Surprising Aspects of Disneyland Paris That Will Catch Americans’ Attention

Since its inauguration in the sunny city of Anaheim, California in 1955, Disneyland has been a place where millions of visitors flock every year to experience a bit of magic. Over the years, Walt Disney’s vision has spread across the world, with 12 Disney Parks in several countries, each with its own unique flair. Among them is one park that emits its own type of “je ne sais quoi”: Disneyland Paris. When the Walt Disney Company set its sights on expanding to Europe, it knew that simply duplicating Disneyland California wouldn’t cut it. Disneyland Paris, which opened in 1992, would need to exude the magic and traditional style of Disneyland California, but also highlight European architecture, storytelling, and culture.

Though Disneyland California and Paris share the same foundational structure, aka fun-loving characters, intricately themed lands, and a dedication to immersive storytelling, a visit to these two parks reveals differences that Americans may find unexpected. Where Disneyland California exudes a sense of charming nostalgia and a noticeable connection to the creator Walt Disney himself, Disneyland Paris has a more romanticized feel, reflected through a European lens. For fans of Disney, travel, or those interested in how cultural identity can reshape the creation of a theme park, comparing these two parks offers an interesting perspective into the world of international theme park design. 

Upon entering the park, instead of ticket booths at the entrance, visitors will find a European-influenced hotel. In an episode of the Themed Attraction podcast, the hosts interviewed Tony Baxter, one of the “imagineers” tasked with creating Disneyland Paris decades ago. The talented creator explained that it all starts at the entrance, where you’re immediately in “the most beautiful garden on the entire property, with fountains and this gorgeous hotel with a courtyard.” After passing the unique main gate, fans of the original Disneyland will most likely notice the differences between the castles. While the one in Paris still encapsulates the same feel as the castle in California, with its blue and pink facade, there is something that visitors might be surprised by. 

For one, Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant, sits 167 feet tall, towering over the one in Disneyland California by 83 feet. While both are known as Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, the one at Disneyland Paris is often regarded as the most beautiful of the Disney castles. 

In designing the Paris castle, imagineers had to not only compete with their previous creations, but also stand out against France’s exuberant number of uniquely beautiful and historic architecture. According to the World Population Review, France has over 45,000 castles, so this was not an easy feat. If you look up, you’ll notice nine beautifully intricate stained glass windows designed by Paul Chapman, the artist who was also acclaimed for restoring the stained glass windows of Notre Dame. Beneath the beautiful facade prowls another unexpected surprise — an animatronic fire-breathing dragon that may just growl at you if you get too close.