Rumours persist longer at Disneyland Paris than any other Disney park around the world for no other reason other than they are so bad at announcing anything. But, a couple of interesting rumours have surfaced over the past few days that we would like to share them with you.
If you are a regular visitor to Disneybrit, you will know we have been closely following the story of the Ratatouille attraction expected to be built in Walt Disney Studios. Plans and concept art has been found by eagle eyed fans but as of yet there seems to be very little movement on the Ratatouille Street next to Toy Story Playland. That was until a recent visit to the resort by a Mr John Lasseter
His visit to the resort was to coincide with his world tour, promoting Pixar’s latest movie ‘Cars 2’, which he was the director. Although this may be the case, this isn’t the only hat Lasseter wears in the Disney Company. He is also known as the Principal Creative Advisor for Walt Disney Imagineering. So, there shouldn’t be too much surprise that he was found wandering the parks. During his visit he took a good look at the newly refurbed castle as well as a wander around Toy Story Playland (the first time since it opened) as well as a stop on Ratatouille Street.
It seems from the photo above that Lasseter took a few people with him on his tour and they are in some sort of discussion. Could it be that they are talking about the new expansion? Rumours this week have spoken about the fact the project’s budget has been given the green light. Is it because of the visit this may have happened. Another photo by Mr Freddy also fuels the rumours.
You might think this just looks like an aerial shot from the Toy Soldier Parachute drop but concentrate on the top right. The area you see is behind the blue construction fence at the end of Ratatouille Street. On a visit to the resort in June 2011, we observed that to be an empty area with no construction. If you look at the image above, it is quite clear there is activity, with people, vehicles and pallets in the area. These were certainly not there in June.
This adds more fuel to the rumour that it is indeed on its way.
Let’s move away from the Walt Disney Studios and head over to the Disneyland Park, Fantasyland to be exact. The Fantasyland Festival Stage sits empty for most of the year. During Summer months, the resort puts on the same Winnie the Pooh show it has for years, Winnie The Pooh and Friends Too. Occasionally, it was also home to the Magic Music Days. It looks as if these days are over as rumours have surfaced that this theatre may be about to become a more permanent meet and greet for a very familiar face. In March 2011, Walt Disney World opened its Town Square Theater to welcome guests to a new way of meeting Disney character, specifically Mickey Mouse. If rumours are to be believed, the new attraction is set to take over the Fantasyland Festival Stage, giving it a more permanent attraction for guests to enjoy. This would stop congestion of Town Square with the move of Mickey from the front to the back of the park and make Main Street look a little more authentic. It would also stop the huge queues building as it is expected to come with its own Fastpass too If you are aren’t sure what to expect you can check out our photo tour of the Town Square Theater. The location of Orland’s meet and greet is designed to be backstage of a theatre in which Mickey is performing his magic show. Could they possibly choose a more perfect location for the new attraction?
This could all become part of the 20th anniversary but we don’t have any more details at present. Is this a good move by Disney? Would you be pleased to see these changes take place at the resort? We’d love to hear your thoughts.