle a traditional journey, impressed by the beloved Disney Animation film Tangled. It’s going to invite friends to “take a spin” by means of the long-lasting floating lanterns scene that has touched the hearts of viewers of all ages.
Lastly, earlier than setting off on new adventures, friends could have the possibility to deal with their style buds to scrumptious dishes served at The Regal View Restaurant and Lounge, a classy table-service restaurant that can supply friends spectacular views over Journey Bay, together with an opportunity to fulfill a few of their favourite Disney Princesses.
Turning to commentary, I can already anticipate a little bit of fan backlash to this renaming. Each time there’s a title card earlier than a film that claims “Disney” as a substitute of “Walt Disney,” there’s a sure subset of followers that freak out. It doesn’t matter whether or not the movie is by a studio acquired by the corporate and arguably being at-odds with the founder’s legacy. (It undoubtedly received’t be as vocal given the substance, however I wouldn’t be stunned if somebody says that in regards to the opening of Deadpool & Wolverine, of all issues.)
Level being, it’s a delicate topic, and I can respect the why of that, particularly as there are substantive methods wherein the modern-day Disney behemoth strays from Walt’s legacy, turning into greater and fewer recognizable than the studio he and his brother based. Disney is among the few firms with the enduring legacy of its founder, a inventive core that continues to be true to that, and a fanbase protecting of it. That’s a rarity, and it’s one thing price defending.
The issue right here is that completely none of that was within the Walt Disney Studios Park within the first place. In reality, I’d argue the precise reverse–that this was maybe the worst instance of ‘Walt-washing’ that the corporate has ever engaged in. The that means of that time period I simply coined needs to be pretty apparent, however in case not, it’s utilizing Walt as a handy PR protect or company mascot when it so fits the corporate to additional its personal contemporaneous greatest pursuits.
I’ve mentioned this earlier than, most notably when it’s come to Walt Disney statues or quotes to justify enterprise choices. Have you ever ever stopped to consider when these quotes are employed? It’s by no means to assist an important change about which followers are going to be excited. There was no “Walt would’ve wished this” relating to Radiator Springs Racers, Mystic Manor, or Fantasy Springs. All of these are nice on the deserves, in order that they’re allowed to face on the deserves. It’s the controversial modifications that arguably will not be progress that invoke Walt, sarcastically, within the identify of progress.
Very same thought with the Walt Disney Studios Park. I by no means skilled the opening day model of this Parisian park, having first visited in 2012, however even after including Crush’s Coaster after which the Ratatouille darkish journey, it was nonetheless the worst Disney theme park on the planet by a large margin–the place it has stood ever since in our Disney Parks Energy Rankings, that are up to date 1-2 instances per 12 months. In reality, manner again in 2013, we questioned whether or not the Walt Disney Studios Park was deserving of the “Disney” identify, arguing that it didn’t even have the defining traits to be known as a “theme” park.
Level being, the unique identify selection had nothing to do with the park being one thing deserving of Walt’s identify. On the contrary, that call was in all probability made to paper over its many shortcomings and supply a little bit of fan service as a result of what else we’re they going to do to present that unhappy place any attraction?!
To its credit score, the Walt Disney Studios Park has made great strides since then. The present transformation of the park that’ll be accomplished within the subsequent couple of years will additional that. To be sincere, I’m barely dissatisfied that the entrance entrance isn’t going to be razed and changed, however what they’re doing remains to be a large leap ahead in the suitable path. Disney is investing extra now on the transformation into the soon-to-be Disney Journey World than they spent on the opening day Walt Disney Studios Park.
And actually, the most important subject with the park has at all times been mirrored within the identify: studios. A excessive focus of generic trying soundstages just isn’t a very good design selection, and one which by no means even made sense. We’ve lengthy argued that the Walt Disney Studios Park must drop the pretense that it’s in some way a “studio.”
The soundstage thought is neat in concept because it places a roof over friends’ heads to shelter them from the weather, however execution is horrible, and it’s solely a good suggestion in concept. (Arcades, in contrast, are a good suggestion in truth.) Apart from simply trying low cost and cheesy, it instantly raises the curtain and takes friends backstage, fairly than setting a stage and introducing friends to the park in an awe-inspiring method.
There’s no wienie drawing them additional into the park, it’s only a low cost pass-through a mall meals court docket with some slap-shod “within the motion pictures” decorations thrown in for good measure. Right here’s hoping all of that improves with this transformation. Deeper into the park, this sea of soundstages feels chilly and impersonal–oh, and low cost. Very very low cost. Which is sensible, as a result of the Walt Disney Studios Park was constructed on a budget.
Whereas these opening act sound phases will stay, at the very least Disney Journey World is getting a ton of placemaking. Journey Bay is a robust addition, particularly on condition that our largest criticism in regards to the Walt Disney Studios Park felt like that it may’ve been constructed on a Walmart parking zone–it wasn’t only a sea of sound phases earlier than, but in addition, concrete. Higher landscaping and placemaking, with water options and plush gardens, will likely be as transformative for this park as added sights. It’ll be a spot friends wish to be, as a substitute of a spot the place you get out and in as shortly as potential.
That’s at all times been the most important subject with the Walt Disney Studios Park–that it has no sense of place or themed design to talk of…and is straight subsequent door to what’s arguably the #1 or #2 park for themed design on the planet, after solely Tokyo DisneySea. It’s undoubtedly the best-designed fort park, and it’s thus fairly jarring to go from that exemplar of themed design to Walt Disney Studios Park.
I knew Walt Disney Studios Park was unhealthy earlier than moving into for the primary time, however after visiting Disneyland Paris, I used to be stunned by simply how unhealthy it was. Disneyland Paris units such a excessive bar, and the second gate falls woefully in need of that. Or of something, actually. It’s someplace between Six Flags and Common high quality when it comes to placemaking and cohesive themed design. However I digress–it is a publish in regards to the new identify, not the numerous points with WDSP.
As for the identify, Disney Journey World is ok, I suppose. Nothing particular but in addition not as unhealthy because it may’ve been. It’s definitely superior to Disney XL Park or Disney Storyverse Park, two names that had been supposedly into account for a relaunch of Disney’s Hollywood Studios again across the time Toy Story Land and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge had been underneath building.
Whereas it might’ve been amusing for the brand new park to be named Disney France Journey and for DHS to be renamed Disney Florida Journey for continuity with Disney California Journey—or maybe Disney’s Journey in France since solely one of many lands is themed to France—I can perceive not going that route. DCA’s theme versus its identify is a bit jumbled, even when these are all studios parks.
One identify I truly would’ve appreciated is Disney’s CineMagique Journey (or Worlds…or Kingdom). I want I may take credit score for this, nevertheless it’s a reputation that has floated round for years–that means it was one Disney thought of. I point out that as a result of I don’t know how one can debate between Disney Journey World and Disney’s CineMagique Journey/World/Kingdom…and not select the later. It’s so clearly the higher identify, with rather more character. It could be a nod to the previous of WDSP, and actually rolls off the tongue.
Disney Journey World is on the generic and bland facet, however nonetheless okay. I’m a bit sympathetic to going this route, as Disneyland Paris is in comparatively distinctive place–welcoming friends from throughout Europe and making an attempt to tightrope language obstacles whereas juggling English and French, alongside a dozen-plus different languages. Maybe it was decided that Disney Journey World was comparatively common, whereas different choices would’ve been powerful to translate.
I do assume it’ll be complicated to have a number of choices with “journey” and “world” within the identify, and want Disney would department out a bit extra with its naming conference. However the entire present “adventures” and “worlds” haven’t confirmed problematic or complicated to friends but, so I suppose this may in all probability be high-quality.
Amongst different issues, Disney Journey World affords a break from the previous and sheds the “studio” idea, which was its weakest hyperlink. I want it had a bit extra character and distinctiveness, however maybe followers will develop to like Disney Journey World. It’s solely potential that it’ll simply take a while to get used to—whereas additionally experiencing the vibe of the brand new park. I’m simply glad they’re transferring on from WDSP. Like Genie, that identify has grow to be endlessly tainted, sadly.
For the fundamentals of planning a go to to Disneyland Paris, try our Disneyland Paris Journey Planning Information. Discover the most effective place to remain in Disneyland Paris Lodge Opinions. Try 101 Disneyland Paris Suggestions for some (101, to be precise) of our greatest random suggestions for doing DLP like a professional. See Disney Park Tickets Suggestions & Methods for tactics to save lots of on tickets. For the place to eat, try our Disneyland Restaurant Opinions. For distinctive concepts of issues that’ll enhance your journey, try What to Pack for Disney. Lastly, for recommendation past Disney, try our Final Journey Information to Paris, France.
Your Ideas
What do you consider the identify Disney Journey World? Good, unhealthy or detached to it? Would you could have most well-liked conserving “Walt Disney” within the identify, or is it time to make a clear break from the previous? No matter whether or not you’ve been or simply seen pictures, what do you consider the Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris? Do you agree or disagree with our evaluation? Any questions? Listening to your suggestions—even once you disagree with us—is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!
