Disneyland

DISNLEYLAND Paris has opened its doors for an exclusive look at the World of Frozen.

In a rare, behind-the-scenes look, a spectacular drone show revealed the date for its newly reimagined second park, Disney Adventure World.

Fans are now counting down to 29th March 2026, the date unveiled during a stunning night time reveal.

The sky above Adventure Bay erupted into colour as hundreds of drones assembled into a giant World of Frozen logo before forming the opening date in mid-air – with the images perfectly reflected in the water below.

Once complete, Disney Adventure World will have almost doubled in size, offering new experiences that it says will push the boundaries of storytelling.

Ahead of next year’s grand debut, Disney Imagineers are adding the final touches to North Mountain, a towering 36-metre structure that anchors the land.

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The mountain required 400 tons of metal to build before being hand-sculpted in concrete and painted to create its icy, snow-capped look.

At its summit sits Elsa’s glittering Ice Palace – the highest point in World of Frozen.

Matthieu Robin, lead show creator for Disneyland Paris, said: “It’s our biggest expansion ever – truly the first time in forever.

“We’re extending worlds our guests already love, bringing those stories to life in new ways. There is so much to discover, explore and experience.

“My personal favourite moment is simply standing by the lake, taking in the view of Arendelle from across the water, maybe enjoying something to eat from Regal View Restaurant.

“We’re creating world-class entertainment, and we want to continue pushing that forward.

“With the drone innovations, the new lake show, and the aquatic drones we’ve developed, we’re always creating something new for our guests – and this is just the beginning.”

Inside the new area, guests will encounter 34 state-of-the-art Audio-Animatronic figures, explore Arendelle Castle – inspired by traditional Scandinavian architecture – and discover how Anna and Elsa live behind the castle walls.

Alongside its attractions, World of Frozen will offer immersive dining, bespoke shopping and a royal encounter with Anna and Elsa.

The expansion also brings a new night time spectacular to the resort.

Staged across the central lake at Adventure Bay, the show will combine soaring drone choreography, dramatic water screens and a brand-new musical score recorded at Abbey Road Studios.

John Mauro, portfolio executive creative producer for Walt Disney Imagineering Paris, said: “World of Frozen will certainly draw guests in, but it’s really all the elements coming together.

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“Even at the front of the park, we’ve transformed Studio 1 into World Premiere with a whole new look that starts the storytelling the moment you enter.

“You walk through what feels like a movie theatre and it opens up into this brand-new world. I hope guests leave thinking ‘Wow – they’ve really created something incredible here’.”

A SNOW-capped mountain towers behind an ancient clock tower, its frosty peak protruding a whopping 36-metres into a cloudy sky.

At its foot, a wooden-rimmed postbox is waiting to receive a bundle of postcards, Arendelle’s first ever mail, while a magnificent snowflake-shaped fountain sparkles in the centre of the street.

No detail has been spared on ensuring Disneyland Paris’ new World of Frozen is its most magical venture yet.

I was taking an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the much-hyped area of the theme park, scheduled to open on March 29 next year with a bundle of new rides and activities based entirely on the animation blockbuster.

Visitor postcards sent home from the fictional kingdom of Arendelle, over which Frozen characters Elsa and Ana rule, are just one small part of what makes this land so special.

The clock tower, complete with mini Ana and Elsa figurines, sparks into song every 15 minutes and flickering lanterns dangle from pastel-coloured buildings.

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Classic cuddly toys have been scrapped and in their place sits Rúna, an animatronic teddy-sized troll doll that interacts with its owner.

Only available to buy at World of Frozen’s themed shop, for a rather hefty 70 euros, this doll communicates not just with its owner, but the park too.

As kids carry their Rúna doll towards certain trigger points, he’ll vibrate with excitement or gossip enthusiastically about the ride he’s approaching – something that hasn’t been seen at any Disney park before.

I’d like to know what Rúna thinks about the food at the kingdom’s local boozer, Nordic Crowns Tavern, where dishes have been inspired by the flavours of Norway.

It’s certainly not your typical Disney fare – think fermented goods, smoked fish and light cakes shaped into an icy snowflake, in fitting with the Frozen theme.

But that’s just the pub. There’ll be a whopping 13 other dining venues in Arendelle alone, including food stalls serving sticky cinnamon rolls and the grand Regal View, World of Frozen’s character-dining venue.

This spot is impressive enough without the meet-and-greets. Disney Princesses have been painted into fresco-like murals across the walls and curved chandeliers dangle from the ceiling.

Parents haven’t been forgotten about either. How does a flight of kir royales sound?

Knock them back to keep you going until the nightly fireworks displays.

These are the pinnacle of any Disney trip and the fiesta here promises to be spectacular.

Technological enhancements have been made to a team of drones, which can withstand most weathers as they flash to the beat of the music, morphing into characters in the sky and concluding with an explosive fireworks finale.

You won’t need to panic about securing a decent spot, either, like many do for the displays at the main park, with the show taking place above the circular lake, offering 360-degree views.

And of course, no trip to Arandelle would be complete without a visit to the kingdom’s impeccably dressed Elsa and Ana.

And the duo won’t just appear on the street; they will dramatically sail across the lake via a huge wooden vessel, preparing to greet their fans at the “Royal Encounter” in the castle.

A lifesized and hyper-realistic Olaf will make an appearance, too. But unlike every other character at Disneyland Paris, Frozen’s star snowman has been built using clever robotics that allow the character to talk and even waddle away on his stumpy snow feet.

And what about the rides? The highlight will most definitely be the lands boat ride, Frozen Ever After, which will carry riders through the snowy forest towards the Valley of the Trolls and Elsa’s sparkling Ice Palace.

Animatronics promise to bring scenes to life as riders approach Arendelle Bay which will be showered in snowflake-shaped fireworks.

It’s not all about Elsa and Ana, though. Rapunzel has left her mark on the Raiponce Tangled Spin ride.

This is a reinvention of the classic teacups where a series of wooden boats twirl underneath a ceiling of swaying pastel lanterns.

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It was the postbox that stuck out for me, though.

What could be more special than returning home to a self-written letter, delivered straight to your door all the way from Arendelle?

Disneyland Paris has officially confirmed the opening date for its World of Frozen land in 2026 – and we got a sneak peek into the land where guests can meet Anna, Elsa, Olaf and more

Disneyland Paris has finally confirmed an opening date for its highly-anticipated World of Frozen land – and we’ve got an exclusive first look inside the Arendelle kingdom.

From March 29, 2026 , Disney fans will be able to explore the home of Anna and Elsa with a host of experiences including a brand new ride, character meet and greets, new shows and exclusive food and drink.

I was lucky enough to be one of the first to get a sneak peek at the new Frozen land in the Walt Disney Studios Park (which will rebrand as Disney Adventure World when the Frozen land also opens). From the moment you arrive, it’s clear that Frozen fans aren’t going to be disappointed.

As you walk up to the area, you can see a huge snowy mountain with Elsa’s ice palace visible in the distance, Nordic inspired buildings that look like the stuff of Instagram dreams, and pretty fountains with icicles because – well, it’s Frozen. I also spotted some Mickey-shaped detailing for those who like to search for hidden Mickeys in the park!

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As for the character meet and greets? There is a brand new little Olaf animatronic who you’ll be able to spot with the princesses; he’s absolutely adorable and kids are no doubt going to love him. It’s very impressive technology; he waddles around, talks and waves, and had everyone awwing and cheering as he wandered about, joined by Anna and Elsa. The Olaf animatronic is a first-of-its-kind in the world, and really brings the character to life especially when he interacts with the princesses.

If you want to meet the princesses, you’ll need to book a slot at the Arendelle castle – the perk being that you then can enjoy the rest of the park rather than waiting around for hours. The good news is that it won’t be the only character interaction available throughout the land. There’ll be chances to meet Oaken (‘Yoohoo, big summer blowout’), some of the adorable baby trolls, and villagers ready to share some quirky stories about life in Arendelle.

There will be a show occurring multiple times a day within the bay in the Frozen village including a float of boats led by Kristoff and Olaf, with a chance to spot the princesses as they wave to their guests from their own gorgeous boat. The 15-minute colourful show will include a chance for the audience to sing along with characters too, including iconic songs like ‘Let It Go’ or ‘Show Yourself’.

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Foodies, you won’t want to miss the abundance of snacks; at the Nordic Crowns Tavern you can create your own bowl for lunch/dinner including a base, protein, veg and sauce. Apparently, chefs went through 30 different types of mashed potato before they settled on the one that’s used in the restaurant. The restaurant will also include vegan and gluten-free options.

For those who fancy a tipple, The Regal View Restaurant & Lounge is the place to be. It’s so pretty with murals inspired by the princesses – and yes, you can book Character Dining to meet the princesses at the restaurant. The vibe is gorgeous florals, dark green furniture and heaps of nods to all of the princesses, not just Elsa and Anna. Meanwhile the lounge bar – a first for these parks – felt quite fancy for a theme park, especially with the impressive range of Kir Royale and Champagne cocktails on offer.

We didn’t get a sneak peek at the new ‘Frozen Ever After’ ride (it’s still under construction!), but it will involve a gentle boat ride taking families from a snowy forest to the Valley of the Trolls, through Elsa’s dazzling Ice Palace, before ending in Arendelle Bay lit by snowflake-shaped fireworks.

As for that all-important merchandise, one highlight has to be the adorable Rúna troll, at the Fjord View Shop. This little toy is a bit like a Furby, in that it interacts with you. The Runa can talk, it can be ‘put to sleep’ with rocking, and if you have more than one, it interacts with other toys. However, one of the coolest features is that if you carry it around the Frozen land, it will interact with specific ‘trigger points’ in the land, for example by fountains or certain buildings.

Anyone who buys one will be given a map to show you the areas where you can find these interactions, although you won’t be given the specific locations as part of the fun! These dolls will cost €70 each which didn’t feel wildly overpriced considering how much you can get out of the toy if you buy it before going around the land.

Frozen won’t be the only exciting attraction at Disney Adventure World. The theme park already boasts Marvel and Pixar inspired lands, and is set to undergo another expansion with a Lion King land over the next few years.

As you walk towards World of Frozen, you’ll get to enjoy two new adorable attractions; one swing-style carousel inspired by Up, and a teacups-esque ride inspired by Tangled.

Disney fans will also get to see a new nighttime show above the large Adventure World lake that offers a central point leading out to the lands; we got a sneak peek and it involves drones, pyrotechnics, fountains and some very impressive special effects, including nods to beloved films like Moana.

You can find out more on disneylandparis.com

There are heaps of fun theme parks and attractions in the UK to enjoy but there are a handful that would have been great yet unfortunately plans had to be abandoned

The UK is full of amazing attractions, both old and new, from historic palaces to theme parks and world-class museums. But not every idea manages to get off the ground.

There were many large-scale projects that could have potentially become major tourist landmarks, which sadly, either failed due to cost or logistics. We’re talking theme parks that were said to have the potential to rival Disneyland, weird and wonderful pyramids, and giant bridges that cost millions but never actually opened.

We look at some of the incredible attractions that could have been gamechangers, but sadly didn’t manage to see the light of day (even if we’re still hoping!).

Check out our top picks below…

WonderWorld theme park

In the 1980s, a £346m plan to turn an old quarry into the ‘British Disneyland’ was hatched. The site of this ambitious project was Corby, Northants, where the abandoned quarry was connected to the town’s closed steelworks. The collapse of the steelworks had led to 10,000 job losses, and with a third of the town out of work, the theme park was cited as a way to get locals back into employment.

WonderWorld is said to have been inspired by Disney’s Epcot, and was set to have 13 themed villages, the first six of which would have opened in 1992. The idea was to showcase the best of British design, with David Bellamy set to help devise a mock safari, while Sir Patrick Moore would have helped design an observatory.

There would be a mix of the educational and fun, high-tech rides, themed restaurants, shops, and much more, which it would estimate would bring in four million visitors a year through the park gates.

The ambitious plans also included a 10,000 seat stadium for sporting events, and a Disney-style family resort with seven hotels, which would eventually offer 6,000 rooms and 100 holiday villas.

Sadly, all that was ever built of WonderWorld was a sign and a wooden cabin. Planning delays and rising costs were blamed, with backers soon pulling out. The site which would have been WonderWorld is now a new build estate, with nothing to indicate that it could have been the site of a major British attraction.

Garden Bridge

While a failed project can waste a lot of time, London’s Garden Bridge project also managed to waste a lot of money along the way. £53.5m was spent on a bridge which never broke ground, after many years trying to turn the idea into reality.

London’s Garden Bridge would have been a pedestrian bridge set between Waterloo Bridge and Blackfriars Bridge. The idea was it would be covered in shrubbery and flowers, creating a sort of park area you could wander round, rather than just crossing from A to B.

The project was such a disaster that Transport for London (TfL) launched an inquiry, which concluded that £43m of the sunk costs came from the public’s pocket. The failed project’s spends included £21.4m in construction costs and £1.7m in executive salaries, according to BBC reports.

The Garden Bridge Trust also spent £161,000 on a website and £417,000 on a gala for the failed proposal. Had it been built, the project was projected to cost £175m overall.

The idea for the bridge dates back to 1998, when actor Joanna Lumley had the idea for a “floating paradise” that would be built in honour of Princess Diana. But it wasn’t until 2012, when Boris Johnson was Mayor of London, that the unusual project was picked up.

While they managed to secure planning permission in 2014, the project had a number of vocal critics who complained that it would have had an impact on sight lines of St Paul’s Cathedral and Monument.

When Sadiq Khan took over as mayor, he ordered a review as to whether the bridge would offer good value for money for Londoners, before withdrawing his support the next year. The cancellation of the project was officially announced on August 14, 2017.

Trafalgar Square Pyramid

Trafalgar Square could have looked very different if one MP and soldier had seen their plans come to fruition. After beating the French at the Battle of the Nile, Sir Frederick William Trench decided that what London really needed was a giant pyramid right in the middle of Trafalgar Square to really celebrate their military success.

The proposal, submitted in 1812, shows a 300ft pyramid with 22 steps, one for each year of the two Anglo-French wars. At the time, the tallest structure in London would have been the Dome at St Paul’s Cathedral which was 365ft, meaning the pyramid would have completely changed the London skyline.

One idea to turn the plan into reality was to use the labour of men who’d recently been discharged from the armed forces, giving them employment once the war was over. However, the only thing that was ever built was a scale model, which ended up in the home of the Duke of York. A few years later, the land was cleared and the version of Trafalgar Square that brings in millions of visitors a year was created. But there’s no doubt the giant pyramid would have brought in the tourists too.

London Paramount Entertainment Resort

A more recent attempt to build a giant theme park in the UK was the London Resort, which was announced in 2012. Its location in Swanscombe, Kent led to some dubbing it the ‘Dartford Disneyland’, and it was set to include Europe’s largest indoor water park, theatres, live music venues, attractions, cinemas, restaurants, event spaces and hotels.

The park would have had several worlds including a Spaceport, The Isles, The Kingdom, and High Street, all themed around the UK. Another planned attraction was a triple launched roller coaster that would reach speeds of 70mph.

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The park’s troubles continued during the planning process, when Natural England decided to designate a large portion of the planned park area as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

In 2022, it was reported that plans for the park were scaled back, and would be resubmitted the next year. Its company, London Resort Company Holdings (LRCH), then went into administration and faced a lawsuit from Paramount. Finally, in January 2025, it was reported that the High Court had ordered the company to be wound up, effectively killing off the dream of the £2.5b London Resort.

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There’s a reason crowds endure yearly price increases and jammed sidewalks at Disneyland each November through early January. It’s the merriest time of the year — and arguably when the resort is at its glistening, glowing best with seasonal food offerings, holiday ride makeovers and unique live entertainment options.

Disneyland, of course, is home to the long-running A Christmas Fantasy Parade, but I’d argue it’s not even the best processional happening this time of year. And this year, even Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, though not part of Disneyland’s holiday programming, is finding new ways to get festive.

Here’s a sample of some of my favorite things to do at the park this holiday season, which runs through Jan. 7. If you’re curious to check it out but looking to save a little on tickets, Disneyland has announced a new California ticket offer that goes on sale Dec. 3 and takes effect Jan. 1. The deal is for a three-day park-hopper ticket, which can be used on non-consecutive visits, and starts at $249 per person, which amounts to $83 per day.

If you go, don’t be shy, and say hi, as it’s the time of the year when I visit most often.

Don’t miss Disneyland’s best street party

The ¡Viva Navidad! street parade is one of Disney California Adventure’s most lively, diverse and dance-focused offerings.

(Disneyland Resort)

There’s one show at the Disneyland Resort that each year, without fail, brings me to tears — tears of joy, but also tears of surprise that something so lively, diverse and dance-focused exists at a Disney park. That show is California Adventure’s ¡Viva Navidad!

A boisterous celebration of Latin art and music from beginning to end, ¡Viva Navidad! uses the characters from Disney’s mid-1940s goodwill film “The Three Caballeros” as a jumping-off point to showcase folklórico dancers, mariachis and 12-foot-tall mojiganga puppets (large-scale, papier mâché sculptures that dizzyingly rocket up and down a small portion of California Adventure). The show, which came from the minds of Susana Tubert and her team at Disney Live Entertainment, feels a bit like a Mexican street parade and works because it extends a hand to guests of all walks of life. Though launching with Paul McCartney’s “Wonderful Christmastime,” it ends with the always-festive “Feliz Navidad” from José Feliciano.

Running since 2014, ¡Viva Navidad! is a blast. It’s a treasure. The only quibble is the show primarily runs on weekends only.

Embrace a cultural tradition — with stories, candles and thoughtfulness

“A Musical Christmas With Mariachi Alegría de Disneyland & Miguel” is an evening performance at Disneyland that centers on a mariachi band and is inspired by Las Posadas.

(Joshua Sudock / Disneyland Resort
)

Introduced last year, California Adventure’s “A Musical Christmas With Mariachi Alegría de Disneyland & Miguel” features the star of Disney/Pixar film “Coco” but, like ¡Viva Navidad!, is rooted in cultural traditions. Specifically Las Posadas. Think a festive procession that travels among the community, Las Posadas are traditionally staged in Mexico between Dec. 16 and 24. In their purest form, Las Posadas depict the biblical story of Joseph and Mary and the search for shelter at the time of Jesus’ birth.

The Disney performance, which typically runs on weekdays, deviates from the religious overtunes. But some of the key touchstones — a mix of music and stories, a centering of children with candles — are present. It begins with a trot to the center of California Adventure to the tune of “El Burrito de Belén” and throughout the course of the show it will touch on such staples as “Jingle Bells” and “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,” albeit in bilingual renditions.

The show’s narrator and singer regales guests with tales of how different Latin countries present stories of Santa Claus, or, say, the joy of unwrapping a tamale. The climax instead of the street performance is a candlelit rendition of “Silent Night,” with audience participation. What a moment ago was festive theme park fare becomes something more reflective, all while slightly nodding to the holiday’s more spiritual underpinnings.

Participate in a fantastical holiday at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Life Day is a fictional holiday exclusive to the “Star Wars” universe.

(Disneyland Resort)

OK, so this is a bit of a curve ball. It should be noted that what happens in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is not part of Disneyland’s traditional holiday programming, as Life Day is not an actual holiday, unless, perhaps, your religion is “Star Wars.” It’s also lighthearted good fun. Life Day has its roots in the beloved but campy and culturally questionable “Star Wars Holiday Special” as an event that originated on the Wookie home planet of Kashyyyk.

When Galaxy’s Edge opened in 2019, fans wondered if during the holiday season the land would get in on the Life Day action. Initially, fans started showing up on Nov. 17, the day the television special aired, for impromptu celebrations of their own. Credit Disneyland for embracing the guest-driven activity, so much so that the park started developing Life Day ornaments and shirts as well as offering limited time food specials.

This year, a red-robed Chewbacca holding a glowing orb — the official symbol of Life Day — will for the first time wander Galaxy’s Edge to meet with visitors. Disney hasn’t said for exactly how long this festive version of Chewbacca will be present in the land, but here’s hoping Life Day is celebrated at least until the end of Disneyland’s more conventional holiday proceedings.

After all, I enjoyed my morning paying respects to the fictional holiday, as I indulged in a limited-run anise-spiked sangria at Oga’s Cantina (the Joh Blastoh Sangria Gocola, $19.50) along with a large, fluffy slice of cinnamon toast topped with a richly sweet, cheesecake-inspired frosting and ornamental lychee pearls (Millaflower Toast, $13). The latter meant I essentially had dessert for breakfast, and while it was too sugary to finish — definitely share it — I couldn’t help but smile at the fact that Disneyland has embraced one of the silliest aspects of the space fantasy the land is dedicated to.

You’ll love the gingerbread (and other tasty delights)

The Festival of Holidays in Disney California Adventure is serving up two types of mac and cheese this year. On the left is the al pastor mac and cheese and on the right is the savory kugel mac and cheese.

(David Nguyen / Disneyland Resort)

I stopped in the lobby of the Grand Californian on my way out of the park for some Mickey-shaped gingerbread cookies and balked at a line that some guests said they had spent 40 minutes standing in. But having had it in year’s past, as well as a Halloween version of the cookie just a couple weeks ago, I can vouch for the fact that it is quality, soft gingerbread. Worth the wait? Your mileage may vary, but know that the best gingerbread cookie in Disneyland is actually inside the park at the Harbor Galley, where the cookies are smaller and rounder but also spicier and chewier. And 13 of them cost just $13.79, making them one of the more budget-friendly snacks in the resort. They’re a must.

Yet there’s much to sample across Disneyland’s two parks, its shopping district and hotels, so much so that I spent much more time on Sunday eating than going on rides. The bulk of my afternoon was devoted to the food booths of Disney California Adventure’s Festival of Holidays, where most items run between $6 and $9 (or buy a passport to try six items for $49). The highlight was an al pastor mac and cheese where I slathered the cubes of pork in the finest theme park cheese slop. Don’t miss some returning favorites, such as the barbacoa tamal de res, in which the beef is pleasantly tender, or the braised pork belly adobo, one of the heartier dishes at the festival. Just know that throughout the day booths may periodically run out of items, so be prepared to pivot.

Elsewhere, I sampled the creamy, rum-forward horchata with whipped cream ($18) at Downtown Disney’s Centrico, a frosty, mid-afternoon cinnamon-focused dessert drink, and made a note to come back for the seasonal, mole tamales. It wouldn’t be the holidays without a little eggnog, so I made it over to the Disneyland Hotel’s Broken Spell Lounge for its $19 cognac and rum-spiked rendition. It’s heavily alcohol forward, so next time I may simply stick to the space’s spirit-less house-made eggnog at $9. While there, don’t miss the French dip, which, albeit pricey at $34, is an ample, filling sandwich that debuted during last year’s holidays and became so popular with guests it stuck around.

Still on my must-try list: a gingerbread-cranberry cheesecake trifle at Disneyland’s Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe and the gingerbread pancakes at River Belle Terrace.

And of course, don’t miss the holiday ride makeovers, including Haunted Mansion and It’s a Small World

The Haunted Mansion is currently themed to “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” a charming, Christmas-focused makeover.

(Disneyland Resort / Christian Thompson)

In a way, Disneyland has been celebrating Christmas since August. That’s when its Haunted Mansion was remade into its “Nightmare Before Christmas” form and became a ride that largely cheers the Dec. 25 holiday.

While Disneyland’s original Haunted Mansion is the one after my heart, the overlay has its charms, namely the demented gingerbread house in the ballroom scene. This year’s rendition is filled with murderous red-eyed ravens up to no good, and in true Haunted Mansion fashion it has a pun for a name. The 13-foot gingerbread house is titled “A Murder So Fowl.” Pay close attention as you glide by, as not all these ravens and crows appear to survive a visit to the gingerbread mansion.

And while Disneyland’s early evening tree lighting tends to draw a crowd, you’ll want to make your way to Fantasyland at 5 p.m. for the nighttime illumination of the It’s a Small World facade. Here, tens of thousands of lights instantly flip on for arguably Southern California’s most memorable Christmas light display. It’s so bright, that nearby walkways will glow red and green and twinkle along with the playful piece of mid-’60s architecture.

The attraction itself remains a joy. The ride’s namesake song plays give and take with “Jingle Bells” and seasonal adornments adorably enliven the leisurely boat ride with even more cheer. The regular version is my favorite ride at Disneyland, and during the holidays it’s like riding through a giant, wintry music box.

The holidays may be one of the busier times to visit the Disneyland Resort, but it’s also a time when the theme parks are at their best.

(Christian Thompson / Disneyland Resort
)

With rides such as the Indiana Jones Adventure, the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, or the iconic Space Mountain, Disneyland competes with the world’s biggest attractions when it comes to adrenaline and thrills

Disneyland has a surprisingly extensive list of dos and don’ts when it comes to getting dressed up for a day in the Magical Kingdom.

The iconic theme park is firmly stuck at the top of many people’s bucket lists, and for good reason. With rides such as the Indiana Jones Adventure, the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, or the iconic Space Mountain, Disneyland competes with the world’s biggest attractions when it comes to adrenaline and thrills.

And, of course, it is the undisputed champion when it comes to sprinklings of magic. “The Happiest Place on Earth” delivers sparkle and joy with fireworks displays, parades and castles galore.

However, Disneyland has a strict set of rules to ensure that the park remains fun, friendly and safe for everyone. A big part of that is its dress code.

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For those who have saved and scrimped for a trip to Disney, the last thing they’d want is to be chucked out or refused entry. According to the Disneyland website, that could happen if you wear “attire that is not appropriate for theme parks”.

That includes but is not limited to:

• Costumes may not be worn by guests 14 years of age or older
• Masks may not be worn by guests 14 years of age or older (unless they are for medical purposes)
• Clothing with objectionable material, including obscene language or graphics
• Excessively torn clothing or loose-fitting clothing, which may drag on the ground and create a potential trip hazard
• Clothing that, by nature, exposes excessive portions of the skin that may be viewed as inappropriate for a family environment
• Clothing with multiple layers is subject to search upon entry
• Visible tattoos that could be considered inappropriate, such as those containing objectionable language or designs
• Bare feet

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Disneyland also has specific costume guidelines for special events such as Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party. Before brewing up ideas for your next disguise, it’s advised that you read the park’s rules carefully. They are:

• All guests may dress as their favorite character, but may not pose for pictures or sign autographs for other guests.
• Costumes must be family-friendly and may not be obstructive, offensive, objectionable or violent.
• Costumes may not contain any weapons that resemble or could easily be mistaken for an actual weapon.
• Costumes may not contain sharp objects, pointed objects or materials that may accidentally strike another Guest.
• Layered costumes or costume props that surround the entire body are strongly discouraged and may be subject to additional security screening.
• Costumes may not reach or drag on the ground (e.g., full-length Princess dresses)

There are also specific rules for guests of different ages.

For guests aged 13 and under

Costumes and some masks may be worn, as long as the mask does not cover the entire face and eyes are visible.

For guests aged 14 and older

• Capes may be worn if the length does not go below the waist.
• Themed T-shirts, blouses, sweatshirts and hats are acceptable.
• Acceptable accessories include: transparent wings, plastic Lightsabers, toy swords and tutus.
• Headwear may be worn as long as it does not cover the face.
• Masks of any kind may not be worn, except for medical purposes.

A statement on the Disneyland website suggests that those who breach the rules will, most likely, be given a chance to change their outfit.

“Guests who do not adhere to these guidelines may be refused entry into, and/or removed from, the event, unless his or her costume can be modified to meet the above standards. While we encourage creativity, we also value safety and good judgment. The above costume guidelines apply throughout the duration of Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party and/or other costumed events. Please note: all rules, regulations and guidelines are subject to change without notice,” it reads.

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Jennifer, who goes by the handle ‘I’m Fit Jen’, is known for her bold fashion choices but not everyone was impressed with her latest outfit, which she wore to Disneyland

A self-proclaimed ‘hot’ mum has caused quite a stir with her outfit choice during a family trip to Disneyland Paris. Jennifer, known on TikTok as ‘I’m Fit Jen’, is no stranger to turning heads with her bold fashion choices.

The fitness fanatic previously claimed that she channels Julia Roberts’ character in ‘Pretty Woman’ when she goes to work, rocking a mini dress and heels. However, it was her recent visit to Disneyland Paris that really sparked conversation on social media.

In a TikTok video that has since garnered thousands of views, she showcased her outfit at the family-friendly theme park. Tattooed Jennifer posed in front of the iconic Disney castle, donning sparkly Minnie Mouse ears and sunglasses.

OPINION

Milo Boyd

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She matched the pink bow on her headband with a figure-hugging playsuit, reports the Daily Star. She finished off the look with pink trainers, a necklace and a handful of bracelets. As the glamorous mum lip-synced to a tune, she flashed a grin and cheekily stuck out her tongue at the end of the clip.

Jennifer posted another clip showcasing her Minnie Mouse ears, this time matched with a green crop top and denim booty shorts. Her steamy Disneyland clips have proved popular with supporters, with many flocking to the comments to heap praise on the mum.

Yet not everyone has been thrilled with her clothing selection. Some have declared Jennifer’s ensemble was simply “not appropriate” for the family theme park. Critics of Jennifer’s look suggested that she should wear something more than the playsuit.

On its website, Disney explains its approach to dress codes.

“The parks are a casual, family-oriented environment. We suggest you dress comfortably, wear good walking shoes and check the local weather report before you leave for the parks. Review our Pre-Arrival Tips to make sure you come prepared for a fun-filled trip!

“Ensuring that the parks are family-friendly is an important part of the Disney experience. In that spirit, we ask you to use your discretion and common sense.”

On its list of “attire that is not appropriate for theme parks”, it includes; “Clothing which, by nature, exposes excessive portions of the skin that may be viewed as inappropriate for a family environment.”

It continues: “Guests who do not adhere to these guidelines may be refused entry into, and/or removed from, the event, unless his or her costume can be modified to meet the above standards. While we encourage creativity, we also value safety and good judgment.”

The footage has re-emerged as the world of celebrity embraces the braless and ‘naked’ frock phenomenon. Sydney Sweeney showed off her take on the trend, sporting a silver chainmail gown with nothing beneath.

Chloe Kelly also joined the movement as she sported a jewelled creation for Harper’s Bazaar’s Women of the Year awards.

Disneyland is going to “Fortnite.”

Launching Thursday, “Disneyland Game Rush” is a new island that will bring some of the Happiest Place on Earth’s most popular rides into the “Fortnite” sandbox for the first time. A part of Disneyland’s 70th anniversary celebration, the limited-time experience includes mini-games inspired by attractions such as Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Web Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure, Space Mountain, Indiana Jones Adventure, Matterhorn Bobsleds, Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission: Breakout! and Haunted Mansion.

The in-game island will also feature a replica of the 70th anniversary sculpture inspired by Sleeping Beauty Castle as well as glimpses of the theme park’s familiar landmarks including the Incredicoaster and Pixar Pal-a-Round across the virtual skyline. Players who complete the island’s mini-games will collect keys that can be used to unlock Disneyland 70th-themed island-exclusive cosmetics so players will be able to show their Disney spirit.

“Fortnite” players can access the island by searching for Disneyland Game Rush or using island code 4617-4819-8826.

“Disneyland Game Rush” marks the latest Disney-affiliated “Fortnite” crossover since Walt Disney Co. acquired a stake in Epic Games in 2024. Earlier this year “Fortnite” launched “Galactic Battle,” which was billed as its biggest Star Wars-themed tie-in, as well as a “Simpsons”-themed battle royale mini-season that kicked off earlier this month.

Still to come is Disney and Epic Games’ interconnected “games and entertainment universe,” which will include brands such as Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar and Avatar. This “new persistent universe” was announced last year.

When Xavier “X” Atencio was plucked by Walt Disney in 1965 to be one of his early theme park designers, he was slotted on a number of projects that placed him out of his comfort zone.

Atencio, for instance, never would have envisioned himself a songwriter.

One of Atencio’s first major projects with Walt Disney Imagineering — WED Enterprises (for Walter Elias Disney), as it was known at the time — was Pirates of the Caribbean. In the mid-’60s when Atencio joined the Pirates team, the attraction was well underway, with the likes of fellow animators-turned-theme park designers Marc Davis and Claude Coats crafting many of its exaggerated characters and enveloping environments. Atencio’s job? Make it all make sense by giving it a cohesive story. While Atencio had once dreamed of being a journalist, his work as an animator had led him astray of a writer’s path.

Atencio would not only figure it out but end up as the draftman of one of Disneyland’s most recognizable songs, “Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me).” In the process, he was key in creating the template for the modern theme park dark ride, a term often applied to slow-moving indoor attractions. Such career twists and turns are detailed in a new book about Atencio, who died in 2017. “Xavier ‘X’ Atencio: The Legacy of an Artist, Imagineer, and Disney Legend” (Disney Editions), written by three of his family members, follows Atencio’s unexpected trajectory, starting from his roots in animation (his resume includes “Fantasia,” the Oscar-winning short “Toot, Whistle, Plunk and Boom” and even stop-motion work in “Mary Poppins”).

For Pirates of the Caribbean, Atencio is said to have received little direction from Disney, only that the park’s patriarch was unhappy with previous stabs at a narration and dialogue, finding them leaning a bit stodgy. So he knew, essentially, what not to do. Atencio, according to the book, immersed himself in films like Disney’s own “Treasure Island” and pop-cultural interpretations of pirates, striving for something that felt borderline caricature rather than ripped from the history books.

Xavier “X” Atencio got his start in animation. Here, he is seen drawing dinosaurs for a sequence in “Fantasia.”

(Reprinted from “Xavier ‘X’ Atencio: The Legacy of An Artist, Imagineer, and Disney Legend” / Disney Enterprises Inc. / Disney Editions)

Indeed, Atencio’s words — some of those quoted in the book, such as “Avast there! Ye come seeking adventure and salty old pirates, aye?” — have become shorthand for how to speak like a pirate. The first scene written for the attraction was the mid-point auction sequence, a section of the ride that was changed in 2017 due to its outdated cultural implications. In the original, a proud redheaded pirate is the lead prisoner in a bridal auction, but today the “wench” has graduated to pirate status of her own and is helping to auction off stolen goods.

At first, Atencio thought he had over-written the scene, noticing that dialogue overlapped with one another. In a now-famous theme park moment, and one retold in the book, Atencio apologized to Disney, who shrugged off Atencio’s insecurity.

“Hey, X, when you go to a cocktail party, you pick up a little conversation here, another conversation there,” Disney told the animator. “Each time people will go through, they’ll find something new.”

This was the green light that Atencio, Davis and Coats needed to continue developing their attraction as one that would be a tableau of scenes rather than a strict plot.

Tying it all together, Atencio thought, should be a song. Not a songwriter himself, of course, Atencio sketched out a few lyrics and a simple melody. As the authors write, he turned to the thesaurus and made lists of traditional “pirating” words. He presented it to Disney and, to Atencio’s surprise, the company founder promptly gave him the sign off.

“Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me),” Atencio would relay, was a challenge as the ride doesn’t have a typical beginning and ending, meaning the tune needed to work with whatever pirate vignette we were sailing by. Ultimately, the song, with music by George Bruns, underlines the ride’s humorous feel, allowing the looting, the pillaging and the chasing of women, another scene that has been altered over the years, to be delivered with a playful bent.

The song “altered the trajectory” of Atencio’s career. While Atencio was not considered a musical person — “No, not at all,” says his daughter Tori Atencio McCullough, one of the book’s co-authors — the biography reveals how music became a signature aspect of his work. The short “Toot, Whistle, Plunk and Boom,” for instance, is a humorous tale about the discovery of music. And elsewhere in Atencio’s career he worked on the band-focused opening animations for “Mickey Mouse Club.”

“That one has a pretty cool kind of modern instrument medley in the middle,” Kelsey McCullough, Atencio’s granddaughter and another one of the book’s authors, says of “Mickey Mouse Club.” “It was interesting, because when we lined everything up, it was like, ‘Of course he felt like the ride needed a song.’ Everything he had been doing up to that point had a song in it. Once we looked it at from that perspective, it was sort of unsurprising to us. He was doing a lot around music.”

Xavier “X” Atencio contributed concepts to Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion, including its famous one-eyed cat.

(Reprinted from “Xavier ‘X’ Atencio: The Legacy of An Artist, Imagineer, and Disney Legend” / Disney Enterprises Inc. / Disney Editions)

Atencio would go on to write lyrics for the Country Bear Jamboree and the Haunted Mansion. While the Haunted Mansion vacillates between spooky and lighthearted imagery, it’s Atencio’s “Grim Grinning Ghosts” that telegraphs the ride’s tone and makes it clear it’s a celebratory attraction, one in which many of those in the afterlife prefer to live it up rather than haunt.

Despite his newfound music career, Atencio never gave up drawing and contributing concepts to Disney theme park attractions. Two of my favorites are captured in the book — his abstract flights through molecular lights for the defunct Adventure Thru Inner Space and his one-eyed black cat for the Haunted Mansion. The latter has become a fabled Mansion character over the years. Atencio’s fiendish feline would have followed guests throughout the ride, a creature said to despise living humans and with predatory, possessive instincts.

In Atencio’s concept art, the cat featured elongated, vampire-like fangs and a piercing red eye. In a nod to Edgar Allan Poe’s story “The Black Cat,” it had just one eyeball, which sat in its socket with all the subtlety of a fire alarm. Discarded eventually — a raven essentially fills a similar role — the cat today has been resurrected for the Mansion, most notably in a revised attic scene where the kitty is spotted near a mournful bride.

Xavier “X” Atencio retired from Disney in 1984 after four-plus decades with the company. He drew his own retirement announcement.

(Reprinted from “Xavier ‘X’ Atencio: The Legacy of An Artist, Imagineer, and Disney Legend” / Disney Enterprises Inc. / Disney Editions)

Co-author Bobbie Lucas, a relative of Atencio’s colloquially referred to by the family as his “grandchild-in-law,” was asked what ties all of Atencio’s work together.

“No matter the different style or no matter the era, there’s such a sense of life and humanity,” Lucas says. “There’s a sense of play.”

Play is a fitting way to describe Atencio’s contributions to two of Disneyland’s most beloved attractions, where pirates and ghosts are captured at their most frivolous and jovial.

“I like that,” Lucas adds. “I like someone who will put their heart on their sleeve and show you that in their art.”