http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/trav ... 4dde4e0c3e Disneyland Paris: 15 years of magique Park overcame storms, strikes and rumours of bankruptcy to become most visited attraction in Europe Julie Seibt, For Canwest News Service Published: Saturday, November 22, 2008 Perhaps a turbulent past has given Disneyland Paris double the reasons to celebrate survival, or maybe it's the French 'Joie de vivre' -- either way, the theme park has extended its 15th Year Anniversary Party for another year. Euro Disney opened its doors in 1992 with expectations of a half million visitors on opening day -- barely 50,000 showed up. Two years later, rumours of bankruptcy flew. The magic of refinancing and a new name, Disneyland Paris, brought a pixie dusting of hope. A vicious storm in December 1999 damaged the park and caused a shutdown for several hours in peak season. This followed a storm of labour disputes which resulted in strike action. With a dose of French tenacity and lessons learned from Disneyland California, Florida's Magic Kingdom and Tokyo Disneyland, this fourth and largest "original" style theme park grew up as part of Disneyland Resort Paris, which welcomed 185 million visitors last year. Disneyland Paris was originally called Euro Disney when it opened in 1992. A 35-minute train ride east of Paris, the park encompasses land a fifth the size of the 'City of Light' and is now touted as the most visited tourist destination in Europe. Those statistics cause a serious stomach drop in Canadians who go to Europe for its history and culture. But, if you can swallow the idea of a little Mickey in your European vacation, and if Cinderella's is the only castle your kids never tire of seeing, then here's what you'll need to know: Disneyland Resort Paris includes 54 attractions at two Disney theme parks -- Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney Studios, as well as the entertainment and retail area of Disney Village. What's different in Disneyland Paris? The Pirates of the Caribbean attraction is a little better, the Indiana Jones ride is a roller-coaster with a loop rather than an "adventure ride," the carousel has more charm and hours of operation are shorter in the off-peak seasons. In 2007, Disney Studios Paris launched a new attraction you won't find anywhere else. Crush's Coaster is a spinning, swirling roller-coaster where riders sit in a turtle shell and cruise the East Australian Current, made believable by an elaborate 'underwater' film set. Another 15th anniversary gift is the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, a freefall thrill ride that can also be found at other Disney theme parks around the world. Also new to Disney Studios is the Cars Race Rally where thrill-seekers hop behind the wheel of a convertible for the lure of the fast lane. The Rock 'n' Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith, new to Disney Studios, launches riders from zero to 100 km/hour in less than three seconds -- faster than it's Florida counterpart and California's retro coaster, California Screamin' coaster. People watching is an attraction in itself, with European sophistication penetrating the American-style park. However, despite a smoking ban put into effect this April, we still saw plenty of guests lighting up outside the designated smoking areas this month. Apart from new rides, festivities include a celebratory Once Upon a Dream Parade, spectacular fireworks and promotions like "kids under seven stay and play free." The party, which began in April 2007, continues through March 2009. See your travel agent or the website, www.disneylandparis.com for more information.
Rock n Roller Coaster is a great way to wake you up after your long journey across the pond! ; I know it did the trick for me!LOL
