Bonjour!
Welcome back to planDisney, Jennifer! Thank you for stopping by with another question today. I’m always happy to help with all things
Disneyland Paris! Living in the UK, it’s my local Disney destination, and I’ve been lucky enough to visit more times than I can count. Seeing your question has definitely sent me on a trip down memory lane!
My very first visit to Disneyland Paris was just after the 5th anniversary. The resort looked completely different back then, with just one park, Disney Village, and the
Disney Hotels that have been there since opening day. We just missed seeing Sleeping Beauty Castle decorated for the celebration, although I was only 9 years old at the time, so some of those memories are a little fuzzy!
The next anniversary I experienced was the 10th, and this one really sticks with me. It was the first time we explored Walt Disney Studios Park, which opened as part of the celebration. I also vividly remember The Wonderful World of Disney Parade, which featured a huge cake float. And while we’re talking about that parade, its soundtrack,
Dancin’ (A Catchy Rhythm), might just be my favourite parade soundtrack of all time!
The 15th anniversary was a much longer celebration, nearly two years, so I experienced it several times and have so many brilliant memories. This era saw the opening of Crush’s Coaster, golden Disney characters placed on each turret of Sleeping Beauty Castle, and the Candlebration Ceremony each evening, where the Tinker Bell statue would send pixie dust into the air from the top of the Castle. It’s hard to describe, but it was a magical effect! This anniversary also introduced Disney’s Once Upon a Dream Parade, complete with another incredible soundtrack,
Just Like We Dreamed It, which might also be my favourite parade soundtrack of all time!
The 20th anniversary brought with it the debut of
Disney Dreams! a brand-new nighttime spectacular that later inspired shows like Happily Ever After at Magic Kingdom. We also saw the arrival of Disney Magic on Parade, featuring the song
Magic Everywhere, and yes, I'm going to say it again, it really is possibly my favourite parade soundtrack!
Both the 25th and 30th anniversaries were huge celebrations too, introducing Disney Stars on Parade, unique entertainment across Disneyland Park, the debut of Disney Illuminations, and drones being used for the first time in a Disney nighttime spectacular. We also got the phenomenal and, in my opinion, best show I have seen in a theme park, Dream… and Shine Brighter! with the soundtracks
Ready for the Ride and
Un monde qui s’illumine. I won’t say it… but you know exactly what I’m thinking. Best. Music. Ever!
All of this said, Disneyland Paris has yet to announce plans for the 35th anniversary. Hopefully, my walk down memory lane gives you an idea of just how special these milestone celebrations usually are. I can’t wait to see how the 35th is celebrated, and even more importantly, I can’t wait to hear the anniversary soundtrack!
If you have any more questions about Disneyland Paris, Jennifer, please
reach out to me. Now, go and listen to some of those parade soundtracks!
See ya real soon,
Matt