In 1985, when Disney, the entertainment giant, thought about opening one of its amusement parks in Europe, he hesitated between two points of departure: Barcelona in Spain or Marne-la-Vallée, a new town in Seine-et- Marne, near Paris.

The choice of the Americans will be on the second, to the great joy of the French public authorities who see it as a means of boosting employment in the region and developing the territory.

On March 24, 1987, Jacques Chirac, Prime Minister at the time, signed the agreement with Michael Eisner, chairman of the board of directors of The Walt Disney Company.

Inaugurated on April 12, 1992, Disneyland Paris is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

First tourist destination in Europe but few benefits

Disneyland Paris has become the leading tourist destination in Europe with 375 million visitors since its opening, but is experiencing several difficulties.

If the amusement park of the American firm is synonymous with magic and dreams, its financial results after three decades of activity on French soil borders on disenchantment.

Often in deficit, Mickey's accounts have only been profitable seven times.

And to make matters worse, at the end of 2021, Bercy notified a recovery of 88 million euros to the company.

In question, a financial arrangement that prevents him from paying taxes in France.

A grandiose birthday announcement

But all these difficulties do not seem to slow down the group in the development of its Ile-de-France subsidiary.

Since March 6, festivities have started and for the occasion, Disneyland Paris has offered the services of stylist Stella McCartney to give Minnie a makeover.

"I wanted Minnie to wear her very first trouser suit at Disneyland Paris, so I designed one of my signature costumes, a blue tuxedo, using responsibly sourced fabrics," says the English designer, known for her environmental commitment, in a video broadcast during the press conference.

Another novelty for these thirty years: a daily show of 200 drones, designed with the support of European specialist Dronisos, based in Bordeaux.

This is the first time a Disney park has used drones for a daily show above its castle, according to organizers.

Another great moment expected for this anniversary, the opening scheduled for this summer, of the new Avengers Campus attraction, dedicated to the Marvel universe.

Culture

Disneyland Paris: Little stories, false legends, details galore… Discover the secrets of the park for its 30th anniversary

  • disney

  • Disneyland

  • 20 minute video

  • Economy