Global Disney ParksNews

Disney Begins Cutting Away Parts of Theater in 90% Park Overhaul

Walt Disney Studios Park – which has long faced criticism for its lack of attractions and immersive theming – is undergoing one of the most extensive overhauls of any Disney theme park, with Animagique Theater now brought into the mix.

Much like Disney California Adventure Park in the 2000s, Walt Disney Studios Park has been striving to reinvent itself.

Originally inspired by movie-making, the park bore a strong thematic resemblance to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida. However, just like its sister in Orlando, it has introduced several new, IP-driven attractions like Avengers Campus to boost its appeal in recent years.

Walt Disney Studios Park entrance
Credit: Perry Tak, Flickr

Despite these additions, the transformation of the park is far from over. As promised by Disneyland Paris, over 90% of the park is expected to be reworked by the time its metamorphosis into Disney Adventure World is finished.

“Embracing a transformation that involves the overhaul of more than 90 percent of Walt Disney Studios Park since its debut in 2002, we’re unveiling a fresh creative vision that has completely redefined our second gate,” Natacha Rafalski, President of Disneyland Paris, said in April 2024.

A man and woman dining at Chez Remy at Walt Disney Studios Park
Credit: Disney

Updates Begin at Animagique Theater

A key part of this ongoing transformation is the work currently underway at one of the park’s iconic venues.

As Animagique Theater’s Mickey and the Magician show takes a brief hiatus from January 6 to April 20, crews have started to remove parts of the theater’s awning.

This will be part of a larger redesign that will feature a massive backdrop visible from the ground, aligning with the park’s new Art Deco-inspired theater district, World Premiere Plaza.

🔧 Work has started on slicing off the Animagique Theater awning, as part of a redesign that will include a large backdrop that needs to be visible from the ground:

 

Once the work is completed, the venue will still host Mickey and the Magician but will boast a fresh, more fitting look to blend into the surrounding area’s aesthetic.

The transformation doesn’t stop there. As guests enter the park, they will now walk through the new World Premiere entrance, replacing the old Studio 1. Disney promises this entrance will transport visitors into “a vibrant, contemporary open-air movie studio” and offer “a glamorous movie premiere in the heart of Hollywood” with a nod to the historic movie theaters of the past.

The Frozen Ever After finale at EPCOT inside of Disney World.
Credit: Disney

More Updates to Walt Disney Studios Park

Further into the park, Disney is building a new Frozen (2013)-themed area called World of Frozen. The new land, which will be Disney’s third Frozen area following the ones in Hong Kong Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, will feature a version of EPCOT’s Frozen Ever After ride, allowing fans of the franchise to enjoy even more immersive experiences.

Also coming to the park are new attractions like Raiponce Tangled Spin, a Tangled (2010)-themed ride, and The Regal View Restaurant and Lounge, which will offer Disney Princess character dining. Guests can also look forward to Disney’s first-ever ride inspired by The Lion King (1994), which, according to concept art, will be similar to Splash Mountain or Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.

How do you feel about the updates to Walt Disney Studios Park?

Chloe James

Chloë is a theme park addict and self-proclaimed novelty hunter. She's obsessed with all things Star Wars, loves roller coasters (but hates Pixar Pal-A-Round), and lives for Disney's next Muppets project.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Related Articles

Back to top button