It’s been nearly two years since park goers were able to visit Captain Nemo’s iconic submarine a.k.a. the Nautilus.
The immersive walkthrough experience known as Les Mystères du Nautilus, situated in Discoveryland, had been inaccessible due to an extended closure and refurbishment. That changed last weekend when the attraction reopened once again, albeit with several noteworthy changes.
Disneyland Paris Imagineers have made several adjustments. Alongside refurbishing the decor, lighting, and soundtrack, a key scene in the attraction underwent rigorous modifications. Previously, the climax of the Nautilus visit involved a giant squid attack. However, as part of the makeover, the animatronic squid was completely removed from the scene and replaced by various screen based scenes. An element that fans have received with little enthusiasm online.
The inspiration behind Les Mystères du Nautilus stemmed from the science fiction novel “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea” (1870) written by renowned French author Jules Verne. However, numerous references to Verne have been eliminated from the attraction. Including the iconic bust of Captain Nemo located inside the replica Organ from the film. Instead, a new narrative has been created. “we’ve introduced a new story, celebrating the wonders of marine life in our oceans” stated show producer Louise Doré.
The panoramic porthole scene previously occupied by the animatronic squid, also known as the Grand Salon scene, now features tranquil underwater scenes showcasing various animals. These include animated sharks, dolphins, turtles, and whales. Disney has implemented the fresnel lens tech first seen in the Galactic Starcruiser guest room windows to simulate depth, creating the illusion of a far-reaching underwater perspective.
https://anchor.fm/s/7618f58/podcast/rssDaniel Joseph, an expert in digital illusions, explains, “We brainstormed and came up with a technique that has a 3D look, inspired by one of our oldest tricks at the company: the multiplane camera. We did some tests and mock-ups and proved out that when we look through the oculus, we could achieve the illusion of a very deep, mysterious, and distant underwater vista.“
“We wanted to tell a conservation story that would be more relevant today to our guests and so now as Louise mentioned, new encounters are happening in the Grand Salon. The cool thing was that with that project, we worked with our animal program at EPCOT — marine biologists, animal keepers. all kinds of talented and amazing people we have within the Walt Disney Company who work everyday with marine life. Having these scientific resources helped give the sense of realism in the Nautilus attraction that wasn’t possible before.” – Daniel Joseph, principal illusion integrator
Situated between Hyperspace Mountain (then Space Mountain: De la Terre à la Lune) and Autopia, Les Mystères du Nautilus was inaugurated in 1994. In the summer season of 2021, amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the venue served as a temporary meet-and-greet space for Disney characters. Completely shuttering it’s doors and entering it’s extended refurbishment in September 2021.
Have you experienced the 2023 version of Les Mystères du Nautilus? Let us know in the comments below.
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