Disneyland Hotel is now reopened at Disneyland Paris and as always, Disney Imagineers worked with Walt Disney Animation Studios artists to ensure no detail was left unturned! From a “Frozen 2” deleted scene to callbacks of iconic Disney Legends, we’re unveiling some royal details you don’t want to miss next time you visit!
1. Original Storytelling Brought to Life
Inspired by the libraries of world-famous French castles, you’ll find 15 dioramas in the lobby showcasing scenes from iconic Disney Animation stories. Each of these pays tribute to a technique invented by Walt Disney and his artists back in the ‘30s: the multiplane camera. This special camera gave the artists the illusion of depth to animation by superimposing transparent painted cells, inviting viewers to deep dive into the stories, just like at Disneyland Hotel!
2. Making the Final Cut
Did you know there’s a “Frozen 2” deleted scene in Disneyland Hotel? When you step into the Prologue room of the Royal Banquet, you’re invited to discover the origins of Disney royalty such as Arthur from the Disney Animation film “The Word in the Stone” or Rapunzel from “Tangled.” When tasked with depicting the first chapter of the “Frozen” story, Imagineers were inspired by a deleted scene from “Frozen 2” where young Agnarr and Iduna, Anna and Elsa’s parents, meet for the first time in the Enchanted Forest. This playful moment in the air, thanks to Gale, the spirit of the wind, is now proudly displayed for all to enjoy!
3. Keep an Ear Out at the Pool
All around the hotel, you will find references to fan-favorite royal stories, even those you may not expect! Over at the Crystal Pool & Health Club, be sure to keep an ear out for the music in the space. You might hear cues from Disney Animation films such as “Atlantis: The Lost Empire,” “Raya and the Last Dragon,” “Pocahontas” and “Moana.”
4. The Most Wonderful Story on the Bookshelves
In the Beauty and the Beast Signature Suite, you’re transported directly into Beast’s Castle with its baroque architecture and Enchanted Rose on display. If you take a closer look at the bookshelves, there’s a reference to Disney Legend Howard Ashman on the binding of a book, whom you may know as the lyricist behind the beloved songs of the movie.
5. Elegant Details in the Castle Club
In the Castle Club Lounge, not only will you find a breathtaking view of the iconic destination Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant, but the glass panels in the space are also engraved with famous Disney Castles. No detail was missed here, and the railings are even inspired by Disney Legend Mary Blair’s designs for Cinderella, but with an extra touch of pearl shimmer.
6. Designs Inspired by the Classics
At the Royal Kids Club, where children are welcomed in a magical library, the tops of the tables are embellished with intricately drawn illumination patterns designed originally by Disney Legend Eyvind Earle. He was responsible for the overall art direction of the Disney Animation film “Sleeping Beauty,” and the designs are right from the pages of the book shown at the beginning of the movie.
Be sure to keep an extra eye out for the bookshelves, you might spot a few familiar friends hidden throughout! We found Mrs. Potts, Chip, Abu and Pascal, but there’s so many more to discover.
7. Continuing the Legacy of Disneyland Hotel
At the Castle Club level of the rotunda, be sure to stop and admire the beautiful porcelain figures of Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella. These were once in their respective suites before the royal transformation of the hotel. Faithful to the Disney Animation classics down to the smallest detail, we’re excited they will be around now for years to come!
[…] Designer, Sophie Coudré has been at Walt Disney Imagineering since 2018. In fact, you may recognize some of her work on Disney Hotel New York, The Art of […]