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Debuting at Disney's Hollywood Studios in 1989, this improv troupe of entertainers brought the glamour of the Silver Screen to Hollywood and Sunset Boulevard - the perfect example of "streetmosphere" that adds to much to the parks. Sadly, the long term future of these performers now lies in doubt as the Walt Disney Company continues to lay off staff in light of the impact of COVID-19. Whilst not capturing headlines like new rides or shows, these entertainers contribute so much towards what makes the Disney parks special and their loss will be sadly felt.  Climb the stairs inside Sleeping Beauty Castle to relive the tale through stain-glassed windows and tapestries, or venture into the dungeon to encounter the 27 metre Animatronic figure dwelling in La Tanière du Dragon .  "it's a small world" was originally created for the UNICEF pavilion at the 1964 New York World's Fair and opened at Disneyland in 1966. For a history of the attraction, check out FreshBaked's video "Disneyland Secrets and History of it's a small world".  Disney Magic on Parade debuted in April 2012 as part of Disneyland Paris' 20th anniversary celebrations. The parade retained many of the floats from its predecessor, Disney's Once Upon A Dream Parade. Magic on Parade ran until March 2017 when it was replaced by Disney Stars on Parade.  An acrobatic spectacular housed in Frontierland's Chapparal Theater, Tarzan, La Rencontre ("the encounter") premiered in 2000 and ran until 2008. The show returned for a further year in 2011 - the video and photos below are from the latter run in 2012.  When the Haunted Mansion was being planned for Disneyland, Walt Disney remarked “We’ll take care of the outside and let the ghosts take care of the inside.” This is not the case in Phantom Manor, Disneyland Paris where the ride is housed within a dilapidated house, sitting high above Frontierland. Whilst there are similar elements to the other parks, such as Madam Leota, the ballroom scene and singing busts, the overall tone of the French version is much darker. On exiting the ride, guests can visit Boot Hill, final resting place of the Manor's former inhabitants and also home to more humorous gravestones. In the video below, Imagineers discuss the reopening of the attraction in 2019. Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show is a live arena show in Disney Village. An opening day attraction, Mickey and friends were subsequently introduced to the show although the emphasis remains on historical characters - Chief Sitting Bull, Annie Oakley and the Rough Riders. Tickets to this hugely popular show include a Western fare meal - and free cowboy hat!  The Magical Moments Festival ran at Disneyland Paris from April 2011 until March 2012. Whilst lacking a central theme, the Festival introduced several shows to the Park and welcomed Lightning McQueen to Moteurs...Action! Stunt Show Spectacular. Mickey's Magical Celebration was the last show to take place on the Central Plaza stage prior to this being removed in time for the 20th anniversary celebrations.  Mickey's Winter Wonderland premiered at The Chaparral Theater in Disneyland Paris in 1998 and ran until January 2012. Disney's Fantillusion! premiered at Tokyo Disneyland in 1995. Following its closure in 2001, a number of the floats were shipped to Disneyland Paris. The parade debuted in 2003 and ran until 2012.  |
