Paris 2025 World Expo Cancelled by France Prime Minister

I'm sorry to announce that the awaited 2025 World Expo in Paris will not happen, and this is not because France or Paris was not chosen to be the one hosting the Expo but because France Prime Minister has decided to cancel the World Expo in Paris.

From today's Le Monde issue: France will host the Rugby World Cup in 2023, the Olympic Games in 2024 but not the World Expo in 2025. Edouard Philippe has taken the decision to withdraw the tricolor application yet filed by the State in September with the presidential seal of approval. Emmanuel Macron. In the context of "recovery of our public finances", it is a question of not "burden the future (...) of additional commitments uncontrolled", writes the Prime Minister in a letter addressed Saturday, January 20 to the interministerial delegate responsible Pascal Lamy, revealed by Le Journal du dimanche in its edition of 21 January.

If the "structural weaknesses" of the dossier are the sole reason invoked in Matignon's missive, they are not the only reason for the withdrawal. The Grand Paris Express metro project, which plans 200 kilometers of new lines in Ile de France, is experiencing a cost drift such that Mr Philippe could announce mid-week a staggered schedule. The Prime Minister has on his desk a report from the prefect of Ile-de-France, Michel Cadot, who suggests postponing from 2025 to 2030 the date of commissioning of line 18 which was to serve in particular the plateau of Saclay (Essonne ), site chosen to host the Exhibition.

By renouncing the exhibition, the head of government throws a big obstacle to the possible shift of the delivery date of the metro. It is also true that he never joined the issue of the World Expo. Matignon even tried to prevent France from applying ( although France President Macron had approved it last year ).

So, no World Expo for France and no giant globe with its futuristic interior as you can see on the renderings above and below.








Disneyland Paris fought last year to be the site that would have host the Expo ( on the land kept for DLP third park ) and DLP had lost, which was a pity as it would have been perfect for a temporary "Epcot" like experience. Anyway, now that French prime Minister has cancelled everything it's no longer the problem.

Year of the Dog celebrations at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort Usher in a Spectacular Year of Non-Stop Disney Magic!

Chinese New Year is next month and the Year of the Dog celebrations at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort usher in a spectacular year of non-stop Disney magic!

(Hong Kong, January 18, 2018) Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (HKDL) is ringing in 2018 with new excitement from day to night in every season this year, starting with a festive celebration for Chinese New Year.



From today to March 4, God of Fortune Goofy and playful Pluto will take center stage, showering blessings on guests for the Year of the Dog. Main Street, U.S.A. will be decorated with festive Lunar New Year adornments while Pluto-themed decorations can be found. Also, a brand-new Chinese New Year Night Market will be inaugurated in the park in the evening to immerse guests in authentic Hong Kong-style festivities!

Authentic celebrations with first-ever Chinese New Year Night Market
Discover magical fortune by taking an evening walk to the Chinese New Year Night Market! As night falls, Main Street, U.S.A. and the Plaza will be transformed into a special Night Market for Chinese New Year. Like Hong Kong’s unique Lunar New Year fairs, this is a special market filled with mobile stalls that offer festive delicacies and specialties. Indulge in local Hong Kong snacks with a Disney theme, like Mickey-shaped Maltose Toast, Mickey-shaped Red Bean Pudding and Egg Puffs. Take home some New Year’s luck and joy by purchasing exclusive merchandise items such as a Disney Greeting Windmill, Disney Blessing Ornaments and goodie bags, available in limited quantities. Mickey and friends will also appear at the Night Market to wish everyone Kung Hey Fat Choi, and there will even be atmosphere entertainment to drum up the festive spirit for families enjoying the market together.



From the first to the fifth day of the Lunar New Year (February 16-20), the park will be presenting guests with a newly designed Year of the Dog-themed lai see packet (while supplies last)! It contains a chocolate gold coin and a merchandise coupon, giving guests more reasons to shop for the new year and share good fortune.

God of Fortune Goofy will greet guests at The Annex on Main Street, U.S.A. to share blessings with guests. Disney friends will appear in different festive outfits day and night to offer their best wishes, including StellaLou, who will be celebrating her first Chinese New Year at HKDL. Be sure to take photos with all the Disney pals for the family photo album!

A plethora of festive delights for a fulfilling start to the year
For a fulfilling start to the year, the park and three hotels will present nearly 70 festive delights, including Chinese New Year sets and snacks. Feast on the Chinese New Year Set Menu at Main Street Corner Cafe Hosted by Coca-Cola®, or a more formal celebration with the New Year Special Set 2018 at Plaza Inn.



There’s also festive snacks like Wishing Fish at the Market House Bakery and Outdoor Vending Carts. Or, order the “Lo Hei” at Studio Lounge at Disney’s Hollywood Hotel to usher in the year with extra good luck and prosperity. Lunch and dinner buffets at Chef Mickey also include a line-up of delicious choices.



 Gifts of good fortune A range of more than 40 merchandise items for the season will be available at HKDL to share blessings with friends and loved ones. New “101 Dalmatians” plush toys and Pluto in a Chinese New Year outfit are the perfect keepsakes for the Year of the Dog, while StellaLou plush toys in a traditional Chinese outfit will be available for the first time ever. Start the year by visiting friends and relatives while wearing festive Disney apparel and bearing Disney goodies, lai see packets and traditional “fai chun”!



New Year limited-time offers on hotels up to 40% off Make any Disney vacation magical with limited-time offers for the new year by staying at Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel, Disney's Hollywood Hotel or the newly opened Disney Explorers Lodge! Guests can book a room on designated dates during January and March 20181 at one of the hotels starting at HK$1,356, representing discounts of up to 40% off. Booking for this special promotion is available from now to January 31, 2018. Stays at resort hotels during the Chinese New Year celebration come with a set of complimentary collectibles, including Chinese New Year-inspired amenities, slippers and door decorations. Young hotel guests and their families will be kept busy with a full range of recreational activities across Hong Kong Disneyland’s three resort hotels, from arts and crafts to a new year market and Disney Lion Dance.

A sweet Disney rendezvous for lovebirds On Valentine’s Day, romance will fill the park as lovebirds enjoy a sweet time day and night. Dazzling park lighting at night will set the scene for great photos of every romantic moment. More than 30 Valentine’s keepsakes, including Duffy and ShellieMay merchandise, will be available in the resort’s merchandise outlets to help guests find the perfect gift for someone special. There are also 25 Valentine’s meal items at HKDL for couples to enjoy together. Guests can make the most of a romantic evening by having a dreamy Valentine’s Day dinner at a hotel restaurant and staying at a themed resort hotel at night.

New Disney-themed elements throughout the year Throughout 2018, HKDL will introduce all kinds of themed experiences for guests to enjoy! Starting from Chinese New Year, there are even more chances to connect with beloved Disney stories and characters thanks to first-of-its kind entertainment and colorful seasonal events all year long.

An immersive party for Mickey fans
In mid-March, Minnie and her pals will gather everyone to join a surprise party for Mickey! Every evening, guests will be dazzled by the brand new colorful “We Love Mickey!” Main Street Projection Show, which features cutting-edge visual effects and lighting at Hong Kong Disneyland. This surprise celebration will transform the buildings into a canvas of vibrant, colorful visuals that pay tribute to Mickey’s major life milestones.



It’s Spring carnival time!
The month of March will also see more than 100 Disney friends appear in different ways at “Disney Friends Springtime Carnival.” Guests can enjoy whimsical character encounters and reconnect with new and longtime Disney friends for a vibrant springtime celebration. Moana will make her debut in Adventureland to greet guests for photo opportunities and inspire them with her adventures.

More magical experiences are lined up for the year as the park undergoes the start of its multi-year expansion. “Moana: A Homecoming Celebration,” an all-new atmosphere stage show to debut in Adventureland in May, will be the first attraction of the ongoing multi-year expansion plan. In the summer, guests can have fun with The Incredibles. Guests can enjoy spooky fun at “Disney Halloween Time” as Jack Skellington of “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and other Disney Villains take over the park. At the end of 2018, guests will be immersed in Hong Kong’s most authentic Christmas experience with “A Disney Christmas.

Pictures: copyright Disney

Paul Bocuse, The Legendary French Chef Dies at 91

Paul Bocuse, the legendary French chef credited with transforming French cuisine, has died at age 91, France interior minister announced Saturday. But for Disney fans Paul Bocuse is also the one who had two restaurants at Disney World, including the famous Epcot France pavilion restaurants "Les Chefs de France" and "Monsieur Paul", ruled by his son and serving 1500 guests per day.


Paul Bocuse, right, with chefs Gaston Lenôtre et Roger Vergé, at Epcot.








Paul Bocuse was also the one who served as inspiration for the Auguste Gusteau character in Pixar's animated movie Ratatouille.



More about Paul Bocuse in English on CNN HERE or in French on Libération HERE and don't miss the great short documentary below ( in French ).




Pictures: copyright Disney, mealtrip.com

Last Ten Days to Enjoy The Special Offer on The Disneyland Paris "From Sketch to Reality" Book!

The special offer on the acclaimed Disneyland Paris book will end on January 31, meaning that we're now entering the last ten days to enjoy the great special offer. Copies of the Disneyland Paris book are still available in its English edition. The French edition is now out of stock but if you're French, and wish to purchase the book in its english edition a PDF file of the full French text of the French edition will be sent to you.

Here is all you need to know to order a copy of the "Disneyland Paris From Sketch to Reality" book for those who have never seen the book. First, it's a gorgeous 320 pages coffee table book with 750 pictures of the park including 250 WDI artworks, all DLP attraction posters, and dozens more of sumptuous artworks! The text by Disney historian Didier Ghez tell the story of the creation of the park from dozens of interviews of WDI Imagineers who built the park. It's also probably the best gift you can find for a Disney Parks fan - and it is true! Have a look below to the mosaic pictures showing a selection of pages of the book.









To place your order for the DLP book, please send me an email at: amplittaye@gmail.com with your shipping address. The price during the  special offer is 65€ ( instead of 85€ ) and shipping worldwide is 22€ ( except Belgium and Italy for which it is 29€ ).

As i've said above for French readers a PDF file of the full French text of the French edition will be sent.
Lecteurs Français: Etant donné que l'édition française est épuisée, un fichier du texte complet original en Français sera envoyé aux acheteurs Français ne comprenant pas l'anglais.
Egalement, Il me reste trois exemplaires de l'édition collector française, état neufs, 250€ pièce, si intéressé me contacter à l'adresse email ci-dessus.

Also, each order will receive two surprise gifts - actually there is more than two - and these are GREAT gifts that each DLP fan love!

You can pay with Paypal, credit card or bank transfer. For Paypal payments please send directly the full amount  including shipping ( 87€ worldwide, except for Belgium and Italy for which it is 104€ ) at: nme4@wanadoo.fr  If you wish to pay by credit card and bank transfer, let me know in your email and i'll tell you how to do.

If you've never seen the book before, don't miss the video below showing the full 320 pages of the book!

Disneyland Paris Hotel California Grill Restaurant Transferred to the Castle Club Founders Room - And Why the Founders Room Would be a Great Place to Create a Club 33 at DLP

D&M faithful reader Robert Stallard informed me that the Disneyland Paris Hotel Inventions restaurant is in renovation until February and has been moved to the California Grill restaurant nearby. During that time the California Grill has been moved upstairs to the Castle Club Founders Room on the 3rd floor, the same room from where Robert watched the fireworks during his "Sparkling Experience" dinner last month. Guests access to the Founders Room with the Castle Club private lift. The characters dining and breakfast which normally happen at the Inventions are now happening in the California Grill where Inventions has been moved.

As you'll see on the pictures below coming from Robert it looks nice in the Founders Room and it confirms what i think since a while, i.e that the Founders room would be a great place to create a Club 33 at Disneyland Paris. DLP execs probably have thought about having a Club 33 at DLP and one of the reasons why there is no Club 33 might be because they won't find French ( or others Europeans ) willing to pay the huge amount of money which is required to be part of a Club 33. It's a pity as the Founders Room really would be perfect for a Club 33, not only it's one of the best place to watch DLP fireworks at night... but half of the theming is already there, with the old books, old style furniture, etc... It would be very easy to include additional theming which probably wouldn't cost a lot to create in the Founders room a Club 33.

Pictures: copyright Robert Stallard

“Tokyo Disney Resort 35th ‘Happiest Celebration!’” Begins April 15, 2018 - Full Program of Events

“Tokyo Disney Resort 35th ‘Happiest Celebration!’” will begin April 15, 2018 and Oriental Land unveiled the full program! You have below each page of the Press Release PDF, please click on each page to see them in bigger size!

Pictures and press release: copyright Disney - Oriental Land Co