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Hello everyone,
This year for the first time, Disneyland Paris have introduced a brand new spring celebration, which started on 5th April and will run until 22nd June.
Titled Swing into Spring, it comes with two brand new entertainment offerings, character greetings, decorations and more!
Jon and I of course had to pay a visit, and I have put together the following comprehensive round-up, as a guide for those planning a trip, and something to make you want to plan a trip if you aren't already!
Disney's Spring Promenade
The key event during Swing into Spring is Disney's Spring Promenade, a dazzling show-parade centred around Central Plaza and the Royal Castle Stage.
Let's take a look at some photos from the Promenade, then I'll give a brief guide to how it works, as it has multiple viewing areas which offer different experiences.
The Promenade runs up to five times daily, from mid-morning to around 2 or 3pm, and as I said above, has multiple vantage points. The best place, in our opinion, to watch the performance is in front of the Castle Stage. From here you get to see Clarabelle and the band playing, as well as the cavalcade pass by twice (once out to Central Plaza, and once back again). Not only that, you of course get the view of the gorgeous Sleeping Beauty Castle behind.
Other good places to watch include on the south side of Central Plaza at the top of Main Street, facing the Castle, and at the intersection of where the cavalcade section leaves the Castle Stage area and enters Central Plaza (from here you get two viewings of the cavalcade, too).
We absolutely love the Spring Promenade. The music is very catchy, and embodies the true Main Street spirit, the costumes are bright and colourful for both characters and performers, and the entire thing has an energy to it that really brings the park to life with the celebration of spring.
Note that there are certain days that the show does not take place. Check the park schedule for details.
Welcome to Spring
Welcome to Spring is a small show that takes place at the Town Square Gazebo at the entrance to Main Street USA. It features the Citizens of Main Street who sing and dance along to a selection of classic Main Street tunes, including the wonderful 'Walking Right Down the Middle of Main Street USA'. As with the Promenade, the show brings a really good energy to Main Street and adds music and movement to Town Square that is colourful and fun. Although it doesn't feature characters, it is well worth stopping by to watch it.
Performances take place up to about five times daily. However, as with the Promenade, there are certain days that the show does not take place. Check the park schedule for details.
After the show, the Citizens of Main Street walk around Town Square greeting guests for a short while.
The best place to see the show is on the street between the Emporium and the former photography store (soon to be Flora's), facing the gazebo. There are usually coloured mats on the ground marking the line where you can stand.
Character Greetings
No seasonal event at Disneyland Paris would be complete without character greetings! During Swing into Spring you can find Minnie Mouse and Duffy at the Boarding House on Main Street USA wearing very special, particularly cute, spring outfits! Sometimes they meet together, sometimes separately. The schedule can change daily, so be sure to ask an attending Cast Member who is appearing at the location on the day of your visit.
When Minnie and Duffy aren't at the Boarding House, Russell from Disney-PIXAR's 'UP' greets his fans.
Of course, there are other regular meet 'n' greets throughout the park, as there usually are, but because of the spring season, some may have moved, or are appearing more often than they usually do.
On the days when the Promenade doesn't run, Mary Poppins and Bert greet guests in Town Square. Sometimes Mr Penguin comes with them, but not always. Unfortunately he did not when we were there, hence why he isn't in the photo below.
Rabbit has also been out and about a lot more than usual, since he is in the Promenade show, and can randomly appear in Fantasyland or other areas of the park - we even found him in Discoveryland one afternoon with Pooh!
Rapunzel has been given her own special location for the season, which features a large heart topiary with the word 'Spring' across it, and a small Pascal statue in the details. Be warned that she is ridiculously popular, and lines can be two hours long before her greeting time starts! (Literally!)
Decorations and Topiaries
For the brand new season, Disneyland Paris have worked exceptionally hard in a short amount of time to bring some stunning new decorations and topiaries to the park, starting at Main Street Station, working up through Town Square, and culminating in the spectacular topiaries found on Central Plaza.
Spring Magical Moments at the Disneyland Hotel
The Disneyland Hotel's Thursday through Sunday 'Magical Moment' has had several spring themed versions since the start of the season, and while it is not easy to predict when they will have a particular theme, just be aware that they can happen on any given day (of the days it runs). When it does happen the music will be different, and the characters will wear cute spring outfits.
And Finally...
There are other small things that all add to the experience that unfortunately we didn't get pictures of, such as the horses who pull the horse-drawn streetcars wearing cute spring bonnets and special spring cupcakes at the Cable Car Bake Shop.
Throughout the park you can also pick up a special "Junior Explorer's Guide" to the park, which tells young guests about horticulture and nature at Disneyland Paris. It's a cute idea, and makes for a nice free souvenir from the season!
On top of all that, over at Disney Village, you can celebrate spring with special kiosks selling baked goods and merchandise, and topiaries and decorations scattered throughout.
If you're considering a trip to Disneyland Paris for the spring season, you can check prices and availability on the official Disneyland Paris website, hereg(214505)a(1961589)) . They have some great offers right now, including up to 25% off hotel and and park tickets, and free half board meal plans!
Have a great weekend everyone,
Dan. |