Disneyland Paris has released new concept art for Disney Village 2.0. The phased transformation of the Resort’s dining and entertainment district, Disney Village, will kick off by replacing Café Mickey with Rosalie, a traditional French brasserie.
Imagineers see the transformation as an opportunity to re-think Disney Village’s design concept. Staying true to its original function, Disney Village will continue to act as a dining and shopping district within the Disney bubble. Just like the original Festival Disney, Imagineers intend on executing the design in a contemporary style. Over the years shops and restaurants in Disney Village have come and gone, each one trying to integrate a new visual language into Disney Village. Reintroducing a consistent style is another major Imagineering goal.
As Greg Ashton, Executive Architect explains: “As originally conceived, Disney Village was a much smaller location and was subsequently added to in stages. Some of those additions sometimes compromised flow and connections with our offerings. Our team was given an opportunity to look at the development as a whole and were able to make several thoughtful, strategic changes to the existing infrastructure that will significantly and positively impact the guest experience.”
While Disney resorts worldwide feature entertainment districts, the Imagineering team intends to give Disney Village its own identity. “Our team was less inspired by a single, specific place, but more by the vibrant and active lifestyle that Parisians seek out,” Greg shared. “Our challenge is how to integrate that within the context of Disneyland Paris and how to make it work year-round.”
Disney Village acts as a bridge between the immersive worlds park goers get to experience in Disneyland Paris and real life. In the future, Disney Village will continue to offer a smooth transition and the opportunity to prolong a stay in the Disney Bubble.
“Our approach at Disney Village is more celebratory of the stories and experiences our guests cherish,” Greg mentioned, adding that the touch of Disney magic will include “lights, music and a series of unique art installations that represent our characters and stories in contemporary styles.” In this regard, landscaping will fulfill an important function: “The landscape is what threads Disney Village together. This cohesive approach will enhance the overall identity of Disney Village and ensure that the space is easy to navigate with plenty of places to relax.”
Construction teams will begin working on Rosalie and a new façade for Disney Fashion Junior in January, 2023. Jean-Marc Mounet, Senior Project Manager shared that the team is already working in the backstage areas of Disney Village to prep for onstage works. “The true start of the overall transformation is the construction works for the new French brasserie Rosalie, which we aim to kick off in January 2023,” Jean-Marc reveals. He adds that the next step will be a new façade on Disney Fashion Junior: “This will be the first of many new façades on the whole street. Due to its specific condition on this side of the building, with the arcade, it will also serve as a ‘first article,’ to help Imagineering adjust the design and all the construction process for the future portions.”
“Transforming an existing infrastructure is not only a challenge from a design and development standpoint. It also requires taking all conditions into consideration, including the fact that the streets will remain open to guests throughout the entire transformation process! To make sure Disney Village caters to all current and future guests’ expectations, our project team involves creative forces like Imagineering, but also several Disneyland Paris operational and support teams.”
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