Chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company Robert A. Iger announced plans for a 2 billion euro expansion for Disneyland Paris alongside French President Emmanuel Macron today.
The new development will include a transformation of Walt Disney Studios, adding three new areas that will be based on Marvel, Frozen and Star Wars.
There will be multiple new attractions and live entertainment experiences.
The expansion plan is one of the most ambitious development projects at Disneyland Paris since its opening in 1992 and underscores the company’s commitment to the long-term success of the resort as Disney’s brand beacon in Europe.
Robert A. Iger, chairman and chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company:
“We’re very excited about the future of Disneyland Paris and continue to invest in its long-term success. The resort is already the leading tourist destination in Europe, and the transformative expansion we announced today will add even more of our beloved characters and unparalleled storytelling to create new lands, attractions and entertainment that further elevate the guest experience and drive new opportunities for tourism in this dynamic region.”
The new areas will infuse some of Disney’s most popular stories and characters into this unique destination, building upon the success of the resort’s 25th Anniversary celebration and will continue to enhance the guest experience for millions of Europeans.
With over 320 million visits since 1992 and representing 6.2 percent of France’s tourism income, Disneyland Paris has played a key leadership role in tourism for the region. The resort continues to be a powerful driver of economic and social development with over 16,000 employees representing 100 nationalities. This investment will help make the region even more dynamic and appealing and open up more opportunities for French and European citizens in the tourism industry.
The multi-year development will roll out in phases beginning in 2021, significantly expanding Walt Disney Studios. In addition to the three new areas, the creative vision includes a new lake, which will be the focal point for entertainment experiences and will also connect each of the new park areas.
In Spring 2017 Disneyland Paris kicked off its 25th Anniversary celebration including new entertainment and experiences for guests.
The resort also completed a two-year refurbishment program, updating and renovating many of the classic attractions in the parks, as well as opening multiple new entertainment shows such as Mickey and the Magician.
Additionally, several major renovations took place at the resort’s hotels including Disney’s Newport Bay Club, which is now a four-star hotel.
Just this month, Disneyland Paris announced plans for a new Marvel-themed attraction coming to Walt Disney Studios, part of the new Marvel area development.
In 2020 the resort will open Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel, a reimagining of Disney’s Hotel New York that will showcase the inspiring worlds of Iron Man, The Avengers, and Spider-Man, among others.
This summer, the Marvel Summer of Super Heroes will take place at Disneyland Paris, where guests can meet their favourite heroes and experience new live entertainment.