Disneyland Paris’s Le Pays des Contes de Fées (Storybook Land Canal Boats) has reopened after undergoing several months of extensive refurbishment.
https://anchor.fm/s/7618f58/podcast/rssThis fairytale cruise, which first debuted in Fantasyland in 1994, now features three new static scenes.
All of the existing fairytale sets in Le Pays des Contes de Fées have been refreshed. Although the scenes in this 30-year-old boat attraction are relatively small, the designers have worked to include as much detail as possible.
Le Pays des Contes de Fées, which translates to The Land of Fairy Tales, also received a new entrance. This ornate blue arch features pages from fairy tale books and a mention of the attraction’s new sponsor, Vittel, known for its bottled spring water.
Artistic director Keith Rector and show producer Louise Doré explained that they introduced three new stories—Winnie the Pooh, Frozen, and Up—to appeal to younger audiences.
To celebrate the attraction’s reopening, Disneyland Paris released a short promotional video showing the workshop where the themed elements were created.
While many fans are pleased with the much-needed refurbishment, especially regarding the iconic entrance book prop that was previously deteriorating, some have criticized the new “Up” scene, saying it doesn’t meet the same quality and show standards as the previous “Wizard of Oz” scene. The floating house in thr “Up” scene does appear to have a mechanism which should allow it to move up and down slowly. This effect would sell the illusion that the house is floating, however it appears not to function (yet).
The miniature ice castle in the Frozen scene also caused some confusion among fans. In press images, it appeared blue, but in person, it looks white or translucent grey. This was later clarified, as the castle does indeed glow blue, but this effect is only visible after sunset or on cloudy days. Oaken’s Trading Post also features a steam/fog effect, hinting at a sauna inside, which has been met with a positive reaction from park goers.
Le Pays des Contes de Fées is expected to see a surge in popularity and longer wait times in the coming months as fans flock to experience the refreshed attraction for themselves. Subscribe to AirMagique for more updates and news.
What do you think of the new scenes in Le Pays des Contes de Fées? Let us know in the comments below.
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