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3rd Gate at DLP

Haymarket

Haymarket

Well-Known Member
In predicting what they'll do, at this point, you have to think: maximum cynicism, zero interest in theme, minimal risk and expense. The stock price is the guiding star.

Concepts that exist, that aren't at the Disneyland Paris resort
  1. EPCOT
  2. Animal Kingdom
  3. California Adventure
  4. DisneySea
Do you really think they're going to build any of these as the third park? Animal Kingdom and DisneySea are too expensive, and the other two have been a pain to keep updated/rehabilitate.

Theming an entire park to one franchise is too risky. There's absolutely no way. Show me one successful first-tier (i.e., globally recognized) park based on a single franchise: there's none.

It's obvious what it's going to be, if anything: it's going to be an IP park Epic Universe (immersive lands based on IP completely separate from each other).

A "portals park."

That's the one type of park that's proved hugely, globally popular that they haven't concertedly and overtly built yet (as opposed to their studios parks, etc. growing into IP parks). There'll be only the vaguest baseline theming in the front and/or center ("lighthouse!" "celestial wonder!"), and then off to different IP lands. It's the cheapest and easiest to handle: no more griping about whole-park thematic consistency from parks fans, and when a franchise gets truly stale, and any attempts at reviving it fail, you can wait a couple decades after it becomes stale and then demolish it and replace it with some other huge franchise.

Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar. It doesn't matter if they're in the other Paris parks: they're going to use them across same-resort parks like Harry Potter in the Universal parks. If they use anything Disney, it'll be heavy on the contemporary biggies, e.g., the Disney Princesses franchise and ... I'm not sure what else. The stuff that's moved literally billions of dollars in merchandise in the other parks.

Maybe they'll have something like an "action/adventure franchise land" with a mix of things like Indiana Jones and Pirates of the Caribbean. Or maybe they'll have that villains land, with original rides (doubt it: too much risk).

There might be some rides in the central area/spine of the park themed to Mickey and the other four so it has the core of the Disney brand on some level.

Whatever IP lands and rides they have that aren't in the other two parks will be thrown-in where possible, with a little tweaking maybe - e.g., Smuggler's Run, but in an original trilogy land, and maybe Zootopia from Shanghai if that proves hugely successful.
 
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LittleMerman

LittleMerman

Well-Known Member
Haymarket said:
In predicting what they'll do, at this point, you have to think: maximum cynicism, zero interest in theme, minimal risk and expense. The stock price is the guiding star.

Concepts that exist, that aren't at the Disneyland Paris resort
  1. EPCOT
  2. Animal Kingdom
  3. California Adventure
  4. DisneySea
Do you really think they're going to build any of these as the third park? Animal Kingdom and DisneySea are too expensive, and the other two have been a pain to keep updated/rehabilitate.

Theming an entire park to one franchise is too risky. There's absolutely no way. Show me one successful first-tier (i.e., globally recognized) park based on a single franchise: there's none.

It's obvious what it's going to be, if anything: it's going to be an IP park like Universal Islands of Adventure and Epic Universe. There'll be only the vaguest baseline theming in the front and/or center ("lighthouse!" "celestial wonder!"), and then off to different IP lands. It's the cheapest and easiest to handle: no more griping about whole-park thematic consistency from parks fans, and when a franchise gets truly stale, and any attempts at reviving it fail, you can wait a couple decades after it becomes stale and then demolish it and replace it with some other huge franchise.

Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar. It doesn't matter if they're in the other Paris parks: they're going to use them across same-resort parks like Harry Potter in the Universal parks. If they use anything Disney, it'll be heavy on the contemporary biggies, e.g., the Disney Princesses franchise and ... I'm not sure what else. The stuff that's moved literally billions of dollars in merchandise in the other parks.

Maybe they'll have something like an "action/adventure franchise land" with a mix of things like Indiana Jones and Pirates of the Caribbean.

There might be some rides in the central area/spine of the park themed to Mickey and the other four so it has the core of the Disney brand on some level.

Whatever IP lands and rides they have that aren't in the other two parks will be thrown-in where possible, with a little tweaking maybe - e.g., Smuggler's Run, but in an original trilogy land, and maybe Zootopia from Shanghai if that proves hugely successful.
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I've been saying for a while that Disney should move to more loosely themed areas where they can inject IPs if they are having a hard time justifying putting IPs into overly-themed areas where they don't "belong," similar to Epic Universe. Then people on here won't have as many meltdowns lol.
 
Jordan dby

Jordan dby

Well-Known Member
I wouldn't be averse to a waterpark as the 3rd gate. Indoor or even a seasonal one considering the climate, it could be operational May to October where the parks are currently crowded. We certainly don't need a 3rd park in Jan or Feb, and would rather see the existing 2 expanded before we add a 3rd park to the resort. If I'm going to spend more than 3 days there then a waterpark rather than another theme park would add variety to the holiday
 
Rush

Rush

Well-Known Member
I don't think a third park has to be similar to anything we've seen before. The way I see it, current Disney management is much more likely to build a generic park without an overarching theme and promote it using the IP's within it. And if there's a theme, it would be something very generic and on brand like "magic" or "enchanted something".
 
Sir_Cliff

Sir_Cliff

Well-Known Member
Rush said:
I don't think a third park has to be similar to anything we've seen before. The way I see it, current Disney management is much more likely to build a generic park without an overarching theme and promote it using the IP's within it. And if there's a theme, it would be something very generic and on brand like "magic" or "enchanted something".
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Basically the same idea as Epic Universe. This is part of the reason I'd kind of prefer Disney held off building new parks for the time being until there's some change in creative direction.
 
Robbiem

Robbiem

Well-Known Member
I’m not sure Disney would build a new Animal Kingdom, especially in Europe. People’s views on conservation and keeping animals in captivity have changed a lot since the 90s and it would generate a lot of criticism in the media

As per some of the comments above I could see a new park being like epic universe with a series of IP areas connected in some way, basically another adventure world with different IPs
 
Haymarket

Haymarket

Well-Known Member
I’m not sure Disney would build a new Animal Kingdom, especially in Europe. People’s views on conservation and keeping animals in captivity have changed a lot since the 90s and it would generate a lot of criticism in the media
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I was just curious what modifications might hypothetically be made if Disney tried to do a DAK at DLP (I'm pretty sure it would never happen) -- as in, "How would that even work?"

Just for fun, here's what DeepSeek said (any formatting errors are my fault):

Q: What would a theme park like Disney's Animal Kingdom be like if built in Paris, given the different weather compared to Orlando, Florida?

A: Building a park like Disney's Animal Kingdom in Paris would require a fundamental reimagining due to the significant climate differences. While the core philosophy of celebrating animals and nature would remain, the execution would be vastly different from the Orlando version.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of what "Disney's Animal Kingdom Park Paris" [might] be like.

1. Core Concept Shift: From "Eden" to "Sanctuary"
  • Orlando's Theme: "A park dedicated to the relationship between humans and the natural world." It feels like a lush, idealized, and eternal summer.
  • Paris's New Theme: "A global sanctuary for animals, celebrating life in all seasons." The park wouldn't fight the climate but would embrace it. The story would be about protection, conservation, and the beauty of nature's changing cycles. The icon might not be a "Tree of Life" [...] but perhaps a "Mountain of Continents" or a grand "Conservatory of Worlds" symbolizing global stewardship.
2. Major Architectural and Design Changes

The most obvious change would be the extensive use of indoor, climate-controlled environments.
  • The Grand Conservatory: A massive, beautifully themed glass and steel structure would be the heart of the park, akin to Epcot's biomes but on a grander scale. This would house:
    • The Tropical Realm: A steamy, indoor land replicating Asia and Africa, with a major boat ride (like Na'vi River Journey or Jungle Cruise) and walk-through paths.
    • The Arid Realm: A hot, dry environment for desert animals (meerkats, fennec foxes, reptiles).
    • Primate House & Aviary: Indoor, expansive habitats.
  • Seasonal Outdoor Areas: The outdoor pathways would connect these large pavilions. They would be designed with European gardens, heated pathways for winter, and plenty of sheltered areas. The outdoor animal habitats would be for species thriving in a European climate.
  • Rides are Mostly Indoors: Major E-Ticket attractions would be housed inside show buildings to guarantee operation year-round. Think more like Rise of the Resistance and less like Expedition Everest (which would be impractical with ice and snow).

3. Reimagined "Lands" for a Parisian Climate [reformatted chart]

... [skipped an Avatar idea]

  • Orlando's Land: Africa & Asia
  • Paris Equivalent: The African Savannah & Asian Forests
    • Key Differences: These are now primarily indoors within the Grand Conservatory. The Kilimanjaro Safaris is replaced by an indoor, guided "Conservation Rover" journey through meticulously created, climate-controlled savannah and rainforest biomes. The story is about a wildlife sanctuary, not an open-range tour.
... [skipped a DinoLand U.S.A. idea]
  • Orlando's Land: Discovery Island
  • Paris Equivalent: The Sanctuary Gardens
    • Key Differences: The central hub, featuring the park's icon. Outdoor animal habitats here would feature European animals (deer, boar, birds of prey) and hardy species from similar climates (e.g., Takin from the Himalayas).
4. Animal Exhibits and Conservation
  • Focus on Climate-Appropriate Species: Outdoor exhibits would highlight species from temperate regions: European bison, wolves, red pandas, reindeer, lynx, otters, and a strong focus on birds of prey.
  • Year-Round Animal Welfare: This is paramount. The design ensures animals always have access to spacious, temperature-controlled indoor habitats. Guest viewing would be from inside these habitats during cold or wet weather.
  • Seasonal Events: The park would lean into the seasons, not hide from them.
    • Spring: "Festival of Bloom" celebrating animal births and new plant life.
    • Summer: "Savannah Nights" with extended hours in the indoor areas.
    • Autumn: "Harvest of the Wild" focusing on preparation for winter.
    • Winter: "A Luminescent Sanctuary" - The entire park would be decorated with beautiful, animal-themed light installations, making the cold, dark evenings magical. The snow would become part of the theme.
5. Practical Considerations
  • Operating Calendar: It would likely be a seasonal park, closing on the very worst winter days (e.g., January-February weekdays) for maintenance, much like some European parks. This is unlike Florida's 365-day operation.
  • Guest Comfort: Heated queues, abundant indoor dining and retail spaces, and covered walkways would be essential. The park would feel more like a series of interconnected, themed "worlds" under cover.
  • Cost: The construction cost would be astronomically higher than the Florida original due to the immense amount of enclosed, climate-controlled space.

Conclusion

A Parisian Animal Kingdom would be less of an "open-air adventure" and more of a "world's fair of ecosystems under glass." It would trade the sprawling, sun-drenched savannahs of Florida for the awe-inspiring engineering of contained, perfect environments. The focus would shift from a romanticized version of adventure to a more direct message of conservation, sanctuary, and humanity's role as a protector of nature in a challenging world. It would be a stunning, technologically miraculous park, but with a fundamentally different personality—one shaped by, and respectful of, the four distinct seasons of Europe.
Click to expand...
 
The Empress Lilly

The Empress Lilly

Well-Known Member
Haymarket said:
Theming an entire park to one franchise is too risky. There's absolutely no way. Show me one successful first-tier (i.e., globally recognized) park based on a single franchise: there's none.
Click to expand...
Parc Astérix. Just one IP, a comic book series that may or may not be well-known depending on where you're from.

Legoland, if you count those.

Both are top 10 European parks.
 
Robbiem

Robbiem

Well-Known Member
Haymarket said:
I was just curious what modifications might hypothetically be made if Disney tried to do a DAK at DLP (I'm pretty sure it would never happen) -- as in, "How would that even work?"

Just for fun, here's what DeepSeek said (any formatting errors are my fault):
Click to expand...
Interesting- sounds like the eden project here in the UK, or a park based on living with the land!

It sounds like something Eisner would have built in his first decade
 
Haymarket

Haymarket

Well-Known Member
Haymarket said:
I was just curious what modifications might hypothetically be made if Disney tried to do a DAK at DLP (I'm pretty sure it would never happen) -- as in, "How would that even work?"

Just for fun, here's what DeepSeek said (any formatting errors are my fault):
Click to expand...

Here's what Google Gemini came up, just for fun:

Q:

Disneyland Paris will have a third park someday. If it's a Disney's Animal Kingdom-type park, what might it look like, given the climate in France and current trends regarding exhibiting animals in theme parks and zoos?

A:

That's a fantastic thought experiment! Given the climate in France and the direction of modern animal exhibition, a Disneyland Paris version of Disney's Animal Kingdom (DAK) would likely be a highly modified, distinctly European take on the concept.

Here is what a third Disneyland Paris park, an Animal Kingdom-type park, might look like:

1. The Focus: Myth, Conservation, and European Wildlife

The current trend in zoos and animal parks is heavily focused on conservation, education, and ethical welfare—moving away from pure entertainment. Disneyland Paris would likely lean into these themes, potentially with a European twist.
  • Mythic & Extinct Fauna: To reduce the expense and complexity of maintaining large herds of tropical animals in a temperate climate, the park could embrace the "Animal" theme through a mix of real, temperate-zone animals and mythical creatures.
    • Themed Land Example: A land focused on European folklore and mythology—perhaps featuring a deep, forested area themed to dragons, unicorns, and other mythological beasts, with high-tech rides and highly immersive environments (similar to Pandora – The World of Avatar).
    • "Dinosaur" Equivalent: Instead of Dinoland U.S.A., a land focused on extinct European megafauna (like Woolly Mammoths, Cave Bears, or extinct European Lions) using advanced Audio-Animatronics and immersive media.
  • Temperate and Northern Exhibits: The climate in Marne-la-Vallée (near Paris) is temperate, with cold winters and mild to warm summers. This would necessitate a focus on animals that thrive in such conditions, rather than African or Asian savannahs.
    • Potential Real Animal Exhibits: European Bison, Grey Wolves, Brown Bears, Lynx, Eurasian Otters, various species of deer, and large aviaries for birds of prey. The focus would be on creating large, naturalistic habitats that are comfortable year-round.
    • Indoor/Outdoor Flexibility: Exhibits for less cold-hardy animals would be highly sophisticated, utilizing massive, heavily themed indoor facilities (like a "Tropical Discovery Centre" or "Rainforest Dome") that guests could explore during cold or wet weather.
2. Reduced Scale, Higher Immersion

The sheer size of DAK's savannahs is difficult to replicate in land-constrained Europe. The Paris park would likely be more dense and vertically themed, prioritizing deep immersion over vast open spaces.
  • No Traditional Kilimanjaro Safaris:A traditional, expansive African safari is unlikely due to the climate and land.
    • Alternative: The signature "safari" ride could be story-driven and indoor/media-based (like Avatar Flight of Passage) or use enhanced outdoor environments designed to maximize animal viewing in a smaller footprint. Perhaps a train ride through highly forested, temperate habitats.
  • The African Connection (The Lion King): Given that Disney Adventure World (the Studios Park) is already getting a Lion King-themed area and water attraction, the third park could potentially build on this, perhaps serving as a Conservation Hub for those species. However, it's more likely Disney would avoid redundancy and focus on unique themes.
3. Ethical and High-Tech Exhibition

Current trends in zoological institutions emphasize animal welfare, complex social structures, and "choice" for the animals.
  • Welfare First: Habitats would prioritize complex enrichment, multi-level structures, and the ability for animals to retreat from public view—a key modern welfare standard.
  • Minimal Barrier Design: Extensive use of moats, hidden fences, and glass to create the illusion of no barrier, enhancing the guest experience while ensuring safety and welfare.
  • Virtual Reality & Simulation: The park could utilize cutting-edge technology to showcase animals that are impossible to exhibit ethically or logistically (e.g., deep-sea creatures, endangered tropical species) through large-scale digital projection, VR attractions, and interactive simulations.
4. Distinct Themed Lands

The park would be divided into unique, highly detailed lands, blending conservation themes with Disney storytelling.
  1. Discovery Hub (The Tree of Life Equivalent): An iconic, heavily themed structure (e.g., an ancient European Oak or a massive, stone-carved mountain) serving as the park's central icon, housing a major attraction and detailed walk-through exhibits focused on the biodiversity crisis and conservation science.
  2. Northern Forests (The European Zone): Focusing on native European wildlife (wolves, bears, bison) and themed to an ancient, dense forest or mountain range. It would feature a dark ride through the woods and highly themed observation posts.
  3. South American Adventure: A deep dive into the rainforest, housed largely within an impressive, multi-story indoor ecosystem dome. This would allow for species like primates, sloths, and tropical birds to live in a controlled, humid environment year-round, connected to an educational conservation foundation.
  4. Mythos & Legends (The Fantasy Zone): As suggested above, this land would be ride-focused, using Disney's immense storytelling to create immersive attractions based on creatures of myth, tying them to the idea of the wonder and mystery of the natural world.
Click to expand...
 
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