Disneyland Paris
Overview
Disneyland Paris, officially known as Euro Disneyland until 1994, is a popular theme park and resort located in Marne-la-Vallée, a new town in the eastern suburbs of Paris, France. The park is the second Disney park to open outside the United States, following Tokyo Disneyland in Japan, and the first to be owned and operated by Disney. With over 15 million visitors annually, Disneyland Paris is one of Europe's leading tourist destinations.
History
Disneyland Paris was conceived in the late 1980s as a way to extend the Disney brand into Europe. The site in Marne-la-Vallée was chosen for its proximity to Paris and its central location in Western Europe. This location was estimated to be no more than a four-hour drive for 68 million people and no more than a two-hour flight for a further 300 million. The park officially opened on April 12, 1992, as Euro Disneyland.
Park Areas
Disneyland Paris is divided into two main parks: Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park. Each park has its unique theme and attractions.
Disneyland Park
Disneyland Park, the original theme park of the complex, is divided into five "lands": Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland, and Discoveryland. Each land has its unique theme and attractions, with the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle at the center of the park.
Walt Disney Studios Park
Walt Disney Studios Park, opened in 2002, is dedicated to show business, themed after movies, production, and behind-the-scenes. It is divided into four "studio lots": Front Lot, Toon Studio, Production Courtyard, and Backlot.
Attractions
Disneyland Paris is home to many attractions that are found at other Disney parks. However, it also features a number of unique attractions.
Disneyland Park Attractions
Some of the notable attractions in Disneyland Park include "Pirates of the Caribbean", "Phantom Manor", "Big Thunder Mountain", "It's a Small World", and "Star Wars: Hyperspace Mountain".
Walt Disney Studios Park Attractions
Walt Disney Studios Park features attractions such as "Crush's Coaster", "The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror", "Ratatouille: The Adventure", and "Slinky Dog Zigzag Spin".
Entertainment and Events
Disneyland Paris offers a variety of entertainment options and hosts several special events throughout the year. These include parades, nighttime spectaculars, live shows, and seasonal events.
Accommodations
Disneyland Paris features seven themed hotels, offering a range of accommodations to suit different budgets and tastes. These include the luxurious Disneyland Hotel, the rustic Sequoia Lodge, and the budget-friendly Hotel Cheyenne and Hotel Santa Fe.
Dining
The resort offers a wide range of dining options, from quick service and buffet restaurants to fine dining experiences. There are also several themed restaurants throughout the parks and hotels.
Transportation
Disneyland Paris is easily accessible by car, train, and plane. The resort offers its own railway station, Marne-la-Vallée – Chessy, which is served by the high-speed TGV trains and the RER A line.