Early experiences of Disneyland Paris from a Disney Imagineer

Discover the inside story of a Disney Imagineer working on a project living abroad. In this episode of Disney Journey, I share some of the stories behind the opening years of Euro Disneyland - now Disneyland Paris. See the park as it developed with exclusive images. Learn how it is to be an Imagineer works, lives and thinks about projects. Dive into the details of the Aladdin Walk through attraction in Adventureland at Disneyland Paris in this episode of @DisneyJourney.
Jim Shull retired from Walt Disney Imagineering after a career of over three decades leading the creative design of rides, shows and attractions worldwide. Disney Journey is a video series where I share personal experiences and critical insights about the past, present and possible future of the Disney Parks and Resorts. #DisneyImagineer
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We hope to see you there!

[@Gukimat]

The passage is so nice, s real hidden gem in the park. And I'm so glad you made this documentary about.

[@24FramesStudios]

As a Disneyland Paris Cast member, let me just say, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for all that you have given us in this park and all that you share here. We are honored, happy and proud your legacy continues to live on in our beautiful park!

[@jimhshull]

Thanks for your comment and thanks for keeping up the high standards at Disneyland Paris. I have more DLP stories to share so tell your friends.

[@AuraleafStorm]

I've never been to Disneyland Paris, but Aladdin is one of my favorite Disney movies so it's nice to see that it has such a lovely little walkthrough attraction over there. I watched a POV video of it, and all the little dioramas and models look amazing and have so much personality!

[@Mr17051963]

Disneyland Paris is a masterpiece of design. A new and classy view from Disney’s Magic Kingdom. 🤩

[@hoosiertours]

Mr. Shull, thank you for sharing the stories about creating the Aladdin attraction! Last year, I studied for a semester in Paris and absolutely enjoyed the design and theming of the castle park. The various walkthrough attractions are definitely a highlight, and I was particularly impressed with le Passage d'Aladdin. Interesting to know that Royal Academy sculptors made the figures. Wish the parks had more walk-through narrative attractions like that. I got a lot of footage of the Passage that will be featured on my channel (eventually.) Nice to meet the Imagineer behind it and hope you will continue to make new videos!

[@jimhshull]

Thanks for your kind comment. I have more Disneyland Paris stories to share so tell your friends.

[@alexreid3432]

I've been to the Aladdin walk through more times than I can count and now I live about 15 mins from Brixton. It's a small world after all!

[@nm1673]

A wonderful insight. Thankyou.

[@MalakiaLaGattaNera]

I was born the same year the park opened and my parents took me there for the first time when I was 3 years old. I obviously don't remember anything about that first trip, but went back many times as a child, teen and now adult. This october I plan to go with my best friend who has never been to a theme park in her life. I can't wait to share this incredible place with her the way I did with my family for many years. Great to hear that you liked the phantom manor graveyard as much as I do, it is truly a special little corner that makes you feel completely immersed in the landscape. I also always loved the Aladdin passage and it is really interesting to hear from you about all the work that was behind its creation, I will surely spend a lot more time admiring the displays and ESPECIALLY the mural next time I go! ♡

[@JP-1990]

You'll have to post an update!

[@lubeeluonline]

I first went to Disneyland Paris, or Euro Disney as it was then, in 1995. I fell in love and have been 22 times since. I love that you’re doing a Paris series. Phantom Manor is one of my favourites in the parks.

[@jimhshull]

Thank you for your kind comment. I have more Disneyland Paris stories to share so tell your friends.

[@MsDisneylandlover]

#DisneyDiva ❤

[@bexfieldimmersiveconcepts4812]

I went to Disney Paris (first time, 12 years old) when the Aladdin was in cinema's. Can't remember a thing of Phantom Manor, but still have vivid memories of the Enchanted Passage of Aladdin. Must have spent at least half an hour looking at the models!

[@GoddessofWisdom]

I just got your channel recommended to me and I instantly subscribed! Can't wait to watch all your videos and get the inside scoop on WDI!

[@JP-1990]

Dang this video went down like a tall mug of hot chocolate with marshmallows. Thank you for all of your amazing work! I've only been to Disney World, but if I were to go to any of the other parks, Paris is the top of my list!

[@SlimeSquare]

Wonderful insight into our French castle park. Thank you, Jim!

[@jimhshull]

Thank you for your comment. Having spent over 20 years working in Disneyland Paris I have more stories to share. Tell your friends!

[@stefanoskaloterakis7573]

One of the most beautiful hidden gems of the park!

[@m.p.1131]

I'm a 2D/3D artist at Disneyland Paris. I'll think fo you next time I'll cross the Genie's way ;) Thanks for your story

[@eclaireurspatial]

Very interesting! Thanks so much for taking the time to make these videos. Keep 'em coming :)

[@richardsweeney197]

In the back I saw the Hyperion.

[@-dtuyhnjhggvjjjn]

I hope there's some real validation in how little has changed in the actual park since it opened and how much of a success it is now. Realized it's changed the least in the last 3 decades compared to probably any other Disney Park (since all the focus has gone across the street). The design was never the problem and anyone saying otherwise back then has been disproven.

[@jimhshull]

DLP has certainly stood the test of time.

[@lubeeluonline]

I first went to Disneyland Paris, or Euro Disney as it was then, in 1995. I fell in love and have been 22 times since. I love that you’re doing a Paris series. Phantom Manor is one of my favourites in the parks.