(Once Upon a Date) March 20, 1993: Opening of La Galerie de la Belle au Bois Dormant

When Euro Disneyland opened in 1992, it was so successful that a vast development program was launched to increase the park’s capacity. La Galerie de la Belle au Bois Dormant opened with great fanfare on March 20, 1993 completing the visit of Disneyland Paris’ iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle monument by allowing Guests to access its second floor.

The story of Sleeping Beauty is told through stained glass windows, tapestries and storybooks; the balcony offering a breathtaking view of Fantasyland is exquisite enough to make you feel like King Stefan or Queen Leah for a split second!

The gallery is a true gem of craftsmanship. The nine stained glass windows were designed by Paul Chapman, former stained-glass artisan to the Queen of England. He even participated in restoring the stained-glass windows of Notre-Dame de Paris. At the age of 80, he agreed to return to work on Disney’s project, which so inspired him.

The seven books, hand-painted in the manner of the medieval illuminations, are placed on podiums.

As for the nine tapestries, they were made of wool and silk threads by craftsmen from Aubusson in the Creuse region of France, their know-how acknowledged since the Renaissance era.

In front of so much wealth and beauty, how surprising it is to find the two guards in armor continuing to snore away!