Having cost a whopping $4 billion dollars, the spectacular opening of the park initially failed to yield the kind of business that Disney was used to. Part of the reason for this was that the American culture was not embraced by the European market. However, in 2006 - 14 years since the opening of the park - the park (now named Disneyland Paris Resort) is one of Europe's most popular paid tourist destinations.
Like the American theme parks, Disneyland Paris opened with a Magic Kingdom style park. It's most prominent feature, the Sleeping Beauty Castle (pictured), is arguably the most beautiful of all the Disney parks. Indeed, many aspects of the Disneyland Paris park are unique: their Main Street has a more 1920s feel to it; Adventureland has heavy Moroccan and Indian influences; Tomorrowland is called Discoveryland and is Jules Verne inspired and Frontierland has a more elaborate backstory, and contains their equivalent of the Haunted Mansion (Phantom Manor). Unique architecture throughout the park makes this one of Disney's most ambitious and artistic creations to date.
In 2002, Walt Disney Studios Park - Paris' second gate - opened its doors. This "studio backlot" feel has been replicated in a number of other parks.
In 2008, Paris is due to get its own version of Tower of Terror installed.
Congratulations Michael Eisner - your baby just turned 14.
