On every visit to Disneyland Paris, we all have a melody in our heads sung by dolls, ghosts or pirates that stays with us long after the trip is overa sort of sonic Proust’s madeleine that, from the very first notes, inevitably takes us back to the magic… But why does this music affect us so much?
Throughout summer, explore our series of articles dedicated to the unique bond between Disney and Music.
Music for everyone
As Walt Disney himself said, “Disneyland is a show”.
And even more than that, it’s a show open to everyone, professionals and amateurs alike. It was in this spirit that the “Disney Performing Arts” programme was launched, offering amateur ensembles—orchestras, choirs and dance troupes from all over the world—the unique opportunity to perform for the multicultural audience of Disneyland Paris, on stage or in a procession— making them real Disney artists for a day!
During these sessions, budding artists also have the opportunity to receive advice from seasoned professionals, so they can perfect their craft inareas as varied as singing, orchestra, dance and musical theatre. Disney Performing Arts work- shops offer students the chance to improve and hone their skills by focusing on essential aspects such as performance techniques, professionalism and teamwork… not to mention that touch ofDisney magic!
This openness also extends to accommodations for the disabled. To ensure that everyone can enjoy our shows to the full, seats are reserved forpeople with motor disabilities in theatres and during parades.
In addition, a special effort has been made to optimise accessibility for visitors with hearing impairments. The vast majority of the destina- tion’s concert halls are equipped with magnetic induction loops, an assistive listening system for hearing-impaired people wearing hearing aids.
But at Disneyland Paris, inclusion goes even further, contributing to the artistry of our shows. “Mickey and the Magician” and “Alice and the Queen of Hearts: Back to Won- derland”, for instance, are narrated in French sign language, with a perfectly integrat- ed artistic approach that earned “Mickey and the Magician” the 2018 “Jury’s Favour- ite” award for accessible tourism. The creators of “The Lion King: Rhythms of the Pride Lands” also came up with the idea of incorporating chansigne, a form of artistry that consists of expressing the words and rhythms of a song in sign language, performed by deaf artists. And more broadly, all our entertainment teams are trained to welcome and accommodate actors with disabilities.
Because Disney magic is meant to be shared—with everyone.
The Disney Music Festival: melodies that bring us together
Now more than ever, music is celebrated at Disneyland Paris. Similar to World Music Day, the Disney Music Festival is an interactive event that revisits Disney’s immense musical catalogue throughout Disneyland Park. Here as well, all styles are represented, from symphonic to electro. Tradi- tional music is also featured prominently, taking visitors on an audio journey all over the world, from the Europe of Mary Poppins to the Oceania of Moana, from the North America of “Minnie’s Marching Band” to the South America of Coco and the Africa of “Timon’s Matadance”.
During this particularly festive season, music emerges more than ever as a bridge between cultures and people, from the variety of experiences on offer to the harmonies of the “The Grand Orchestra Finale”. One song, “Viva la Musique”, was specially composed for the occasion. Adapted to the various styles of each activation, it is trans- formed at the end of the day into a veritable anthem, providing a moment of unity and togetherness, the high point of a day already filled with musical emotions.
A great way to stay in tune with the times!
To be continued …
Read the full booklet: Disneyland Paris, A Musical Wonderland