paid option for the parade, the novelty which created the controversy

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“When I saw on BFMTV: “the Disneyland Paris parade becomes paying”, I jumped”confides Frédéric, a regular at the amusement park and resident of Seine-et-Marne. All it took was a few catchy titles to create panic among fans. In reality, this iconic show remains free and the 24-hour news channel, taken up by other media, has since corrected its title. Indeed, Disneyland Paris has simply created zones VIP – therefore paying – for its outdoor shows. A novelty which also dates back to… last spring. That said, she doesn't have the approval of the regulars either. We take stock.

A scandal that breaks the magic of Christmas at Disneyland Paris

While the destination opened its winter season on November 9, 2024 with its “Mickey and his Sparkling Christmas Parade” and the Disney Illuminations night show, tinged with new scenes in the North Pole and snowfall atmosphere, a unexpected scandal came to break the magic of Christmas. The creation of these VIP zones, visible because they were not very crowded that day, was singled out in some fan communities, before being widely reported in the media with sometimes misleading titles.

What is it about? Concretely, this option, called “privileged location”is inspired by “guaranteed seats”, a system that has existed for some time for indoor shows. Both allow you to reserve a prime spot without having to arrive long in advance. An advantage that pays for itself. For this winter period, a time of high attendance for the park, count between 21 and 24 € per place reserved for the parade or show.

A far from new option in the amusement park

Visitors who purchase one can therefore arrive shortly before one of the two parades of the day or the evening show and take their place in an area reserved for them. For the parade, the area is located in central park, the roundabout located in front of the castle where the parade stops and where the characters begin different choreographies.

For the night show, the location is at the foot of the castle, on which the show is projected. On the Disneyland Paris application, this option is presented as “an additional option for visitors wishing to further personalize their experience”.

Outdoor shows therefore remain accessible free of charge for visitors. Throughout the route of the two daily parades, covering hundreds of linear meters, spectators are free to place themselves wherever they want.

“It’s in line with their commercial strategy”

It’s hard to know why this option is making the buzz now. Indeed, the option has actually been implemented… since last spring. Those who wish could therefore reserve their place for the Disney Stars on Parade and the usual nighttime show. The price was then €19.

For Frédéric, the creation of this option was not a surprise. He, who has always had an Annual Pass, knows these spaces well: “Before, Annual Passes could benefit from them for free. This is one of the advantages that has disappeared in the new versions, although they are more expensive. It doesn't surprise me that they removed them to be able to market them, it's in line with their commercial strategy,” believes this amusement park enthusiast. A change in dynamics perceptible since the takeover of the site by its American parent company in 2017 according to him.

Pricing policy criticized

For several months the destination has been criticized for its pricing policy. The introduction of paid Fast Passes, the increase in prices for Annual Passes, and now this VIP option for outdoor shows…

Many regulars complain. Everything becomes chargeable, everything costs more, we are moving towards a park for the most fortunate. I don't find that normal.

He does the math: “With €130 entry, €30 parking, €40 reservation for the parade and show, we are already at 200 €just for one person, and I don’t count the price of restaurants, whose prices have also increased a lot.”

An opinion shared by Allan, another regular at the destination: “The park has no shortage of ideas for implementing paid options and developing its turnover, but is sorely lacking in developing the Christmas season, ever thinner in content from year to year,” he exclaims.

From his point of view, the calculation is not good:

Blocking half a place for a few more privileged people? This service has the merit of existing for those who can pay for it, but it greatly frustrates ordinary customers: it's a lot of space for a few people, and therefore very visible.

What better location to see the parade?

From the feedback Frédéric received from his friends who are regulars at the park, the verdict is clear: “Paying is out of the question”. According to him, as for Allan, it is not the best place to observe the parade. “Although close to the dancers during the show stop, the location is rather bad,” says Allan.

From Frédéric's point of view, placing himself in front of the kiosque de Town Square is much more strategic: the location allows you to see the tanks arriving from afar, while enjoying the view of Sleeping Beauty Castle in the background. “But it’s a place known to fans, you have to come very early,” he concedes. Other influencers, however, advise getting close to the It's a Small World attraction to see the parade at the start or finish and then be able to run quickly to join the attractionsor to stand in front of the theater to the right of the castle to have a nice view, again with the castle in the background.

On the other hand, being at the foot of the castle to see the night show is really a beautiful location, recognizes Frédéric. But here again, despite the VIP zones, there are still beautiful places accessible free of charge provided, always, that you arrive sufficiently in advance.

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