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Disneyland Paris confirms Ratatouille dark ride to
It is at the occasion of the annual general shareholders meeting of Euro Disney S.C.A., operator company of Disneyland Paris, that the Chairman Philippe Gas has formalized the arrival of a new attraction based on the animated movie Disney-Pixar Ratatouille at the Walt Disney Studios Park in 2014.
Approved by the local authorities in 2011 and in construction for a year now, this project is part of a multiyear investment plan of €250 million (approx $326.5 million) centered on the second theme park development whose offer is still considered insufficient by the company compared to the Disneyland Park. Although no details have been revealed about the budget of this novelty, it is after obtaining an additional credit line of €150 million by the parent company The Walt Disney Company in January 2012 that things have been materialized. Disney is investing more and more in France after having recently refinanced the Euro Disney's debt to the tune of €1, 3 billion.
Disneyland Paris has declined to disclose details about the dark ride, only saying that this attraction will be a unique interactive experience combining the talents of storytelling of the Walt Disney Imagineering and the latest digital technology. The only clue is the scenario: guests will be immersed into the story of Ratatouille which chronicles the adventures of a gourmet rat dreaming to become a chef of a fine-cuisine restaurant in Paris. The ride will be part of a new themed area inspired by the architecture of Parisian renowned boulevards where visitors will also enjoy a restaurant, all located between some service buildings, the route of Studio Tram Tour and the Toy Story Playland area.
‘Our new family-focused Ratatouille attraction, which is scheduled to open in 2014, symbolises all of the creativity, innovation and emotion that guests associate with a Disneyland Paris experience,’ stated Philippe Gas. 'The theme, which is very français, is a tribute to our capital and the unforgettable characters that make Ratatouille the ideal choice for a new generation of attraction that fits perfectly at our destination'.
While waiting Ratatouille, Disneyland Paris has announced the continuation of its 20th anniversary celebrations until September 30, 2013. The night show spectacular Disney Dreams!, awarded by a IAAPA Brass Ring as best production of the year (budget of more than $1 million) will be slightly modified with the addition of two new scenes based on Disney's classics Lion King and Brave.
Just like Disney California Adventure with World of Color, the Disneyland Park will also introduce this summer a new merchandise product: a Mickey hat with lights (Disney Light'Ears) which will be synchronized to the show through RFID technology. Finally, the company will continue the important renovation plan of its seven hotels that started in 2011, a work for which it reports positive results on the guest satisfaction.
Despite a challenging first quarter (revenues and theme park attendance declined slightly) Euro Disney S.C.A. group is confident in the upturn in activity while remaining cautious because the economic situation in Europe is still very unstable. During fiscal year 2011-2012, Disneyland Paris has welcomed a record 16 million visitors confirming its position as first European tourist destination, but the company reported a loss of €100 million.
Adverse weather conditions at the beginning of the season and the ever difficult economic conditions in Europe have negatively impacted the activities...
CORPORATE | Walibi Belgium - Published on September 9, 2013
NewsParcs will do a full coverage of the IAAPA Attractions Expo 2013 in Orlando to have a look at the latest trends and developments of the global theme park industry.
