Disneyland Paris has unveiled its brand-new night-time show, Disney Tales of Magic, offering a different approach to previous productions such as Disney Dreams! or Illuminations. Although visually captivating, the show has elicited mixed reactions from spectators. We’ve gathered the opinions of Team ED92 to bring you a compilation.
Renewed visual and sensory immersion
Disney Tales of Magic at Disneyland Paris is a visually enchanting show that combines innovation and technical prowess. Exceptional mapping, combined with water and light effects, delivers superior quality. The integration of Main Street U.S.A., with its immersive lighting and smoke effects, adds a new dimension to the show, creating a soft, magical atmosphere wherever visitors are. Although the show makes little use of pyrotechnics, it more than makes up for it with water effects and projections on the castle and Main Street, offering a novel alternative for those unable to stand in front of the castle, while guaranteeing total immersion.
A different experience depending on location
Where you stand to admire the show has a major influence on how you perceive it. From Main Street, the projections and mapping create a unique, immersive atmosphere. Central Plaza, on the other hand, is the ideal location for enjoying the water features and castle projections. From the privileged location at 24 euros, be aware that you won’t be able to enjoy the projections on Main Street.
Beware of families with children, who tend to wait until the last minute to take their place because of the cold. Placement becomes crucial. The castle’s low projections can be obscured by spectators, especially those with children on their shoulders, limiting visibility for the little ones.
We recommend positioning yourself on Main Street to allow children to fully enjoy the projections on the facades. Because of their size, the projections on the bottom of the castle at arch level are invisible to them, making the rest of the mapping less captivating. By standing on Main Street, children can fully enjoy the projections during these moments. The facades are an extension of what’s happening on the castle.
A tribute to Disney classics
DTM’s choice of music is universally acclaimed, with Disney classics such as Il vit en toi from The Lion King and Ne parlons pas de Bruno from Encanto, captivating in their emotional power and staging. Each act of the show explores profound themes, such as grief and remembrance, with a sensitivity that touches all ages. The lack of coherence in the sequence of scenes is regrettable.
Certain criticisms emerge, however, concerning the narrative arc and the role of the narrator, judged to be too intrusive or, on the contrary, to bring a magical dimension. The show creates a unique atmosphere with its original music and striking scenes, but certain passages, such as those from Toy Story or Encanto, are perceived as a little long.
The place of drones
Historically, drones have been a signature technology at Disneyland Paris, as evidenced by such iconic shows as Main Street Electric Sky Parade, Disney <3 Notre-Dame, Avenger Power the Night and the July 14th celebrations. However, in Disney Tales of Magic, their use lacks impact. With the exception of Zurg’s impressive formation, the drones seem under-exploited, leaving some viewers wanting more. This artistic choice contrasts with past productions, where the combination of drones, pyrotechnics and smoke created spectacular and memorable tableaux.
Drones were often used in pre-shows, but their performance depended on weather conditions and was frequently cancelled. In this context, the decision not to make them a central element of the show seems a wise one. Even if it’s true that we love to see them on stage. This avoids basing too many expectations on their presence, thus reducing the risk of disappointment should their appearance be cancelled.
A divisive finale
The show was praised for its gentle, magical atmosphere. However, some of the audience regretted the absence of a “wow” effect at the end. True to the tone of the show, the finale remains in the continuity of the show’s softness. It lacks the dynamism to drive the point home one last time.
A new chapter for Disneyland Paris
Disney Tales of Magic ushers in a new era for the park’s nighttime shows. The show prioritizes emotion and immersion over pyrotechnics and dynamic spectacle. Its artistic choices are somewhat divisive, but it leaves no one indifferent. Disney fans will certainly need several viewings in different places. This will enable them to fully appreciate the subtleties of this show, which, despite its minor flaws, redefines night-time enchantment in the history of DLP.
