Back again with a new edition of the DLP Report! This week we attended the Insidears holiday event with some news on upcoming projects, watched the Avatar drones and more. Let’s go!
2026 Calling
This weekend was the Insidears holiday event which has become a little bit of a tradition. It’s also the chance for the coms team to update the fan community on what’s coming up. Of course with a huge Disney Adventure World media day a few weeks back, there wasn’t any major breaking news but it was interesting to learn more details about the park’s rebrand rollout.
The talk of the town – the Frozen crew – was here to greet attendees. No Olaf though!
It was also the first on stage event for the new and upcoming Disneyland Paris ambassadors Agathe and Monica. Welcome!
First, we learned more about “Minnie’s Dream Factory” with some new costumes for Donald and Daisy who will join Minnie and Chip and Dale on stage. The show will now be more of a “musical”, read “no more inspirational or original story” and will likely revert back to a musical showcase for the younger audiences. We’ll wait to see the production for any further comments – it’s opening February 6.
Remember the Rivers of the Far West story and theming update ? It’s still happening! Expect an unveiling late summer 2026 and here’s a look at some of the art and models for the additions.
The team also confirmed that the Disney Sequoia Lodge remodel will begin as planned in January 2026 (even though it has already technically begun). The hotel will not close but areas (wings of rooms and public areas) will close in stages.
Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast is set to reopen from refurbishment next week and we got a peek at the work that happened inside including a relighting and repainting of many elements incising the ride vehicles. It feels like all this has been done already not so long ago, but maybe it’s just me.
Another ongoing project is the covered Tower of Terror queue which we are told will extend the story of the attraction. Here’s a look at the covered area.
On to Disney Adventure World – as mentioned most things have been said now but the merchandise team, led by a new fashionista, presented more details, including the news that a book covering the development of Disney Adventure World and a new fun map would be released. They also unveiled a video with horrendous AI voiceover which was widely criticized online.
The Disney Adventure World opening will feature a wide line of opening and pre-opening merchandise.
We also got a look at this lovely map to be released with Rùna, the World Of Frozen interactive toy.
From producer Ben Spalding we got a first listen as “We Could Be Heroes”, the original song for nighttime show “Cascade of Lights” which you can listen to just above. We also had a look at the Moana scene in development which you can find on our socials.
In the park, the Gazebo of .. Gazebo Gardens is receiving theming details – it’s pretty !
To round up the event, Michel den Dulk broke the news that Adventure Way would have its own original score (not based on Disney IP’s!). The composer is Phillipe Rombi, and he’s a former cast member!
Phillipe played Piano at Hotel New York, Disneyland Hotel and for special events many moons ago. He loves Disney music and was happy to join the creative process for Adventure Way.
He treated the audience to extracts of his work for Adventure Way and “Regal View Restaurant and Lounge” which tou can listen to above in this 6 min extract !
To round up the event, Mickey and Minnie stopped by in their Adventure Way outfit. Thank you to the Disneyland Paris and Insidears team for having us!
Avatar
To promote the release of Avatar: Fire and Ash, Disneyland Paris is performing a special drone show above Adventure Bay, showcasing iconic shapes from the film with incredible precision. Part of the show is likely also a test for the technical capabilities of Adventure Bay.
The show was mostly only visible from the center of (formerly) Hollywood Blvd, a rather narrow area. Sadly the lights could not be switched off and the sound was staticky but hopefully these issues get sorted this week – the show is performed until Wednesday December 17, weather permitting.
Construction and Refurbishments
Let’s start in World Premiere Plaza where the merchandise kiosks have been receiving their clocks.
Mickey is cute but I’m not sure if Woody really “works”…. ?
Nearby, access has opened up to the new backstage gate. This leads to this oddly closed off area between Parachute Drop and Adventure Way.. and basically nothing else.
In Walt Disney Studios Plaza, decent progress has been made on the ticketing + guest services + baby care complex remodel which has been completely redesigned for increased capacity an efficiency ahead of the Disney Adventure World opening.
Over in Disneyland Park a number of projects have completed, like the Adventureland to Frontierland passageways.
And the walkways and theming behind Marionette on Adventureland side.
At Disney Village, the new security gate for the district is taking shape.
And also taking shape is Casa Giulia (finally) which is being assembled like a Lego set.
This and That..
On Saturday, third party contractor ONET staged another strike action that lasted most of the day. The strike actually started in the middle of the night with some banging under the Disneyland Hotel windows which I’m sure was much appreciated by the guests. ONET and Disneyland Paris are in a multi-year blame game as to who is responsible for the well being of the employees.
And some fun collectible releases this week: the Space Mountain Columbiad cannon model and a new Walt Disney Studios Park jumbo commemorative key.
