Seven years ago, the Walt Disney Studios, DLP's second park, was opening its gates. The park beginning was a bit difficult, but since then five new attractions were added, and more will open in the next years.
Let's remember how the WDS looked seven years ago with these high-res pictures released by DLP's press office at the opening of the park. Please note that DLP marketing office shoot these pictures a few weeks before the opening day. Also, and that's the gift for this WDS 7th birthday, all the pictures are "wallpaper" size!
Let's begin by the Front Lot and the Studio 1
Next is the Animation courtyard, now called Toon Studio. With Crush's Coaster, the Cars attraction and the upcoming Toy Story Playland, there is many more attractions, but at the opening guests could only enjoy the Art of Animation...
The Aladdin's flying carpet ride...
...And the Animagique show.
At Production courtyard, no Tower of Terror or Hollywood Blvd n 2002, but the Tram Tour was there from opening day...
...as well as Cinemagique - one of my favorite WDS attraction...
...and the Disney Channel Zapping Zone. Listed as an "attraction", Zapping Zone was not really one and is now the first WDS extinct attraction. Stitch Live! and soon Playhouse Disney live on stage! are the new shows inside the Disney Channel building.
On the Backlot, guests could find the Armaggedon attraction...
If you've never been at the WDS, don't think that Armageddon look like the computer rendering above, one of the very rare example of a WDI rendering (generally always accurate) which don't look like the real thing.
The Rock and Roller coaster is also located in the Backlot and has a different theming than the DHS version. Personally i prefer the DHS version, but i must admit that the imagineers did a real good job on the light show.
The Motors Action stunt show that DHS guests can enjoy was first created for the WDS. Don't miss the jet ski shot below as this part of the show was cancelled a few weeks after the park's opening.
The WDS have three restaurants, including the art-deco "Rendez-vous des Stars"...
...but in terms of theming, the winner is definitely the Backlot Express, decorated inside like a Props warehouse.
There is absolutely no doubt that the park's management will continue to expand the WDS with new attractions - Toy Story Playland in 2010, probably the Ratatouille dark ride in 2011 or 2012, and new decors. So the future looks bright for the Walt Disney Studios if what will be build is not done in a cheap way. Hopefully they will have learn from their previous mistakes!
All pictures: copyright Disney - Disneyland Resort Paris
