Welcome back to a new edition of the DLP Report! Some big corporate news this week- we have a new President! We also take a look at the latest from the parks. Let’s go!
Christophe Murphy
I would say welcome Christophe, but he’s been with the company since even before opening day! This week, Christophe Murphy snatched the top job at the Resort: he will become Disneyland Paris President starting July 7, 2026.
Christophe held many operations roles in the Parks, Disney Village, Hotels, Entertainment, Merchandise, F&B, and Franchises over the years. After a stint at Walt Disney Attractions Japan, he returned in 2023 as SVP Operations. With this new appointment we move away from the finance background of Natacha, and the experience-first approach of Catherine. Christophe is a pure operational guy, he knows the Resort inside out and how to make things happen – which could be very good.
Now let’s see his vision for the role, for the Resort, and if he will be fighting for us to continue on to the path of strong growth in the next years.
Natacha Rafalski will become the President of Disney Signature Experiences (encompassing Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, real estate developments and more). Natacha has the financial experience and real estate knowledge of Val D’Europe which has been basically printing money for Disney for years, but will she have the operational and creative knowledge to tackle Disney Cruise Line? We thank her for her leadership (especially during the challenging pandemic times), wish her the best of luck for her next chapter, and look forward to see her on board!
That took a turn..
The mysterious sidewalk leveling on the Discoveryland side of Central Plaza was not for nothing.
Since the Sleeping Beauty Castle bridge refurbishment began, Disney Stars on Parade now takes a sharp right turn via the Discoveryland entrance, as the usual path is now blocked out. Since the larger articulated Princess float cannot handle this turn, the carriages are back!
The parade (and other productions using that end of the parade route) will use this modified path likely until September.
Construction and Refurbishments
We start with the Sleeping Beauty Castle bridge which is still just starting its refurbishment until September. Walls are more substantial than expected.
Inside the Sleeping Beauty Castle, a mural has been added to the now permanently installed inflatable plug for the front gate. It’s not bad.
Going into Fantasyland, Les Voyages de Pinocchio has completed its refurbishment – another fantastic one for the land.
Alice’s Curious Labyrinth is also going under, until July 3.
In Town Square, refurbishment of the Gazebo stairs continue – wooden pieces that inevitably get rotten or damaged.
And in Frontierland, Casa de Coco is closed for refurbishment until July 4. It’s been a while since the location has a refurbishment since it got completely overhauled and rethemed-ish. It’s expected to reopen with a whole set of ordering kiosks which I’m sure need a lot more reworking to fit given the space.
Over at Disney Adventure World, the Up Sky Swings are making some decent progress with the show building coming together.
And later in the week, the pre-made domes were installed on the structure. The Attraction is slated for spring 2027.
Heading off to Disney Village, the Casa Giulia brickwork cladding continues to make some progress.
And on the other end of the spectrum, the former McDosnald’s location is basically completely gone. It’ll be replaced by a landscaped hill soon.. for now.
The Perrier – Rolland Garros activation has returned again this year, with free activities between 2-10pm.
And the new Pelé Soccer store has opened behind the Sports Bar. It replaces the old arcade space and I guess makes sense thematically in that area.
The location sells football jerseys, collectibles, and customizable items.
Finally around Lake Disney, walls have been “themed” for the Disney Sequoia Lodge refurbishment. The property is undergoing a transformation in stages with new rooms and new common areas well into 2027. The first rooms are expected to be released early 2027.
