Transformative Multi-Year Expansion Announced for WDS Paris

[Vegas Disney Fan]

I wish they would have torn this building down, I like everything else they’ve done in the park but this is still a huge dud for me, I think it’s still a horrible first impression.

 

[marni1971]

I wish they would have torn this building down, I like everything else they’ve done in the park but this is still a huge dud for me, I think it’s still a horrible first impression.

Aside from going outside (and having something as short as Disney Town) not much choice. It works for me, although I wasn’t hugely offended by the previous version either. The park had bigger issues than this.

 

[Vegas Disney Fan]

Aside from going outside (and having something as short as Disney Town) not much choice. It works for me, although I wasn’t hugely offended by the previous version either. The park had bigger issues than this.

I agree but with all the massive improvements across the park I feel like this is going to become one of only a few big issues remaining when they’re done, not fixing it with this major renovation is a missed opportunity and likely one they won’t get again for several decades.

Edited to add I measured the space in Google and the building (red) and the surrounding area (blue) would be large enough to fit the whole DCA entrance, a far more pleasant space with shops and food and also one that has indoor walkways in the event of rain.

 

[marni1971]

I agree but with all the massive improvements across the park I feel like this is going to become one of only a few big issues remaining when they’re done, not fixing it with this major renovation is a missed opportunity and likely one they won’t get again for several decades.

Edited to add I measured the space in Google and the building (red) and the surrounding area (blue) would be large enough to fit the whole DCA entrance, a far more pleasant space with shops and food and also one that has indoor walkways in the event of rain.View attachment 859005View attachment 859006

I don’t really see it being an issue or missed opportunity, but not to say you’re wrong and all that.

Plus it’s one of the parks storm shelters.

And they’ve indeed used Cinemagique in the BGM

 

[nickolaush]

Looking at it closely, it’s representing what’s in the Studios park. That’ll be why Star Wars isn’t included. Although it doesn’t leave room for Avatar and other future additions.

They could always paint over the Stitch and Genie section since they’re not a huge part of the park

 

[Sir_Cliff]

Aside from going outside (and having something as short as Disney Town) not much choice. It works for me, although I wasn’t hugely offended by the previous version either. The park had bigger issues than this.

This is more or less how I feel: it is looking good, though I didn't think it was one of the park's issues beforehand. Indeed, the opening act of the park with the Front Lot and this soundstage were probably as good as it got in terms of theming for a long time!

I guess it is a good opportunity to plus it a lot and maybe upgrade the QS dining location, but beyond that I probably would have spent the money elsewhere.

 

[Blue Daredevil]

I agree but with all the massive improvements across the park I feel like this is going to become one of only a few big issues remaining when they’re done, not fixing it with this major renovation is a missed opportunity and likely one they won’t get again for several decades.

Edited to add I measured the space in Google and the building (red) and the surrounding area (blue) would be large enough to fit the whole DCA entrance, a far more pleasant space with shops and food and also one that has indoor walkways in the event of rain.View attachment 859005View attachment 859006

1. That would mean to close the entire park at least for months, which is absolutely not feasible
2. On the second aerial picture you didn't take into account the backstages alleyways that are essential for evacuation, the supplying operations for both shops and food, and so on.
3. DLP parks need covered areas because of the weather and the DCA Elysian Arcade while being great could not absorb that much people in.

 

[Centauri Space Station]

 

[FerretAfros]

Art Deco wallpaper and lighting fixtures? Check.

Are Deco floor tiling? Umm... not so much.

View attachment 858786

Colorful terrazzo floors are actually spot-on for an art deco movie palace entrance. The outdoor lobby surrounding the ticket booth beneath the marquee often had elaborate designs that spilled out onto the sidewalk, inviting people in. Even Hollywood's often-imitated Walk of Fame sidewalks use terrazzo to form the iconic red stars and black background.

As @marni1971 mentioned, the much bigger concern here is how slippery it will be when wet. Even with southern California's dry climate, the outdoor terrazzo can quickly become a deathtrap with as little as a spilled drink or misaligned garden sprinkler.

Given WDI's recent penchant for selecting items for appearance rather than practicality in local climates, I suspect there will be issues as soon as it has its first public rainy day. Even though it's mostly under cover, it only takes a few people walking across it with wet shoes to create dangerously slippery conditions.

 

[MisterPenguin]

Colorful terrazzo floors are actually spot-on for an art deco movie palace entrance.

My demerit is the follow through on the art deco motifs in the floor. A few thick haphazard chevrons that peter out misses the mark.

 

[Squishy]

This sounds like the rivers of light floating lanterns idea brought to light again.

 

[Animaniac93-98]

AFAIK, there was always going to be an indoor Hollywood Blvd of sorts for this park, even when it was planned as Disney MGM Studios Europe. Studio 1 was cheap, but it had the right idea and some nice details like the neon lit gas station with vintage car out front (kind of wish they'd kept that).

The building does not look very flattering from the outside, but the indoor space works better aesthetically and practically than the roofed Hollywood streets of Universal Japan and Singapore

The lack of ceiling in the gift shop space is the worst looking aspect IMO.

Changing the rear and perhaps sides of the exterior is what would really have helped. The new mural and planters out back don't do much to hide what is essentially a giant yellow wall.

 

[Animaniac93-98]

 

[Animaniac93-98]

Before and After comparison video.

Looks like a lot of planters and trees were actually removed from the center World Premier Plaza?

 

[jmuboy]

I honestly think a lot more trees were planted or replanted than were ever there before. But the new exit of old studio 1 and realigned walkways in the plaza did require some of this.