Euro Disney Plans Expansion

France could be getting a bit more Disney. Euro Disney has signed a new deal with the French government that gives it the option to build a new complex on some land east of Paris. Through the extension of an original agreement the company now has until 2030 to build a third park adding to the first Disneyland Paris which opened in 1992 and Walt Disney Studios which opened in 2002. The land may also be home to eco-tourism and sustainable development.

The projects could create a total of 70,000 new jobs and be worth as much as 8 billion euros.According to the Telegraph, one of the ideas being considered is a Marvel "superheroes park" but that project may not be started for several years. Other projects for the Marne-La-Vallee development where Disneyland Paris is located include houses and a nature park that will be set up with French travel company Pierre et Vacances. The nature park "Les Villages Nature de Val d'Europe" could generate up to 1.8 billion euros.

Attendance at Euro Disney was down in the first part of the year but it is still Europe's largest theme park operator. The Walt Disney Company owns a 40 percent share in Euro Disney, and Prince al-Waleed of Saudi Arabia has a 10 percent stake.


by Deidre Woollard for http://www.luxist.com/