walt disney tour of disneyland

You can tour Walt Disney's apartment at Disneyland — but is the $160 price worth it?

While some of the millions of guests who file into the gates of Disneyland each year know little about the park beyond its rides, others are quite familiar with the extra touches hidden in plain sight. For example, some are aware that Walt Disney had an apartment located right on Main Street USA. They may also know that a lamp stays on in the window of that apartment as a symbol of the famous animator's still-present legacy in the parks.

What even devoted visitors might not realize is that this historical space is now accessible via a new tour. As a guest on Walt's Main Street Story Tour, you'll step inside Disney's apartment and learn all about the animator and his life at Disneyland in the 1950s.

Unlike Disney VIP tours , you won't need to shell out thousands of dollars to peek into Disney's apartment. All that's required is a $160 per person tour fee and proof of a valid park reservation and admission for the same day. Advance bookings are not necessary, though they're highly recommended and can be made ahead of time (up to 60 days before your visit).

Being the Disney history enthusiast that I am, I have always been curious to see what Disney's apartment looked like. So, when I learned that a recent trip to Disneyland would occur shortly after the launch of Walt's Main Street Story Tour, I couldn't resist a chance to walk inside the animator's former home.

Here's what Walt's Main Street Story Tour was like — and whether the new experience is worth the price.

Related: Disneyland vs. Disney World: Which is the better park to visit?

An overview of Walt Disney's apartment

As you may expect, the main draw of Walt's Main Street Story Tour is to see the former home of Walt Disney. Added in the 1950s while Disneyland was under construction, the apartment served as a convenient spot from which Disney could keep tabs on the park's progress when he was not busy making some of Walt Disney Studios' most iconic movies. By locating the apartment directly inside the park, Disney could reduce his time spent commuting and more efficiently tend to his many projects.

Built above Disneyland's fire station on Main Street USA, Disney's in-park abode was designed to look and feel different from his main residence. It featured a Victorian-inspired theme with tufted furnishings, ornate white columns, a mix of antiques and bold red carpet and drapes.

While it was originally created as a place for Disney to stay for work, it was frequently used by his family during Disneyland visits after the park opened in 1955, as this 1962 image shows. In this photo, Disney and his wife, Lillian Disney, are enjoying the space with three of their grandchildren.

Despite the small size of the apartment — which I immediately noticed when I visited — the 500-square-foot abode served its purpose, offering only a living room, a kitchen, a bathroom and a dressing room. As the story goes, due to the lack of a proper bed, Walt and Lillian slept on couches on opposite sides of the main room during their stays at the property.

Related: Where to stay at Disneyland: On vs. off-property hotel comparisons

What to expect during Walt's Main Street Story Tour at Disneyland

To start the tour, head to the park entrance end of Main Street USA. This is where you'll find a tucked away area with a little gazebo office called "Tour Gardens."

When I arrived to check in for the tour, I was asked about my snack preferences before being given both a neck tag and a listening device so I could better hear the tour guide's insights while strolling around Main Street.

Our tour began with a 10-minute visit to the Disney Gallery, where a map of what Disneyland looked like on opening day was on display. It was here that we learned more about what inspired the design of Main Street USA.

We then walked around Main Street for about 10 minutes, getting some tidbits about the thoroughfare's design.

Once we were roughly 25 minutes into the tour, we made our way to the firehouse. By this point, the anticipation was building, as the eight of us on the tour knew that this likely meant we were minutes away from walking backstage, going up the staircase and emerging in Disney's iconic apartment. With each step, our anticipation grew even more.

Related: The best restaurants at Disneyland

Upon entering the apartment, we proceeded to spend between 30 and 40 minutes looking at everything in awe while learning about all that lay inside (under watchful eyes, of course).

Much to my disappointment, tourgoers are not permitted to take photos while in the apartment and must keep all of their belongings on one side of the wall near the entrance to ensure no pictures are being secretly snapped. However, a Disney PhotoPass photographer does appear about 20 minutes into your time in the apartment to take some photos. The cost of the tour covers all digital images you receive from this service via your Disneyland app.

To wrap up the tour, we ventured out onto the apartment's patio for 20 minutes. This is where you're given a specially-themed, lemon-flavored cookie and a soda of your choice to enjoy as you listen to the sounds of Main Street down below.

Related: 9 real-life destinations that inspired Disneyland

A parade happened to go by while we were up there, so the scene was particularly lively during our visit. For just a brief moment as my eyes were closed, I felt like I could fully imagine what Disney experienced as he watched passersby from that perch.

Related: Best credit cards for Disney and Universal vacations

Is the tour inside Walt Disney's apartment worth it?

As a die-hard Disney fanatic who enjoys learning all about Walt Disney and the history of the parks, I didn't hesitate to spend $160 to go inside this apartment. The snack break and additional history provided around Main Street were merely added bonuses as far as I was concerned.

That said, not everyone will feel the same as me. If $160 seems like a good trade to you to gain access to an exclusive part of Disneyland, then odds are you'll enjoy the tour as much as I did. Between the insider facts gleaned during the tour and the keepsake photos provided by the Disney PhotoPass photographer, there were many moments from the experience that I'll cherish forever.

However, if you're not raising a budding Disney historian, then this tour likely will not be appropriate or entertaining enough for anyone younger than 12. The same could even be said for older tweens and teens, depending on how fascinated they are with Disney history. I did not bring my kids on the tour as it wouldn't have been a good use of money or their time in the park to do so, though I hope that changes once they're a little older.

If there's anything about the tour I wish was different, it's that it was a little long. By cutting some of the snack time or skipping the part about Main Street USA to bring the 90-minute tour time down to one hour, more time could be spent on other interesting aspects of the park's history, such as how some of the opening day rides came to be. In a perfect world, I'd love for the tour to be structured like Disney's Keys to the Kingdom Tour at Disney World , but now I'm nitpicking.

So is Walt's Main Street Story Tour absolutely worth signing up for? Ultimately, that will depend on your personal interests and budget.

If you or any of your park companions are not that into Disney history or would rather spend your money elsewhere, then you'll likely want to skip this tour. There's no harm in moving right past the illuminated lamp above the Main Street fire station so you can enjoy more time in Galaxy's Edge or an extra ride on your favorite modern-day Disneyland attraction.

Read on for more Disneyland planning:

• What it's like to stay at a hotel that pairs Disney history with a fresh look: The Disneyland Hotel
• Luxury within walking distance to Disneyland: The new Westin Anaheim
• The grandest of them all: Disneyland's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
• How I maxed out Disneyland's Genie+ and rode 26 attractions in a single day

Guided Tours at Disneyland (Updated for 2024!)

If you’re looking to enhance your visit to Disneyland Resort, I highly recommend adding a Guided Tour to your visit!

A Disneyland Guided Tour is a great way to learn more about Disneyland, and even see some areas that are usually off limits to Guests.

Right now, Disneyland Resort is offering three tours: Walt’s Main Street Story Tour, Happiest Haunts Guided Tour, and Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort. While Walt’s Main Street Story Tour is available on most days of the year, the Happiest Haunts tour is available during Halloween Time, and the Holiday Time tour is only available during the winter holiday season.

Keep reading to learn more about these tours at Disneyland including what you can expect on the tour, how to book your tour, and what they cost.

All About Guided Tours at Disneyland Resort in California

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Walt’s Main Street Story Tour

According to the Disneyland website, on this tour Guests will “Experience Main Street, USA through Walt’s eyes while uncovering the history and secrets of this iconic thoroughfare.”

This is a 90-minute tour led by dedicated tour guide. Guests will also learn how Main Street, USA ties into Walt’s hometown of Marceline, Missouri. The tour is offered daily at various times between 9am and 5pm.

The tour ends with a visit to Walt’s apartment over the Disneyland Fire Station in Town Square, including refreshments and photos on the apartment’s patio – which has never been open to Guests before now. Guests will also receive complimentary PhotoPass downloads taken during their tour.

The cost of the tour is $160 +tax per Guest ( prices are subject to change at any time ). Theme park entry and reservation are also required. For more information, visit the Disneyland website .

*Note the popular long-running tour “Walk in Walt’s Footsteps” is no longer being offered.

Happiest Haunts Guided Tour

If you enjoy all things spooky, this may be the best tour for you. 

This 2-hour walking tour through Disneyland Park gives a history of Halloween tales specific to Disney, expedited access to Pirates of the Caribbean, a photo op with the Hitchhiking Ghosts, a complimentary pin and treat, and reserved viewing area for Halloween Screams nighttime spectacular. 

This tour has not been announced yet for 2024. If the tour returns, tickets should go on sale during the summer.

Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort Guided Tour

As you may already know, the winter holidays are a very special time to visit Disneyland. The Holiday Time tour gives Guests the opportunity to experience some of the holiday fun in a new way!

This is a 2.5 hour tour that is only offered during the Holidays at Disneyland Resort. 

Your tour guide will share fun facts and anecdotes about holiday decor and traditions, and includes a ride on “it’s a small world” Holiday and reserved viewing for A Christmas Fantasy parade. The website also promises Guests will receive “delicious holiday treats.”

The cost of the tour in 2023 is $110 +tax per Guest ( prices are subject to change at any time ). Theme park entry and reservation are also required. For more information, visit the Disneyland website .

This tour has not been announced yet for 2024. If the tour returns, tickets should go on sale during the late summer.

Disneyland Resort VIP Tours

If the standard guided tours do not interest you, perhaps you can create your own private tour! But you have to have deep pockets for it!

Any Guest can book their own personal Disneyland VIP Tour for a group of up to 10 people, for the cool price tag of $500 to $700 per hour, with a minimum of 7 hours. So doing the math, that’s $3500 to $4900 as a starting price. That may sound high (and it is!) but if you split the cost between 10 people, it makes the cost a bit more manageable. 

Personal VIP Tours get you a lot of perks. VIP Guests get expedited access to most attractions, so you don’t have to worry about spending most of your day in lines. You’ll also get reserved viewing for any parades, shows, and nighttime spectaculars (if they are included in your time frame). And before your visit, your VIP concierge will help you with any dining reservations you desire.

Be aware that separate theme park tickets and park reservations are required! Park admission or reservations are not included in the price of a VIP Tour.

To book a VIP Tour you can call (714) 300-7710 or email Disney Special Activities at [email protected] , or visit the Disneyland VIP Tour website for more information.

On the Day of Your Tour

• All tours start inside Disneyland, so make sure you choose Disneyland as your starting park if you have a park hopper ticket and your tour starts prior to 1pm.
• At the designated time, go to the Disneyland Tour Gardens which is on the west side of the park, between City Hall and the entrance. You will need to give the host/hostess your name and your tour confirmation number. The person who booked the tour may also need to show their photo ID. You’ll be given further instructions once you check in.
• Your entire party needs to be present when checking in. Late arrivals may not be accommodated. 

Disneyland Tour Additional Information

• Most tours can be booked 30 days ahead of time. Same-day bookings may be available, but it’s best to book in advance if there’s a tour you really want to do during your visit!
• The theme park reservation system has made booking tours a little more difficult. Be sure you check for both theme park availability AND tour availability before booking anything! Note that park hopping is not allowed until 11am. 
• There are no tour discounts for Magic Key holders.
• Guests ages 2 and under do not need a tour reservation. 
• Guests under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the tour.
• There is a 24-hour cancellation policy for guided tours, and 48-hour cancellation policy for VIP tours. If you cancel after that time, you forfeit the entire cost.
• Tours are subject to cancellation for any reason. All offerings are subject to change.

Need Disneyland Park Tickets?

I highly recommend Undercover Tourist for the best prices on multi-day Disneyland tickets!

About Mindy

Mindy Marzec is a life-long Disney fan who grew up in Los Angeles. She started This Fairy Tale Life to share Disneyland travel tips for adults. When not at Disneyland, you can find Mindy at home snuggling with her cats and re-watching Thor: Ragnarok for the billionth time.

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Step Inside Walt Disney’s Apartment at Disneyland

Step inside Walt Disney’s apartment at Disneyland Resort. This spot at Disneyland is not open to the public, but if you’re lucky, you can book a guided tour to see some behind the scenes pieces of the resort you’ve never seen before.

I invite you to experience Disneyland in a new and exclusive way, complete with photos and bragging rights. Plus this tour is just a fraction of the cost of a daily VIP Tour Guide!

Learn more about the Disneyland tour that takes you inside Walt Disney’s apartment, find out what to expect along your the way and how you can experience more Disneyland classics just like Walt once did. 

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Disneyland Guided Tours Quick Info

There are several ways to feel like a VIP at Disneyland Resort through a guided tour. Currently, Disneyland Resort offers these tours throughout the year:

• Disneyland Resort VIP Tours start at $3,500. Offered year-round as the ultimate VIP Theme Park Experience. You’ll receive your own Private Tour Guide and priority access to many theme park attractions, concierge planning and VIP service. Click here for reservation details .  
• Walt’s Main Street Story starts at $160. This is the tour we’ll be highlighting in this article. Keep reading for all the details.
• Disney’s Happiest Haunts Guided Tour starts at $110 and is only offered during Halloween Time .
• Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort starts at $110 and is only offered during the Holiday Season .

If these tours have given you sticker shock and you just want to see inside Walt’s apartment, that’s coming up in this article. And don’t worry, there are even more ways to feel like a VIP on a smaller budget. When you’re at Disneyland, I suggest some of these upgrades at a smaller price point:

• Discount tickets with locked in Genie+ pricing . 
• Dinner and a show for entertainment like parades, World of Color and more. 
• Character dining complete with meet and greets from some of your favorites. 

Walt Disney’s Apartment Tour Reservations

The tour that takes you inside Walt Disney’s apartment at Disneyland is called “Walt’s Main Street Story.” It used to be called “Walk in Walt’s Footsteps” and although the two tours are very different in many ways, one remains the same…

You’ll get to step inside Walt’s apartment overlooking Main Street, U.S.A. and you won’t even have to shimmy up the firehouse pole to get there!

Seeing inside the apartment is certainly a highlight of the tour, but it is so worth the time spent for many other reasons. But first, let’s go over a few questions and answers about Walt’s Main Street Story guided tour. We’ll also touch on how to make reservations for this tour. 

When can I book Walt’s Main Street Story Tour at Disneyland? Disneyland Resort tours are open for reservations 60 days in advance. You can check availability and book your tour online here .

How much is Walt’s Main Street Story Tour?   Walt’s Main Street Story Tour starts at $160 which includes your tour, a treat and lanyard. Theme park admission and reservations are required to attend a tour. There are currently no discounts offered for Magic Key holders.  

What time is Walt’s Main Street Story Tour? Times vary but are generally offered at 9:00 am, noon and 2:00 pm. 8:00 am and 10:00 am times may be offered during peak seasons. 

How long is Walt’s Main Street Story Tour? Walt’s Main Street Story Tour is about 90 minutes long. 

What is Walt’s Main Street Story Tour? Learn about Walt Disney’s legacy and how he brought his personal history to life at Disneyland Park. You’ll hear stories from your Tour Guide about the only park Walt himself ever walked, Disneyland. 

What will I see on Walt’s Main Street Story Tour? Your tour takes you along Main Street, U.S.A., into Walt Disney’s apartment and onto the private patio attached to the residence. Each tour ends with a water or soft drink and Walt’s Main Street Story cookie to take home or enjoy right then and there. 

Make your Walt’s Main Street Story Tour reservations here . 

Walt Disney’s Disneyland Tour Check In

Arrive about 30 minutes before your tour is scheduled to begin at the Disneyland Tour Gardens kiosk, just left of City Hall on Main Street, U.S.A. Be sure to plan accordingly for morning tours; it will take more time for parking and security . 

At the Tour Gardens welcome booth will receive your lanyard for Walt’s Main Street Story Tour to wear during your journey. 

On one side it says “Walt’s Main Street Story” and the other side reads “Disneyland.”

Relax for a bit in the Disneyland Tour Gardens area at one of several shaded tables. Your Tour Guide will come out shortly to meet you and explain how to use the headset audio system during your tour.

Walt’s Main Street Story Attractions

Our tour began on Main Street, U.S.A. with our lovely guide, highlighting and detailing many things about Walt Disney’s vision for Disneyland. It’s an abbreviated version of the previous “Walk in Walt’s Footsteps Tour” and excludes the first-hand audio that used to play. 

This time around, you’ll only hear from your Tour Guide themselves. One stop was in front of the U.S.A. where you can read the dedication speech Walt Disney gave on opening day, July 17, 1955.

Without spoiling the entire tour, you can expect to see these other attractions (but no rides) during your tour:

• Stops along Main Street, U.S.A.
• Main Street Cinema
• East Center Street (I just learned the name of this area a few years ago!)
• Refreshment Corner
• Main Street Vehicles as they pass by
• Fire Station
• Walt’s Apartment
• Walt’s Patio just outside the apartment

Visit Walt’s Apartment in Disneyland Park

At the conclusion of our tour, we were invited into Walt Disney’s apartment over Main Street, U.S.A. 

I’ve been able to visit Walt’s apartment twice now and both times it was during the Christmas season. My first visit we were only give one photo shot, but this time a PhotoPass photographer joins the tour to get more photos of your visit. 

I really loved this added touch and you can see at a quick glance how much better quality the second visit photos are.

The apartment has remained much the same but is something spectacular to see with your own eyes. This tour is really fantastic for not only devoted Disney fans, but anyone new to the parks as an adult or teen. It really helps frame the vision and the why behind Disneyland Resort. 

Afterwards, we sat on the patio for some unscripted chats with our Tour Guide and members of the tour group. You can also indulge in your drink and cookie at that time. It was very fun and relaxing to reminisce, learn and talk with fellow Disney fans above it all while the sounds of Main Street rose from below. 

Walk in Walt’s Footsteps vs. Walt’s Main Street Story

Many who have been on the Walk in Walt’s Footsteps tour will instantly make comparisons. This is definitely a different tour, a bit watered down and at a higher price point. I still feel it is worth doing, especially if you’ve never been inside Walt Disney’s Main Street apartment. 

This tour does have some room to grow. I specifically missed these elements from the previous version of Walk in Walt’s Footsteps:

• First-person audio from  notable people like Walt’s daughters and others who worked on the building of Disneyland.
• Touring various lands in the park and pointing out the hidden gems like the l ocation of coveted Club 33 in New Orleans Square.
• The story of Walt’s bench from Griffith Park in Los Angeles.
• Hearing the tender last moments from Walt’s life before he passed away.

Other parts of the previous tour like riding attractions and eating lunch definitely upped the time frame of the tour, but I did not find those as important as the other points listed above. 

I recommend this tour for ages 12 and up, depending on maturity level. But teens and adults will get the most from this exclusive experience. As an avid Disneyland and Disney history fan, there are plenty of things I had heard before, but even then—Disney stories never really get old do they?

Explore Walt Disney’s Disneyland

A self-guided tour through Disneyland Park seeing things the way Walt saw them during his days strolling down Main Street, U.S.A. is available in our print-at-home Disneyland Plan Classics .

While it is not a replacement for the official park tour, it outlines how to visit each opening day attraction, along with places to eat and visit that have special significance to Walt and Disneyland history. 

Purchase your Disneyland Plan Classics before your next Disneyland vacation.

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Have you taken a Guided Tour at Disneyland? What about Walt’s Main Street Story—did you love it as much as I did? 

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Recognized authority on all things Disneyland Resort. Offering dynamic planning strategies and the latest theme park information since 2013. Jessica's insights have been featured on Yahoo! News, InStyle, The Washington Post, and many others.

22 thoughts on “ Step Inside Walt Disney’s Apartment at Disneyland ”

Do you have to purchase a ticket to the park too or can you just do the tour?

Valid admission is required, the tour cost is additional.

Hi, Do you know if Club 33 is still part of the tour? I’ve read somewhere that it has now been taken out of the tour and it is now only Walt’s apartment.

Club 33 is not part of this tour. While things can change, the tour was developed to showcase Walt’s apartment and that has been the focal point of the tour for the last few years.

I am assuming that the headsets used are Bluetooth. My question is that I have read in other reviews, that the single earbud that Disney provides is OK, but those that have Apple or any other Bluetooth earbuds actually work better. I am curious as to your recommendations.

You can use your own headsets but they are not bluetooth compatible.

Thank you for your description. My wife and I are going in May for our anniversary and are very much looking forward to taking this tour!

You’re going to love this tour! I can’t say enough good things about it.

I can see you said 4 hours in the tour I thought it was 2-3 hours was yours longer for any reason ? Thanks

Great catch Leanne, the extra hour was during our dining. Our group was split into 2 at the end. One group dined first and then saw the apartment. My group saw the apartment first, then ate which gave us plenty of time to linger and chat with our awesome tour guide. How long you spend eating (if you’re the last group) is totally up to you.

If you have never been to Disneyland ( I have been to Disney World a lot!) is this the tour you recommend? Thanks! Susie

My quick answer is YES! But then I’d ask, how many days will you be there? If a few, then yes– if one then no. It’s certainly something anyone with a love for Walt Disney and Disney history must do at some point. Please keep me posted if you decide to do it.

My sister and I did this tour a couple of years ago and believe me, it was so worth the money, it was amazing. We’re going again in November and plan to do the tour again, and we can’t wait! We saw the Dream Suite last time so we are very hopeful that will see Walt’s apartment this time.

I totally agree Roxanne. I am ready to do it again and it hasn’t even been one year. I need to try the other tours as well. Such high quality information and tour guides.

We are looking to take our Niece & Nephew in October. We went 2 years ago & loved it, but our tour included a tour of the Dream Suite. You mentioned Walt’s apartment…..is it a matter of when you go that they decide where you go?

Hello, thank you for your question. Walt’s apartment wasn’t open to the public a couple years ago as they were doing some maintenance and things. During that time they swapped out the apartment for the Dream Suite. Currently the Dream Suite is not being shown on any tour. However, it could change at any time but the Dream Suite is kinda a back up as the tour is always meant to include Walt’s apartment. I truly think you all will love it with this on the itinerary.

Would you recommend this tour if you have a small child? (Will be 20 months when we go) This will be my first time to Disneyland as I grew up in FL with Disney World. Love the history aspect of Disney.

Hi Steve, I would definitely say no. I do not recommend a 20 month old. All paying participants have a head set on the entire time and things move quickly. I believe we took one bathroom break in the 4 or so hours of the tour. Of course you know your child best. If you feel your child will stay put in a stroller for the duration of the tour with little entertainment or breaks, then try it out. I am not sure how they handle bringing little ones into Walt’s Apartment though because you’re in there a while with no place to sit or roam. I do hope you get to experience it one way or another, it’s so worth it.

How long did it take to do the tour?

Hi Kim, I spent about 4 hours on my tour.

Hi, how much was the tour? I’m going in December and would love to do it

Hi Sarah, it’s around $100 in addition to your theme park admission. Prices can change at any time but you can confirm when you call in to make your reservation 30 days in advance.

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Disneyland Tours You Will Be Delighted You Took

Betsy Malloy Photography

A Disneyland tour is just the thing for anyone who loves Disneyland and Walt Disney. But many of the most ardent Disney-loving fans never heard of them. They aren't well advertised, and it's hard to find information about them even if you know they exist.

If you're a true Disneyland fan, you may find taking a Disneyland tour is just the thing to add your Disney Bucket List. If you're a first time visitor, you may not want to tie up several hours of your day on a tour, but that depends on how much you love Disney.

This guide covers all the ways you can go behind the scenes at Disneyland, to see how they make the magic and get some insider stories,

Some Disneyland tours are seasonal, and others may only be offered during busier times of the year. You can get current prices and find out which tours are available  at the Disneyland Tour web page .

How to Reserve a Disneyland Tour

To take a tour on your own, you must be at least 18 years old. A paying adult must accompany guests under 16 years old, and there may be height restrictions on some of the included attractions.

To take a tour, you'll first need to buy a ticket to get into the park. It must be valid for the day you take the tour. To avoid disappointment, reserve your tour as soon as you can bu no more than 30 days in advance.

The only way to reserve your tour is by calling 714-781-8687. Write down the confirmation number they give you because you won't get a confirmation email. You must pay when you reserve and the fee is not refundable.

When you get to Disneyland, go to the tour kiosk near City Hall. Give them your confirmation number and be prepared to show your ID. Or give them your name and show them the credit card you used to pay for your reservation. You will meet your tour guide in the same area.

These are the Disneyland tours you may be able to take. Except for the Adventures by Disney tour, they don't include much that's really behind the scenes, but you will learn a lot and see things from a different perspective. The souvenir pins are unique fun collectibles, too.

Walk in Walt's Footsteps Tour : Designed for the Disney-lover, this 3.5-hour, fact-and-trivia-filled tour explores how Walt Disney's vision became a reality. The tour also includes a delicious meal and a collectible souvenir.

VIP Tour : Ths experience is just what you might imagine, with priority access to attractions, reserved seating, and a personal coordinator. Before you look at the price, know that it covers up to 10 people.

Grand Circle Tour : Go behind the scenes to explore Walt Disney's love for trains and get a ride in the Disneyland Railroad’s special parlor car, the Lilly Belle.

Behind the Scenes at Disneyland and in Hollywood

This multi-day tour definitely belongs on your Disney Bucket List, if you're a hardcore fan.

Adventures by Disney runs guided tours all over the world, but not are quite like their Backstage Magic tour. It's a six-day, five-night ramble you'll never forget. It goes behind the scenes at Disney Studios, Disney Imagineering, and both California theme parks. And the most fun is that you get into places not open to the public, which may include Disney Imagineering and Disney Studios.

Seasonal Disneyland Tours

Check the Disneyland website for seasonal tours. They include: 

Disney's Happiest Haunts is a Halloween-themed tour that features some spooking sightings at Disneyland, spine-tingling tales. And of course - a collectible souvenir pin, which is redesigned every year.

Holiday Time at Disneyland tours are offered from mid-November through early January. They usually include a chance to explore all the holiday traditions and decorations. You also get express boarding for "it's a small world" Holiday and Haunted Mansion Holiday. And reserved seating for the Christmas parade. And to keep it fresh, they change parts of the tour every year.

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Disneyland at Christmas: What to Expect

Walt's Main Street Story Tour

Select Check Availability to book

Stroll Along a Storied Street

Listen as your dedicated tour guide regales you with behind-the-scenes stories and enchanting tidbits throughout this 90-minute experience. Plus, learn about special links to Walt Disney's boyhood town of Marceline, Missouri.

It all culminates with a visit to Walt's apartment high above the Disneyland Fire Station in Town Square, followed by refreshments.

This experience includes:

• A walking tour down Main Street, U.S.A.
• A visit to Walt's legendary apartment
• Refreshments
• PhotoPass photos of your party with complimentary digital downloads

Know Before You Go

Required Park Reservation and Admission

Reservations

Late arrivals may not be able to join the guided tour. Please be prepared to present your reservation confirmation, photo ID and the credit card provided at the time of booking.

This tour is only available during regular park hours at Disneyland Park.

Cancellations

There is a 24-hour cancellation policy. Full price will be charged and forfeited if a Guest cancels within one day or is a "no-show" for the reservation.

Guests younger than 14 years of age must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or older during the entire experience.

Important Details

All prices, experiences, information and offerings are subject to restrictions, and change or cancellation without notice. No discounts apply. Experience is non-refundable. Disney PhotoPass service is subject to the Disney PhotoPass terms and expiration policy . Disney PhotoPass photos must be linked to your Disney account to be downloaded. Online registration required.

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Here’s How to Get Inside Walt Disney’s Private Apartment at Disneyland

Have you ever seen the glowing lamp that sits above the Town Square Fire Station as you are walking towards Main Street U.S.A.? While some Disney fans are aware of its significance, others don't know that they are looking into the window of Walt Disney's own apartment at Disneyland.

Walt Disney spent a great deal of time traveling back and forth between his home in Los Angeles and the park during its construction, and he knew he would need a place to stay at Disneyland. The apartment, themed to the Victorian Era, served as a private space for Walt and his family.

Perhaps the most touching detail of the apartment, which is visible to visitors from the outside, is the lamp kept lit in the window to signify that Walt's spirit continues to live on at Disneyland.

While there have been changes made to the apartment since the time Walt lived here, guests can see the inside of it through a special experience offered. Keep reading for more details on how you can visit Walt's Apartment at Disneyland!

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Details of Walt Disney's Apartment at Disneyland

You can see a YouTube video from Disney Parks below with Diane Disney Miller for a look inside Walt's apartment at Disneyland. She describes how her mother and father loved the Victorian period, and this was their “little Victorian masterpiece.”

The apartment was decorated by Emile Kuri, the Oscar-award winning designer who worked on multiple Disney films like 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Mary Poppins, and more. Kuri decorated the apartment with items that he had found as well as pieces from Walt and Lillian's collection.

Diane describes how when her father traveled, he would go into little antique shops, where he found some of the items that made up his “miniature collection and bric-a-brac; little china teacups and things.” She also shares how her mother collected cranberry glass, and cranberry was the color that dominated the apartment.

You can see another one of Disney Park's videos with Roy P. Disney, the great-nephew of Walt Disney, touring the apartment below. Here is a glimpse of them entering the space:

You get a brief look at the small apartment's living room/sleeping area and bathroom in the video as Roy P. Disney and Ryan March comment on the space.

These are some of the decorative items on display in the video, like lamps, a vintage Victorian style rotary dial telephone, and more:

The video also showed a dresser in the apartment with items like a brush and mirror atop it:

The video also contains a look at the apartment located above New Orleans Square that is now home to the very exclusive dining experience 21 ROYAL.

See the video tour and interview with Diane Disney Miller below:

And see the video tour with Roy P. Disney below:

How You Can Tour Walt Disney's Apartment at Disneyland

One of the special tours offered at Disneyland is called “Walt's Main Street Story Tour.” This experience invites guests to explore Main Street U.S.A. “through Walt's eyes” and learn the history and little-known facts of this area of the park. During the 90-minute experience, a tour guide will share behind-the-scenes secrets and “enchanting tidbits” about Main Street U.S.A., which was partially inspired by Walt Disney's hometown of Marceline, Missouri. You can read about our experience visiting Marceline, Missouri here !

The tour culminates in a visit to Walt's apartment above the fire station, where guests can enjoy refreshments on the patio for the first time ever.

You can see everything the Walt Disney's apartment tour includes below:

• A walking tour down Main Street, U.S.A.
• A visit to Walt’s legendary apartment
• Refreshments on the apartment patio
• PhotoPass photos of your party with complimentary digital downloads

When you visit the apartment with a tour you are not allowed to take your own photos and instead get access to the PhotoPass photos that are included.

You need to have a valid ticket and park reservation on the day you book the experience, and pricing is $160 per person. You can read about all of the Disneyland tours available here .

Other Tours Offered at Disneyland

In addition to the Walt Disney's apartment tour, there are also some other special tours offered at Disneyland that you can explore. Some are offered for a limited time, like the Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort Guided Tour, the Happiest Haunts Halloween Tour, and more. Last year, there was also a special Disney100 at the Disneyland Resort Guided Tour offered as part of the Disney100 celebration. The most expensive and all-encompassing experience is the Disneyland VIP Tour which includes a private tour guide, priority access to attractions, premium seating at entertainment, and more.

We attended the Happiest Haunts Halloween tour last year, which was a 2-hour walking tour that included a fun photo op with two of the Hitchhiking Ghosts animatronics, reserved viewing for the Halloween Screams nighttime spectacular, expedited access to Pirates of the Caribbean, a Halloween-themed treat, and more. You can see our full review of the experience in our guide to the Happiest Haunts Halloween Tour.

Be sure to keep an eye out when these special tours are offered at Disneyland! They provide a unique way to engage with the park that you won't want to miss.

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About Emily Midgley

Emily Midgley is a writer from San Diego, California. She was introduced to Disneyland when she was two and has been in love with all things Disney ever since! At Mickey Visit, she will keep you updated with the latest news from the Disney Parks and provide helpful planning content for your vacation. Her favorite rides at Disneyland are Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout, Space Mountain, and Rise of the Resistance. She loves Marvel (especially Guardians of the Galaxy) and lives and breathes anything to do with Star Wars.

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Disneyland Offering New Tour to Celebrate Company’s 100th Anniversary

by Melissa Roden · March 22, 2023

We’ve got some exciting news about a brand new tour being offered at Disneyland!  The theme park just took to twitter to share details about a new “Celebrating Disney100 at Disneyland Resort” Guided Tour and we’re excited to pass on the awesome details to you!

During this tour guests will discover the fascinating stories during the century long history of The Walt Disney Company as you’re guided through iconic locations throughout Disneyland Resort. 

You’ll experience Disneyland Resort as a “living story” as you’re regaled with tales of how The Walt Disney Company brought magic to life over the last century with fantastical worlds and heartwarming characters. 

Photo Credit: Walt Disney Archives

Learn from a Disney Animator

On the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to chat with an animator and participate in a unique drawing experience that features special characters in celebration of Disney’s 100th Anniversary.  

Sleeping Beauty Castle

Capture the Magic at Sleeping Beauty Castle

Next stop is Sleeping Beauty Castle which has been decorated for Disney’s 100th Anniversary.  They’ll be time to have your snapshot taken in front of the stunning platinum display. 

Take in the “Magic Happens” Parade

A highlight of the tour is sure to be the “Magic Happens” Parade.  This beloved afternoon extravaganza has been brought back for Disney’s 100th Anniversary Celebration. You’ll get to take in the magic from a reserved viewing area offering wonderful sightlines! 

 “Celebrating Disney100 at Disneyland Resort” Guided Tour Highlights 

• Walking tour through Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure with an official Disneyland Tour Guide. 
• Tour of Buena Vista Street, Animation Academy, Main Street Opera House, Tomorrowland, Fantasyland and Sleeping Beauty Castle
• Participation in a drawing experience at Animation Academy featuring special Disney100 artwork
• A complimentary digital download of your Disney100 snapshot in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle. 
• A Disney 100 Celebration Treat
• Reserved viewing for the “Magic Happens” Parade. 
• A specially designed Disney100 commemorative pin. 

Disneyland Mickey Statue

Know Before Your Go

Those considering participation on the “Celebrating Disney100 at Disneyland Resort” Guided Tour will want to make note of the following: 

• A park pass reservation and valid admission for Disneyland Park on the same date of the tour is required for all guests ages 3 and older.  Park reservations are not included for the tour. 
• A credit card must be provided at the time of booking your reservation and will be charged for the total cost of the tour.  Reservations can be made 60 days in advance.  Same day bookings can be made up to 20 minutes before the tour subject to availability. 
• Reservations can be made via the Disneyland app and are non-transferable. 
• Guests are encouraged to check in 15 minutes before your reservation time at the Tour Gardens on Main Street USA.  Each person in the party must be present at check-in. Late arrivals may not be accommodated. 
• Reservations must be cancelled a minimum of 24 hours in advance.  Full price will be charged if guest does not cancel in time or is a “no-show.” 
• Guests under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult (18 years or older.) 

Times and Pricing 

As you can see form the details posted on Disneyland.com, the tour lasts for 120 minutes. The cost of participating is $110 per person plus tax. 

Tours appear to be available to book starting on April 7, 2023.  The times are as follows: 

You can see the tour will be offered daily from 9am – 1pm. Specific times for the tour for April 7th (as an example) are as follows: 

Readers are encouraged to keep following along with MickeyBlog for further Disneyland news and updates. We’ll be coming to you LIVE from the theme parks each and every week. 

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Tags: 100th Anniversary Celebrating Disney100 at Disneyland Resort Disneyland Guided Tour Magic Happens Sleeping Beauty Castle Tour

Melissa Roden

As an agent with MickeyTravels and a Blogger with MickeyBlog I enjoy sharing, tips, tricks and advice to help readers and clients get the most out of your time with Disney. When I'm not helping clients plan their perfect holidays or nab those hard-to-get discounts you can find me enjoying a Dole Whip at Disney World with my daughter! Reach out for a FREE, no obligation quote at 1.800.801.4025 or find me on Facebook !

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Disney reveals more on huge Magic Kingdom expansion, one part of a $60 billion investment

Disney has big expansion plans for Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. Credit: Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty Images via CNN Newsource

Glendale, California (CNN) —  Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, the “wildest ride in the wilderness,” sits at one edge of Disney World’s Magic Kingdom park, the most visited theme park in the world.

But park visitors can one day expect to see much more beyond that wilderness at the iconic park in Central Florida – something more ambitious than just a ride overhaul or a retheming.

“It’s probably the largest expansion ever at Magic Kingdom,” Michael Hundgen, Walt Disney World site portfolio executive, said Tuesday during a rare media event previewing new Disney attraction designs and technology at its Walt Disney Imagineering facility in California.

He said the expansion will be about the size of Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge, which occupies about 14 acres. A Disney team is currently on research trips and going through concept design for this expansion area.

Hundgen did not say what themes or stories would exist there – or when this project would be completed.

Disney’s 10-year investment plan

The Magic Kingdom expansion is one part of a  $60 billion investment  Disney has said it’s planning for its parks, cruises and experiences over the next decade.

To show how the investment could be used, Disney invited CNN, along with a group of about a dozen other media outlets, on Tuesday to see projects in the works at  Walt Disney Imagineering , including new technology in the research and development phase.

Disney CEO Bob Iger,  who returned to his role  in November 2022 only two and a half years after leaving the company, said Tuesday: “As I looked at the returns on the invested capital that we made in this business over the 15 years prior to my coming back, it was extraordinarily compelling. We should allocate in a direction where we had great returns.”

While Iger said the company has a fairly good idea of what’s being built in the near future, he said “it’s actually silly” to allocate every dollar of that $60 billion right now, given that they do not know what content might become a huge hit in the coming years.

They do not know what their next “Frozen” will be, for example, so Iger said the company should remain flexible with what they choose to build in later years.

‘Why hasn’t Disney prepared anything?’

As Universal Orlando Resort prepares to open a third theme park, Epic Universe, in 2025, the lack of information about what might come in later years at Disney has been a subject of criticism.

At a virtual Disney shareholder meeting on Wednesday, a preselected question was asked: “Why hasn’t Disney prepared anything, or placed more than just a handful of attractions to be ready for this in 2025 at Walt Disney World?”

Iger responded, “That just couldn’t be further from the truth.” He said Disney has been aware of Universal’s plans for more than a decade, and that Disney has a method of analyzing all its needs to strategically deploy its capital.

After naming new lands and attractions that were developed at Disney’s Florida resort over the past decade, Iger said, “By staggering these major launches, we have been able to commercially and operationally optimize our new offerings over time, rather than having to do it all at once.”

However, these projects, including the newest announcement of what Disney calls Magic Kingdom’s “Beyond Big Thunder” project, are expansions of existing theme parks at best; the project from Universal, which is owned by Comcast, will be a brand-new theme park.

Iger said  a legal settlement  reached last week between Disney and the state of Florida “will actually enable us to pursue the kind of significant investment in our Florida parks that you’re talking about,” calling it a “win-win.”

Possible new destination at Disneyland

During the same shareholder’s meeting, Iger showed a new sketch of an area based on the “Avatar” movies that he called a “possible new destination” for the original Disneyland resort in California.

But any plans for expanding the theme park footprint at the Disneyland resort would need Anaheim city approval because of zoning issues.

The decision to rezone existing Disney property into more theme park space, a project dubbed “Disneyland Forward,” will come before the Anaheim City Council in coming weeks.

Creating the Force

Iger said 70% of the $60 billion investment will be focused on new attractions that expand the capacity of Disney’s theme parks and cruise ships. The remaining 30%, he said, is focused on the technology and maintenance to make that expansion happen.

One of those patented technologies, called “HoloTile,” was shown to reporters on Tuesday. While this hasn’t been designated for any particular theme park project yet, Imagineers demonstrated how one could move a box or a chair, just like Darth Vader using the Force, with the wave of a hand.

Invented by Imagineer Lanny Smoot, who was recently inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame, HoloTile allows multiple, small tiles to be pushed together to make a floor that can allow people to walk in any direction or any distance, without actually ever stepping off the tiled area.

“There are rays of light or pools of light that bounce off my legs … to tell the floor where I am,” Smoot said.

Smoot said multiple people can walk on it in any direction without bumping into each other. And if someone were to run at full speed on this floor, they would never run  off  the tiles. The HoloTile could be put to use in a virtual reality environment, for instance, to allow movement –  click here to check out a demonstration .

Smoot said this took years of work: “As one of my friends says, ‘long fuse, big bang.’”

‘Star Wars’ BD-X droids

Research and development teams also demonstrated “Star Wars” BD-X droids, which are “puppeted” by engineers using what look like video game controllers.

The droids, which were tested at Disneyland’s Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge last October, will be reappearing there for a couple of months, beginning April 5.

Way beyond your average robot, “reinforcement learning” helps the droids give an incredible illusion of “communicating” with humans, using highly advanced movements and are even able to balance themselves when running into unstable surfaces or objects.

Figures for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

Along one cubicle wall in its Imagineering machine shop, this quote was seen written on a white board: “Progress has little to do with speed, but more to do with direction” – unknown

What started as rudimentary robots with pre-recorded speech and sounds, as seen in Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room in 1963, Disney’s Audio-Animatronics have become advanced with fluid movements and human expressions.

On the media tour, Disney showed its completed figures for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure – a new ride coming to both the California and Florida resorts – to replace Splash Mountain. An opening date for that has not been announced.

Based on the movie “The Princess and the Frog,” the characters wave, talk and sing to guests as they ride along a log flume.

This level of advanced Audio-Animatronics has thus far only been seen in Disney’s international theme parks.

Stella Reese Chase, whose mother Leah Chase was a renowned New Orleans chef and TV personality, was invited to California to see these figures after a Disney team had visited her hometown to research how to create this attraction with authenticity.

As Chase watched Princess Tiana wave and talk for the first time in 3D, she said, “I’m just amazed, you know. What can I say? I’ve never seen anything like it. This is really a wild experience.”

Charita Carter, executive creative producer at Walt Disney Imagineering, worked on the project from its inception about four years ago.

It takes Disney up to six years to go from a new concept to a finished attraction. Carter recently got to experience the ride she had worked on from the ground up.

Asked whether it was what she expected, Carter said, “Yes, it is really coming together. There are so many beautiful things that are happening, so I was really pleased.”

(Copyright (c) 2024 CNN. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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Disneyland | First look at Avatar themed land proposed for…

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Disneyland | first look at avatar themed land proposed for disneyland, disney ceo bob iger describes the concept art as 'creative inspiration' for a potential avatar experience being designed by walt disney imagineering..

Fans of “Avatar: The Way of Water” that grossed $2.3 billion at the box office may soon be able to board a boat and explore the Pandoran oceans seen in the blockbuster film if Disneyland moves forward with plans for an Avatar themed land teased for the Anaheim theme park resort.

Disney CEO Bob Iger offered a first look at the Avatar themed land proposed for the Disneyland resort during Disney’s annual shareholder meeting on Wednesday, April 3.

ALSO SEE: 11 places Disneyland could build an Avatar experience — See the list

The concept art shows jutting rocks and floating mountains amid gushing geysers and alien flora. A boat filled with riders passes through an aqua-green lagoon heading toward a cascading waterfall.

Iger described the concept art as “creative inspiration” for a potential Avatar experience being designed by Walt Disney Imagineering. Disney’s creative arm is teaming up with “Avatar” filmmaker James Cameron on the new land.

Iger has been teasing an “exciting Avatar experience” for the Disneyland resort since February 2023. At the time, Iger described Avatar as a core franchise for Disney.

ALSO SEE: DisneylandForward proposal allows 300-foot-tall thematic icons

A D23 blog post promised the Disneyland resort’s Avatar experience would rival Pandora — The World of Avatar themed land in Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Florida.

During the shareholder meeting, Iger also discussed the $1.9 billion DisneylandForward proposal seeking approval by the Anaheim City Council on April 16.

“We are excited about the stories our guests could experience at Walt’s original theme park destination after approval of DisneylandForward — including the chance to experience all-new Avatar adventures with a visit to Pandora,” Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro wrote in a Disney Parks blog post .

The DisneylandForward proposal before the City of Anaheim seeks to update a 1990s Anaheim city plan to allow for a mix of theme park, hotel, retail, dining and entertainment on the eastern and western edges of the Disneyland resort.

DisneylandForward has dangled themed lands based on Tangled, Frozen, Peter Pan, Zootopia, Toy Story, Black Panther, Coco and Tron as potential expansion projects in Anaheim.

Disney has announced plans to invest $30 billion in Disneyland, Disney California Adventure and other theme parks around the globe over the next decade.

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Cutting edge robotics are descending upon the Disneyland Resort.

With new droids arriving at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge this week — and some of the most lifelike characters ever created coming later this year to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure — the Walt Disney Co. this year is elevating the wizardry that is theme park engineering.

Walt Disney Imagineering, the company’s typically-secretive arm devoted to theme park development, hasn’t been shy regarding the testing of bipedal droids that can hop in place, bow their heads and nudge humans like robotic pets. A trio of them, known as BDX droids, made their one-day debut at Galaxy’s Edge late last year, a surprise appearance that went viral among Disney and “Star Wars” fans. Knee-high, the “droids in training,” as they were labeled by Imagineering, possess a wobbly cuteness.

They’ll be returning to Disneyland starting Friday, and appearing throughout the resort’s spring “Star Wars” promotion known as Season of the Force, which lasts through June 2. Their temporary appearance fulfills a long-held promise to bring more robotic life to Disneyland’s space fantasy franchises.

The droids, and their ability to dance, coo and generally steal the hearts of guests, were shown to media on Tuesday at an event that highlighted current and upcoming Imagineering technology — all part of embattled Chief Executive Bob Iger’s promise to “turbocharge” Disney’s investment in its parks. Disney has pledged $60 billion over the next 10 years in its experiences division, with at least half of that total dedicated to parks and resorts, according to a recent SEC filing .

In addition to the adorable BDX units, Disney showcased a host of next-generation robotics that indicated the future of theme park attractions is one where figures can not only move like us, but potentially move among us. A highlight: A Duke Weaselton figure from “Zootopia,” which was used to promote the recent opening of a land themed to the 2016 film at Shanghai Disneyland. In a clever illusion, Weaselton was shown pushing a cart that turned out to be a robotic figure itself — one that the Weaselton figure was just hitching a ride from. The small crowd of media was enchanted when Weaselton finished his cameo by hopping aboard the cart.

A floor that feels like magic? Just another marvel from this legendary Disney inventor

The HoloTile Floor, Lanny Smoot’s latest invention, was inspired by the ‘Holodeck’ from the ‘Star Trek’ universe.

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Still, Imagineering opted to withhold details about it’s most high-profile projects. Walt Disney World representatives teased expansion for the Florida park’s Magic Kingdom, stating construction permits would be filed in the coming weeks. More advanced in planning, Disney said, are changes coming to Disney World’s Animal Kingdom, where a “Tropical Americas” land is slated to replace the DinoLand U.S.A. area of the park. Footage of a research trip to Mexico was shown, as was a zoomed-out piece of concept art, but no attractions were detailed.

Closer to home, Imagineering didn’t mention any of the long-term projects that they’ve promised for the Disneyland Resort, including an updated timeline for the “Avengers” ride at Disney California Adventure, a location or an attraction for the “Avatar”-focused experience , which Iger referenced Wednesday at Disney’s annual shareholder meeting, or anything that could be considered part of the DisneylandForward project.

The latter is awaiting final approval from the Anaheim City Council, which will likely vote in the coming weeks on a proposal that would allow for changes to the park’s zoning and give Disney more flexibility to reimagine its existing 490-acre footprint in Anaheim. The project promises a minimum $1.9-billion investment in the theme park, lodging, entertainment, shopping and dining within a decade, according to city officials.

Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences, wrote in a blog post after Wednesday’s shareholder meeting that further news on Disneyland-related attractions was tied to the approval of DisneylandForward. “We were thrilled to unveil a piece of inspirational artwork developed for a potential new Avatar experience at the Disneyland Resort,” D’Amaro wrote . “We are excited about the stories our guests could experience at Walt’s original theme park destination after approval of DisneylandForward — including the chance to experience all-new Avatar adventures with a visit to Pandora.”

Iger said at the media event that Disney will be careful to spread its investment in its theme parks over the next 10 years. “We actually have a fairly good idea in the near-term of what’s being built, but we’re purposefully not going to allocate it all,” Iger said. “Because who knows? In five years we can end up with a giant hit movie — think ‘Frozen’ — that we may want to mine essentially as an attraction, or a hotel or restaurant in our parks. So you want to maintain some flexibility.”

And yet that doesn’t mean there won’t be plenty of activity coming to Disneyland in 2024. Slated to open later this year is Tiana’s Bayou Adventure , a retheme of the popular log flume ride Splash Mountain. Disney dedicated much of the afternoon to revealing some of the key audio-animatronics for the attraction. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will open first in Walt Disney World, and tells an original story that occurs after the events of “The Princess and the Frog,” the 2009 fairy tale that stars the company’s first Black princess.

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Expect Tiana’s Bayou Adventure to be full of large-scale show scenes. Press were shown four different iterations of Tiana. Early in the attraction she’ll greet guests from a perch, then as the ride continues, she’ll get closer to passengers — in one instance even directing a critter band. The attraction will culminate in a giant Mardi Gras musical celebration. Characters from the film, including Tiana’s friend Charlotte La Bouff — adorned in a pink, felt-like dress — and a regal Eudora (Tiana’s mother) will welcome guests into the final scene.

It was immediately apparent how fluid the figures moved, with La Bouff and Eudora both swaying to an unheard rhythm. Tiana, too, seen in equestrian pants and an explorer’s jacket, is full of exaggerated arm gestures, speaking to guests with an excited flourish. Prince Naveen was shown plucking a banjo, his eyes rolling and blinking in time with his strumming. The figures, including an outsized Mama Odie, sporting a colorful abundance of beads, are among the most lifelike in Disney’s arsenal. Accompanying Mama Odie was a bopping Juju, a snake companion who was bouncing over a plate of beignets, forked tongue hanging out in a dry but convincing drool.

Some recent animated-to-animatronic figures, such as those seen in Toontown’s Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway , display more of a digital sheen from projection technology, meaning their faces have a cartoon-like, CGI feel. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure felt more tactile, with carefully sculpted faces and natural hair. Charita Carter, one of the Imagineers leading the project, said that while there is a fantastical nature to the “Princess and the Frog” property, it was important to ground the attraction in the reality of New Orleans.

“Tiana is one of the few princesses that really comes from a real place,” Carter said. “It’s a place that can be experienced. We have a comparable [one] that our guests would have, so it only made sense. The city is so special. It sounds like a cliché to say that it’s a magical city, but it’s a magical city. When you get off the plane and hear the brass band in baggage claim, where in the United States do you go and have an experience like that? So when you marry someplace that is that special with a fantastical story, it’s a wonderful, beautiful blend.”

Entertainment & Arts

Splash Mountain closing day: Why Disneyland’s long goodbye is long overdue

Disneyland fans say goodbye to Splash Mountain, a staple since 1989, and offer early thoughts on the replacement, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.

May 30, 2023

The attraction does not yet have an opening date on either coast, but Disney has previously announced a summer opening at Walt Disney World and later this year at Disneyland.

Carter, one of Imagineering’s most prominent Black executives, has been with the project as a producer since its reveal in the summer of 2020. It was then that Splash Mountain become the topic of a heated social media debate in the moment of cultural reassessment and nationwide protests following the killing of George Floyd. (The original ride’s imagery is rooted in the dated and racist 1946 film “Song of the South.”)

Disney, when it went public with its decision to give Splash Mountain a “Princess and the Frog”-themed makeover, cited the need for the ride to embrace a fresh, “inclusive” concept. In a brief interview at the Tuesday event, Carter was asked to reflect on the four-year journey to bring Tiana’s Bayou Adventure to life.

“When I got the call from the president at the time to lead this team as the producer, I cried,” Carter said. “It was a realization of how important bringing Tiana to a dimensional space is — being the first African American princess, being an American princess from a real place and knowing there are people who live in New Orleans, live in the South, that would be able to relate to her in a special way. The weight of that. It was joy. But then there was also weight. Like, ‘OK, let’s do this.’”

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Todd Martens joined the Los Angeles Times in 2007 and covers a mix of interactive entertainment (video games) and pop music. Previously, Martens reported on the music business for Billboard Magazine. He has contributed to numerous books, including “The Big Lebowski: An Illustrated, Annotated History of the Greatest Cult Film of All Time.” He continues to torture himself by rooting for the Chicago Cubs and, while he likes dogs, he is more of a cat person.

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Wealth of Geeks

Ranking All The Disneyland and Walt Disney World Sitcom Episodes

Posted: April 2, 2024 | Last updated: April 2, 2024

In 1987, New York Giants quarterback (and Super Bowl MVP) Phil Simms first said the iconic phrase, “I’m going to Disney World.” A promotional idea from the mind of the (at the time) Disney CEO, Michael Eisner, we now hear Super Bowl MVPs utter the phrase “I’m going to Disney World” or “I’m going to Disneyland” every year, including in a commercial that airs after the game. 

In the heyday of family sitcoms, many shows featured an episode in the Disney Parks, with many airing on the Disney-owned ABC network.  Looking back on the equally delightful, fascinating, and heartwarming episodes, they vary in quality, believability, and rewatchability. Overall, these episodes give audiences a glimpse into these parks at different periods, each acting as a time capsule for fans of Disney nostalgia.

Of course, the biggest Disney fans recognize the inaccuracies and unbelievable scenarios. But one cannot help but sit back and enjoy every Disneyland and Walt Disney World sitcom episode.

1. Full House (Season 6, Episodes 23 & 24, “The House Meets the Mouse Part 1 & 2”)

Unsurprisingly, the beloved family sitcom’s Walt Disney World episodes top this list. In “The House That Meets The Mouse,” Disney invites Jesse and the Rippers to play at the Magic Kingdom, giving audiences the first two-part Disney Parks episode and the first to air on ABC.

Instead of a romantic anniversary trip for Jesse and Becky, Danny brings the entire family too, resulting in crazy, hilarious, wholesome, and heartwarming shenanigans.

Moreover, these entries treat viewers to looks at The Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT, with highlights including the Living Seas Restaurant and the Grand Floridian Resort Hotel.

The episode ends when the Tanners ride in the parade, giving us a look at the 35th Anniversary Walt Disney World “Party Gras Parade,” and Danny finally proposes to Vickie in fireworks form. As Jesse and the Rippers sing “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes” in front of Cinderella Castle, the whole family finds their own happy moment.

Of course,  Full House  always features a heartfelt lesson, a good talk, and some hugs. These attributes make  Full House’s  episodes the best Disney-themed entries. We see sweet-natured and wholesome entertainment with a bit of moral wisdom.

2. The Middle (Season 5, Episodes 23 & 24, “Orlando” & “The Wonderful World of the Hecks”)

The most relatable episode on the entire list, the  Walt Disney World trip for the Heck family, does not go off without a hitch. These represent some of the funniest installments and ones that families of limited means, ones who always seem to have things go wrong, and those who don’t always get along will relate to.

They will undoubtedly see themselves on screen and even have their heartstrings pulled. Sue, the eternally hopeful and diligent girl, wins the trip for her family. After a detour to visit Brick’s girlfriend, the Hecks finally arrive at Walt Disney World in Florida, only to be told their tickets are for Disneyland in California.

Of course, the cast members accommodate them, transfer their tickets, and give them a luxury suite, much to the Heck’s exuberant delight. Anyone not used to such things will bust a gut laughing at their excitement over every inch of their fantastic room. The episode ends in that traditionally heartfelt way, with the family together again, enjoying the fireworks.

3. Modern Family (Season 3, Episode 22, “Disneyland”)

The best of all the Disneyland-centric episodes, the trip to the Happiest Place on Earth for the Dunphy and Pritchett families, has every character acting as they usually do, with the episode playing out in the usual way.

Jay’s excitement to visit the park with his family warms our hearts. Claire tries to play matchmaker for Hayley by inviting an upstanding college boy. But she’s only interested in her ex-boyfriend Dylan, who she finds working at the park as a Dapper Dan. Phil and Luke exude enthusiasm riding all the roller coasters, but Phil soon learns he can’t handle them like he used to.

One of the best Disney-themed and  Modern Family  episodes, this entry seamlessly blends its particular style of comedy with park surroundings, showcasing many of Disneyland’s attractions. These include the beauties of Main Street, fun-filled Toontown, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Dumbo, Splash Mountain, and Jay’s favorite, Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, which ends the family’s visit to the Happiest Place on Earth. 

The sweet, sometimes hilarious episode uses the park not only as an excuse for a fun episode but as a way of showcasing how much their family dynamics mean to them all.

4. Black-Ish (Season 3, Episode 1, “VIP”)

This Walt Disney World-themed episode gives the audience one of the most unique, heartfelt, and worthy lessons. When Dre takes his entire family, including his wife Rainbow, his four kids Zoey, Andre Jr., Jack, and Diane, and in-laws Ruby and Pops, on vacation to The Most Magical Place on Earth, the trip becomes unforgettable.

Meanwhile, Rainbow cannot ride most things because she’s pregnant. And her parents, who complain about the heat, project distaste and grumpiness. The two want to pack it in and return to the hotel until  Disney magic suddenly hits  them. Their attempts to leave are continually “hindered” by amazing rides, gift shops, and riding on a parade float. Overall, the hilarious and heartwarming family adventure makes for a fun-filled watch.

5. Boy Meets World (Season 3, Episode 21, “The Happiest Show on Earth”)

The episode’s concept involves a twofold purpose: to showcase the Most Magical Place on Earth in a fun and creative way and to bring these two kids back together in a romantic, Disney-like way. It also shares a unique distinction with another show on this list:  Step By Step . The two shows aired back to back on the famous TGIF ABC lineup.

The simple plot involves Cory regretting his breakup with Topanga. He plans to let her know, but she and other students win an essay contest that takes them to Walt Disney World. So, Cory follows her there, trying everything to prove his love for her, with obstacles at every turn.

Audiences get a glimpse of the parks and their varied attractions, seen creatively, such as waking up on Splash Mountain and scuba diving on the Living Seas Lagoon, with Shawn right by Cory’s side. EPCOT’s beautiful fountains and fireworks also provide the romantic backdrop for when Cory and Topanga come back together. Everything results in the sweet, funny, and good-natured humor that Boy Meets World  is known for.

6. Roseanne (Season 8, Episodes 18 & 19, “We’re Going to Disney World”)

One of the series’ best episodes, this two-part installment remains true to the characters and concept of  Roseanne  while bringing that particular kind of Disney magic to the Conner family.

After being laid off from his job, Dan gets a decent severance. After joking about wisely investing it, he and Roseanne decide to take the whole family on the kind of vacation they’ve never had as a lower-income family.

Roseanne and Jackie delight in cast members who remain kind no matter what. Becky tries to convince her husband, Mark, to stop his jealousy of the characters she charms at every turn. DJ and David have fun while Darlene sulks until she meets her childhood love, Winnie the Pooh, and reverts to a giddy little kid.

While one could nitpick at how they jump from park to park with no time constraints (something that most episodes do),  Roseanne’s  trip to Walt Disney World gives us a delightful glimpse into the parks.

7. The George Lopez Show (Season 3, Episode 24, “George Goes to Disneyland”)

A TV show rarely breaks the fourth wall, but this episode does so in its first moments with a tie-in contest. Talking directly to the audience, they are told to pay close attention, count how many Mickeys they see throughout the episode, and send the answer in to win a trip to Disneyland. 

The highlights include a trip down Splash Mountain, a spin on the teacups, and a drop-down of the new-at-the-time Hollywood Tower of Terror, which has since become Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout. Overall, the episode shows viewers never to let opportunities pass by out of resentment but instead to seize any moment of joy possible.

8. Family Matters (Season 6, Episodes 22 & 23, “We’re Going to Disney World Part 1 & 2”)

This two-part sitcom finale employs an interesting dichotomy. We see wholesome and earnest family antics and conflicts contrasted against science fiction.

Who knows why the show took this route, but at some point, for better or worse, Family Matters chose a storyline where Steve invents a machine that can alter his DNA and turn him into a different person. Though ridiculous (this machine can also somehow change his clothes), the story plays out with such earnestness and sweetness fans still enjoy watching.

The best part of the episode involves the show’s parental figures, Carl and Harriet. Carl, reluctant to take this vacation, preoccupies his thoughts with his ongoing police cases. When he lets that Disney magic in, he rediscovers the child within as we see them explore the parks with great delight. 

9 – Step by Step (Season 5, Episodes 22 & 23, “We’re Going to Disney World Part 1 & 2”)

This two-part episode of this  Brady Bunch -style sitcom features zany and completely unrealistic antics. Several plots occur for the Lambert-Foster family trip to Walt Disney World. 

All the storylines may lack believability but feel typical for the show’s tone. It feels ridiculous that anyone would choose to enter a singing contest and waste precious vacation time. At the same time, the record Flash attempts to break lacks plausibility.

Despite the flaws, the best aspects of the episodes still involve these storylines because they provide us with a unique and varied view of many restaurants, rides, and shows that Walt Disney World had to offer at that time, including Flash standing in for Indiana Jones in his stunt show.

The record-breaking moments, though enjoyable, showcase impossible scenarios. However, bringing a record back to America, the birthplace of this  magical world  imbues the episodes with unexpected and uplifting inspiration.

10. Blossom (Season 3, Episode 9, “The Best Laid Plans of Mice and Men”)

While almost all Disney Parks-themed episodes air on the Disney-owned ABC network, notably, not all have. The first episode of this sort was this series, which aired on NBC in 1993. The episode’s typical plot follows the same format of the series- an innocuous teenage romantic drama they resolve by the end.

Specifically, the Russo father gets a last-minute job as an Elvis impersonator for a show at Disneyland, and his kids and their friends go along for fun. Blossom and her boyfriend Vinnie fight when she sees him embrace another girl while riding the Skyway.

Ultimately, they all experience shock when they see Mr. Russo perform as Elvis. With this episode,  Blossom  starts a trend for other sitcoms to have similarly themed episodes, much like how they began the “very special episode” trend.

Moreover, it allows Disneyland fans to see the park in the early 1990s, with many things looking much different than they do now. The Skyway, the People Mover, and more lost attractions all appear, with a special appearance by the Mickey Mouse Club  group The Party, which Gen-Xers and Millennials will fondly remember.  Blossom’s  Disneyland episode epitomizes   90s nostalgia.

11. The Goldbergs (Season 7, Episode 1 “Vacation”)

Like  Sabrina the Teenage Witch , viewers do not see much of Disneyland in California  in the episode. Only in the last few minutes do the Goldberg family reach the  Happiest Place on Earth . Instead, the story revolves around the hilarious and heartwarming journey.

The family takes what they believe will be their last family vacation together before Barry and Erica head off to college, with their mother Beverly and father Murray acting like their typical selves. Fashioned after the film  National Lampoon’s Vacation , audiences witness zany antics, luggage trouble, and a car crash.

In this case, the Goldbergs arrive early, and we see them enjoy the park in the episode’s final minutes with clever humor and self-referential homages.

The most amusing aspect involves Adam’s excitement over the Star Tours ride, joking that an entire land dedicated to his favorite film would merely be the stuff of dreams. All of these elements make for an entertaining episode.

12. Sabrina, the Teenage Witch (Season 2, Episode 23 “Disney World”)

The weakest of all the official Disney Parks episodes, producers made this episode of  Sabrina  a promotional tool (more than usual). Featuring Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Walt Disney World, this episode aired just two days after the park opened on April 22, 1998.

The episode focuses on the school trip Sabrina, her classmates, her Aunts, and her cat Salem (who stows away) take  to Florida . Sabrina attempts to collect all the ingredients she needs to make a potion to pass her witch’s exam. Chaos ensues as her Principal, Mr. Kraft, suspects her, as always. Additionally, Harvey magically becomes a tour guide on the animal Safari ride, and she accidentally turns her friend Valerie and rival Libby into zebras.

A subplot involves Aunts Hilda and Zelda discovering ancient fossils and turning them into a caveman. Unfortunately, the whole thing feels silly and showcases little of the park. While pleasant viewing for those who want to watch every  Disney Parks  episode, the entry could be better.

13. The Big Bang Theory (Season 6, Episode 18, “The Contractual Obligation Implementation”)

Though hilarious, this episode ranks last because, technically, the show did not film any scenes in Disneyland. Given that the series aired on CBS that shouldn’t surprise anyone

The Disneyland aspect of the episode involves Penny, Amy, and Bernadette giving Raj advice about an upcoming date but getting sidetracked when someone mentions Disneyland. The three decide to head to the park the next day. On the car ride, they talk about getting Princess makeovers at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and argue about who gets to be each Princess.

Viewers will laugh seeing them dressed up, especially with the juxtaposition against a phone call from Sheldon. He asks them to encourage some middle school girls because people only sometimes take women seriously in typically male-dominated fields.

The clever commentary shows how women can embrace beauty and brains and earn respect for both. The episode ends adorably with each couple engaging in some saucy role-play that will make adults smile.

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Disney Park Snubbed, Completely Excluded From Upcoming Upgrades

in Disneyland Paris , Disneyland Resort , Walt Disney World

In an outrageous and unfair move, one Disney Park has been completely excluded from a new experience that is arriving soon.

The Walt Disney Company has breathtaking plans for Disney Parks worldwide. From expansions at Walt Disney World Resort to a possible third theme park at Disneyland Resort , a spectacular area inspired by Disney’s award-winning movie Frozen  at Disneyland Paris , and a jaw-dropping land inspired by  Frozen, Tangled,  and  Peter Pan  at Tokyo Disney Resort.

Unfortunately, the most recent update — which will debut at several Disney Parks starting tomorrow, April 5 — exposed how Disney snubbed one of its theme parks, excluding it from the upcoming offering.

Related: Dave Filoni Once More Changes the ‘Star Wars’ Canon With Unprecedented Sequel

Through social media, Disney Parks shared an “Urgent transmission” to all fans of George Lucas’  Star Wars  franchise, announcing that brand-new destinations in the beloved ride Star Tours – The Adventures Continue will be available starting tomorrow, April 5.

“Along with a mission to the planet Seatos,” which fans first met in the Disney+ original series  Ahsoka, “you may also encounter Ahsoka Tano, Cassian Andor, Din Djarin and Grogu.” The updated Star Tours experience will be available at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Park, and Disneyland Paris. You can click here to see the announcement on Instagram.

Related: New ‘Star Wars’ Characters Coming To Disney Park

Unfortunately, Disney has excluded Tokyo Disney Resort from these upgrades. The Japanese Disney Resort is also home to a version of Star Tours, which, according to Instagram user @tokyodisneyblog, has “been the same since 2018.”

Star Tours in Tokyo Disneyland’s Tomorrowland operates similarly to its counterparts in Paris and the United States, taking guests on a “thrilling, unpredictable space journey” aboard a Starspeeder 1000. However, the Tokyo version of the Disney attraction only plays scenes from the original trilogy, prequel trilogy, and sequel trilogy of George Lucas’  Star Wars  franchise.

Sadly, Disney has not revealed plans to bring these new scenes to Star Tours in Tokyo Disneyland, meaning that fans won’t be able to join Ahsoka Tano, Cassian Andor, The Mandalorian (Din Djarin), and Grogu (fondly known as Baby Yoda) in their new adventures.

The new scenes coming to Star Tours – The Adventures Continue were first announced in late 2023 and confirmed earlier this year, making the Disney attraction the most re-rideable in Disneyland, Disney World, and Disneyland Paris with 250 storyline variations.

The debut of the new scenes inspired by the Disney+ original series Ahsoka, Andor,  and  The Mandalorian marks the start of the “Season of the Force” celebrations at Disneyland Park, which will bring Hyperspace Mountain back to the Anaheim theme park along with specially themed food and beverage, merchandise and more.

Perhaps the most exciting offering debuting with the “Season of the Force” celebrations at Disneyland will be the debut of an all-new nighttime spectacular, illuminating the sky above Batuu — or Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge — “with galactic music sweeping through the spires.”

Are you excited about the latest updates coming to Star Tours? Will you visit Disneyland, Disney World, or Disneyland Paris to experience them? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments below!

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Disneyland Paris conjures up bumper profits despite strikes

Theme park generates $343.4m in profit for Hollywood giant as it shores up wider business amid weaker box office returns

Disney’s Parisian theme park complex has delivered a welcome boost to the embattled Hollywood giant, generating $343.4m (€317m) in profits and royalties despite a wave of strikes last summer.

Sales at Disneyland Paris – Europe’s most-visited tourist destination – were driven to record levels by higher room rates and the opening of a site built around Marvel’s hit Avengers movies.

It caps a bumper year for the entertainment group’s profitable parks arm, which has been shoring up the wider business amid weaker box office returns and losses generated by its Disney+ streaming platform.

Disney and Bob Iger, its CEO, are set to face a showdown this week as the activist investor Nelson Peltz campaigns for a strategy overhaul and seats on the company’s board. Investors will vote on his demands at its annual meeting on Wednesday.

While Disney does not itemize the earnings of individual parks in its quarterly filings, the performance of Disneyland Paris is detailed in the accounts of Euro Disney Associés, its French parent company, and a wholly owned subsidiary of Disney.

Revenue rose 23.5% to an all-time high of $3.1bn (€2.9bn) in the year to 30 September 2023.

Net profits hit $174.4m (€161m) – from a $50.9m (€47m) loss the previous year – as room rates at its pricey on-site hotels surged. On top of this, Disneyland Paris also paid Disney royalties of $169m (€156m) in return for using its brands and characters.

Last year’s profit boost was driven by the resort’s entertainment district, as well as its hotels, which are themed to regions of the US. These were behind 21.7% of total revenue, but generated 56.6% of the operating profit.

The bulk of the revenue comes from its flagship Disneyland Park and the neighboring movie-themed Walt Disney Studios, which, according to data from the infrastructure analysts AECOM, attracted 15.3 million guests in 2022.

Disneyland Paris has had a rollercoaster ride since its ornate iron gates swung open for the first time in 1992, having been rocked by resistance from French workers, recessions and the onset of Covid-19. It has only posted a net profit 11 times.

Prices have soared since Disneyland Paris reopened after the pandemic with rates at its four-star Hotel New York more than doubling, according to data from Disney.

The resort is famous for its fairytale atmosphere, but that was interrupted last May and June by chants and whistles as hundreds of staff repeatedly marched on strike through the parks.

Workers – known as cast members due to their playful roles in the park – were dealing with the economic cost of runaway inflation in France , where the cost of electricity had risen almost fourfold since Russia invaded Ukraine.

The strikers wanted a monthly wage rise of $217 (€200), as well as improvements to the bonus given to long-serving staff and increased pay for working on Sundays. A dark spell was cast over the Magic Kingdom, as protesters blocked the Victorian-themed Main Street at the heart of the Disneyland Park and waved placards.

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“Aladdin [in] need of a pay rise” was scrawled on one. Another said: “Coralie, who has been with the company for 14 years, isn’t on strike today because one day away from work would put her in the red.”

The crescendo came when the strikers caused the cancellation of the nightly fireworks show in the Disneyland Park. Staff were eventually granted a 5.5% pay rise at the end of September.

Industrial action didn’t stop visitors streaming through the turnstiles. Disneyland Paris is home to Europe’s only theme park based on Marvel’s Avengers movies, and 2023 was its first full year of operation. The glitzy opening ceremony was attended by the Oscar winner Brie Larson, who plays the super-powered Captain Marvel in the movies.

The Avengers Campus is part of a $2.1bn expansion, with the next stage a land based on the wildly popular animated film Frozen. The accounts reveal that the value of the assets under construction at Disneyland Paris nearly doubled to $754m (€696m) last year which “mainly reflects the investment linked to the development plan for the Walt Disney Studios park and the renovation work of the Disneyland Hotel”.

The palatial pink hotel at the entrance to the Disneyland Park reopened in January, with its prices reportedly stretching up to £9,000 per night for the Frozen-inspired royal suite.

Grey clouds continue to loom over the resort, however. Disney recently announced a decrease in attendance at Disneyland Paris during the first quarter of 2024, along with “higher costs, primarily attributable to increased operations support costs and inflation”.

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