WE CAME HE THOR ...THEY CONQUERED
STACEY DUTTON and son are won over by a slew of super heroes at Disneyland Paris’s new attraction
MARVEL’S finest descended from a helicopter in true super hero style from the skies above Disneyland Paris. For my five-year-old son, Tyler, the big screen had come to life in spectacular fashion as Iron Man, Thor and the rest of the cast dropped into the park.
He looked on in astonishment, the memory of meeting his Marvel heroes imprinted on his mind forever.
Marvel’s Summer of Super Heroes, Disney’s latest big-budget attraction, was off to an incredible start – and for the children it was just the beginning.
Created to commemorate Disneyland Paris’ 25th Anniversary celebrations, Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Black Widow, Star-Lord, Gamora and Spider-Man will all be at Walt Disney Studios Park for the next few months as part of a season of unique events, with shows and interactive experiences of epic proportions.
Families will be able to book various packages over the summer to visit the new attractions the park has to offer and we were lucky enough to give them a test drive.
We got to see firsthand the worlds of our favourite films and comics, enjoy plenty of special effects and take a look at the exclusive toys and merchandise that are sure to be a hit with kids who visit the park.
Among the new additions, the Marvel: Super Heroes United show brings together Iron Man and co for a live performance at the park’s Studio Theatre. Just walking through its entrance hall is impressive; laser-lit with comic book images spread across the ceilings, it set the scene perfectly.
Played out on a huge 400m² stage with one of the biggest LED screens in Europe, plus incredible special effects and drones, the show follows the Avengers doing battle with evil villain Thanos.
Not immune to pester power, I bought Tyler some Iron Man Gauntlet Gloves, and he was soon waving his arms ready to show his metal-clad hero what he’s got. The show is just 20 minutes long, but packed with plenty of gasp-inducing moments.
Superhero fans also have the chance to join in a dance-off with the Guardians of the Galaxy in the Production Courtyard. As songs from the 1970s and 80s we know and love from Peter Quill’s playlist blast out, he and the fearsome Gamora spin, shake, step and slide onto the dance floor.
Star-Lord even offered Tyler a hand to go up on stage in front of the crowd and, while he initially went into a starstruck panic, he still loved every minute of being able to bust a few moves with characters he’d only previously seen on his TV screen at home.
Another new event is the Stark Expo in which Tony Stark invites you to witness his latest revolutionary invention – an ‘Arc Reactor’ that generates green energy. However, Thor’s fearsome half-brother Loki will try to use it as an opportunity for a power grab. Thankfully, Black Widow, SpiderMan and the God of Thunder himself are nearby to foil his plans. All this action-packed drama unfolds several times a day at the foot of the Hollywood Tower Hotel.
We stayed in the Disneyland Hotel at the foot of the park gates. It is definitely worth paying extra for this hotel for the full Disney experience. Expect nothing less than luxury everywhere if you stay here, from the high ceilings, to the glistening chandeliers and staff clad in magical kingdom-worthy uniform. The hotel reception is an experience in itself, a place where children’s eyes light up with every wave and high-five from Mickey, Minnie, Donald and pals as the Disney favourites walk about greeting excited guests.
Rooms offer picturesque views onto the Disneyland grounds, where secret gardens and relaxation areas await, offering a break from the madness of the park.
Played out on a huge 400m² stage with one of the biggest LED screens in Europe... the show follows the Avengers doing battle with the evil villain Thanos
As you would expect, the whole complex is a magical place. Not only do beloved Disney characters appear throughout the park – but there are endless rows of restaurants, toy shops, coffee shops and bakeries all leading to the iconic Sleeping Beauty castle on the famous Main Street.
The street also hosts the famous must-see parade with Disney’s finest princesses, princes and other favourites all performing to the park crowds who gather every day.
But make sure you get there as early as you can to bag a good spot.
For thrill seekers there are plenty of rides to be found in the parks’ three lands: Adventureland, Frontierland, Discoveryland.
There is something for all ages and it is easy enough to get around on the park’s trains, buses and horse-drawn street cars. There are also many opportunities to get all the Instagram-worthy pictures you need, with plenty of character statues to pose with.
Packing for the journey home, Tyler was eager to know when we could come back again. We’ll have to have our own Marvel sequel.