Avengers drones and rainbow parades: why 2023 is the year to visit Disneyland Paris
The entertainment resort continues its 30th anniversary celebrations with the launch of its Avengers: Power the Night drone show and a host of attractions for wannabe heroes of all ages
“Spider-Man is hanging off the Tower of Terror!”gasps my six-year-old son Harry, as we stare into the inky sky above Disneyland Paris. The acrobatic hero is easy to spot, not just because he’s as big as the building, but as he’s created entirely from 500 illuminated drones.
I’m watching the first display of the new Avengers: Power the Night nighttime drone show with Harry and his nine-year-old brother George, and we’re entranced. It combines music, lights, pyrotechnics and projections to showcase the impressive powers of the Marvel superheroes.
Over eight minutes the fleet of sparkling drones transform into huge 3D versions of Thor’s hammer and Captain America’s shield as vibrant videos of the characters are projected onto the backdrop of the The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror attraction, and fireworks shoot into the sky. It’s set to a soundtrack of iconic Marvel scores, which were recorded at London’s Abbey Road Studios by a 70-strong symphony orchestra.
Entertainment is part of Disney’s DNA, and this nighttime spectacular showcases the brand’s flair for putting on a ridiculously good show. We come away discussing our favourite section; torn between the part where Guardians of the Galaxy characters Groot and Rocket DJ on the Tower and the firework display at the end.
It’s the first nighttime show at Walt Disney Studios Park for many years, and will run each evening until 8 May, complementing the popular night displays at Disneyland Park next door.
Watch highlights of the show:
The performance is part of Disneyland Paris’s ongoing 30th anniversary celebrations and as the first Marvel drone show at any Disney park it’s a huge selling point for both first-time and repeat visitors. Show director Matthieu Robin explains: “It’s incredibly impressive. This is the year not to be missed; it really is the best year to visit Disneyland Paris. We started our 30th anniversary last year but are taking it to the next level this year. Whether you came a long time ago or a year ago, I can assure you that you’ll have a different experience now.”
Robin recommends clients stay for at least two nights, to allow them to experience the evening shows in both parks. “There’s a very special overlay at night in the parks with the night lighting and the shows, which visitors will love,” he adds.
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Hanging with heroes
Alongside the new drone show one of the biggest changes repeat guests will notice is the Marvel Avengers Campus, which opened last July. During the day we channel our superpowers on Spider-Man W.E.B Adventure. Our mission is to help Spidey capture a legion of self-replicating, out-of-control Spider-Bots, before they wreak havoc across the Campus.
Wearing 3D glasses we climb into Slinger Vehicles and spin through a series of virtual and physical scenes. In each one the rogue bots threaten to take over, and we sling virtual webs by throwing out our arms to catch them. We all come out grinning with flushed cheeks (it’s quite a workout), and check our scores, which the boys are determined to beat on our next go. There’s no height requirement making it perfect for younger children, and after just one ride the boys declare it their top attraction.
The Avengers roam around the Campus throughout the day and we spot Spider-Man and Black Widow waving at the crowds from a balcony, while Iron Man draws a huge crowd when he appears from a high-tech Avengers vehicle.
The best way to get a character’s undivided attention is at the Hero Training Centre, where we have a personal meeting with Captain America. Like all the heroes he’s delightfully friendly and chats to the boys about their favourite rides and how to master his battle moves – a good stance is key.
We come away with a clutch of photos and a dynamic “freeze frame” video sequence. Clients can take their own photos, purchase them individually or buy a Disney PhotoPass, which gives access to all professional images taken at the park. Recommend booking a slot at the Centre via the Disneyland Paris app.
Training to be a superhero requires plenty of refuelling, and the Campus features four dining spots. We tuck in at Pym Kitchen, which offers a varied buffet of supersize and mini dishes, inspired by the Pym particles Ant-Man and The Wasp use to grow and shrink items. We try a slice from a gigantic burger and a piece of a metre-long pecan pie, and tuck into tiny salads and chocolate mousses. The all-you-can-eat buffet is €45 for adults and €25 for children, and both boys clear their plates.
Extend the adventure
Clients can opt for a fully immersive Marvel experience by staying at the onsite Disney Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel. It launched in June 2021 with 561 rooms and suites and more than 350 pieces of Marvel-themed art dotted throughout the property. We step out of the lift to be greeted by a giant painting of the Hulk and our room boasts sleek Black Widow art and a modern grey, maroon and silver colour scheme.
The hotel has a sleek vibe that will appeal to adults, with plenty of fun touches for kids. Guests of all ages can channel their inner artist in drawing workshops at the Marvel Design Studio. We try our hand at Harry’s favourite character Groot, and come away with plenty of sketching tips and complimentary colouring packs for the boys.
With a new-found appreciation for the walls of artwork, we head into the hotel’s Super Hero Station. It houses an array of themed sets, and we take photos in Peter Parker’s upside-down bedroom and wearing Iron Man’s shiny red boots.
Then Black Panther appears in the character meet-and-greet area and the boys learn how to mirror his iconic stance as we pose for photos together. The station is exclusively for hotel guests and can be booked through the Disneyland Paris app.
Continue the celebrations
Last year the park marked 30 years since its gates opened on 12 April 1992, and the celebrations carry on until September as part of the 30th anniversary grand finale.
One of the highlights of our trip is watching the Dream…and Shine Brighter! daytime parade, which was introduced for the anniversary and takes place several times a day in Disneyland Park. Colourful iridescent floats weave along Main Street as Disney characters and an army of dancers work the crowd into a rainbow-fuelled frenzy.
Then it’s time for bubbles, mini sparkler fireworks and colourful powder explosions, and excitement levels ratchet up even higher. Recommend standing in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle for the best view.
Need to know
The Dream…and Shine Brighter! parade, the Gardens of Wonder and Disney D-Light are all available until 30 September.
For a moment of calm, stroll around the 10 Gardens of Wonder located at the edge of the castle. Pop back in the evening to see the surrounding plants glow in the dark, thanks to a special biodegradable serum.
Alongside the new Avengers show, advise clients to watch the anniversary-themed Disney D-Light nighttime spectacular. Another fleet of illuminated drones light up the sky around Sleeping Beauty Castle, and combine with video projections, water jets, mist and lasers to make an awe-inspiring show. Performance times vary, but are always in complete darkness.
Other new elements to tempt clients include the original musical theatre show Pixar: We Belong Together, which launches this summer in Walt Disney Studios Park and will focus on Pixar characters, including the Monsters, Inc. stars. Plus, this spring the It’s a Small World attraction will reopen in Disneyland Park to the delight of avid Disney fans, following an extensive refurbishment.
After the 30th anniversary concludes in September the park will move into its 100 Years of Wonder celebrations in October, marking a century of The Walt Disney Company. With the promise of “never-seen-before exclusive activities”, it looks like the party is only just getting started.
Book it
Prices start at £523pp for a two-night stay at Disney Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel with unlimited access to Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park. Based on two adults and two children (aged 3-11), departing on 17 April 2023. To book visit b2bportal.disneylandparis.com/login.html
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Taking the train
Charlotte travelled to Disneyland Paris via Eurostar, which is operating its direct 2 hour 49 minute service from London St Pancras to Disneyland Paris until 4 June, after which it said it will focus on its “core routes”. While the operator previously told TTG it would "revisit options" for the Disneyland route this year, passengers can also travel to the park via Paris or Lille:
Via Paris
Eurostar runs 14 daily services from London St Pancras to Paris, where clients can continue their journey on the local RER train. The fastest journey time between London and Paris is 2 hours 15 minutes, and onward travel via the RER involves one change at Chatelet-les-Halles, arriving at Marne-la-Vallee Chessy station, at the gates of Disneyland Paris. It takes around 45 minutes and costs from £4.50 each way.
Via Lille
There are six daily services between London St. Pancras and Lille, which take 1 hour 30 minutes. By changing platforms in Lille customers can connect onto a TGV service to Marne-la-Vallee Chessy. There are 13 daily services, which take just over an hour and tickets start at around £9 each way.
Fares for all Eurostar services start from £39 one-way for adults and £28 one-way for children aged between four and 11, based on a return journey. Children under four travel for free.
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