The Euro Disney Resort officially opens with its theme park Euro Disneyland; the resort and its park's name are subsequently changed to Disneyland Paris.

Disneyland Paris, a sprawling entertainment resort situated in Chessy, France, approximately 32 kilometers (20 miles) east of the vibrant city of Paris, stands as a testament to Walt Disney's enduring legacy and storytelling magic. It’s not just a single park, but a comprehensive destination encompassing two distinct theme parks, a variety of resort hotels, enchanting Disney Nature Resorts, a bustling shopping, dining, and entertainment complex known as Disney Village, and even a championship golf course. This grand resort holds the distinction of being the second Disney park opened outside the United States, following the success of Tokyo Disney Resort in 1983, and is notably recognized as the largest Disney resort outside of the American continent.

Since its grand inauguration, Disneyland Paris has welcomed an astounding number of guests. By its 25th anniversary celebration in 2017, a remarkable 320 million people had stepped through its gates, firmly cementing its status as the most visited theme park in Europe and a significant cultural and economic landmark for the region.

Disneyland Park: The Original European Magic Kingdom

At the heart of this magnificent resort lies Disneyland Park, which first opened its gates on April 12, 1992. Originally known as Euro Disneyland Park, it was the inaugural theme park built within the Disneyland Paris complex and immediately captivated visitors with its unique blend of classic Disney enchantment and European charm. This park was meticulously designed and constructed by Walt Disney Imagineering, the creative force behind all Disney parks and resorts worldwide. Their vision for Disneyland Park in France drew heavily from the beloved designs of Disneyland Park in California and the iconic Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, ensuring a familiar yet distinct experience for guests through its five themed lands: Main Street, U.S.A., Frontierland, Adventureland, Fantasyland, and Discoveryland.

Spanning an impressive 56.656 hectares (approximately 140 acres), Disneyland Park is dedicated entirely to the timeless narratives of fairy tales and the enchanting world of Disney characters. Interestingly, among the Disney parks based on the original Disneyland concept, the French park is the second largest by area, surpassed only by Shanghai Disneyland Park.

An Icon of European Fantasy: Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant

The park’s most recognizable and captivating symbol is Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant, which gracefully translates to "Sleeping Beauty Castle." This exquisite architectural marvel is a stunning replica of the fairy tale castle featured in Disney's classic 1959 animated film, "Sleeping Beauty." Unlike its Californian and Floridian counterparts, the European castle incorporates unique design elements, including a dungeon complete with a resident dragon, making it a particularly memorable and photo-worthy landmark that perfectly encapsulates the park's dedication to fantasy and wonder, drawing visitors into a world of timeless stories.

A Hub of European Tourism

Disneyland Park has consistently demonstrated its immense appeal, drawing millions of visitors year after year. In 2016 alone, the park welcomed approximately 8.4 million guests, solidifying its position as not only the most-visited theme park in Europe but also ranking as the 13th-most visited theme park globally. This remarkable popularity underscores its status as a premier tourist destination, offering escapism, joy, and cherished memories for families and individuals from across the continent and beyond.

The Dual Parks of Disneyland Paris

While Disneyland Park offers classic Disney enchantment and fairy tale adventures, the resort expanded its offerings with a second theme park, Walt Disney Studios Park, which opened its doors in 2002. This park shifts the focus from traditional fairy tales to the magic of filmmaking and show business, allowing guests to step behind the scenes of movies, animation, and television productions. Together, these two distinct parks provide a diverse range of experiences, catering to different interests and ensuring that Disneyland Paris remains a dynamic and evolving entertainment destination for all its visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Disneyland Park and where is it located?
Disneyland Park, originally known as Euro Disneyland Park, is the primary theme park located within the Disneyland Paris resort in Marne-la-Vallée, France. It is situated approximately 32 kilometers (20 miles) east of the center of Paris.
When did Disneyland Park first open?
Disneyland Park officially opened its gates to the public on April 12, 1992.
How does Disneyland Park compare to other Disney parks?
Its layout and design were heavily inspired by Disneyland Park in California and Magic Kingdom Park in Florida, making it feel familiar to fans of those parks. It is also the second largest Disney park globally based on the original Disneyland concept, after Shanghai Disneyland Park.
What is the iconic symbol of Disneyland Park in France?
The park's most famous landmark is Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant, or Sleeping Beauty Castle. This beautiful castle is a unique interpretation of the one from Disney's 1959 animated film and includes special features like a dungeon and a dragon not found in other Disney castles.
How popular is Disneyland Park?
It consistently ranks as the most-visited theme park in Europe. In 2016, for example, it hosted approximately 8.4 million visitors, making it one of the top 15 most-visited theme parks worldwide.
What other attractions are part of the Disneyland Paris resort?
Beyond Disneyland Park, the resort includes Walt Disney Studios Park, several Disney-themed resort hotels, Disney Nature Resorts, a shopping and entertainment district called Disney Village, and a golf course.
When did Walt Disney Studios Park open?
The second theme park at the resort, Walt Disney Studios Park, opened its doors in 2002.
How many people have visited Disneyland Paris since it opened?
By its 25th anniversary in 2017, Disneyland Paris had welcomed over 320 million visitors, solidifying its place as Europe's premier tourist attraction.