The Story of Disneyland Paris

Monsieur Mouse

After the success of Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and sister parks, it seemed like a no-brainer: build a new Disney theme park near Paris, where millions of Europeans could come see Mickey. Soon, however, Disney was at risk of losing not just its money but its infallible magic as well.

The story of Disneyland Paris starts from the very beginning, with Walt’s original Disney theme park in California, the park that started it all.

Havel then reviews how one park became many, as Disney built more theme parks in Florida, Tokyo, and then Paris. We go on a journey to see how Disneyland Paris got built, how the French reacted to it, the many ways in which it differs from the parks that came before it, and the troubles that very nearly led to its closure.

Havel also explores the park’s legacy and how it affected the Disney theme parks that came after it, and then speculates what the future might hold for Disneyland Paris.