Opening Day
What year did EuroDisney officially open?
1992
Who is the founder of The Walt Disney Company?
Walt Disney.
What season was Disney hoping would draw the most visitors?
Spring and summer, before the colder and wetter months.
What was the weather like on opening day?
It was cool and hazy
What protest occurred near EuroDisney before the opening?
A commuter train strike protesting staffing and security issues.
Why was EuroDisney’s opening season critical to its attendance?
Disney anticipated the highest number of visitors during warmer months, expecting it would boost early attendance.
How far is EuroDisney from Paris?
About 20 miles
What nickname did a critic give the project?
"Cultural Chernobyl."
Why were local French visitors especially important to EuroDisney?
They were expected to make up about half of the park’s overall attendance.
What was the park's construction budget?
4.4 Billion dollars
Why were French residents hesitant to visit EuroDisney?
They saw Disney as culturally American, and some felt it clashed with French values.
What were some reasons for lower-than-expected visitor turnout?
Cultural resistance from locals, protests by nearby residents, and the timing of the opening.