DLRP Today

Tomorrow, 5th December 2006, marks 105 years since the birth of Walt Disney and the start of modern history’s most enduring phenomenon. And, with less than four months to go until the 15th anniversary of Disneyland Resort Paris, there seems no better time to start a new series presenting a little excerpt of magic from the resort’s history each week.

The 5th December 2001 marked 100 years since the birth of Walt Disney, and since they’re never one to miss a moment of publicity, Disney launched a year-long celebration called 100 Years of Magic across its theme parks and media. In truth, it was only really Walt Disney World who, as usual, grabbed the celebration and squeezed it for all its worth, adding new parades to each of its four parks amongst other things… like that Sorcerer’s Hat.

Meanwhile, across the pond at Paris, they were busy finishing off Walt Disney Studios Park and shooting its TV commercials. The important anniversary wasn’t completely forgotten, though - on the day itself they assembled one of the biggest gatherings of Disney characters ever to shoot a special commemorative photo, as seen below.

Throughout the day, the park featured more walk-around characters than ever before (or since), along with a treasure hunt for children, special gifts with Annual Passports and an exclusive fireworks display for one night only.