Welcome to a new edition ! This week it was all about Star Wars with #MayThe4th Be With You and The Mandalorian and Grogu. We also track the Sleeping Beauty Castle bridge refurbishment and everything else. Let’s take a look!
May The 4th Be With You
As with every year in recent times, May The 4th is the occasion to celebrate Star Wars stories and characters. This year was no exception with a roster of offerings for May 4th, and some lasting until May 24.
The biggest new-ish feature is the BDX Droid show which is now hosted on the Videopolis stage. I say -ish because it’s the same show that was performed a year ago outside by the Railroad entrance, but in stage format, and it now features a visit from The Mandalorian and Grogu because those cinema tickets aren’t gonna sell themselves.
The show works in the sense that it allowed a more comfortable weather proof viewing and adds two characters, but it also fails to energize the crowds as it was designed for Guests to be close and most of all standing – so the dancing and interactive parts don’t really hit the same. Until May 24.
Outside on Starport Darth Vador is once again bullying the staff in a version of The Imperial March. This is version 47 at this point. Cool pyro guns, bros.
Of course Star Wars characters were out and for the first time at a Disney Park guests could actually meet a Death Trooper.
Posters to set the tone.
Let’s talk about food. Hyperion Cafe, the place to eat when it’s a choice between that or starving to death, features a new menu with a Grogu burger and macaroon.
Listen, it was not that bad. You can’t really taste the pesto Gouda but you definitely taste the Thai sauce and also feel it drip down your arm (use the wrapper!) as it’s so liquidy for some reason. The macaroon has a nice passion fruit flavor but with all that bright food dye let’s just say I was reminded of it days later.
This hazelnut mousse cake was also available at Rocket Cafe.
On the merch side, a pack of BDX Droids was released for a whopping €45, that’s over €10 per Droid. Did I fall for it ? Yes, they look so cute on my shelf okay.
Also these toys.
And a free collectible card and (not free) great pin to round things up.
Star Tours Cast Members and event the Disneyland Paris Ambassadors really got into it and that was one of the most fun part of the day!
As always with these one day celebrations, Disneyland Paris knows the recipe and it just works. Is it life changing – not really – is it a fun day of “let’s do something a little different”, absolutely. Well done and see you next year!
Mando & Grogu
Right on the heels of May The 4th, we got to attend the Mandalorian and Grogu preview event in central Paris at the Grand Rex.
I say preview because they stop the movie and kick you out after the first half hour – that’s the concept. Again these cinema tickets won’t sell themselves !
The event was definitely worth it to meet some of the stars and makers of the movie, Jon Favreau, Sigourney Weaver and of course Pedro Pascal!
The Mandalorian and Grogu is out between May 20 and 22 around the world.
Construction and Refurbishments
It has started and right in peak season (but every day is peak season these days). The Sleeping Beauty Castle bridge refurbishment means walls blocking the view of the landmark until late September. Disney Tales of Magic is presented in and adapted format and with more fireworks until then.
Thankfully these white walls were themed very quickly.
They’re pretty well executed and it is what it is, but Guests will inevitably be upset by this.
Remember when they had a Pizza Planet hidden in a tent at the back of Discoveryland – it was actually a very good deal price point wise. Anyways it’s now the location of First Aid location until next year (in new temporary buildings) as the original location is closed with the refurbishment of Plaza Gardens.
In other it is what it is news, Baby Care has now moved to the old AP office until next year so that means the space can’t be used for Disneyland Pass “pop up surprises”.
Also in Disneyland Park, Alice’s Curious Labyrinth is now closed for a pretty extended rerun that includes the Queen of Hearts Castle, until July 3.
More works are still ongoing behind Meet Mickey.
At Disney Adventure World we’re still tracking progress on the Sky Swings, due in 2027.
And the Lion King themed land, due a few years later ..
This and That..
It’s finally released ! Sunflower Magic, music from “A celebration in Arendelle” at World Of Frozen in Disney Adventure World. Find it on your preferred streaming platform.
And a cute Winnie The Pooh 100th Anniversary pop-up experience was featured in central Paris until this weekend in the Forum des Halles Mall.
