20th Highlights: Disney's 20th Anniversary celebration train

Over the years, that little Casey Junior float first seen during the Wonderful World of Disney parade has gone through a few changes, one thing that has never changed is the reaction it gets from guests which is usually overwhelming joy.
The first time this train appeared as a daily character train was during the 15th Anniversary in 2007/8, characters were often picked at random adding in an air of unpredictability each day and providing reason to see the train each and every day. Since then, the train has been painted a few times. But the essence of providing characters remained the same and the character train concept has gone from strength to strength.

For the 20th anniversary, a simple question was asked: Do you believe in Magic? And therein lies one of the biggest strengths of this wonderful little parade of character meet and greets. As guests enter the park, or walk down Main Street (at the right time of day), they will hear the question and the fantastic song produced exclusively for Disneyland Paris and their 20th Anniversary. The song makes reference to 'Disney Magic' and the fun guests will experience at this special place. Equally for Disney fans, this song sneaks in a few incredibly obvious Disney references, and yet somehow creates a sort of charm of them that makes us smile and say 'Ahh yes'. It's a song that has defined the 20th anniversary, and I sincerely hope that it stays around.

Image: Disney

The train itself cannot be missed, the bright yellow sherbet dust coating stands out from everything, when gold and yellow was revealed to be a look of the 20th very few would have predicted the train looking like this. Some Disney fans didn't like the new look, others loved it; what cannot be ignored is that it is distinctive and loved by the audience the parade targets. The real stars of the show however, are our Disney character friends dressed in their 20th Anniversary 'Wizard' costumes. Three times a day Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, Pluto, Chip, Dale and Clarice welcome guests and meet them, and take photos across central plaza.

Image: Disney

Disney's 20th Anniversary Celebration Train has become one of the hit attractions of the anniversary with it's bright colours, delightful music and fantastic characters. Disneyland Paris know these trains are incredibly popular, and as such it is likely to be back very soon. The question is, what kind of paint will Casey Junior be treated to when we next see him down Main Street?

'Now that you're here we hope you'll be staying, where the fun never ends'.

Our 20th Anniversary highlights week runs from 23rd September until the 30th September 2013 and celebrates the best moments of the anniversary year, from special events to new attractions. Check back everyday for a new article. 
1: Meet Mickey Mouse 
3: Disney Magic on Parade! 
4: Magical Seasons 
5: Disney Dreams! 
6: 12th April 2012 
7: Light'Ears 
8: Memories  

Continue

20th Highlights: Meet Mickey Mouse

Once upon a time, a theatre at the back of Fantasyland put on magical shows with Mickey, Minnie and other Disney friends. However, this eventually became unused, but Disneyland Paris had a unique solution, a meet and greet location with the most popular character. By using a large area of space, guests could be entertained and be immersed in a story during a Meet and Greet opportunity, a concept unique in Disneyland Paris. The story goes that Mickey is preparing for his next show on stage, but has made some time to meet his very special friends in his dressing room. Guests get a private one on one and photo opportunity with the most in demand character.
As guests approach the building guests see posters of the Disney gang wearing some familiar, yet unusual outfits giving an almost theatre poster aesthetic to the exterior of the building, as we enter we walk towards the main queueing area to find a stage with a screen showing a 45 minute loop of classic Mickey Mouse shorts in both French and English. As guests move closer and closer to the meeting location, they turn towards a backstage passageway where the walls are adorned with gorgeous posters for the classic shorts guests have just watched. As they enter the dressing room, many Disney references are cleverly hidden for Disney fans to spot.

Image: Disney

The main experience is short and sweet, yet incredibly enjoyable. Guests have very cleverly been 'tricked' into thinking this is a one on one experience. Meeting Disney's most popular character suddenly got so much easier, and yet much more personal. Gone are the scrums of people huddling around Mickey, and enters a relaxed experience allowing for special family memories to be created.

Image: Disney

Meet Mickey Mouse is just one addition during this 20th Anniversary celebration period which we feel has drastically changed an experience in the park for the better. Whilst the queue may be long at times, guests are entertained throughout thanks to the short cartoons, Disney fans will find contentment in the spotting of references to Disney history. On top of that, the experience feels private and as such, Mickey spends a good amount of time with all his friends making many guests days unforgettable.
This attraction has made great use of available space, and should be discovered by all Disneyland Paris fans.


Our 20th Anniversary highlights week runs from 23rd September until the 30th September 2013 and celebrates the best moments of the anniversary year, from special events to new attractions. Check back everyday for a new article. 

2: Disney's 20th Anniversary Celebration Train 
3: Disney Magic on Parade! 
4: Magical Seasons 
5: Disney Dreams! 
6: 12th April 2012 
7: Light'Ears 
8: Memories  

Continue