Yesterday, December 23rd, 2009, the three unions representing cast members of Disneyland Paris, cfdt, CFTC and UNSA, called their members for a strike. However, contradicting earlier internal statements that their actions wouldn’t impact the experience and seasonal magic of guests in the two packed parks the unions took the action on-stage. The result? Canceled performances of Disney’s Stars’n'Cars in the Walt Disney Studios Park and the Once Upon a Dream Parade in the Disneyland Park (for a detailed coverage and photos check our two live-posts from the site of the strike, a) for the Studios and b) for Disneyland). Whether the action had the positive impact for the demands of the unions (mostly regarding increases of wages in 2010 versus the “zero wage increase” proposal of the management) they had hoped for needs to be awaited. But there is some good news today as well… (more…)
Archive for December, 2009
Strike Finished
Thursday, December 24th, 2009Strike Hit Once Upon a Dream Parade!
Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009
As reported earlier the three unions cfdt, CFTC and UNSA have called their members to a strike for today, December 23, 2009 as of 7:00 am over a dispute regarding (mostly) wage increases for 2010 (for details on the reason for the strike and the union demands please check out our earlier coverage). After managing to force a cancelation of “Disney Stars’n'Cars” in the Walt Disney Studios park the striking members dispersed for most of the afternoon but have now resurfaced in the Disneyland Park in time for the Once Upon a Dream Parade. (more…)
Strike at Disneyland Paris impacts guests
Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009
The unions cfdt, CFTC and UNSA had called for a strike of its members for today as of 7.00 am to protest the lack of social dialogue between the workforce / unions and the management of the resort. In particular the proposed “Zero Euro” wage increase for / in 2010 is targeted by the unions, who demand a pay rise for all cast members as of Januar 1, 2010, an improvement of the work conditons, increased wages for work on Sundays as well as a doubling of the premium for night shifts. Details about the call to strike and the demands are available from the official website of the union cfdt at Disneyland Paris.
When the parks opened guests would not have noticed that any strike was ongoing. However, that changed at 2.00 pm sharp in the Walt Disney Studios Park when the unions sprang into action… (more…)
The Earl to grace Disneyland Paris
Monday, December 21st, 2009
According to the latest word of mouth Earl of Sandwich is to grace Disneyland Paris with his presence – ups, sorry, that has to read: it’s presence, after all we are talking about the Earl of Sandwich restaurant chain. The Earl of Sandwich is a franchise based counter service restaurant chain in the USA offering soups, warm sandwiches, snacks as well as breakfast as a competitor amongst others to the Subway chain. Disney fans may know Earl of Sandwich from its location in Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World, Florida.
The chain’s arrival to the Disney Village had been predicted repeatedly in the past, but only now there seem to be some serious indicators that the project will actually move forward. Postinio posted on the Mousekingdom Forum concept drawings and a blue print for a new building to house the restaurant. (more…)
Real Snow enhances the Magic
Friday, December 18th, 2009
After heavy snow falls yesterday (and apparently earlier today) guests at Disneyland Paris currently can enjoy the special magic of a snow covered resort adding that unique special extra to the seasonal decorations – in particular in the Disneyland Park – and making the mulled wine at the Christmas Market in the Disney Village as well as the roaring fire in the huge fire place at the bar of Disney’s Sequoia Lodge even more inviting.
To check the current weather in the resort – and currently get a first glimpse of the snow cover – head over to the official website of Panormagique, which includes a live webcam aimed at the ground station of the tethered balloon at the shores of Lake Disney, next to the Disney Village.
As the current cold snap is expected to last a bit longer, guests arriving in the next days should be able to enjoy the white magic at Disneyland Paris as well. That is, once they arrive at the resort. Unfortunately with the cold and the snow came also the to be expected traffic problems. In addition to traffic jams on the roads in and around Paris, both major airports of Paris 8Orly and Charles de Gaulle) are seeing delays as well as flight cancellations since yesterday (the latest information is available from their official website, which also feature the “Snow Alert“). In addition the TGV is facing delays as well as the maximum speed has been reduced on many sections of the tracks due to snow and ice.
Image: defcon
More Christmas Magic at the Disney Village
Thursday, December 17th, 2009
Tomorrow, December 18, the Christmas Season at the Disney Village moves to the next stage – adding on to the Christmas Market open already for a week, the christmas decorations and the christmas merchandise in the stores.
Santa Claus himself with his entourage of “funny reindeer”and snowmen will “hold court” (i.e. be available for photos) on the Central Podium / Stage in the Disney Village daily till January 3rd as of 6:30 pm after his entourage have set the atmosphere by interacting with guests on the street and the stage already as of 6 pm. In the same location the quartet “Rody Mendez & Trinity Brothers” will entertain guests with christmas carols – tomorrow as of 6.45 pm, on December 19, 25, 26 and 27 as well as January 1st and 2nd as of 7.15 pm. The days which the quartet is off the stage is taken over by the “Angels of Christmas” duo who will also perform traditional christmas carols (from December 20th till 24th, from December 28th till 30th and on January 3rd) as of 7.15 pm.
Out with Old, In with the New
Tuesday, December 15th, 2009New Year’s is still a far thought for most alas the Walt Disney Studios Park has already replaced some of its older decorations with new material in a move to refresh the look for return guests and avoid a dated impression due to the various posters for long gone movies. Which ones? This time we are talking about selected large oversized movie posters on the two long sides of Studio 1 as well as selected posters on the lighting and sound poles lining the parade route on Production Courtyard and in the Backlot. (more…)
Celebrating Christmas Day at Disney Village
Monday, December 14th, 2009The Christmas Season is maybe the most magical time to visit Disneyland Paris, with whimsical decorations in both theme parks as well as the hotels and special entertainment throughout the resort, in particular certainly the Disneyland Park. Certainly the resort is offering the guests of the Disney Hotels on December 24th options for a festive dinner to celebrate in style. Now the Disney Village has announced its offers for this occassion as well – one of which can be enjoyed by every guest for free. (more…)
Christmas Market at the Disney Village
Thursday, December 10th, 2009Starting tomorrow, December 11, the Disney Village joins the Christmas Season already in full swing in the Disney Hotels and the two theme parks. In the night from Sunday to Monday the little wooden huts of the now already traditional christmas market were set up, which will officialy open tomorrow at noon and then operate continuously till January 3rd (noon till 11.00 pm daily) presenting a selection of seasonal merchandise and products from various sellers as well as a wide choice of food offerings. It is worth noting that the market, conveniently located to draw guests in when exiting either of the two theme parks, will continue to be open after the actual Christmas Day in line with the Christmas Season of the resort to extend the magic a bit further.
Less and less “EURO” at Disneyland Paris
Wednesday, December 9th, 2009As also noted by Andrea during a visit to the resort earlier this week the resort continues its drive to get rid of the last few remaining references to the resorts and the parks original names “EuroDisneyland” and “EuroDisney Resort”. Afteralready repainting the carriages of the (Euro)Disneyland Railroad it seems the teams are now looking closer at the train stations themselves. Certainly structures as the Main Street Station contain so mainy references to the “Euro” element, all the way down to elemets actually built into the structure, that a full exchange can not be expected anytime soon. But the Frontierland Depot just got “cleared” off one of the more obvious references. (more…)
