JoJo enters Walt Disney Studios Park and it immediately feels reminiscent of Hollywood Studios in Orlando to him. “It just gets you excited for today,” he says, taking in the music from Disney films playing at the entrance. He describes how they have recreated the feel of walking down Sunset and Hollywood Boulevards, with shops, merchandise, and food and drink options lining the streets. However, he describes the scene as a little bit of a mess, as the Paris park has various non-congruent things crammed together in one area.
JoJo’s excitement at being there is dampened when he notices construction cranes visible front and center when he walks to the park’s hub. He criticizes Disney for not erecting façades to hide the construction, saying “This is kind of lazy. Like this kind of ruins all of Disney’s Imagineering storytelling.”
With only eleven rides, he explains wait times will be longer in this incomplete park. However, he explains that there is Premier Access option to allow purchasers to skip-the-line.
Walking through Toy Story Playland, JoJo enjoys the nostalgia but calls it “definitely on the older side.” He notes that it’s smaller and less immersive than the land in Hollywood Studios. However, the Ratatouille area impresses him with its authenticity and beauty. “I like it more and they actually have a restaurant that connects directly to the ride,” he says.
Inside the restaurant, the Bistrot Chez Rémy, JoJo is awestruck by the theming built from bottle caps, plates and utensils to make guests feel rat-sized. Fortunately for him, he’s able to get a table despite not having a reservation. JoJo gets a duck appetizer and a steak, which after the meal he calls “yummy”. However, he says, “I don’t think it’s for everyone,” giving his experience “a solid 8 out of 10”.
JoJo hurries to his next stop to get a good seat for the “Mickey and the Magician” show. Despite showing up only 5 minutes before showtime, he gets a viewing spot. As the show unfolds, JoJo is enthralled by the music, singing, and characters. “That was so much fun. You know, a smaller group of characters, but a good selection, all about magic,” he effuses. “I might have teared up a little bit. I feel like for some reason in there, it hit me that I was actually in Europe. You know, watching Mickey speak French, it was just really cute and it was, it wasn’t anything crazy, but it was heartwarming and I love it. Solid 10 out of 10!”
JoJo hears an announcement that there will be an appearance by the live-action Ariel. It’s in celebration of the release of the new Little Mermaid film. JoJo is thrilled, realizing this must be happening at all the parks worldwide. He watches a performance by Ariel accompanied by singers and dancers doing songs from the movie. JoJo says he’ll have to go soon to a meet and greet of the live action Ariel back at Disney World.
Noting how small the Walt Disney Studios park is, JoJo says that all he has left to do that day is Avengers Campus. He says it’s smaller than other Avengers Campuses at Disney parks, with Marvel characters only available at designated meet and greet spots rather than roaming around. The land features the Spider-Man ride from Disneyland Anaheim along with an exclusive ride called Flight Force. JoJo enjoys the shows and characters, including an entertaining moment with Thor and Loki.
Providing a construction update, JoJo explains there is a $2.7 billion expansion planned through 2025. This will likely include a Frozen-themed land, possible Star Wars presence, and expansions to Toy Story Land. He promises that he will be back for that, but knowing the history of JoJo’s promises, one can’t put much faith in that.
JoJo calls the current Studios park an incomplete, half-day park, but he loves it anyway. He advises that it may be better for some to go to Disneyland Anaheim, WDW, or Tokyo Disneyland instead until the expansion is complete.
As closing time nears, JoJo hops on Cars Quatre Roues Rallye one last time, solidifying his verdict: “Best ride in Disneyland Paris! You know what, come to Disneyland Paris just for this ride.”
JoJo ends his vlog stating he’s going to eat dinner at one of the park’s resort hotels.
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