Transformative Multi-Year Expansion Announced for WDS Paris

[Sir_Cliff]

Aslo, talking about outdoor animated figures, they just put an animated Mickey figure outdoor at the Lego Store, so I can see a similar thing for Simba/Mufasa just moving his head a little. It doesn't need to be a very detailed animatronic considering how far it will be.

I really hope they cut animal figures from the outside of the "mountain", to be honest. Given that they're going to be sitting out in the cold and wet Parisian weather, we can't really hope for much animation beyond a Jungle Cruise figure if there is any at all. Moreover, they're liable to start getting very mossy if they don't clean them regularly, which is not a given.

Perhaps it's a lack of imagination on my part, but I think the mountain will look more impressive without a bunch of animal statues staged around it.

 

[Bernswss]

I really hope the cut animal figures from the outside of the "mountain", to be honest. Given that they're going to be sitting out in the cold and wet Parisian weather, we can't really hope for much animation beyond a Jungle Cruise figure if there is any at all. Moreover, they're liable to start getting very mossy if they don't clean them regularly, which is not a given.

Perhaps it's a lack of imagination on my part, but I think the mountain will look more impressive without a bunch of animal statues staged around it.

I agree, to a certain extent. Big Thunder Mountain has several animal animatronics that work all year round, eg: the donkeys on the second lift hill. I'd love if the animals were on some kind of elevator that together with Simba all had a mini show happening every once in a while, kinda like the IASW clock. However, if that's where a part of the budget had to be cut to meet TWDC's budget, I'd be happy to say goodbye to them if that means a more impressive attraction.

 

[infloencer]

I‘m sorry but what is this? It looks absolutely hideous. Why does the center part of the wall need to stick out like that in the first place? I thought at least it’s gonna get round corners to match the round style of the roof below but these harsh corners look terrible…

 

[jmuboy]

I think this is a bit dramatic. The exterior of this building was never gorgeous. Not sure this is a plus or a negative. More a net neutral.

The interior is the real winner.

 

[mrflo]

I'd love if the animals were on some kind of elevator that together with Simba all had a mini show happening every once in a while, kinda like the IASW clock. However, if that's where a part of the budget had to be cut to meet TWDC's budget, I'd be happy to say goodbye to them if that means a more impressive attraction.

I have just watched the actual 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders Webcast. They are also still showing the smaller model with the animals on it. I assume the new model is more accurate and relevant for structural elements like the rock work and does not include all the decorations (yet?). Maybe we will get even more details at the next DLP presentation on April 12.

I would be also interested to see if/how they can add some more kinetic energy to the new land - which in my opinion still lacks at WDS/DAW in general compared to others Disney parks. Yes, there will be the ride vehicle dropping down the waterfall every couple of seconds. Though if you compare it to the original Splash Mt. - due to the weather conditions in Paris - they have to skip the additional outdoor sections from the beginning of the ride with boats floating by on multiple levels, there is no moving mill wheel, etc. In contrast they now have this massive rock work with the iconic hill from the movie but not much else to look at. Hopefully they will add some additional water falls to make it more lively.

 

[Sir_Cliff]

I would be also interested to see if/how they can add some more kinetic energy to the new land - which in my opinion still lacks at WDS/DAW in general compared to others Disney parks. Yes, there will be the ride vehicle dropping down the waterfall every couple of seconds. Though if you compare it to the original Splash Mt. - due to the weather conditions in Paris - they have to skip the additional outdoor sections from the beginning of the ride with boats floating by on multiple levels, there is no moving mill wheel, etc. In contrast they now have this massive rock work with the iconic hill from the movie but not much else to look at. Hopefully they will add some additional water falls to make it more lively.

I think this is an issue for the land more generally and I probably beat this perspective into the ground already when a Lion King land was still a rumour. In short, it always struck me as an odd choice as the world of the film does not include any manmade structures, or humans at all. Whether they can turn a landscape of rocks, vegetation, and hills and mountains into something compelling remains to be seen as it will be difficult to replicate the grandeur of the African savannah and the animals that inhabit it in the film.

For example, Kilimanjaro Safaris is a great work of imagineering that recreates the kind of landscapes in which Lion King is set. However, I am not sure that wandering around it without the animals would feel as compelling or transportive as do the other lands in the park. I'm also a little curious as to how they handle live entertainment as, technically, there are no humans in the world of the film, but will they just ignore that and, for example, have African musical groups performing? In other words, how much can they "augment" the world of the film before the land looses the pretence of even taking you into it rather than just "Africa" which they have already kind of done next door.

 

[Aramar]

I have just watched the actual 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders Webcast. They are also still showing the smaller model with the animals on it. I assume the new model is more accurate and relevant for structural elements like the rock work and does not include all the decorations (yet?). Maybe we will get even more details at the next DLP presentation on April 12.

I would be also interested to see if/how they can add some more kinetic energy to the new land - which in my opinion still lacks at WDS/DAW in general compared to others Disney parks. Yes, there will be the ride vehicle dropping down the waterfall every couple of seconds. Though if you compare it to the original Splash Mt. - due to the weather conditions in Paris - they have to skip the additional outdoor sections from the beginning of the ride with boats floating by on multiple levels, there is no moving mill wheel, etc. In contrast they now have this massive rock work with the iconic hill from the movie but not much else to look at. Hopefully they will add some additional water falls to make it more lively.

I guess the lion on top of the rock will move a little bit, adding some kinetic energy. Although the ride building is massive, the area accessible to guests isn't that big, so you don't need too many moving elements. In addition, I think Disney could bring life to the land with animations using animal puppets, like they do with kevin at Animal Kingdom. Actually, they already have the puppets from Mickey and the Magician.

 

[Phroobar]

I think this is an issue for the land more generally and I probably beat this perspective into the ground already when a Lion King land was still a rumour. In short, it always struck me as an odd choice as the world of the film does not include any manmade structures, or humans at all. Whether they can turn a landscape of rocks, vegetation, and hills and mountains into something compelling remains to be seen as it will be difficult to replicate the grandeur of the African savannah and the animals that inhabit it in the film.

For example, Kilimanjaro Safaris is a great work of imagineering that recreates the kind of landscapes in which Lion King is set. However, I am not sure that wandering around it without the animals would feel as compelling or transportive as do the other lands in the park. I'm also a little curious as to how they handle live entertainment as, technically, there are no humans in the world of the film, but will they just ignore that and, for example, have African musical groups performing? In other words, how much can they "augment" the world of the film before the land looses the pretence of even taking you into it rather than just "Africa" which they have already kind of done next door.

Better yet, reduce Kilimanjaro Safaris and add this ride to it but still let the live animals roam around in front of it.

 

[cjkeating]

Better yet, reduce Kilimanjaro Safaris and add this ride to it but still let the live animals roam around in front of it.

Reduce Kilimanjaro Safaris?! Why?! There is so much room in Animal Kingdom that is not used.

 

[Phroobar]

Reduce Kilimanjaro Safaris?! Why?! There is so much room in Animal Kingdom that is not used.

As long as the log ride has live animals I guess it doesn't matter where it is.

 

[marni1971]

As long as the log ride has live animals I guess it doesn't matter where it is.

That would never happen. But anyway we’re way off topic.

 

[Kevin_W]

In short, it always struck me as an odd choice as the world of the film does not include any manmade structures, or humans at all. Whether they can turn a landscape of rocks, vegetation, and hills and mountains into something compelling remains to be seen as it will be difficult to replicate the grandeur of the African savannah and the animals that inhabit it in the film.

I would argue they did a good job with this in Pandora.

 

[Sir_Cliff]

I would argue they did a good job with this in Pandora.

Sure, but in that case they are working both with a land of floating islands and other spectacular scenery as well as reasonable explanation for there to be structures and other human/navi created items around the place. With a Lion King land, this is the world they are trying to recreate as a compelling theme park land in which to walk around in the usually-gloomy Parisian weather:

The most compelling setting to recreate in a theme park setting is probably this one, but it is probably too dark for their purposes

That's why I'm still kind of surprised this rumour turned out to be true: it is one of those things that sounds good as a blue sky proposal, but when you start looking into what a Lion King land would be in practice...

 

[Aramar]

That's why I'm still kind of surprised this rumour turned out to be true: it is one of those things that sounds good as a blue sky proposal, but when you start looking into what a Lion King land would be in practice...

Many years ago, when Disney wanted to make a Broadway musical based on the Lion King, everybody thought it would be very strange on stage and a weird choice. It turned out to be one of the longest running musicals in many countries and a huge hit.

As for the Parisian weather, we can say we're visiting the African plains during the wet season. It's not always sunny and hot in Africa!

 

[Animaniac93-98]

Really need to do something about the backside of the Stunt Show arena

 

[TheDisneyParksfanC8]

Really need to do something about the backside of the Stunt Show arena

The arena probably isn't going to be there forever. Down the line I bet Disney is eyeing it for some sort of Avengers Campus expansion exclusive to Paris.

 

[Animaniac93-98]

Next bit of area to open up soon (with ToT Fastpass building behind new walls for construction of the gift shop)

 

[Animaniac93-98]

Do you think we'll get a Frozen opening date at the April 12 press event?

 

[SplashJacket]

Do you think we'll get a Frozen opening date at the April 12 press event?

Yes

 

[nickys]

Really need to do something about the backside of the Stunt Show arena

I assume that’s the grey structure in the distance behind the barrier?

Nice updates, although I wouldn’t say the stained glass windows are “clearly visible” exactly!