Welcome to a new edition! This week was all about the Fantastic Four.. or at least one of them. We also got some nice updates at Disney Adventure World, and an announcement that outraged pretty much everyone. Let’s take a look!
Fantastic One
With the release of the Fantastic Four this week, Disneyland Paris got to show off Ben Grimm aka The Thing on Wednesday before the US – thanks to the French release schedule.
The Thing meets in selfie spot format (unfortunately but also maybe due to the fragility?) at the Avengers Campus Gateway Portal which has been slightly plussed up for the occasion.
The character is really awesome and we’re so grateful to have him until early September. Of course one might ask where are the other heroes (who are meeting in the US). These decisions come down to budgets from the studio, likely pitching in for these seasonal happenings. Of course the specifics aren’t public but I guess if there was money for just one, this was the right choice.
Guests could also get a free collectible card, while stocks last.
Or enjoy a printed macaroon (groundbreaking..) at Super Diner.
Over at the Skyline Bar, the bartenders are showing off their talent as usual with some fantastic (pun intended) limited time creations inspired by each of the heroes:
- Clobberin’ Time: Amaretto/Coffee based, after The Thing
- Invisible Strength: vodka based, after Sue Storm
- Elastic Elixir: gin based, after M. Fantastic
- Flame On: mocktail, after The Human Torch
There are also some snack items both priced at €15 which cause some outrage and mockery online. The chicken is nice despite being coated with official partner Doritos. The warm cookie isn’t bad but it’s quite sugary and doesn’t really bring much excitement.
To top it up there’s a MagicShot near the Avengers Campus docks.
As often, Disneyland Paris does really well with these limited time offerings, pulling from various departments to create something that, sure, isn’t world changing but add a little extra to a day in the parks.
Make it Bronze
This week Disneyland Paris unveiled the bronze sculptures and benches that are being installed in the “Gazebo Gardens” – guess we’re not calling them the English Gardens anymore in an effort to always choose the most boring name for everything. They include Peter Pan perched on a pilaster, Winnie the Pooh sitting on a bench, and Pongo and Dalmatian puppies around another bench.
Disney Adventure World opens in 2026 and now we’re in that time warp that makes it feel both very soon and forever away.
Construction and Refurbishments
Let’s stay at Disney Adventure World where theming touches continue to pop up everywhere like the popcorn lights on the “Regal View Restaurant and Lounge” building (I was once told that’s not what these are called but I like to call them that so..).
They’re also popping up on service building and eventually will make their way everywhere around Adventure Bay. Can’t wait !
On the ugly side, the new structures for merchandise etc are taking shape in World Premiere Plaza.
Also at Walt Disney Studios Park, a new self service screen has been installed for Photopass so Cast Members can spend time helping Guests with other things.
And every time Parachute Drop is closed, everyone thinks they’re installing the Ice Palace.
Over at Disneyland Park, scaffolding has come down partially at Space Mountain. It all look a little better but the project is far from over.
At the top, another “new design” spire has been installed.
In Fantasyland, Toad Hall has received some ordering kiosks and they’re perfectly themed. Feels like the same team as DPA has been working on these. Well done!
The entrance marquee is finally back at “it’s a small world”!
New generation of bins with solar compact one have popped up on Central Plaza. These also popped up at Epcot. They’re not horrible but it’s gonna take some getting used to. They’re not very “Disney Park”.
We’ve got some new animated popcorn dolls – Panchito in Frontierland – who has been VERY popular online.
And in Town Square: Lady Liberty, echoing of course Liberty Arcade.
Walls are down at Riverboat Landing but the Molly Brown is far from returning, with updates ongoing for the Rivers of the Far West.. and technical difficulties with the ship.
Outside the Parks, we’ve seen some good progress on the new Disney Hotels security gates and what is now knows as the silver railings garden. Why don’t they match the rest of Lake Disney !
And over at Disney Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel, the shop has reopened after some works on the floor, a coat of paint and a few updates.
A Million Splashes of Disappointment
Disney announced that “mid” show “A Million Splashes of Colour” will return in February. When the news broke, it was clear no one asked for this and no one is excited for this, but accounting said so here we are. Hopefully there will be some updates (Music that makes sense? Any kind of coherent story? Finally an answer to WHAT THE CUBES MEAN?).
