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ThepopularsongfromCinderellastartsplaying in my
head when I reach Disneyland Paris on what is my fi rst
visit to the theme park, country, and continent. The
gigantic pastel-pink castle with little white balconies and
powder-blue window panes takes me back to my
childhood. All I want to do is meet Disney characters,
buy cotton candy, and wear Mickey’s large velvety ears
on my head. Not one to shy away from my whims, I buy
the Mickey ears the moment I see them!
This is not how I expected the trip to go. Before I
reached Disneyland Paris, I had visualised the moment
a million times in my head—walking inside the park
like an adult (I’m 31), taking photographs, and talking to
the crew about their latest shows, The Lion King:
Rhythms of the Pride Lands and The Jungle Book Jive. I
had been invited there to witness these musicals, after
all. Instead, I fi nd myself chasing Goofy, taking multiple
servings of ice cream (with Mickey Mouse-shaped
choco-chip cookies), playing with a soap-bubble gun,
and buying Disney merchandise.
My fi rst o cial immersive experience is The Jungle
Book Jive. Paris is scorched by a heat wave during my
visit and the mercury is at an unlikely 44o Celsius, but
enthusiasm levels soar high among the spectators in the
Central Plaza. At about 11.30 am, Mickey, Minnie, Baloo,
King Louie, and friends make a stellar entrance on
bright yellow and turquoise vehicles, blowing kisses at
the crowd. All those present—from two-year-olds to
60-year-olds—shriek with joy. But this is no ordinary
Disney show. Soon, pulsating bhangra beats fi ll the park
and the stage is occupied by an Indian ensemble—men
clad in colourful dhotis, ornamented jackets, and
turbans; and women decked in vibrant silk lehengas and
dazzling Indian jewellery dance on desi beats. Withauthetic costumes and choreography, India comes alive
in the middle of Disneyland Paris.
The timeless tale of The Jungle Book has shaped many
lives, but to witness this classic saga unravel with an
Indian twist alongside a global audience is a spectacular
experience. It will stay with me for a long time. The show
concludes with a fountain of colours that touches the
sky, painting Disneyland Paris’s canvas in hues of
lavender, fuchsia, lime, and crimson.
As the world gears up to revisit Simba’s story in
cinemas, the premiere of The Lion King: Rhythms of the
Pride Lands sees a full house at Frontierland Theatre.
Hollywood actress Katie Holmes inaugurates the show.
The curtain rises slowly, bright orange lights fl icker on
the edge of the stage, drum beats get louder, and the
silhouette of Rafi ki takes centre stage, singing, “Nants
ingonyama bagithi baba...” Talented singers, dancers,
drummers, and acrobats keep me on the edge of my seat
for nearly 25 minutes with their thrilling acts. The
storytelling retains celebrated moments from the classic
tale, but with the unique treatment of the story coupled
with fi ne detailing of the costumes, choreography, and
art direction, The Lion King is reborn in a spanking new
avatar. The entire musical is performed in chansigne
(visual transcription of the lyrics synced with the music)
too for the specially abled. Emotions run high through
the show as we croon to iconic songs like The Circle of
Life, I Just Can’t Wait to Be King, Hakuna Matata, Can
You Feel the Love Tonight, He Lives in You, and more.
The show leaves me famished, so I prowl the
jungle-themed dining options at Frontierland and
Adventureland. From exotic fruit-fl avoured Simba ice
cream to traditional African rice and beef curry, from
animal-printed doughnuts to gigantic cheeseburgers—
there’s plenty of choice here for every palate. An Indian
food corner even serves paani puri! Dinner is beautifully
complemented with live African dance performances.
I walk back from the park to the Disney Village bus
stop in a euphoric daze and hop on a shuttle to reach
my hotel, Disney’s Newport Bay Club. My magical day
ends with Disneyland’s iconic fi reworks, Disney
Illuminations, at 11 pm. As I hit the sack, some
memorable words from a legendary fable come back
to me: It’s the circle of life, and it moves us all.Adream is a wish
your heart makes...
GETTING THERE
You can take a taxi, shuttle
bus, or a train from Paris-
Charles de Gaulle airport to
reach Disneyland. The most
popular choice is the TGV train
that takes about 45 minutes
(including 30 minutes of wait
time). en.oui.sncfSTAY AND TICKETS
Disney’s Newport Bay Club:
This four-star hotel creates a
luxurious coastal setting for itsguests. The ambience refl ects
classic 90s nautical vibes—
think marine-themed decor,
old-school wooden furnishing,
and restaurants serving
delectable French cuisine.
Nestled next to Lake Disney,
the hotel is a 15-minute walk
from the main Disneyland
parks. You can avail free
shuttle rides to the parks. Stay
at Disney’s Newport Bay Club
for one night in August with
two-day access to both Disneyparks (access to all attractions
and shows included) at
`69,861; The Lion King and
Jungle Festival is on till
September 22, 2019;
disneylandparis.comDINE
Dine at the Hakuna Matata
restaurant—indulge in African-
inspired dishes while Rafi ki and
Mickey keep you entertained.
Don’t forget to grab a lion’s
paw-shaped biscuit from here.SPEND A DAY PROWLING THE PRIDE LANDS
Disneyland Paris is always a good idea, even more so while The Lion King and Jungle Festival is on.Paris
Eiffel Tower Atelier des Lumières
Lido de Paris Disneyland ParisILLUSTRATION BY MEGHNA PATWAL