Walt Disney Studios Park is in for a big transformation as part of a €2 billion ($2.45bn) multi-year expansion at Disneyland Paris. Also promised are multiple new attractions and live entertainment experiences.

The investment represents one of the most ambitious development projects since the opening of the resort in 1992. At its Studios park, Disney is rolling out some of its ‘hottest’ brands, adding three new areas based on Marvel, Frozen and Star Wars.

The Walt Disney Studios expansion will be rolled out in phases beginning in 2021, significantly expanding the facility’s footprint. The creative vision for the park also includes a lake, which will serve as the focal point for entertainment and connect each of the new areas.

Marvel-ous new attractions

Just last month, Disneyland Paris announced plans to relaunch its Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster as a Marvel-based experience ahead of its integration into the new Marvel area.  In 2020, the resort will relaunch its Manhattan-themed hotel as Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel. And this summer, the Marvel Summer of Super Heroes event will take place at Disneyland Paris, where guests can meet their favourite comic book heroes and experience new live entertainment.

“We’re very excited about the future of Disneyland Paris and continue to invest in its long-term success,” said Walt Disney Company chairman and CEO Bob Iger, announcing the plans alongside French President Emmanuel Macron at the Palais de l’Elysée in Paris.  “The resort is already the leading tourist destination in Europe, and the transformative expansion we announced today will add even more of our beloved characters and unparalleled storytelling.”

Tourism driver

With over 320 million visits since 1992, Disneyland Paris delivers 6.2% of France’s tourism income. The resort continues to be a powerful driver of economic and social development with over 16,000 employees representing 100 nationalities. This new investment will help make the region even more dynamic and appealing and open up more opportunities for French and European citizens in the tourism industry, claims Disney.

In the spring of 2017, Disneyland Paris kicked off its 25th Anniversary celebrations. The resort also completed a two-year refurbishment programme, updating and renovating many of the classic attractions in its two parks (Walt Disney Studios and Disneyland Park) as well as opening multiple new shows such as the IAAPA Brass Ring Award-winning Mickey and the Magician. Additionally, several major renovations took place at the resort’s hotels including Disney’s Newport Bay Club and Hotel Cheyenne.

Walt Disney Studios Park after the transformation