At regional attraction park Le PAL in the French Auvergne region, the management team was eager to begin the visitor experience right from the queue by using the Nordic pavilions leading up to the boarding platform of their new Fjord Explorer water ride.
Along with developing the guest experience and story, BoldMove Nation provided all 3D concept, schematic and detailed design for the entire queue experience.
During this “untold story” that gradually unfolds, visitors explore the Captain’s workplace up to the boarding platform. There are no screens with texts or explanations to open accessibility across language barriers for international visitors. The Captain is not present but visitors can see traces of him and his work throughout the queue.
The project was implemented by partner Eye-Opener Decors, who turned all designs into reality with production and installation onsite, including the lighthouse.
BoldMove Nation developed the story and setting of The Captain’s workstation, minimizing written text for its international audience. Photo courtesy of BoldMove Nation.
Discover the Captain’s workplace
In a small coastal village near the Nordic Fjords lives a retired oceanographer ‘The Captain’ who continues to seek adventure. He acquired the exploration business from his family who organized trips in the Fjords for decades. His passion for boats is only matched by his fascination for the ocean and his taste for adventure. Ever since he was a child, he lived by the sea and dedicated his life to studying the mysteries of the Fjords. He now enjoys showing others the wonders of the steep cliffs and sharing his knowledge. His base of operations is located in the town’s harbor where you can visit his workplace. He made several exploration boats, with his newest boat being the safest one so far (so he claims!). Now it’s your turn to join this adventure as the Captain invites you to take part in his latest expedition!
Located in the heart of the sports and entertainment capital of the world, adjacent to SoFi Stadium and the Intuit Dome at Hollywood Park, Cosm’s first fan-facing venue boasts an 87-foot diameter 8K+ LED dome that transforms live sports and entertainment. The Shared Reality experience showcases live sports, entertainment, music, immersive art, and more, delivering state-of-the-art architecture and visuals that merge the energy of the crowd with elevated food and beverage service.
While UFC 303 will be held at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on June 29, Cosm will give Los Angeles area fight fans the experience of sitting Octagon-side for one of the year’s most highly anticipated UFC events.
Prior to officially opening to the public on June 29, Cosm will host a series of private events and early access premiers at its venue featuring live productions of the 2024 NBA Finals and 2024 Stanley Cup Finals, as well as exclusive immersive exhibitions from world renowned creators and artists of the Cosm Studios Creator Program.
“We are thrilled to announce the opening of Cosm Los Angeles,” said Jeb Terry, CEO and President at Cosm. “This isn’t just about opening our doors—it’s about unlocking access to the world’s most coveted sports and entertainment events. We’ve anticipated this announcement since Cosm started in 2019, and we are thrilled to open with an exceptional lineup of championship events, including the NBA Finals, NHL Stanley Cup Finals, and UFC 303. It’s the perfect slate to reveal our reimagined live sports experience.
“To complement our live sports programming, we will showcase content in collaboration with all our partners, including a portfolio of entertainment offerings featuring an all-access presentation of Cirque Du Soleil, immersive art and audiovisual experiences, and soon-to-be-announced projects in partnership with major studios,” continued Terry. “This is our first venue opening, but it is not our last. We are excited to usher in this new category of entertainment and introduce Shared Reality to fans around the world.”
Cosm’s slate of live sports offerings continues to expand through official partnerships with ESPN, the NBA, NBC Sports, TNT Sports, and UFC. This suite of partnerships will allow fans to experience live Shared Reality productions of English Premier League soccer, college football and basketball, the NBA, NHL, premium horse racing events, UFC, US Open Tennis, select U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Soccer Team matches, and more.
In addition to live sports, Cosm’s programming will also feature immersive art experiences from members of the Cosm Studios Creator Program, including award-winning new media artist Nancy Baker Cahill; filmmaker, director, and co-founder of Planetary Collective Guy Reid; renowned DJ and artist Chris Holmes; and acclaimed composer and new media artist Ricardo Romaneiro.
Tickets for Cosm’s opening night presentation of UFC 303 will go on sale in May and will be available for purchase at www.cosm.com and via Cosm’s fully integrated app, which will soon be available in the App Store and on the Google Play Store.
Mizzou Arena, home of the University of Missouri’s basketball team, recently underwent a comprehensive renovation, which included the addition of on-court 3D projection mapping. Quince Imaging led the design, installation, and content creation for the project, and selected Christie RGB pure laser projectors to deliver the bright, immersive visuals required to bring this exciting fan experience to life.
Quince Imaging, which offers complete, ready-to-use solutions for projection mapping systems, designed a solution that could tie into the arena’s existing AV system out of the box. The system includes four 36,500-lumen Christie Griffyn 4K35-RGB pure laser projectors and Christie Mystique™ – Pro Venue Edition, a camera-based alignment and recalibration software.
“The University wanted to create an immersive and dynamic environment to elevate the game-day experience for students, faculty, alums, and players alike,” says Eric Gazzillo, vice president of innovation, Quince Imaging. “Christie’s leadership in the RGB pure laser projection space has offered teams a powerful advantage. Having the depth of color helps projection mapping effects pop right off the court in ways that were previously impossible,” adds Gazzillo.
RGB pure laser projection is the only projection technology that can achieve ~98% of the Rec. 2020 color space, more than twice the color of Rec. 709 projectors. With this capability, Mizzou Arena is equipped to take advantage of Rec. 2020 in the future and make the visual experience even more realistic and immersive for the fans.
Mystique – Pro Venue Edition aligns and recalibrates multi-projector arrays with repeatable accuracy. It works in conjunction with Christie Twist™, to enable the seamless warping and blending in a single display in less than two minutes per projector. Pro Venue Edition’s marked surface alignment feature makes it ideal for projection mapping on basketball courts or ice rinks that have known surface markings because it eliminates the need for LED or laser-based marker systems.
“Quince has long been a proponent of turnkey packages for projection mapping systems. Creating a one-stop shop for projection technology, integration services, and compelling 3D content not only creates a seamless experience for new teams but also uniquely integrated shows for the audience,” says Gazzillo.
“This project is a stunning example of the incredibly high caliber of work that Quince Imaging creates – from design to content creation,” says Joseph Conover, director, Immersive Entertainment / Live Event Productions, Christie. “We’re proud that our technology has helped to enable an experience that Mizzou fans will enjoy for years to come.”
The 3D projection mapping experience went live in late 2023 at the season home opener. “It was an unforgettable debut experience,” says Gazzillo.
“I anticipate our fan experience will only continue to advance as we enhance our capabilities, grow our content inventory, and more fully realize how to tell the great story of Mizzou and Mizzou Athletics,” says David Bartlett, director, Event Systems Engineering, Mizzou Athletics.
On April 17, U.S. Ambassador Rahm Emanuel visited Osaka to break ground on the USA Pavilion site. Ambassador Emanuel celebrated the groundbreaking at an evening reception with Minister for World Expo 2025 Jimi Hanako and, earlier in the day, he joined Expo 2025 Commissioner General Ambassador Haneda Koji, Osaka Prefecture Governor Yoshimura Hirofumi, and City of Osaka Mayor Yokoyama Hideyuki for a ceremony at the pavilion site.
In celebration of this milestone, the United States is proud to announce that MGM Resorts International has signed a letter of intent to sponsor the USA Pavilion. MGM’s support will help to create a Pavilion that reflects the United States’ culture, creativity, artistry, and diversity.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, Ambassador Emanuel remarked, “Japan’s temple design for its pavilion at the 1893 World Exposition in my hometown of Chicago was the talk of the city. I expect the same reaction when the impressive USA Pavilion opens at Expo 2025 in Osaka next year. The pavilion will celebrate those foundational American ideals of innovation and exploration through collaboration and inspire visitors to dream big and join the United States as we pursue advancements in everything from technology and energy to space exploration and education.”
The celebration included a special performance from the award-winning Broadway musical Chicago, an example of the cultural performances that will be on display at the USA Pavilion to showcase American culture.
With less than one year until the April 13, 2025—opening day—Expo 2025 Osaka is expected to welcome millions of visitors over its six-month duration. The USA Pavilion will hold its national day—a day of entertainment, special guests, music, and parades—on Saturday, July 19, 2025.
USA Pavilion Design
The USA Pavilion’s wabi-sabi-inspired exterior epitomizes the theme “Imagine What We Can Create Together.” This theme invites visitors to join with the United States to develop advances in sustainability, space exploration, education, and entrepreneurship through exchange, cooperation, and collaboration. The Pavilion exterior will consist of two triangular buildings with wooden facades, joined by an illuminated, suspended translucent cube. Two large LED screens will project iconic images and landmarks from the United States of America, forming a “canyon” that welcomes Expo attendees and invites visitors to listen, taste, and explore. As guests pass under the cube, they will enter an open-air courtyard with an outdoor performance space where musicians, dancers, artists, speakers, and chefs representing regions throughout the United States will provide education, entertainment, and inspiration to millions of visitors. The Pavilion will also offer exciting and delicious regional American cuisine and an authentic American retail experience.
The Pavilion design and materials focus on sustainability, with the steel structure and tensile fabric used in the construction of the USA Pavilion reused from temporary structures built for the Tokyo Olympics and other events. At the conclusion of Expo 2025, these materials will be recycled for use at future events. The Pavilion will also utilize reusable HVAC and plumbing equipment and will incorporate design elements that support increased energy efficiency, recycling, and the use of sustainable materials.
USA Pavilion Partners
The State Department selected ES Global Inc., a global firm specializing in the planning, construction, and dismantling of temporary structures for cultural events, to design and build the USA Pavilion. ES Global partnered with New Orleans-based Trahan Architects to develop the design of the building and with Alchemy for project management. On March 15, 2024, ES Global K.K. signed a contract with Keihin Co. Ltd., a Japanese general contractor, to provide the groundworks, foundation, and structure for the Pavilion.
ES Global also partnered with Los Angeles-based BRC Imagination Arts, an experiential planning and design firm, to develop immersive exhibits and storytelling allowing visitors to envision themselves studying at U.S. universities, touring various parts of the United States, appreciating our nation’s natural beauty, and joining us for an exciting journey back to the moon as well as in our exploration of other galaxies.
The TEA Masters of Their Craft program recognizes the achievements of individuals — the artists, writers, producers, engineers and craftspeople — with distinguished careers who’ve made significant and enduring contributions to the industry through their innovation, leadership, and expertise.
This program recognizes a small number of individuals each year, whose skills epitomize the highest standards within their disciplines and who have used those skills to advance their field and the themed entertainment industry. Each TEA Master has built a body of work over decades that demonstrates consistent quality and execution.
Masters come from a wide variety of individual backgrounds and disciplines, with growing international representation. The TEA Masters of Their Craft program celebrates diversity in many forms and appreciates the extreme importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in our chosen fields as it increases the pool of new creative ideas, and broadens the audience that will resonate with, and see themselves in themed environments.
Individuals who receive this honor also agree to participate in a range of mentoring and education projects that help students and fellow professionals grow their skills, advance their careers, and establish international standards of excellence.
The following are the criteria to qualify for consideration as a TEA Master:
Experience
Outstanding performance during 20+ year career within similar disciplines
Experience working on the global stage
A role model, well respected and looked upon throughout the industry
Having played a distinctive role on several major/signature project
Qualities
Exceptional in demonstrating “thinking out of the box”
TEA Masters are masters by virtue of what they do and how they do it
TEA Masters are consummate professionals in every way, they have the depth of knowledge (patience) to explain to those that do not necessarily understand why they have made a recommendation or practiced their craft in a given way
Industry and Subject Matter Achievement
Having developed revolutionary ways of creating/producing within respective fields such as patents, inventions, etc.
Instrumental in improving/revolutionizing industry or subject matter means and methods
Long track record of improving the quality and efficiency of their product or service
Impact Upon the Industry
Has excelled in mentoring and developing new generation experts within relevant fields
Contributed a visible effect on the industry over the years
TEA Masters are always going the extra mile to help/teach newcomers/apprentices to their craft
TEA Masters empower others to excel in their own skill and bring out the best in a person to help them achieve
TEA Masters install confidence in those around them
Willing and Able to Participate
Participate in the recognition ceremony and be on a panel for TEA Global programming
Allow the TEA to video an interview during the panel presentation for TEA Global programming
Participate in TEA education and/or mentoring programs during the two (2) years following receipt of TEA Master recognition
Not currently serving on the TEA International Board, or the TEA Masters Selection Committee
Artisans or designers nominated for a TEA Masters Award may be asked to submit resumes, photos of completed projects, designs, artwork, work samples, graphics or video containing highlights of their craft sufficient to support the selection process. Full qualification criteria documentation can be viewed here.
PGAV Destinations announced two internal leadership promotions in the St. Louis, Missouri, and Orlando, Florida, studio locations. Ashley Edelbrock and Justin Stichter are now Vice Presidents, effective immediately.
In their new roles, Edelbrock and Stichter will lead strategic initiatives, advance projects, and serve clients.
Edelbrock earned her bachelor’s degree in architecture from the University of Notre Dame and joined PGAV 14 years ago. She is a licensed architect who has served as a project lead, attraction designer, and studio leader. Edelbrock played a pivotal role in the establishment and ongoing operations of the Orlando studio.
Edelbrock said, “In this new capacity, I am excited to contribute to the long-term success of PGAV more closely and further develop successful partnerships with our clients. Additionally, I look forward to continuing to support the Orlando studio and the growth of our internal teams across both studios.”
Stichter has a bachelor’s degree from Baylor University and dual master’s degrees in architecture and urban design from Washington University. He is a licensed architect with 20 years of experience, having played an essential role as an attraction designer, project manager, senior project architect, and studio leader. Stichter has exhibited a dedication to the success of younger professions through mentoring and empowerment.
Sticher said, “The late Fred Guyton, a founder of PGAV, once stated, ‘We are not in the business of building architecture; we are in the business of building people.’ This legacy has shaped my journey at PGAV, notably in the mentors and colleagues who’ve invested in me. I’m consistently humbled and in awe of the incredible talent that embodies our team. As VP, I’m privileged to play a role in further developing our staff’s potential. While working with world-class clients designing remarkable destinations, stewarding our team remains pivotal for our growth. I’m grateful for the opportunity to uphold our founders’ legacy.”
“We are thrilled to appoint Ashley and Justin as Vice Presidents of PGAV,” said Mike Konzen, CEO of PGAV. “Ashley and Justin embody a new generation of emerging leaders, essential for PGAV’s long-term vision and growth. It’s been incredible to watch them develop throughout their tenure at PGAV, and I’m confident they will excel in their new roles.”
Xplor introduces a new attraction for adventure enthusiasts, Toboganxote, the only 5-in-1 waterslide in the world, combining four different types of descents into a single route that culminates in a wave pool, further enhancing the park’s extensive array of adventure offerings.
Adventurers embark on a four-person raft, gearing up for a dizzying descent from 135 feet high. The journey begins with the “Sphere”, a unique freefall thanks to its circular shape. Next, speed and excitement combine at the “Half Wave”, as the raft sways and glides forward before entering the thrilling “Whirlpool”. Once caught in its dizzying spin, everyone is launched into the “Whirlwind”, where the action reaches its peak before culminating in a refreshing splashdown in a wave pool, offering visitors the opportunity to linger and enjoy at their leisure.
“Xplor is where rivers, caves, underground caverns, and now, Toboganxote, come together in the Riviera Maya, a convergence we’re confident will delight our visitors. This addition strengthens our commitment to offering adventure and excitement, ensuring diverse experiences amidst the jungle while inspiring people’s adventurous spirit,” said Marco Antonio Hernández Díaz, Director of Adventure Park Operations.
In addition to this new water attraction, visitors to Xplor can enjoy a wide range of activities, designed to unleash their bravest side and venture into the depths of the sky, land, and water. Visitors have the opportunity to experience two zipline circuits, explore the jungle and caves in amphibious vehicles, and traverse underground rivers by raft or swimming amidst stalactites, fostering a deep connection with nature. After dark, the excitement continues with Xplor Fuego, ensuring an unparalleled experience where visitors enjoy all the park’s activities in the middle of the Mayan jungle in an extreme nocturnal adventure. Xplor stands as an all-inclusive adventure park, allowing visitors to experience every activity as many times as desired, and regain their strength at the park’s smoothie stations and buffet restaurant.
Toboganxote can accommodate up to 1,280 visitors per day, in four-seat rafts. This attraction is accessible to guests of both Xplor and Xplor Fuego, as well as those staying at Xcaret hotels, thanks to the All-Fun Inclusive® concept.
The attraction is equipped with rigorous safety protocols. Wearing a helmet is mandatory throughout the journey, and proficiency in swimming is essential for all participants. For more information, please visit https://tinyurl.com/Toboganxote.
In the dynamic world of the attractions industry, trends are constantly shifting, presenting both challenges and opportunities. From technological advancements to changing consumer preferences, every facet of an amusement park must be agile and innovative to successfully navigate an ever-evolving landscape – a dynamic that is not just limited to the attractions industry.
This year, IAAPA, the leading global association for amusement facilities and attractions, is addressing these challenges head on at IAAPA Expo Asia 2024, held May 27-30 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre in Bangkok, Thailand, under the theme “Shape Your Evolution at IAAPA Expo Asia: Evolve your business into a leading market player”. By registering for the expo’s education sessions, attendees will have the opportunity to learn invaluable insights direct from some of the region’s leading executives and professionals who have successfully navigated these complex waters.
The sessions cover a broad range of topics, including personnel development, merchandise and F&B trends, revenue diversification strategies, and enhanced guest experiences. This is a unique opportunity to learn from the best in the business and to equip yourself with the knowledge and skills needed to help your business thrive in any industry.
The education sessions at this year’s expo can be grouped into five main categories. Let’s look at each in more detail.
1. Professional Development and Industry Insights
Learn the tools you need to grow your career within the attractions industry and gain a deeper understanding of the sector’s global landscape. Several sessions will provide insights into various operational areas and best practices across different roles, as well as provide a comprehensive view of the trends and challenges shaping the Asia Pacific market. Ideal to help business owners and executives make more informed strategic decisions.
2. Operational Excellence and Maintenance
Gain invaluable insights and enhance your understanding of operating efficient and safe amusement parks or attractions with these comprehensive sessions. Dive into the intricate details of topics such as value engineering, including its calculation methods and process steps. Explore effective maintenance planning and asset management strategies with an emphasis on how diligent maintenance practices can lead to substantial cost savings, increased value, and long-term success that prioritizes safety.
3. Guest Experience and Services
Immerse yourself in sessions dedicated to taking guest experiences to new heights and effectively managing guest expectations. Discover the secrets to creating unforgettable moments through impactful communication, empowering frontline staff, and utilizing feedback to enhance operational excellence. In addition, explore critical topics such as crisis management and emergency preparedness, equipping you with essential response coordination skills to ensure the safety of both guests and staff during unforeseen circumstances.
4. Revenue Diversification and Business Strategies
Discover groundbreaking strategies to diversify your revenue streams and maximize profitability within these enlightening sessions. Uncover innovative approaches to expand your attractions’ revenue beyond ticket sales by capitalizing on opportunities in games, F&B, merchandise, and rental services. Explore how leveraging beloved intellectual properties (IPs) and cultivating strategic partnerships with globally recognized brands can create profound emotional connections with your guests.
5. Technology and Innovation
Explore the transformative role of technology across industries and cutting-edge advancements that are poised to reshape guest interactions and marketing, such as predictive analytics and personalized content creation. Specific sessions will also dive into how AI could potentially revolutionize customer engagement, personalization, and operational optimization, as well as what this all means for the industry.
EDUTours at IAAPA Expo Asia 2024
In addition to the education sessions, IAAPA Expo Asia 2024 will also feature exclusive ‘EDUTours’ – a unique opportunity for attendees to go behind the scenes of Thailand’s amusement and water parks. These tours will take attendees on a journey through some of Thailand’s premier parks, providing an immersive learning experience that goes beyond theory by offering a firsthand look at successful operations in action with unique insights provided by the parks’ lead executives.
On the EDUTours, attendees will get an insider perspective on park operations, strategies for attracting and retaining guests, and how these businesses are navigating challenges unique to their locations and audiences. It’s a rare learning opportunity that combines education, exploration, and direct interaction with industry veterans, giving attendees deep insights they can take away and use in their own business ventures.
Shape Your Evolution
IAAPA Expo Asia 2024 is more than just an event; it is an excellent opportunity for learning, networking, and growth. By registering for the education sessions and EDUTours, attendees will gain a significant advantage in navigating the ever-evolving landscape of the attractions industry. The insights gleaned from them are not only pertinent but practical, providing actionable strategies that can be applied to various businesses, both in the attractions industry and beyond.
From 27-30 May in Bangkok, Thailand, you too can have the opportunity to unlock your potential at IAAPA Expo Asia 2024. Do not miss this chance to learn from the best in the business, connect with like-minded professionals, and elevate your business to new heights.
After transporting generations of guests into the magic of movie-making, the second park at Disneyland Paris is entering a new era marked by a fresh creative vision, brand-new experiences, an expansion on a never-before-seen scale and the introduction of an all-new visual identity.
To celebrate this new chapter, Walt Disney Studios Park will be renamed Disney Adventure World when World of Frozen, a new immersive area dedicated to the wintery world of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Frozen will come to life, bordering a majestic bay. While the ongoing transformation of the park is sure to take the guest experience to a whole new level, the entire resort will continue to elevate its offerings in the coming years.
Each anniversary brings its share of surprises, and this year is no different! On April 12, Disneyland Paris lifted the curtain on an ambitious future for the place where dreams come true, during an immersive presentation delivered in front of an audience of nearly 1,000 fans and Cast Members. The resort’s executive and creative teams took the stage to share information about brand new entertainment offerings that will debut in the coming months, the next phase of the ongoing transformation of Disney Hotels, and ongoing reimagining of Disney Village.
The resort has seen an unprecedented number of projects brought to life to reinvigorate the guest experience and make Disneyland Paris a must-visit destination. One of the top priorities of this transformation plan — which is coming to fruition thanks to a two-billion-euro investment — is a complete makeover of Walt Disney Studios Park while continuing to expand its footprint with new themed areas that will join Marvel Avengers Campus, which welcomed its very first recruits back in 2022, and Worlds of Pixar. At the end of its expansion journey, the soon-to-be-renamed park will have roughly doubled its footprint.
Immersive Worlds Bringing to Life Beloved Disney Franchises
When it opened in 2002, the original idea driving the creation of the second park was to give guests a behind- the-scenes look into the making of movies, animated feature films and television shows. The park concept has since evolved creatively to offer more immersive worlds, and in 2007 it embarked on an exciting expansion journey with the launch of multiple large-scale, immersive projects like The Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror, Toy Story Playland and Ratatouille: The Adventure.
From the recent opening of Worlds of Pixar and Marvel Avengers Campus to the creation of a Frozen-inspired land, the park continues to welcome beloved franchises, allowing guests to step into their favorite stories in a uniquely Disney way. Now, immersive worlds inspired by the most popular Disney movies of all time will become the cornerstone of the park’s transformation.
“Today, we are changing the story of Walt Disney Studios Park, evolving from ‘how it’s done’ soundstages to celebratory theaters and adventures that come to life in immersive worlds. These fully realized adventure worlds will become the focus of the park’s new identity and appear as realms that guests discover as they navigate deeper within the park and are invited to participate in adventures inspired by our most beloved stories,” Tom Fitzgerald, Walt Disney Imagineering Chief Storytelling Executive and Senior Creative Executive for Disneyland Paris, commented.
“Embracing a transformation that involves the overhaul of more than 90% of Walt Disney Studios Park since its debut in 2002, we’re unveiling a fresh creative vision that has completely redefined our second gate. Guests will embark on a journey that blends the magic and emotion of our beloved franchises with explorations into faithfully recreated new worlds. This significant evolution inspired us to rename the Park, heralding a vibrant new chapter for Disneyland Paris. The new name will officially take effect coinciding with the grand opening of our next themed land, World of Frozen, marking a harmonious start to this exciting new era. With our commitment to pushing the boundaries of immersion and innovation, we’re crafting breathtaking new experiences and spectacular moments at Disney Adventure World that will resonate more than ever with our guests. It’s set to offer unique adventures in immersive worlds, serving as a perfect complement to Disneyland Park,” Natacha Rafalski, Présidente of Disneyland Paris, shared.
With an unprecedented level of immersion and powerful storytelling, the latest experiences delivered across the park already reflect this new creative vision. Among the experiences that will be offered in the future, World of Frozen is going to take guests on a journey to the kingdom of Arendelle with its colorful facades and remarkable North Mountain that are gradually coming into view. The land will be well located on the edge of Adventure Bay, a 70,000 cubic meter body of water surrounded by picturesque banks and a promenade at the heart of the park expansion, serving as a gateway to the new themed universes that will surround it. More than a scenic icon, Adventure Bay will serve as a unique entertainment stage with a 360-degree viewing area. It will be fitted with the latest technologies to provide water-based entertainment, complete with fountains, music, lights and special effects.
A brand-new immersive world, whose concept and design are currently being finalized by Imagineers, will further enhance the appeal of this reimagined park in the years to come. More details will be shared in the future.
A Reimagined Park Entrance to Mark the Start of a New Chapter
Beginning this month, the park’s transformation work will extend to the entrance area to immerse guests in the brand-new story as soon as they step into Disney Adventure World. After passing through the turnstiles, guests will be transported into a vibrant, contemporary open-air movie studio before becoming special guests of a glamorous film premiere in the heart of Hollywood on a starry night. To bring this all-new immersive experience to life, the interior décor of the “soundstage” — which currently depicts a filming scene on Hollywood Boulevard — will be replaced with crafted décor that pays homage to historic movie theaters in Hollywood and the entertainment industry as a whole. The new entrance building, renamed World Premiere, will reopen in Spring 2025.
Once outside the building, guests will arrive in the heart of World Premiere Plaza, an area that brings together theaters, currently celebrating Disney Animation and Pixar stories, in a stylish Art Déco-inspired setting. The Walt Disney Imagineering Paris teams are already at work to turn the park’s former central square into a dynamic and warm environment with décor inspired by the famous facades of Broadway and West End theaters. The atmosphere will be even more vibrant and magical at night, with bright lights illuminating the whole experience!
To gain access to the park’s immersive worlds, guests will be able to walk along Adventure Way, a beautiful promenade surrounded by lush landscape and themed gardens — the perfect spot for magical daydreams. As guests wander through this enchanting area, they will discover Raiponce Tangled Spin, an all-new family attraction offering a fun take on a classic ride, inspired by the beloved Disney Animation movie Tangled. It will invite guests to “take a spin” through the iconic floating lanterns scene that has touched the hearts of viewers of all ages.
Finally, before setting off on new adventures, guests will have the chance to treat their taste buds to delicious dishes served at The Regal View Restaurant and Lounge, a stylish table-service restaurant that will offer guests spectacular views over Adventure Bay, along with a chance to meet some of their favorite Disney Princesses.
From Hotels to Entertainment, Every Aspect of the Guest Experience is Being Reimagined Beyond the second park, the entire resort is undergoing significant changes.
Broadway is just one step away from Disneyland Paris. The place where dreams come true offers an exceptional entertainment lineup that wows guests and industry insiders alike. Yet the future holds much more, as the resort will soon add two new shows to its lineup, including a musical extravaganza inspired by Disney Animation’s Alice in Wonderland that will debut in the spring — Alice & the Queen of Hearts: Back to Wonderland.
Starting on May 25, Alice, the Queen of Hearts and many more will return to Wonderland for a wild new show in Walt Disney Studios Park. It’s a hair-raising experience, where two teams go head-to-head in a high-energy showdown, with high-flying acrobats pushing their limits, and two alternative endings decided by the audience. It’s a chance for audiences to discover a new story of Alice and the Queen of Hearts, in an ultra-colorful, pop-rock face-off.
At the end of 2024, Marvel Avengers Campus will be the stage for a brand-new nighttime activation, which will come to life every evening on the Worldwide Engineering Brigade building, until Spring 2025. This engaging experience will combine projections, music and special effects with an all-new storyline, featuring some favorite and new-to-Disneyland Paris Marvel characters.
Enhanced offerings at Disney Village and in Disney Hotels
Located at the crossroads between the theme parks and Disney Hotels, Disney Village offers its own shopping and dining experiences. To enhance its offerings, the retail, dining, and entertainment complex is also undergoing a complete reimagining. With the addition of new restaurants and shops, reimagined facades and enhanced landscaping, Disney Village is turning into a modern, warm, and dynamic experience for guests.
First, shopping enthusiasts will be delighted to discover the current shops are gradually being redesigned to pave the way for new experiences that will only be available at Disney Village. As part of a complete makeover and rebranding of most existing retail locations, two new Disney shop concepts will be introduced by the end of the year — a lifestyle stop with ready-to-wear clothing, jewelry, accessories, and new collaboration pieces; and a Disney home store with a selection of accessories and Disney collectible items so that all decoration enthusiasts can enhance their home interiors.
Later on, and still under study, the current Disney Store will welcome all major Disney franchises under one roof. Part of the store will feature a seasonal range of products, in line with the resort’s celebrations or the latest Disney film releases. With these brand-new offerings, Disney Village is bound to become the perfect shopping destination for all guests who want to bring a touch of Disney magic into their daily lives.
Additionally, the LEGO Group and Disneyland Paris are working on plans to continue their successful partnership, with a new and improved LEGO Store in Disney Village expected to come by the end of the year. The newly refurbished LEGO Store will feature new photo opportunities, awe-inspiring big builds and interactive play stations alongside the widest range of LEGO sets only available in the LEGO Store. Guests will be able to find all LEGO | Disney favorites alongside other creative sets for LEGO fans whatever their age.
Upgraded accommodations coming to Disney Davy Crockett Ranch
On the hotel side of the resort, all Disney Davy Crockett Ranch bungalows will also gradually be replaced to provide a modern and comfortable experience for guests, while continuing to be a haven of peace in the heart of nature. This refurbishment project – which will be launched this year — will elevate the hotel’s theming with bungalow decorations that nod to Disney characters such as the Junior Woodchucks, together with Donald Duck and his friends.
Earlier this year, the legendary Disneyland Hotel also reopened its doors following a regal makeover. All of these projects are part of the ongoing Disney Hotels transformation plan that began in 2012 and continues to strengthen the resort’s standing as the number one hotel chain in France for families.
With the Saudi entertainment sector in the midst of a momentous transformation, industry experts remain fervent that training and development, and cultivating a new dynamic workforce are prerequisites for the continuous success and longevity of the entertainment industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
With recent figures estimating that more than 60% of Saudis are under 35, this year’s Saudi Entertainment & Amusement (SEA) Expo – set to take place from 7th – 9th May at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Centre – will look to highlight and home in on how the industry over the next few years can empower the Saudi workforce through technical knowledge and training, and explore strategies to retain and nurture talent.
This year’s 6th edition of the SEA Expo is expected to be a catalyst for change in the Kingdom’s entertainment sector as it looks to champion the work of professionals in entertainment and leisure, create a unique global experience for like-minded individuals to connect, and effectively address industry challenges all while setting the course for actionable solutions.
The three-day SEA Summit, which will run parallel to the exhibition, serves as a platform to accelerate efforts in the entertainment and leisure industry by spotlighting new opportunities and offering unique industry insights from the region’s most prolific experts.
Over the last few years, the Kingdom has emphasized the pressing need to upskill Saudi youth in all vocations with advanced skills through education and training in order to cultivate a new and vibrant workforce. This year’s SEA Summit will put the focus firmly on the next generation through their think tank sessions, which will explore the vast educational opportunities within the entertainment sector, highlight the importance of partnerships with schools, and reveal how integrated educational programs are essential for the future of the industry.
Industry behemoths are already realizing the immense potential of investing in the local talent pool. Last year, Red Sea Global announced that they would be creating 120, 000 jobs directly and indirectly for young Saudis, while the company’s RSG Elite Graduate Program saw a 92% retention rate, signaling the rise of a new workforce in the entertainment and leisure industry. While in 2020, Qiddiya Investment Company launched a national scholarship offering high school graduates the opportunity to pursue higher education in hospitality and entertainment management in the Kingdom.
“The Kingdom understands that the path towards youth empowerment is through education, training and nurturing talent,” said Sarkis Kahwajian, SEA Expo Director. “We fully support this and understand the importance of cultivating leaders of tomorrow through education, technical knowledge and fostering environments where creativity can thrive, and at this year’s SEA Expo our aim is to do just that.”
Don Potts, President of Parks & Attractions at Qiddiya Investment Company agreed, saying that this year’s SEA Expo will be a learning and development opportunity for Saudis to gain a deeper understanding of the industry and to have the potential to explore a career in the sector.
Co-located with the Saudi Light and Sound (SLS) Expo, this year’s SEA Expo aims to highlight the Kingdom’s entertainment and leisure plans and create opportunities in the industry to drive the country toward achieving its goals under Vision 2030. With hundreds of international and local brands from 40+ countries, SEA Expo will act as a platform that showcases new and innovative products from its 350 exhibitors.
