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.”
Disneyland Resort has laid off about 100 people in Anaheim, as Walt Disney Co. becomes the latest media and entertainment company to cut jobs.
The layoffs occurred Tuesday and came from multiple teams, Disney confirmed.
“With our business in a period of steady, sustained operation, we are recalibrating our organization to ensure we continue to deliver exceptional experiences for our guests, while positioning Disneyland Resort for the future,” a Disneyland spokesperson said in a statement. “As part of this, we’ve made the difficult decision to eliminate a limited number of salaried positions.”
A person close to the company who was not authorized to comment attributed the cuts to an increase in hiring after the parks reopened once the COVID-19 pandemic waned.
Disney’s theme parks are a major economic engine for the Burbank media and entertainment giant.
The Disneyland Resort layoffs come as entertainment and tech companies have recently shed thousands of jobs.
On Wednesday, Paramount laid off 1,000 employees in a first round of cuts after the company’s takeover by tech scion David Ellison’s Skydance Media. Amazon, Meta, Charter Corp. and NBC News also have announced cuts.
Under a two-hour flight from the UK is a ‘magical’ and ‘beautiful’ theme park, boasting 30 rides and attractions that offers a great alternative to Disneyland – and it’s much cheaper
Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, Denmark, has been labelled as a great alternative to Disneyland Paris
Disneyland has long been dubbed ‘The Happiest Place on Earth’, but with that comes a hefty price tag, particularly if you’re taking the whole family. Thankfully, there’s a cheaper alternative for a fraction of the price, and it’s even been said to have been inspired by Walt Disney itself.
Less than a two-hour flight from the UK is Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, Denmark, known for its “cosy, wholesome and magical atmosphere.” It claims to be the second-oldest amusement park in the world, having opened in 1843, and boasts around 30 fun-packed rides and attractions for the whole family to enjoy.
Located in the heart of the city and set within the stunning backdrop of the Danish capital, it has been labelled “the most beautiful park” by one avid traveller and content creator called Emily. And one of the most appealing qualities about this theme park is that tickets start from as little as £11.10 per person.
Sharing details of the beloved and overlooked Disneyland alternative, Emily posted a TikTok video on her page, @upfoldadventures, during a family day out. At the start of the video, she told her 10.9K followers, “If Disneyland Paris is out of your budget this year, I have the next best thing, and no, it’s not Efteling.
“If you love Disney but you hate the crowds and you want the magic but at half the price, well this park has those Disney magical storybook vibes but without the chaos and when it gets dark and all the lights come on, you will understand why this is called ‘Europe’s hidden Disney.'”
She added: “It is one of the world’s oldest theme parks and it is truly magical – it is honestly like stepping foot into a storybook.
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“The rides are classic and stunning, the park is spotless, there’s live music, there’s shows and the food is phenomenal – don’t just think this is gonna be theme park junk, no, it is genuinely some of the best food I’ve ever eaten in my life.”
One of the main attractions at Tivoli Gardens is the giant Ferris Wheel that was built in 1943. It also offers views 63m above the ground on the Golden Tower, and a thrilling ride on its wooden Roller Coaster, which was erected all the way back in 1914.
In addition, visitors can whiz around on their bumper cars and carousel rides, or admire the picturesque surroundings in the Hanging Gardens. And that’s not all, as the theme park is also packed with shops, stages, theatre spaces and a food hall to keep the family happy.
While the savvy saving mum is a huge fan of Disneyland Paris, she was left delighted after a day out at Tivoli Gardens. In the video she added: “So if you love the Disney vibe, well then you’re gonna fall in love with it, because it is such a cosy, wholesome, magical atmosphere at a fraction of the cost of Disneyland Paris – and before Disney even existed, this park was creating all the magic.”
Standard weekday tickets for Tivoli Gardens start from just £11.10 for children aged 3-7, while a standard adult ticket costs just £22.21. A weekday ticket and ride pass, offering full access to all the attractions, will set you back £25.01 for children aged 3-7 and £50.14 for an adult ticket.
Children under 3 are free at Tivoli Gardens. Prices can vary, so it’s best to check their website for more details.
Most people know that a trip to Disneyland doesn’t come cheap. However, one couple have shared a money-saving hack to anyone who is visiting Disneyland – head to the Primark that is just 10 minutes away from it
Samantha Bartlett Assistant Editor, Social News
08:03, 23 Oct 2025Updated 09:39, 23 Oct 2025
Some people are just realising there’s a Primark that’s just 10 minutes from Disneyland (file)(Image: Getty Images)
Quite a few parents may be planning to take their kids to Disneyland Paris now that’s it’s half term in the UK. With many children getting a two-week half term break from school, it’s the perfect time for a holiday to the magical destination in Paris to celebrate Halloween and have some Autumn fun.
However, most parents know that a trip to Disneyland doesn’t come cheap – especially when you’re spending out on accessorises in the park. However, one couple have shared a money-saving hack to anyone who is visiting Disneyland – head to the Primark that is just 10 minutes away from it.
Sofia and Arran, known as @sofia.and.arran on TikTok, shared the tip with their 119,000 followers on the app.
The video began with Sofia seen outside the Primark as she said: “The Disneyland Primark is unreal, it’s huge… let’s go see what they’ve got.”
Sofia then told her followers that she “really wanted some Mickey ears”, which will set you back around €25 (£22) inside Disneyland.
Arran then said the Primark had “so much Disney stock” due to the fact that it’s so near to Disneyland. “We always come a day before a visit,” he said.
The first Disney product Sofia spied was some Stitch character slippers, as Aran said he’d ‘never seen them in the UK’. Sofia exclaimed: “I need them.”
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However, they later revealed that there was a “whole wall” of Stitch products, what with the Lilo & Stitch film recently being released.
Sofia also saw some cute pyjamas based on the film ‘Up’, as the pair said they “loved” the movie.
The next product was some Halloween-themed Mickey ears and pyjamas.
Some Mini Mouse slippers were also available in the shop, as were some Flinstones pyjamas.
The pair then grabbed some Mini Mouse ears as well as some more Halloween-themed Mickey ears.
The couple didn’t reveal the prices that the products were, however, they did say the ears were only €5 (£4.35).
Many people were excited about the products, as one person wrote: “I love the Halloween ears.”
While another added: “Wait, I never knew this, I just left Disneyland.”
A third chimed in: “Yes love the Primark! I got a bag when I went in October.”
However, not everyone was as enthralled, as one person moaned: ” I was there in March and they had nothing good.”
While another added: “The majority of this stuff (excluding the ears) can be bought at UK Primarks.”
The Primark the couple are referring to is located in the Val d’Europe shopping centre, which is a short 7-minute walk from the park.
The Val d’Europe centre is located directly next to Disneyland Paris and is accessible from the resort.
Can you put a price on the experience of enjoying a World Series game at Dodger Stadium?
Yes, and it’s a very high one.
The Dodgers put tickets for potential World Series games on sale Tuesday, with the cheapest seat available for $881.95, according to an afternoon review of the team website. That seat — $800 for the ticket and $81.95 for fees — is located at the end of the reserve level, high above the field and next to the foul pole.
World Series prices posted on the website Tuesday ranged as high as $1,510.05. The best seats are sold as part of season packages, so that $1,510.05 seat ($1,371 ticket plus $139.05 fees) is located on the field level, near the foul pole and bullpen.
If the Dodgers advance to the World Series and play the Seattle Mariners, the Dodgers would play as many as four home games, starting Friday, Oct. 24. If the Dodgers advance and play the Toronto Blue Jays, the Dodgers would play as many as three home games, starting Monday, Oct. 27.
On Oct. 24, a family of four could get into Disneyland for a total of $796. On Oct. 27, a family of four could get into Disneyland for a total of $676.
Ticket prices are subject to change based on demand.
When the Dodgers put National League Championship Series tickets on sale, the cheapest price was $155. On Tuesday, the cheapest ticket on the team website for Game 3 on Thursday was $168.
However, since the game time has been set at 3 p.m. and weekday afternoon games are not popular, tickets on the resale market could be bought for about $100 Tuesday.
The cost to experience the Happiest Place on Earth continues to rise as the Disneyland Resort unveiled its annual price increases for the upcoming year.
The Disneyland Resort on Wednesday morning increased prices on most tickets for guests 10 and older, with the price to visit a single park on its most in-demand days now $224 per person, up from $206. The price of its lowest-tier offering — a one-day, one-park ticket for often a less crowded weekday — will remain the same at $104. (Disneyland Resort ticket prices vary depending on the day and consumer demand.)
Pricing for all other one-day, one-park tickets on more popular days will increase between 1.5% and 4.8% — Disneyland has six tiers of pricing based on crowd levels — and most increased moderately between $3 and $7, a lower jump than in years past. Park hopper add-ons, which allow a guest to visit both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure on the same day, are now between $70 and $90 per day, up from $65 to $75 per day, depending on the crowd calendar.
Parking at the resort has also increased, up $5 to $40 per day for a standard vehicle.
Once in the park, those who opt for the line-skipping Lightning Lane Multi Pass will find that service starts at $34 per day, up from $32, but the program is also subject to variable pricing. For instance, today a Lightning Lane Multi Pass is $40 per guest.
Its Magic Key annual pass has also experienced an increase for its top two tiers, the so-called Inspire and Believe passes. The Inspire pass, which offers the most year-round access and highest merchandise and dining discounts, including the cost of parking, is up $150 to $1,899. The Believe key is up $100 to $1,474. Prices for its two lowest tier Magic Keys — the Enchant and Imagine — did not change.
Currently, only the Enchant and Imagine keys, the latter for Southern California residents, are available for sale. All are available for renew, as Disney makes Magic Key passes for sale available at various times throughout the year.
Disneyland has maintained its lowest $104 ticket for seven years now. This year, for instance, one can visit the park in early November at that rate in the days between the resort’s Halloween and holidays celebrations. From Oct. 7 through April 4, 2026, Disneyland has also increased its number of $104 days, up from 20 to 32 for the upcoming months.
“Disney Parks offer a full day of experiences each day, with ticket, hotel, and dining options designed to suit a wide range of needs and budgets for all who visit,” read a statement from the company. “Our commitment to creating magical experiences for everyone remains at the heart of what we do — and that will never change.”
The resort has also unveiled a new California ticket offer, which is set to go on sale Dec. 3. The deal is for a 3-day park-hopper ticket, which can be used on non-consecutive visits, and starts at $249 per person, which amounts to $83 per day. A Lightning Lane Multi Pass add-on will bring the cost of the ticket to $351 per person, or $117 per day. The offer is good for visits from Jan. 1, 2026 to May 21, 2026.
Disneyland is currently in the midst of its 70th anniversary celebration, which will continue until next summer. As part of the latter, Disneyland unveiled the show “Walt Disney — A Magical Life,” featuring the first-ever audio animatronic of the company’s founder. Disneyland this week announced an update is coming soon to one of its most historic attractions, as it will be adding Rapunzel’s Tower to its Storybook Land Canal Boats, a leisurely boat ride through tableaus of exquisite miniatures.
While Disneyland has yet to announce its full slate of programming for 2026, popular festivities such as Lunar New Year and the Food & Wine Festival are set to return. Disneyland Park in its Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge area will unveil a new mission on its attraction Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run to tie into the upcoming film, “The Mandalorian and Grogu.” The new interactive scenes are set to debut May 22, 2026.
Disney’s experiences division — which includes the Disney theme parks, cruise line and Aulani resort and spa in Hawaii — reported revenue of $9.1 billion, up 8% compared with the previous year, in its most recent quarterly earnings report. Operating income rose 13% to $2.5 billion.
This huge playground is said to be ‘better than Disneyland’ and is easy for Brits to get to in a day – and it has over 350 different attractions for all ages to enjoy
The huge attraction is less than an hour’s flight away(Image: Linnaeushof)
With more than 350 attractions, this mega playground is bigger than Disneyland – and it takes under an hour to get there. Located in Linnaeushof, in the Netherlands, it’s the biggest in Europe and you can visit it in a day.
Brits can travel to Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, and it’s then just a 20 minute drive to the park, making it an epic day trip for adventure seekers.
With three main sections – an indoor playground, an outdoor playground and a water playground, there is so much to do. The outdoor area is the main attraction including the Pirate Island in the middle of the pedalo lake, which can only be reached by rope bridge which also has paddle boats for both kids and adults.
The mega playground is in the Netherlands(Image: Linnaeushof)
There are views from the Cool Tower, where you lift yourself to 30ft in the air via pull rope, as well as an obstacle course, cable car, driving traffic garden and mini golf too.
The Playground Express runs every day throughout the park amd there is also the Oasis water playground, which has fountains, climbing structures and splash pools.
There is also a separate toddler playground with a sandpit, bouncy castle and Toddlerland playpark and the indoor playground has everything from bumper cars and air karts, as well as a play castle. The park is open from March to October with tickets ranging from €15 to €18, although the go karts cost an extra €7.
There are over 350 different attractions(Image: Linnaeushof)
It comes as one of Europe’s top-rated theme parks, which happens to have no rides, is planning a UK site. Puy du Fou is the creator of award-winning history-themed destinations in France and Spain of the same name. It welcomes in 2.8 million visitors a year and shows them a good time not via the medium of rides, but through its historical attractions.
At its Toledo and Les Epesses bases, Puy du Fou puts on dozens of action-packed shows in which gladiators, Vikings, warriors from the Middle Ages, and many others besides clash swords, ride horses, and set off pyrotechnics. The two sites are often rated as among the best theme parks in the world, delivering as they do a history-spanning live-action role-player’s dream.
Now, Puy du Fou has unveiled plans to move to the UK. It has submitted an outline planning application to Cherwell District Council for a £600 million park near Bicester, which is best known for housing a discount fashion retail park beloved by Chinese tourists.
If approved, the new park will open in phases beginning in 2029. By the time the park is fully developed it will directly employ around 2,000 people, support a further 6,000 jobs in hotels, restaurants, suppliers and other local businesses, and deliver a £500m a year boost to the local and regional economy, Puy du Fou has claimed in a press release.
Guitar ace Slash rose to prominence with an unmistakable look as the anchor of Guns N’ Roses. A true rock ’n’ roll persona, the artist was once rarely seen without a drooping cigarette and a top hat, the latter of which could barely contain his face-engulfing curly hair.
Now, as of this week, he’s a theme park character at Universal Studios Hollywood.
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Slash, or, rather, a skeletal facsimile of him played by an actor, will be available for photo opportunities and meet and greets at Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights, which runs most evenings through Nov. 2. For the musician, born Saul Hudson, it’s a dream fulfilled. A lifelong devotee of theme parks and coasters, Slash has been closely aligned with Halloween Horror Nights since 2014, when he first began scoring music for its haunted houses.
And the character, he says, was partly his idea.
“I went to them and said, ‘Hey, can we have one of those stilt walkers?’” says Slash, referring to the larger-than-life lurkers who haunt guests during the festivities. “That would be really cool. So they came up with one and he looks pretty menacing.”
Slash enjoys the idea of being a towering, sometimes intimidating presence. That’s clear when he’s on stage as the attention-demanding cornerstone of numerous bands. And he likes to scare, as evidenced by his own horror-focused film production company, BerserkerGang. But get Slash one-on-one, and he really just wants to geek out on his favorite theme park rides.
Universal Studios has released a second vinyl compilation of music Slash has composed for Halloween Horror Nights over the years.
(Gabriella Angotti-Jones / For The Times)
We talked to Slash about a week before Halloween Horror Nights opened from Orlando, Fla., where he was holed up recording an album with his band the Conspirators. That work, he says, will be released in 2027 due to planned 2026 touring obligations with Guns N’ Roses. He lamented that he wouldn’t have time to visit Walt Disney World and Universal’s new Epic Universe. The latter Florida park is home to a monsters-themed land that Slash said he was eager to see.
His love of theme parks runs deep, and is, of course, nonpartisan.
“I’m a real Disney head,” he says, joking that such a declaration may not make his Universal partners happy. He says he first visited Disneyland in the early 1970s. “I really can’t put into words what makes it so magical, but there is a definite thing there that you feel when you’re actually there. I’ve loved it since I was a little kid.”
“But I love theme parks in general,” he continues. “I love roller coasters. I love that carnival energy going on. I love arcades. I love everything about that festive outdoor thing, and I’ve never grown out of it.”
Arguably, he’s grown into it.
Halloween season means it’s time for Universa’s Halloween Horror Nights, which runs through early November at the theme park.
(Gabriella Angotti-Jones / For The Times)
Slash has a deep fascination with Universal Studios, made clear by his knowledge of how the park’s backlot tram trek — officially designated as the World-Famous Studio Tour — has shifted over the years. And as a lifelong horror fan who speaks nostalgically of watching 1970s films such as “The Wicker Man,” “The Omen” and “The Exorcist” with his parents, Halloween Horror Nights is especially dear to Slash’s heart.
Slash was first drawn to the event in 2013 due to a haunted house themed around the music and images of Black Sabbath. The artist was given a tour of Horror Nights by John Murdy, who has long overseen the West Coast edition of the festivities.
“I was so blown away,” Slash says. “I was elated. I remember physically making giddy sounds. The whole thing, from the stilt walkers to the invisible bush figures who would hide in the bushes and were camouflaged, it was unbelievable. I wanted to be involved.”
Murdy was open to the idea. “The first time I walked into his personal recording studio, the first thing I noticed was a huge print of ‘Bride of Frankenstein,’ our 1935 classic, hanging on the wall. And I was like, ‘Oh, we have something in common.’”
Halloween Horror Nights is filled with haunted houses and scare actors.
(Gabriella Angotti-Jones / For The Times)
Slash would go on to write the music for six Halloween Horror Nights houses centered around Universal’s classic monster characters. This year, he’s returned to Horror Nights with a score set to a relaunch of an original, Depression-era set maze, “Scarecrow.” Musically, it’s a departure for the artist. “Scarecrow” includes a Slash-composed cover of traditional folk number “O Death.”
“We started talking ‘Scarecrow,’ and as pure coincidence, he said, ‘Oh, I just learned the banjo and the dobro,’” Murdy says. “He was learning all these traditional Appalachian instruments, and I said, ‘That’s awesome because my house is set in the Dust Bowl.’”
That Slash has been dipping into more Americana-influenced music isn’t a complete surprise. His 2024 solo effort, “Orgy of the Damned,” leans blues for instance, including a blistering, rootsy take on early Fleetwood Mac rocker “Oh Well” with country star Chris Stapleton. Selections from Slash’s Halloween Horror Nights work, minus the new “Scarecrow” music, will again be available on a limited-run vinyl sold at Universal Studios during Halloween Horror Nights.
Slash is featured this year as a “character” at Halloween Horror Nights, a skeletal, stilt-walking interpretation of the artist.
(Gabriella Angotti-Jones / For The Times)
“As soon as they gave me the concept, my brain went into that realm — I could pull out my pedal steel, and do an Americana-type approach, as opposed to the goth, kind of pseudo-metal thing I was doing for all the Universal Monsters,” Slash says.
Slash has become such a Halloween Horror Nights fixture that this year will feature a bar centered around the artist, one complete with a mini top hat as a dessert. When asked how he feels to be immortalized as a sculpted sponge cake with coconut lime mousse, he doesn’t flinch.
“I wish I could explain in words how much I love that kind of stuff,” Slash says.
He is, after all, a theme park regular, although his favorite rides are found a few miles from Universal Studios in Anaheim. “I love the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland. That and Pirates of the Caribbean will always be my two favorite rides,” he says. “The attention to detail and the creative element and everything that is going on with those old Disney rides is still, to this day, second to none.”
Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios
The mark of any true theme park aficionado is an appreciation of slow-moving, old-school dark rides, attractions that are set in darkened show buildings and often filled with an assortment of vignettes. Slash singles out Universal’s “The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash” as another highlight.
“I went with my stepdaughter and we went on that ride and it’s great,” Slash says. “The ‘Pets’ one is really sweet. I’m a big animal guy. We love our cats, so that was a lot of fun.”
Crowds lined up to enter “Scarecrow,” a haunted house at Halloween Horror Nights featuing music by Slash.
(Gabriella Angotti-Jones / For The Times)
And before Slash can finish his next thought, he starts gushing about a recent trip to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, where he visited Ferrari World, home to a number of celebrated roller coasters.
Disneyland and Disney World will deny entry to visitors who don’t follow these simple rules, but don’t worry, a TikToker has listed them for you ahead of your visit.
Follow these simple rules or you could be denied entry at Disneyland and Disney World parks
The magic of Disney World and Disneyland is what many dream of experiencing. Known for its beloved characters and xx rides, it’s the place where dreams can come true.
Despite being a space where all visitors are welcomed to be themselves, there are a few rules to follow. If you break any of these rules, you could see yourself walking out towards the exit.
Sophie, a travel influencer with nearly 300,000 TikTok followers, warned those planning a visit to Disneyland Paris that not following the rules could result in you being “shown the exit.”.
“We all know that planning your Disney outfit is an essential part of your trip,” she explained. “They want children to believe in real Disney-trained characters… Not Susan, who’s wearing a full Elsa costume, chain-smoking outside Hyperspace Mountain.”
Got a Mickey Mouse costume? You might want to avoid wearing it(Image: Disney)
The joy about visiting Disney World and Disneyland isn’t only seeing your favourite characters, but also dressing up as them. However, it seems that this is no longer allowed – unless you’re 12 or under.
Disneyland Paris states that they have “the right, at our own discretion and at any given time, to refuse a visitor to wear any type of costume.”
Secondly, Sophie said that “any clothing that drags on the ground” isn’t allowed in the park. It includes “anything with excessive fabric, like capes or long trains”. She then further explained that the reason was a safety risk on rides and impractical for walking in a crowded space.
“You have to wear proper clothing at all times – so no, you can’t walk around in a bikini top even when it’s hot. And shoes are required at all times, so please, keep your dogs under wraps.”
Looking out for the safety and positive experience of their guests, the park has also outlined that clothing is not allowed to “offend, shock or scare children and a family-oriented public.”
Last but not least, the park prohibits the entry of taboo tattoos. The official park rules from the Walt Disney World Official Rules say: “Visible tattoos that could be considered inappropriate, such as those containing objectionable language or designs, are not permitted.”
By following these five simple rules, all guests will have an unforgettable best time. But don’t worry, nothing can stop you from wearing the Mickey Mouse or Mini Mouse iconic ears.
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It might be a two hour flight away, and a five and a half hour drive, but a growing number of Brits believe Efteling is well worth the journey.
One of the rides at Efteling(Image: Sam Dimmer)
Most Brits have a love-hate relationship with theme parks, often finding themselves grumbling about the long queues, exorbitant prices, and less-than-stellar food. We’ve all been there, shelling out a small fortune for a day of standing in line, only to enjoy a few fleeting moments of rollercoaster excitement, while simultaneously trying to keep pesky wasps away from our overpriced fast food.
But fear not, there’s an alternative. If you’re up for a bit of a journey, you can find yourself at Efteling, located near Tilburg in the Netherlands, in just three and a half hours from Calais.
You might be thinking, is it really worth the extra effort and cost?
Well, an increasing number of Brits certainly think so – including Nottinghamshire Live executive editor Sam Dimmer.
Sam recently embarked on a trip to the park to see if it lived up to its growing reputation, reports the Express.
He shared: “My family and I spent three nights at Efteling, travelling from the East Midlands. Our hotel room included park passes for four days. It cost £1,200 in total, but considering park tickets cost around £180 a day for a family of four, I think that represents good value.”
Sam had previously visited the park but only stayed one night, which he felt wasn’t enough. Plus, the park had recently unveiled a new ride he was eager to try.
He added: “We felt that three nights was just about enough this time around, but still very nearly missed an entire section of the park because it wasn’t where all of the main rides were.”
Initially, Sam planned to keep track of how many rides we went on, but that idea was quickly abandoned.
the outside of Efteling(Image: Sam Dimmer)
He said: “The theme park is open from 10am until 10pm and the queues rarely go above 30 minutes, so you’re going to be quite busy, particularly late in the evening.
“Also the virtual queuing on two rides, and the app advising you how long queues are, mean you can plan your day to spend as little time as possible queueing.
“When you’ve got younger kids, or kids with additional needs, that’s a lifesaver.”
Efteling is a family-friendly theme park and last year Sam’s eight year old was able to go on all the rides, including the Baron, a vertical drop coaster similar to Oblivion at Alton Towers but with superior theming.
This means that around 7pm, many visitors start heading for the exit and the queues for the bigger thrill rides and the darker new ride, Danse Macabre, only take 10 to 15 minutes.
Those rides? They’re absolutely brilliant.
Sam said: “Yes, it’s a family park, with brilliant playgrounds, a fantasy forest, incredible theming and based around fantastic stories. But my oh my, the rides are good. The aforementioned Baron, wooden race coasters Joris and the Dragon and water coaster the Flying Dutchman are tremendous fun, but the best ride is the newest – Danse Macabre.”
A sculpture at Efteling(Image: Sam Dimmer)
Danse Macabre was Sam’s favourite – in fact, he and his family rode it seven times. He said: “Yes, it broke down on the last day and the queues were long, but this is a special ride. Guests sit in rows of church pews, before the whole room goes dark. Then you’re spun around the room, like you’re dancing, watching an orchestra of ghosts and ghouls perform.We went on it seven times and each time we saw something new. Every time people applauded when the ride ended. It’s that good. It’s beautifully put together, exceptionally clever, and so fun.”
The food is delicious
Typically during Sam’s theme park adventures he packs his own lunch to dodge the pricey and often disappointing food – but at Efteling there were no complaints about the cuisine.
He said: “The park is famous for many things, and the food is definitely one of them. The chimney cakes, pastry cones filled with an assortment of fruit, cream, chocolate, candy floss etc etc are a delight, although I wouldn’t recommend eating one before hitting a big ride, and you can also sample Dutch treats like poffertjes (little pancakes) and kibbeling (deep fried spiced fish with a delicious dip).
“If anything the food is better than last year. Pinnokio’s pizza and pasta restaurant was a hit with my family, as was the meal at Het Eethuys, a hotel on site.
“My favourite though was Polles Keuken, a pancake restaurant that served huge sweet or savoury pancakes against a brilliant backdrop.”
Nevertheless, it’s crucial to reserve these restaurants beforehand as they can become extremely packed.
Allow yourself plenty of time to wander Efteling isn’t a massive park but you’ll definitely miss something if you’re not paying attention.
Sam said: “We only spotted the huge playground because I saw a post on the incredibly helpful Efteling Fans UK Group and decided to go on the monorail at 9.30pm.
“We also spotted the Efteling museum and a great self-serve restaurant in the area that we returned to the next day. This was on day three of four in the park, and we weren’t planning on doing as much on our final day, but decided to stick around because we kept spotting new things to do.”
For visitors who fancy a gentler experience or youngsters not quite prepared for breakneck thrills, the Fairytale Forest provides a charming escape.
This magical zone boasts a collection of breathtaking exhibits, some motionless and others moving, presenting guests with an array of peculiar personalities, including Long Neck, a chap with an remarkably stretched neck.
Efteling is enchanting
Sam was thoroughly taken with the attraction, explaining: “The thing about Efteling is it doesn’t feel like a place designed to suck money out of you. It feels like they genuinely care about you having a great time. The staff, for example, are unbelievable. I clumsily asked one in Dutch if he spoke English and he looked at me and told me he spoke five languages and was learning a sixth.
“It’s clean, the music is wonderful and it smells so good they actually sell Efteling scents in the gift shop. My wife’s salon now smells very much like Efteling. I love Alton Towers, but I don’t think I’d particularly want to bottle the smell of a day out in Staffordshire.”
A gorgeous fairy tale sculpture at Efteling(Image: undefined)
Anton Pieck, an artist and illustrator, was one of the founders of Efteling and his work continues to inspire the park today. His influence is still felt, making visitors feel as though they are truly walking through a fairytale.
It’s worth considering an overnight stay.
Not many theme parks necessitate an overnight stay, as usually a day is sufficient. Alton Towers in the UK might be an exception, but at Efteling, three nights didn’t seem excessive.
Sam’s hotel was a picturesque ten-minute stroll from the park entrance, passing lakes, playgrounds and a fairytale castle. He said the rooms were “ideal”, offering ample space for a family of four, with comfortable beds, a large bath and a powerful shower.
There’s even a swimming pool, perfect for younger kids.
Be prepared for a good deal of walking
This won’t come as a surprise to seasoned theme-park visitors, but you will certainly clock up the steps.
Sam said: “There’s a beautiful little steam train that takes you around the park, but we didn’t use it as the park itself isn’t huge.
“It’s a decision I regretted at the end of day four as we prepared to drive to Calais, although a decent pair of trainers helped me just about get through. We were averaging between 25,000-30,000 steps a day, which is a good old shift, but we were going from 10am to 10pm.
“We’re a family who enjoys being active, but for those who find walking challenging, this might not be as enjoyable. However, there are measures you can take to make it easier, and we do enjoy a good walk.”
These two picturesque villages in France could be straight out of a Disney animation. But, despite their distinct charm and proximity to a popular tourist spot, they remain relatively under the radar.
Both historical and charming destinations are in close proximity to the beautiful town of Colmar(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Two picture-perfect cities rumoured to be inspiration for Disney settings have been revealed – but they won’t stay under-the-radar for long. If you’re keen to avoid overcrowded tourist hotspots, a trip to one of these picturesque destinations should be the next stop on your travel itinerary.
French River cruise operator European Waterways has revealed two lesser-known destinations that supposedly inspired Disney animation. Located 20 minutes from the tourist hotspot Colmar, both Eguisheim and Riquewihr are worth exploring.
Located in the wine-making region of Alsace, both destinations are members of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France – or The Most Beautiful Villages in France. Formed in 1982, Les Plus Beaux Villages de France is an independent body that promotes must-visit rural locations. As of 2024, it numbers 176 member villages. This comes after a warning to Brit tourists planning all-inclusive holidays to Spain.
Eguisheim has previously been named ‘France’s Favourite Village(Image: Getty Images)
Maryanne Sparkes, French Rivercruise expert at European Waterways, explains their distinct charm. “Eguisheim’s secret lies in its unique layout — concentric circles of narrow lanes surround a central château, each lined with meticulously preserved half-timbered houses.
“This design, dating back to the 13th century, is rare in Europe and creates a magical village atmosphere, amplified by vibrant window boxes bursting with blooms in spring and summer,” she explains.
The village also institutes regulations to ensure the preservation of its distinct layout. According to Maryanne: “Local laws strictly protect the village’s architectural heritage, meaning no building facade can be changed without official permission.
“This careful preservation maintains Eguisheim’s medieval character, which helped it win the title of “France’s favourite village” in 2013.” Similar to Eguisheim, Riquewihr is “frozen in time” to preserve its atmosphere and architecture.
Maryanne explains: “A slightly different, but equally beautiful Riquewihr is a medieval fortress frozen in time by local experts. Only five kilometres from Eguisheim, Riquewihr charms visitors with its intact defensive walls, cobbled alleys, and medieval watchtowers.”
Homes in Riquewihr are notable for their highly stylised wooden facades(Image: Getty Images)
She says that Riquewihr’s houses — some dating as far back as the 16th century — are notable for their traditional painted wooden facades decorated with geometric patterns and floral motifs. Walking through its narrow streets feels like “entering a living museum” and is particularly magical during Christmas time when fairy lights adorn the walls.
Maryanne says that despite Riquewihr and Eguisheim’s proximity to the popular destination of Colmar, both towns remain “delightfully undervisited”.
“They provide the perfect alternative for travellers wanting fairytale charm without the crowds, plus easy access to world-class Alsace wines and local gastronomy,” she says.
Colmar has achieved notoriety on social media for its pastel-hued traditional homes and picture-perfect canals. With its relatively small population of 67,000, Colmar maintains a “country town” vibe, drawing visitors into its quaint atmosphere amplified by centuries of dedicated preservation.
Disney fans might even mistake Colmar for Belle’s hometown from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. The area’s distinctive architecture, including timber-clad homes, supposedly served as the direct inspiration for the movie’s fictional setting in Alsace.
here are 6 blunders that an expert encourages visitors to avoid when going to Disneyland.
6 blunders to avoid when visiting a Disney theme park (Image: Walt Disney Resorts via Getty Images)
A travel agent who specialises in Disneyland has shared the ultimate no-nos for Brits jetting off to meet Mickey at the happiest place on Earth.
A Disney getaway represents a significant financial commitment, and for many families, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Therefore the important thing to do is pre-prepare so that all of the wonderful opportunities available are not missed.
Hannah Westphal from byHannah Vacations is a travel agent to specialises in Disneyland and Disney World. She says on her website: “The Most Magical Place on Earth will be the most stressful vacation planning you’ve ever done.”
So to that end, here are 6 blunders that the expert encourages visitors to avoid . . .
1. Dressing inappropriately
Hannah warns against impractical clothing choices, stating: “It’s easy to forget, but comfortable shoes are essential for a fantastic Disneyland trip. High heels, flip-flops, and brand-new shoes might not be the best choice after a day of exploring rides and soaking up the magic.”
2. Lingering too long over meals
Additionally, don’t spend ages dining when you could be enjoying attractions. Whilst Disney offers an incredible array of dining options, Hannah advises striking a balance between eating and entertainment
She explained: “If you’re tight for time exploring the parks, a long, leisurely meal might not be the best way to spend your day.
“It’s a shame to see visitors feeling deflated after a lovely meal, only to find they’ve squeezed themselves out of time for their top ride.”
The specialist recommends that guests should either set aside sufficient time for dining or choose swift bite-sized options to maximise their park experience. For those curious about food budgeting, Disneyland has published comprehensive details of all its dining establishments online, including pricing brackets and full menus.
Disneyland and Disneyworld are vast theme parks, so one expert has outlined 6 blunders to avoid (Image: Dave G. Houser via Getty Images)
3. Failing to utilise the Disneyland app
To elevate your enchanting adventure, visitors can download the Disneyland app, which the specialist describes as a “fantastic tool” for your trip. Yet countless guests fail to harness its full potential.
“The app provides everything you need to know, from current ride wait times to character meet-and-greets and show schedules,” Hannah explained.
Visitors can also browse their PhotoPass snaps and attraction photos, store their park tickets conveniently on the app, and pre-order meals to avoid lengthy queues.
The specialist recommends downloading the app and establishing your profile well in advance. This approach allows you to familiarise yourself with its capabilities before arrival, preserving valuable park hours for what truly matters – soaking up the enchantment.
4. Standing in line for treats
Few things prove more frustrating than developing an appetite whilst trapped in an endless queue for refreshments at Disneyland (or whilst awaiting an attraction). Thankfully for visitors, there’s a clever strategy to sidestep those interminable waits – pre-ordering your snacks.
Disneyland has come a long way from the days of our childhood, now offering a host of conveniences to its visitors. One such convenience is the ability to pre-order food and drinks via the Disneyland app, allowing guests to bypass queues and spend more time enjoying the attractions.
Hannah explained: “Simply place your order and pay through the app. Once you get a notification that your food’s ready to collect, you can swing by and grab it.”
5. Watching fireworks inside the park
When it comes to the nightly fireworks display, a favourite among park-goers, Hannah cautioned about the typically large crowds that gather to watch.
“While the fireworks are stunning from within the park, you might find yourself feeling a bit overwhelmed by the crowds,” she revealed. “For a more relaxed experience, you might want to consider alternative viewing spots outside the park.
6. Not exploring beyond the rides
Hannah also highlighted that there’s more to Disney parks than just the rides; they’re brimming with amazing performances by talented cast members.
She encourages visitors not to overlook these experiences simply because the thrill rides seem like the main attraction.
Hannah advised: “The way I see it, it wouldn’t be a good idea to miss out on a fantastic show just for the sake of a short ride with a lengthy wait.”.
She recommends guests make the most of the parades, spectacular evening shows, and captivating daily events that only Disney parks can provide.
By now, many Disney fans have had a chance to see the officially released images by the company as well as close-up pictures taken by park guests. There have been quibbles, to say the least, with many a fan showing snapshots of the animatronic side by side with pictures of a much younger Disney. It’s important to note that the figure captures Disney in 1963. Disney died in 1966 at 65.
The show has me thinking a bit on how the animatronic medium can be used best. Disney introduced its audio-animatronics in 1963 with the Enchanted Tiki Room, but elevated the form in 1965 with the “Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln” production. We have no filmed footage of Abraham Lincoln, meaning he exists to us largely in our mind. “Walt Disney — A Magical Life” contains a 15-minute documentary-like film, “One Man’s Dream,” which is narrated by Disney and Walt Disney Co. Chief Executive Bob Iger, allowing us an instant comparison.
From my vantage point — again, about three-fourths of the way into the theater — the animatronic was a more-than-respectable approximation of Disney. It’s not perfect, perhaps — the face is a little bulky, the cheeks just a bit off — but that’s because I still think the medium is best suited for more fantastical characters and creations, shows and figures that let us use our imagination rather than aim to capture life. Audio, however, is taken direct from Disney’s speeches, with an emphasis on creative inspiration, and while it has been cleaned up, there’s no mistaking that it’s Disney’s voice.
Ultimately, Walt Disney Imagineering, the creative team responsible for theme park creations, deserves to be commended for this risk, as it has me eager to see how audio-animatronics will continue to evolve and elevate our immersive experiences. At its core, this is a robot, and no robot will directly capture human life, at least not yet, but this is as close as Walt Disney Co. has come.
The Walt Disney animatronic figure has been in the works for about seven years, according to Walt Disney Imagineering.
(Richard Harbaugh / Disneyland Resort / Image Group LA)
It’s all about a California (and high-growth) state of mind.
A park photographer, Kristin Wagner, photographs visitors as they enter Disney’s California Adventure, just below a recreation of the Golden Gate Bridge.
(Don Kelsen/Los Angeles Times)
In a period of grand expansion, Disneyland would start to become a proper resort — a metamorphosis that, while it didn’t work immediately, would be course-corrected and set up Disneyland for a new generation of growth. This era added Disney California Adventure, turning the destination into one that the Walt Disney Co. hoped would command multiday stays.
What was new
A former parking lot across from Disneyland was remade into Disney California Adventure, which would open in February 2001. The long in-development project was designed to honor California culture, but was pitched initially as a West Coast answer to Walt Disney World’s Epcot. The Times was kind in its opening coverage, praising the park’s change of pace from Disneyland and admiring how its architecture blurred fiction and reality.
The hang-gliding simulation Soarin’ Over California was an instant hit, and “Eureka! A California Parade” was Disney theatricality at its weirdest, with floats that depicted Old Town San Diego, Watts and more. But California Adventure’s prevalence of amusement park-like rides failed to command the crowds of its next door neighbor. Disney’s own documentary “The Imagineering Story” took a tough-love approach to the park’s early days, comparing some of its initial designs to those of a local mall. In time, however — with multiple makeovers and additions — California Adventure would become a beloved, world-class theme park, though it would stray from its initial California-centric conceit.
During this era, Disneyland also added the Grand Californian Hotel and its Downtown Disney District. A luxurious take on California’s Arts and Crafts movement, the Grand Californian remains the resort’s signature hotel and home to its finest dining establishment, Napa Rose, under renovations at the time of writing. Disney would also add a second haunted attraction with the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror in 2004. Over at Disneyland, Tomorrowland in 1998 would receive a transformation, one it has yet to fully recover from. The beloved People Mover would be no more, a Jules Verne-inspired art style would come and gradually go, and Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters would arrive in 2005.
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh would in 2003 evict the Country Bears from their music hall.
Did you know?
This era is home to two of Disneyland’s shortest-lived major attractions. Superstar Limo at California Adventure was conceived as a ride in which paparazzi would chase celebs, a concept deemed in poor taste in the wake of the death of Princess Diana. It was refashioned as a sort of tour of Hollywood with heavily caricatured figurines of the likes of Whoopi Goldberg, Regis Philbin, Drew Carey, Cher and more, but would close within a year. At Disneyland, People Mover‘s replacement Rocket Rods could never consistently operate, and the ride would last just about two years. The tracks remain.
Social News Assistant Editor Samantha Bartlett took her toddler to Disneyland, Paris, and didn’t expect that she’d have to fork out so much cash for some bubbles
11:00, 15 Jul 2025Updated 11:12, 15 Jul 2025
Samantha Bartlett is an Assistant Editor of Social News across all Reach Plc titles. She frequently covers viral and lifestyle topics such as driving, money, cleaning, gardening, parenting, shopping and travel. Previously she has written for Daily Star.
I recently took my toddler to Disneyland, Paris(Image: Samantha Bartlett)
Taking your child to Disneyland, Paris, is something most parent dreams of when they have kids. However, if you’re planning to take your little one to Disney anytime soon, then I suggest you start saving up for the trip now.
Of course, we all know the accessories on sale at Disneyland aren’t going to be cheap, but I was left a little startled by just how expensive a few things were when I went there with my toddler last week. Getting prepared, I ordered us some mouse ears online before we went there as I knew my three-year-old would want some and they would be expensive in the theme park. However, when I went to pack, I had completely misplaced his ears – something I knew would be a costly mistake.
Of course, as soon as we started walking up to the park and he saw everyone wearing mouse ears, he had to have some. I offered him mine but then when he saw the other sparkly versions on sale, he decided he wanted to pick his own. These will set you back €25 (£22) each, so they don’t come cheap – especially if you have more than one child.
He was happy with his ears, however once he saw some other kids with the Disney bubbles he just had to have those too. He is madly into Spider-Man at the moment and had his heart set on those bubbles, which were again another €25, plus another €2 (£1.70) for a bubble refill.
My little one had his heart set on the Spider-Man bubbles(Image: Samantha Bartlett)
As he chomped his way through an €8 (£7) popcorn and a €4.50 (£4) ice cream, things were starting to add up.
It was then onto lunch and my little one and his dad had hotdogs, which were €10 (£9) each and then €3.59 (£3) for fries and a €3.49 50cl drink. Meanwhile, I opted for a vegan chilli, which was €8 (£7), but was very tasty.
We also treated ourselves to some chocolate-covered waffles later in the day, which I think were around €5 (£4.30) each.
The only other thing we spent out on were some fast passes for one of the rides. You can pay €90 (£80) to get you on all of the rides quicker, however we didn’t bother with that, considering our toddler couldn’t go on everything and that’s nearly the same price our ticket cost. Instead, you can also buy individual fast track passes for a ride of your choice, which we did for Orbitron, which cost us €5 (£4.30) for both adults.
A Disney ice cream will set you back €4.50 (£4) (Image: Samantha Bartlett)
So all in all, we did spend quite a lot, however, having only one child, it did make things a bit cheaper. I didn’t actually know that Disneyland also allows you to bring in your own food into the park, so if you’re prepared, you might want to pack lunch and snacks if you want to save a bit of cash there.
Those who are planning to take a toddler may want to do what we did and take them just before their third birthday as they get in for free up until they’re three. My little man managed to stay awake the whole time we were there from 10:30am to 6:30pm at night and enjoy himself on the rides, but if he was any younger I do think he would have struggled a bit with the long day and would have had to have a nap.
As well as Disneyland, he also travelled on the Eurostar free, which they can do up until they’re four.
So am I a bit sore about paying £22 for bubbles? Well yes, it wasn’t ideal. But to be fair, they made his day and brought him joy, and as parents, we know that’s priceless!
Hossoland has opened on the North Coast of Poland. Visitors there can explore four fantastical realms within Hossoland: the Dragon Valley of the Mines, the Land of the Vikings, the Kingdom of Baltambrya, and Mermaid City
Hossoland is now open to guests (Image: Hossoland)
Europe’s theme park scene has been transformed with the opening of Hossoland, an awe-inspiring new park that rivals Disneyland Paris.
Hossoland was due to open on May 31, promising a spellbinding experience on Poland’s northern coast. After a four-week delay, the doors have now swung open. The park is centered around a lighthouse, and the fairytale adventure land is inspired by enchanting Baltic folklore and legends.
Visitors can explore four fantastical realms within Hossoland: the Dragon Valley of the Mines, the Land of the Vikings, the Kingdom of Baltambrya, and Mermaid City. Plans for the park were unveiled in 2017, with anticipating growing ahead of its launch since then.
Spanning an impressive 400,000 square metres, Hossoland will boast an array of 50 thrilling rides when it is fully operating. Right now it has 24, including The GhostRider, a stunning steel coaster that towers at 53 metres high, sending riders hurtling at an electrifying speed of 72 mph.
The park opened after a four week delay(Image: Hossoland)
It is the biggest theme park in Northern Poland (Image: Hossoland)
In a chat with Planet Attractions, Hosso Group’s vice president, Karen Hovsepyan, said: “The location not only makes it a standout attraction within Poland but also a key destination for residents of nearby Berlin, promising to boost regional tourism significantly.”
With 20 food and beverage outlets, Hossoland caters to all taste buds. The Hosso Group has ambitious plans for future expansion, envisioning a waterpark and further themed areas post-launch.
Ahead of that expansion, some have criticised the scope of the theme park. While Poland’s biggest theme park, Energylandia, has 18 rollercoasters, Hossoland currently has four. One critic felt that this was too few, and those on offer too gentle.
“But do you plan something more hardcore for adults? Me and my 15-year-old son are waiting impatiently,” they wrote. Some have suggested that the park is a little pricey. Currently, it costs £34 for adult entry and £30 for children.
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On its first day open, a light rain fell on those who visited. Among them was a family of four from Silesia. Marlena, the mum, Szczecin that the park was perfect for families and younger kids. ” The entire park has a seaside feel. There are Vikings, mermaids, water, boats,” she added.
For theme park enthusiasts in the UK keen to explore Hossoland, the closest airport is Szczecin. Direct flights are offered by Ryanair from Liverpool and London, making the park roughly a one-hour drive from the airport or under a three-hour trek from Berlin.
Yet Hossoland is not the sole newcomer aiming to rival Disneyland Paris come 2025. Another upcoming contender is Bommelwerald, an indoor amusement park inspired by the Dutch comic series featuring Tom Poes and Oliver B. Bommel by artist Marten Toonderand.
Set to inaugurate later this year, Bommelwerald promises 18 attractions sprawled over a 9,000 sqm expanse, including a pint-sized flume ride and a tower for climbing. A castle-themed entrance leads into various imaginatively themed zones like the Dark Tree Forest and an area dedicated to inventors.
Located in Rust, southwestern Germany, between Freiburg and Strasbourg, France, Europa Park is the largest theme park in Europe. It is also the second most visited resort in Europe, after Disneyland Paris.
Disneyland Paris has iconic rides, attractions and plenty of fun for the whole family – but there’s one little-known pass that could help you skip the queue
There’s a little-known pass you can use at Disneyland Paris (Image: Disneyland Paris)
Disneyland Paris is on most families’ bucket lists thanks to its iconic rides (Peter Pan or It’s A Small World, anyone?), incredible fireworks shows and of course those all-important character meet and greets.
Like most theme parks, during the peak school holidays there can be busy queues at Mickey Mouse‘s Parisian home. There are ways you can cut down wait times for example by buying fast passes – dubbed Premier Access – but if you’re on a tight budget these aren’t always the way to go.
However, there’s one little-known Disneyland Pass that not only lets you skip the queues for rides and characters, but also gets you easier access to some of the best spots for seeing the fireworks shows and parades. Dubbed the ‘Bambi pass’ by those in the know, it’s completely FREE of charge. Another perk? Those who hold it can bring up to FOUR people along to the front of the queue too.
The only catch? You’ll need to be pregnant if you want to use it. The ‘Pregnant Woman bracelet’ (we prefer the name Bambi Pass) is a band that you can collect at the information desks, and they’ll give you Priority Access to the majority of what the parks have to offer.
You could get quicker access to rides and attractions (Image: Disneyland Paris)
The pass isn’t actually a secret – in fact, if you know where to look you can find all the details on the Disneyland Paris website. However, it’s one that often gets overlooked by expectant mums who just assume they can’t join in on the fun.
Not only can they join in the fun, but they can bring their family with them – four people on rides, and two for shows or parade viewing spots.
Of course it’s worth noting that there are some rides which you won’t be able to go on if you’re pregnant, so if you are thinking of going, it’s worth checking the theme park website to check exactly which rides and attractions you’d want to do, to avoid disappointment. Still, it could prove useful if you’re thinking of taking your toddlers or older kids to Disneyland before their new sibling arrives – and means you can all still enjoy the bulk of the magic together.
A guide to the pass on the Disneyland Paris website explains: “Collect this bracelet on presentation of a medical certificate dated less than 3 months (French or English) at the dedicated counters at the entrance to Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios, at hotel concierge services or at City Hall and Studio Services.
“The Pregnant Woman bracelet allows priority but not immediate access to attractions, shows and meetings with Disney Characters, as well as to the cash desks of our restaurants and shops. Contact our Cast Members.
“You can be accompanied by 4 attendants for the attractions and indoors shows, and 2 attendants for the parades and outdoors shows.
“Please consult the Accessibility Maps for details of how to access our attractions.”
Mirapolis was created to rival Disneyland Paris when it opened in 1987, but within four years, the ambitious project became one of the country’s most infamous failures as it now lies abandoned
Amy Jones Lifestyle & Features Writer and Kris Boratyn
07:00, 21 Jun 2025
The amusement park in France, Mirapolis, was built to rival Disneyland Paris(Image: Sygma via Getty Images)
Once heralded as France’s answer to Disneyland Paris, designed to bring French literature to life, Mirapolis now stands as a ghostly and desolate landmark.
Initially celebrated as “France’s first large amusement park,” the site is now eerily deserted. Strategically located less than an hour from Disneyland Paris, Mirapolis opened its doors in 1987 with high hopes of immersing visitors in the wonders of French literary classics.
However, the lofty dreams were short-lived, as within a mere four years, this bold venture turned into one of France’s most notorious flops.
Created by architect Anne Fourcade, Mirapolis was intended as a cultural foil to Disneyland, marrying historical literature with thrill-seeking. Backed financially by Saudi businessman Ghaith Pharaon, the whopping construction cost was $600 million – a figure that would translate to around £1.3 billion today considering inflation, the Express reports.
Mirapolis was located less than an hour from Disneyland Paris(Image: Sygma via Getty Images)
Even Jacques Chirac, then Prime Minister of France, graced the park’s opening and kicked off the excitement surrounding its 29 attractions. According to AD magazine, the new amusement park had high hopes of welcoming as many as 600,000 tourists a year.
Yet despite the buzz, problems loomed from day one – relentless rainfall marred its debut season, leading to frequent closures of its open-air rides.
Mirapolis did find a silver lining in its theatre, which hosted a popular children’s musical with grand puppetry, but insufficient foot traffic persisted. Seemingly lacklustre market research and overzealous financial predictions meant that the park was destined for closure, sealing its fate in 1991 without ever turning a profit.
It is said to have been sensationally labelled one of the biggest financial failures in France.
It was only open for four years (Image: Sygma via Getty Images)
By 1993, the demolition process had started, with most of its structures being removed or sold off. The park’s iconic centrepiece, a towering statue of Gargantua from French folklore, stood firm against dismantling until 1995, when its head was finally destroyed with dynamite.
Nowadays, all that’s left of Mirapolis is some entrance fences, pathways leading to former attractions and a park featuring a small lake. Over time, various plans to breathe new life into the site have been proposed and then abandoned.
Many residents of France still remember the amusement park today, with various comments emerging on X, formerly Twitter, over the years. One former visitor wrote: “This is the France we love”, while a second added: “With Gargantua as the figurehead. I went there once with my school. It was pretty awesome. And the ruins remained for years.”
Some visitors noted the characters that are said to have ‘scared children’(Image: Sygma via Getty Images)
A third noted: “I remember this park offering wins on TV shows like The Price Is Right and others. It was a dream come true…” Another penned: “Apparently the characters scared children and that’s understandable.”
In response, someone added: “It was awesome, I went mainly for the ‘gravitron.’ I don’t remember being scared of the characters, but they probably terrified others.”
A family of five were on a trip to Disneyland and forked out almost £700 on breakfast one day, as the dad said he almost ‘spat his coffee’ out when he got the bill
A family of five forked out almost £700 on their breakfast at Disneyland (Image: Getty Images)
A dad has been left outraged after footing an £695 breakfast bill at Disneyland.
In a bid to make their trip extra special, the family of five booked the ‘Princess Breakfast’ at Disneyland California.
The father made the classic error of not checking the menu before the meal got booked, and was left completely taken aback by the amount he had to pay, including a tip of over £100.
Taking to X, formerly Twitter, to air his frustrations, the dad shared a photo of his receipt from the pricey breakfast, with a tip of $150 (£111) for a total of $937.65 (£695). He added the caption: “‘Princess Breakfast’ at Disneyland with my kids. Almost spit out my coffee.”
He added in the comment section: “I think if someone went to Disneyland and insisted on doing All The Things they could easily spend $3,000 per day. If I find that goddamn mouse I am going to mug him.”
The father, who goes by John Rock & Roll Tolkien on X, shared a photo of their breakfast receipt (Image: X/@jrockandrollt)
The post racked up a whopping 16.9M viewers as people were left just as stunned at the extortionate price. One penned: “This is why my daughter continues to believe Disney is closed for COVID.”
A second said: “For that much money you can get an after hours private tour of the Vatican.” A third candily asked: “How many princesses did you eat?! and another penned: “I can see why you didn’t spit out your coffee … it probably cost $45.”
Others applauded him with: “You’re a great dad for doing this…better than I’ll ever be.” Another asked: “I’m going to assume there was no booze included in this?”, and the dad replied: “One Bloody Mary.”
On the Disneyland website, it describes the ‘Princess Breakfast’ as an “unforgettable 3-course breakfast” with “enchanting encounters with some favourite Disney Princesses.” It also states that it starts at $142 (£105).
However, it wasn’t all bad, as further down in the comments section, the dad shared a photo of the breakfast, boasting steak, prawns, and asparagus. He said: “Tbh the breakfast was good. Still – nine hundred f**king American dollars?”
The Princess Breakfast is described as an “unforgettable 3-course breakfast” with “enchanting encounters with some favourite Disney Princesses”(Image: Disneyland)
He also mentioned: “With all the credit card points I’m getting at Disney I would be losing money by NOT going to the Princess Breakfast.”
Others noted that the cost shouldn’t have been a surprise. One user wrote: “Bro they tell you the price when you book, if you’re surprised that’s on you.” To which the father of three replied: “I didn’t book it or look at the menu, I’m a being of pure entropy.”
Another noted: “They are pretty clear at the Grand California about the cost of that per guest and it takes months to get a reservation. How was the experience over all? Did they rush you at all and how was Princess interaction?”
To which he replied: “It was fun, the food was probably 7/10, service was attentive and enthusiastic, princesses were all trained pro actresses and spent a lot of time with the kids. I enjoyed it.”
