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On behalf of the whole team at Industry Travel & Tourism Magazine we would like to extend a warm welcome to our latest issue.
We have had the pleasure in working with Ryan Harmon, President and Chief Creative Officer at Zeitgeist Design and Production along with their fabulous team. Ryan said “the team members have conceived, designed, and built well over US$12 billion in incredibly successful theme parks, lands, rides, shows, restaurants, resorts, retail destinations, FECs, museums, visitor centres and events. Though our company is only a dozen years old, each of our senior team members has at least 35 years under his or her belt dedicated solely to the design and production of world-class immersive experiences.” “We encourage all developers and owner/operators to reach out, get to know us, add us to their RFP list, and give our “dream team” the opportunity to conceive, design, and produce an original, worldclass, immersive entertainment project that will be celebrated — and profitable —for years to come”. Ryan concluded.
Experiential entertainment leader Richard Krent, AIA and President of Krent Studio, Inc. confirmed to us that, “To create award-winning global attractions to meet today’s standards, requires a more animate, if not elaborate, approach to become memorable.” Complex destination cities like Qiddiya, require top-level visionaries and professionals who understand entertainment’s impact on connecting worlds. As part of the Qiddiya Investment Company’s team, Richard Krent served as a Development Director offering valuable insights and constructive details on multiple assets - on both lower and upper plateaus of this entertainment city. Initially focused on the Resort Core and its Retail Dining & Entertainment assets, Krent directed several theme park concepts, providing innovative ideas to heighten the guest experience.
Yours sincerely, The Industry Travel & Tourism Editorial Team
CONTENTS
6 ROLEX AND FORMULA 1: PERPETUAL INNOVATION THROUGHOUT A RECORDBREAKING SEASON
As a Global Partner and the Official Timepiece of Formula 1® since 2013, Rolex supports the championship’s visionary spirit and desire to push the boundaries of performance.
28 DUBAI PARKS & RESORTS
– GIVING YOU AN EXTRA LIFT WITH THE LAUNCH OF JUMPX Fernando Eiroa, Chief Executive Officer at Dubai Holding Entertainment, said, “We are thrilled to add another unique experience to Dubai’s thriving entertainment and leisure offering. JumpX is a world of entertainment centred on active adventure providing endless fun and enjoyment, in a safe outdoor environment. We are constantly striving to bring the best-in-class activities and entertainment experiences to guests of all ages, and we’re excited to attempt to set a new Guinness World Record title in the process.”
40 MGM COTAI – WITH IT GLITTERING JEWEL LIKE FAÇADE, IT IS MACAU’S ICO OF INNOVATION
14 8 28 40 50
8 SPRING TRAVEL TO SWITZERLAND: WHERE TO GO AND WHAT TO DO IN 2023 “Switzerland comes to life in the spring,” says Nadine van RietCampbell, owner of Ovations Travel. “You still have all the beauty of the snow-covered Alps as the flowers bloom everywhere.”
14 QIDDIYA – ONE OF THE KEY ENTERTAINMENT ATTRACTIONS AT THE QIDDIYA GIGA PROJECT
The theme park will be supporting several goals of Vision 2030, such as driving economic diversification, job creation, fostering a start-up culture, driving youth and female empowerment, and doubling household spending on domestic leisure and entertainment.
It’s often dubbed the ‘Vegas of Asia’, but in reality, this is doing it a disservice – as while Sin City has been popular amongst seekers of excess and ostentation for many years, Macau offers an altogether more refined version of luxury.
50 DISNEYLAND PARIS – MULTIYEAR TRANSFORMATION FOR DISNEY VILLAGE
When you arrive at the heart of the park, you’ll be immersed in the same wintery atmosphere experienced during the movies. Elsa’s Ice Castle, which will stand at the top of a 131-foot-high snow-covered mountain, can be admired from afar. Many new experiences await you in this magical land including a new attraction that will take guests on a journey accompanied by the iconic “Frozen” characters.
TRAVEL & TOURISM ROLEX & FORMULA 1
Geneva, 28 February 2023 –
This year’s record-breaking 23-race Formula 1® season, staged across five continents, starts in Bahrain this week, taking place from Friday 3 to Sunday 5 March. Joining the calendar is the highly anticipated event in Las Vegas, a third Grand PrixTM in the United States as Formula 1® seeks to reach new audiences and showcase pioneering technologies around the world. As a Global Partner and the Official Timepiece of Formula 1® since 2013, Rolex supports the championship’s visionary spirit and desire to push the boundaries of performance.
Looking to the season ahead, the 2009 FIA Formula 1® Drivers’ World Champion and Rolex Testimonee Jenson Button says: “Formula 1 is in an exciting place and I think there will be some great racing this year. I love to see the sport evolving, constantly moving forward and creating a lot of interest around the world. It’s
important to broaden into new territories but also to recognize the historic racetracks that have produced such amazing contests over the years. The combination provides teams and drivers with a unique challenge and allows for different driving styles to prevail.”
This year marks two personal milestones for Scottish racing legend Sir Jackie Stewart, who celebrates 55 years as a Rolex Testimonee and half a century since he claimed his third and final FIA Formula 1® Drivers’ World Championship. One of the most respected figures in motor sport, Sir Jackie reflects on the sport’s heritage and his long-standing relationship with Rolex: “I’m extremely proud to have been involved with Rolex for so long. It has been a wonderful relationship with one of the greatest brands in the world and one so embedded in Formula 1. The sport has never been so popular, the cars have never been better and the technology has never been so advanced. Performance is at the core of Rolex and Formula 1, with both striving for precision timing on the wrist and track.”
The 2023 Formula 1® grid features several new driver line-ups, along with one of the biggest team principal shake-ups in years. With these teams having just weeks of working together before the opening race, it has added extra intrigue and excitement in the lead-up. Multiple Formula 1® race winner and Rolex Testimonee, Mark Webber says: “With the current regulations in their second year we’re expecting even closer competition and hoping to have at least three teams vying for victory week in, week out. We’re in a golden era of the sport – it’s going from strength to strength, with major car manufacturers pledging their commitment to the advanced engineering of Formula 1 and audiences increasing around the world.
ROLEX AND FORMULA 1®: PERPETUAL INNOVATION throughout A RECORD-BREAKING SEASON
This year, I’m particularly looking forward to the Grand Prix in
Melbourne and being there with Sir Jackie, who has been my friend and mentor since early in my career, as well as seeing the green and gold of Rolex around Albert Park. It always makes it feel extra special.”
The Swiss watchmaker returns as Title Sponsor of the FORMULA 1 ROLEX AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX 2023 from 31 March–2 April and makes its title debut at the FORMULA 1 ROLEX GRANDE PRÊMIO DE SÃO PAULO 2023 from 3–5 November. During this momentous season, the Formula 1® field will continually strive to beat time, with the Rolex Pit Lane Clock bearing witness to split-second qualifying results and thrilling victories as the sport continues its quest for excellence in all its endeavours.
ROLEX AND MOTOR SPORT
Rolex’s close ties with motor sport date back to Sir Malcolm Campbell’s World Land Speed Record successes in the 1930s, when he became the first driver to break the 300 mph barrier (483 km/h) at the wheel of his car, Bluebird. Since then, Rolex’s presence in motor racing has grown steadily, its support extending to revered endurance events such as the Rolex 24 At DAYTONA, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the FIA World Endurance Championship.
ABOUT ROLEX AN UNRIVALLED REPUTATION FOR QUALITY AND EXPERTISE
Rolex is an integrated and independent Swiss watch manufacture. Headquartered in Geneva, the brand is recognized the world over for its expertise and the quality of its products – symbols of excellence, elegance and prestige. The movements of its Oyster Perpetual and Cellini watches are certified by COSC, then tested inhouse for their precision, performance and reliability. The Superlative Chronometer certification, symbolized by
In 2013, Rolex became associated with Formula 1®, the pinnacle of motor sport, having supported Rolex Testimonee Sir Jackie Stewart since 1968. The three-time FIA Formula 1® Drivers’ World Champion has been joined by fellow high achievers from the world of motor sport: Tom Kristensen, the record ninetime 24 Hours of Le Mans winner, Mark Webber, the multiple Formula 1® race winner and 2015 FIA World Endurance Champion, and Jenson Button, the 2009 FIA Formula 1® Drivers’ World Champion. Most recently, Jamie Chadwick, Indy NXT driver, three-time W Series Champion and the sport’s most exciting young female talent, became part of the Rolex family. The brand also has a global appreciation for classic automotive events steeped in elegance, and tradition, including the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance®, The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion and the Goodwood Revival.
the green seal, confirms that each watch has successfully undergone tests conducted by Rolex in its own laboratories according to its own criteria. These are periodically validated by an independent external organization.
The word “Perpetual” is inscribed on every Rolex Oyster watch. But more than just a word on a dial, it is a philosophy that embodies the company’s vision and values. Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of the company, instilled a notion of perpetual excellence that would drive the company forward. This led Rolex to pioneer the development of the wristwatch and numerous major watchmaking innovations, such as the Oyster, the first waterproof wristwatch, launched in 1926, and the Perpetual rotor selfwinding mechanism, invented in 1931. In the course of its history, Rolex has registered over 500 patents. At its four sites in Switzerland, the brand designs, develops and produces the majority of its watch components, from the casting of the gold alloys to the machining, crafting, assembly and finishing of the movement, case, dial and bracelet. Furthermore, the brand is actively involved in supporting the arts and culture, sport and exploration, as well as those who are devising solutions to preserve the planet.
SPRING
TRAVEL TO SWITZERLAND
Where to go and what to do in 2023
“Switzerland comes to life in the spring,”
SPRING IS HERE
Spring is just around the corner in Switzerland, a time when relatively few people think of visiting. If only they knew.
covered Alps as the flowers bloom everywhere.”
the snow will not yet have melted.”
At the Tschuggen Grand Hotel in Arosa, the slopes are covered with a generous snowpack. All 43 ski lifts in Arosa are open, including the resort’s private funicular railway that shuttles resort guests to the top of the mountain.
was April 18 last year. That offers almost perfect spring skiing conditions: great snow, warmer temperatures, and plenty of daylight.
Spring may be the perfect time of the year to visit. The crush of winter tourists has come and gone. Resorts like Arosa will stay open for a while — the last day of skiing
“Switzerland comes to life in the spring,” says Nadine van Riet-Campbell, owner of Ovations Travel. “You still have all the beauty of the snow-
What should you expect from a spring trip to Switzerland?
The spring skiing is exceptional. “The ski season usually lasts through early April,” says Joe Cronin, president of International Citizens Insurance. “By March, it has snowed several times, so even if there have been a few warm weeks or days,
Spring festivals. In April and May, you can catch the Tulip Festival in Lake Geneva, the Classic Music Festival in Interlaken, and Zermatt Unplugged. While these festivals attract a fair number of locals, spring remains a relatively quiet time for tourism. So you’re less likely to find yourself in a crowd with American tourists. There are lots of new attractions for 2023. From hotels like the Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern, which opened just a few months ago, to Zermatt’s new Matterhorn Alpine Crossing, which will link the resort to Cervinia, Italy, there’s no shortage of new things to try this year.
“Switzerland is a beautiful country that offers breathtaking scenery and a wide range of activities,” says Adeel Khan, a product manager for the hotel search engine BusinessClass.com.
“During spring, there are blooming flowers, scenic hiking trails, and warmer weather, making it the perfect time to visit.”
The Tschuggen Grand Hotel’s Mountain oasis
The Tschuggen Grand Hotel is one of the ideal places to spend a spring weekend. It’s said that the Tschuggen Grand Hotel is on the sunny side of Arosa, so there are constant reminders to bring plenty of sunblock with you. On a bluebird day in spring, after a fresh dusting of powder snow, it’s hard to get any better than the resort’s apres ski experience, with its five restaurants and a cigar lounge.
After a long day on the slopes, guests return to one of the most acclaimed spas in the Alps. The Tschuggen Bergoase — Tschuggen mountain oasis — is
as much an architectural experience as it is a spa. Carved into the mountain, it features granite and handcrafted maple wood. The building, designed by Swiss architect Mario Botta, looks like a glass sail reflecting against the snowcapped mountains.
But the Tschuggen Grand Hotel’s biggest “wow” amenity is the private ski lift, the Tschuggen Mountain Express, which connects guests to the mountain without making them wait in a long line. There’s no lift attendant; you just use your room key to call the funicular. The trip to the top takes only 2 1/2 minutes, depositing you near the top of the mountain and giving you full access to the famous Arosa Lenzerheide ski resort.
There are plenty of new properties in Switzerland this spring.
A two-hour drive from Geneva, you’ll find the French-speaking canton of Valais. Here, the brand new Six Senses Crans-Montana has just opened. It offers direct ski-in and ski-out access to the ski area. The area is known for skiing, mountain biking, hiking, and events, plus scenic views across the Rhone Valley.
The Mandarin Oriental Palace is an iconic Belle Époque landmark, first opened in 1906, that’s newly restored. It offers a million-dollar view of the Swiss Alps and 136 rooms and suites, dining and a holistic spa. There’s been a lot of buzz about this new property, and luxury travel advisors have been talking about it for months.
The Ambassador Zürich, a small luxury hotel, is scheduled to open during the first quarter of 2023. The property, located a stone’s throw from the opera, offers a commanding view of Lake Zürich.
And there are newish hotels, like the FIVE Zürich, which opened last summer. The property is part of a hotel group that includes the über-trendy FIVE Palm Jumeirah in Dubai, and as I’ve already noted, it’s easily the most instagrammable property on this side of the Alps. Neon lights illuminate the hallways, glass art hangs from the ceilings and floor-to-ceiling murals of celebrities who stayed at the hotel before it became the FIVE adorn the walls.
By Christopher Elliott Senior
Contributor
QIDDIYA
A shared vision for Qiddiya, a future global entertainment hub
“The beauty of a project like the Qiddiya project is that you don’t have to spend too much time to explain to people what they are here for — they know,”
Phillipe Gas, CEO of the
Qiddiya project.”
One of the key advantages that the team behind Saudi Arabia’s ambitious drive to create a global hub of entertainment is the shared vision for the project held by all those involved, the head of the Qiddiya development has said.
“The beauty of a project like the Qiddiya project is that you don’t have to spend too much time to explain to people what they are here for — they know,” Phillipe Gas, CEO of the Qiddiya project.
“They come to the site, they see this beautiful cliff, and they know what it will take. So, there’s a pride in everybody that you don’t have to force yourself to explain — they have it. That’s a strength we have,” Gas explained.
Qiddiya is one of the biggest investments in the future of entertainment in the Middle East. Aimed at becoming a regional and global hub of entertainment, culture, and sport, Qiddiya, Gas said, promises to be a place like no other.
“The ambition for Qiddiya, is to become the world capital of entertainment, sports and the arts.”
The city — which will cover over 300 square kilometres of land — will host a Formula 1
racing track, a Six Flags theme park, a water park, sports facilities such as football stadiums and development infrastructure for young Saudi athletes, and an extensive range of cultural, creative, and artistic activities.
But for Gas, who has spent most of his career at the helm of the company behind the iconic Disneyland Paris theme park, Qiddiya’s alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 was what drew him to it in the first place — he wanted to be part of the Kingdom’s story.
“The main reason to wrk on Qiddiya has been actually how connected the project is to Vision 2030 and the overall transformation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,”
ENTERTAINMENT HUB
Spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, Saudi Vision 2030 is an ambitious national strategy to ensure that the Kingdom is a vibrant, progressive society, with a thriving economy, by the end of the decade.
Qiddiya, with its promise of an unparalleled touristic experience, is one of several “giga-projects” that constitute a core part of the Kingdom’s economic transition away from its current emphasis on oil.“You don’t have that many opportunities in your life, in your professional life, to influence such an amazing project. This is what was most appealing to me,” Gas said.
TIME TOGETHER
He said that the importance of entertainment, and the human connection it facilitates, is increasingly being understood and emphasized globally, and therefore Qiddiya is such an important part of Vision 2030.
“Entertainment is something that has grown in terms of importance everywhere. We have this growing realisation in the world that time passes very fast, and people need to enjoy time together, and do things together — not just work, go to bed and go back to work.”
He continued: “We have seen the importance around the world of preserving time with friends, as a family and as couples — to get to know each other better, to connect with one another.
“This
is why entertainment as a sector
is growing in importance, and you see this, actually, with Vision 2030
in Saudi Arabia.”
The strategy, he said, emphasizes “the wellness of the people, bringing more happiness into the lives of families, and to do this you need to share time together and enjoy the moments you have.”
Technology, and its capacity to create immersive experiences, will be a core tool used to create these shared moments between visitors to Qiddiya.
“People want less and less to be a spectator of an activity; they want to be part of it. This is where technology
comes into the picture,” Gas said.
“Augmented reality, virtual reality, and a lot of the effects we can play with and use, will draw people into the experience, they will become an actor in the experience. People want to live the experiences.”
This revolution in entertainment, Gas continued, is what makes the Qiddiya project so exciting not just for the people of Saudi Arabia, but the world.
“Qiddiya is absolutely unique. I have been working in the entertainment industry for many years now, and I have never seen such a proposition, that is integrating elements such as entertainment, sports, arts, performance, but also creativity.”
Qiddiya, he added, “is something that has not been proposed — ever — and this is what makes this place so unique.”
Construction has already begun on Qiddiya, which is located just 40 minutes from Riyadh, and the site will first open for activities in 2023.
Qiddiya ended the year on a high after it signed a SR3.75 billion ($1 billion) contract to build a theme park housing the
world’s tallest and fastest rollercoaster in what will be the Kingdom’s entertainment city.
The Qiddiya Investment Co. penned an agreement in December with Saudi Arabia’s Almabani General Contractors and France’s Bouygues Batiment International to build the Six Flags Qiddiya theme park.
The 32 hectare-site will include 28 rides and attractions across six different themed areas. The 4km Falcon’s Flight rollercoaster ride will be the centrepiece of the park and will touch speeds of 250km an hour and includes a dive of 160 meters.
But the rollercoaster is just a small part of the Qiddiya giga-project that will include arts centres, festival grounds, a sports stadium, shops and restaurants, housing developments, a motor racing circuit and a golf course designed by 18time major winner Jack Nicklaus. The development was announced by Crown
QIDDIYA INVESTMENT
YOU ARE NOT JUST DESIGNING MEDIA CONTENT FOR YOUR ATTRACTION.
YOU’RE PLANNING A DREAM EXPERIENCE.
Make sure it comes true.
Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2017 in a bid to make Qiddiya one of the top tourist destinations in the world.
The move is in line with the Crown Prince’s Vision 2030 plan to reduce the Kingdom’s reliance on oil and boost investment.
The site is also in step with the government’s moves to boost revenue from tourism from its current 3 percent to 10 percent of gross domestic product by the end of the decade.
The Qiddiya project is located south-west of Riyadh on a site that covers 367 sq. km and is 45km from the capital city Riyadh. The new city will
be an hour’s drive from King Khaled International Airport.
The area hopes to attract 17 million visitors a year by 2030 and is expected to contribute up to SR17 billion to the country’s gross domestic product by 2030, providing 25,000 jobs.
The project, in its early development stage, currently employs around 500 workers, 60 percent of whom are Saudis.
The Qiddiya Investment Co., which is wholly owned by sovereign wealth body the Public Investment Fund of the Kingdom, has said the site plans to host international and local holidaymakers.
It said that Qiddiya will help “redirect tourism spending into the Kingdom, by providing distinct entertainment options for residents, which are currently unavailable to explore and experience without the need to travel to other countries and incur extra expenses abroad.”
QIC also plans to appeal to locals or expats looking for second homes. It expects to build 4,000 houses by 2025, and 11,000 by 2030. With art centres, golf courses and racing circuits to build — it looks like Qiddiya’s rollercoaster riding is only just beginning.
How can you be sure that the CGI content you need will meet your expectations in terms of quality, costs, and lead time?
You can with the CGI Magic Chain, our standardized production process: it will show you exactly how we will work and what you can expect, before you commit to the agreement.
Send the request for proposal of your media content project at rfp@redraion.com
There’s a company, in Italy, that started from scratch in 2014 and, since then, has built an impressive track record of collaborations with some of the greatest operators in the field of entertainment, making its way through its huge competitors. How huge? Well, one of them is none other than Hollywood! We’re talking about Red Raion, the CGI studio specialized in media-based attractions.
Today, their Business Development Director, Valeria Rizzo, who’s been in the company since the very beginning, will tell us something more about how they got where they are and what heights they are planning to reach next.
Valeria, Red Raion exclusively works with digital content: why is that?
Because CGI gives you the power to do far more than what is possible in real life. The thing theme park goers search for is an extraordinary experience, something that cannot be replicated in real life: they want to dive into the story, be its protagonists. With CGI you can create outof-this-world adventures: the only limit for CGI content is imagination, and its unlimited possibilities pushed us to dive into it and make it our job, which basically consists in creating incredible realities that wouldn’t be possible without CGI. That’s how Red Raion was born and found its identity: the CGI studio specialized in mediabased attractions!
What makes Red Raion different from a non-specialized company?
Our brand positioning contains the very reason why the company exists. You see, there are several kinds of companies who produce digital content for mediabased attractions along with other 3D generic work, such as commercials, domestic cartoons, TV series. When we talk of custom content in the attractions industry, these include generic and/or local media companies, and Hollywood studios.
Do you think that creating immersive content designed for a specific hardware equipment is the same thing as producing a commercial or a TV cartoon? I can guarantee it’s not. Also, operators are often encouraged to ask local generic media companies to produce their CGI content just because they’re physically closer and they think this can somehow help them: well, based on our clients’ experience, this is definitely not true.
So around eight years ago, when we moved our first steps in the industry, we studied and analyzed basically every company that produced digital content for media-based attractions, and we soon realized that all of them, from the most popular Hollywood studios to the generic companies that no one knew, had one thing in common: none of them were making content that was exclusively for media-based attractions!
And when we started building connections with potential clients, we realized that the lack of specialization actually caused real disadvantages for them. Based on what our clients told us, every time they had dealt with all types of non-specialized companies, they had faced setbacks such as delays, extra costs, and content that wasn’t at all like they expected in terms of quality.
So we listened to them, and that’s when we understood that if we wanted to have a chance to build a brand from scratch, we wouldn’t only need a skilled team (that’s the minimum requirement!): we would need to exclusively focus on media-based attractions, build a specialized team, and always be there for our clients, prepared to answer all their questions and anticipate all their doubts.
After years in the field and listening to our clients’ needs, we have developed our standardized production process, which we call the CGI Magic Chain: we’ve designed and improved it thanks to our experience in the creation of CGI content specifically designed for media-based attractions, and it’s our biggest weapon to never miss a deadline or go over budget.
Even during the worst moments of the pandemics, our standardized production process helped a lot because no matter where we were, our team always knew what to do, one step after another, and we managed to never miss one beat even when it felt like the world was going to end soon.
Also, our clients don’t have to deal with middlemen or distributors: we take care of all
the aspects of content creation in-house, from pre-production to post-production up to on-site installation.
This is what we have been doing for the last 8 years: specializing, studying, listening to our clients, being there for them, and it’s what allowed Red Raion to be where we are today.
It’s a bold choice to choose a field where one of your main competitors is Hollywood. How are you planning to emerge among those studios?
You see, there’s this common belief that Hollywood can do anything. Which is technically true, in general. Hollywood studios are the best at creating top feature films!
But the feature film industry is completely different from the attractions industry. Hollywood studios work with dozens of different productions every year: they have to follow many pipelines, working on feature films, commercials, TV shows, animated movies, all together!
Therefore, their production times for projects like CGI content for media-based attractions are super long because they won’t be able to focus on that one project, and this causes terrible delays and prices that rise like dough.
So, the matter isn’t whether they are able to do it or not, but whether it makes sense to ask Hollywood to produce the custom CGI content for your media-based attractions instead of a specialized company that will exclusively focus on this kind of project, maintaining the same
high-level results, and who will make it smoothly, on time, and on budget at a reasonable price for this industry.
What are Red Raion ’s future goals?
Our main goal - besides improving our processes and technologies more and more - is to expand even more on a global level, so in a sense, our future has already started: we already work worldwide - we collaborate with all the highestlevel hardware manufacturers in the world, such as Triotech, Kraftwerk, Simworx, Brogent, Simex Iwerks - and we’re building our track record with highly valuable international projects.
We have produced custom CGI content for Leolandia, the number 1 theme park for kids in Italy; Vinpearl Land, one of the newest and biggest theme parks in Asia (for which we partnered with theme park designer Jora Vision); the Mall of Muscat, an indoor snow park in Oman; Cinecittà World, the Italian park celebrating the history of cinema and television, and several others.
We’re currently working on many exciting new custom projects - a custom flying theater movie commissioned by SimEx Iwerks, a dark ride in Vietnam, a VR attraction for the American aquarium Loveland Living Planet that will combine CGI with real footage, a CGI dining experience on a cruise ship in partnership with Leisure Expert Group, and a few more to come - which we will announce in the next few months.
Another step forward the company’s worldwide expansion has been the addition of Content Experts in our roster of professionals: as every regional market has its own distinctive features, we specifically trained these professional figures to support our clients in choosing the perfect CGI content for media-based attractions they already have or for projects in the pipeline, and each of them focuses on the area they know best.
Our Content Expert in the Middle East area is Prakash Vivekanand, a real top-level entertainment professional: he’s worked in the field for almost 30 years and knows basically every operator in the industry - he supports Red Raion acting as a powerful business connection between us and the Middle East area, and as the strongest cultural mediator we could ever wish for.
Where will Middle Eastern operators be able to meet Red Raion in the near future?
We will definitely take part in the main events in the areathe DEAL Expo in Dubai at the end of March, and the Saudi Entertainment and Amusement Expo with our own stand, where we’ll be ready to talk to all the forward-thinking operators who are eager to find the best CGI content for their media-based attractions, and ready to entertain their venues’ guests with stunning digital experiences!
But any operator who wants to start looking at opportunities to improve their venues with digital attractions can already set a meeting with me by sending an email at v.rizzo@redraion.com!
Ambition to create a world-class themed destination requires imagination, vision, cultural storytelling, and measurable positioning in tourism’s global economy. Dubai has been one of the progressive leaders in MENA, and Dubai Parks & Resort are gaining acclaimed international attention. Once KSA opens their doors for greater expansion across the region, Qiddiya is poised to become a significant destination that will provide opportunity for memorable experiences in Travel & Tourism.
Developing a major resort is part story, part exuberance and widespread show integration, using advanced technologies built over a massive environment driven by memorable experiences that keep guests coming back for more.
DREAM BIG
Today’s location-based experiential entertainment is combining socialdriven media and interactive technologies for a three-dimensional reality, that’s like living in another world and embraced as a communal experience. Every component concisely reinforces the connection to the “experience,” from branding, character development, hospitality, and urban planning. Coupled with the dynamic pursuit of turning major movies into themed attractions with built-in audiences, lasting impressions allow these places to become timeless over several generations. The global content and distribution pipeline has increased the capacity to play together advancing socially driven messaging for a more united world.
Experiential entertainment leader Richard Krent, AIA and President of Krent Studio, Inc. says:
“TO CREATE AWARD-WINNING GLOBAL ATTRACTIONS TO MEET TODAY’S STANDARDS, REQUIRES A MORE ANIMATE, IF NOT ELABORATE, APPROACH TO BECOME MEMORABLE.”
Complex destination cities like Qiddiya, require top-level visionaries and professionals who understand entertainment’s impact on connecting worlds. As part of the Qiddiya Investment Company’s team, Richard Krent served as a Development Director offering valuable insights and constructive details on multiple assets - on both lower and upper plateaus of this entertainment city. Initially focused on the Resort Core and its Retail Dining & Entertainment assets, Krent directed several theme park concepts, providing innovative ideas to heighten the guest experience.
Ownership largely contributes and dictates the overall integrity, theme and branding of every destination attraction and resort, with the controls to deliver superior quality and high-performance operations. Scale, size, and complex strategies dictate the operations, and talented teams are required to enhance the experience, whether single attractions like museums, science centers or smaller entertainment centers, to large scale theme parks. Owned and operated on-property hotels provide additional guest interface by infusing their “brand story” over every pathway and touch experience, creating a truly memorable imprint.
Ultimately, the overriding criteria when envisioning a master-planned development is understanding that guests comprise every corner of the world encompassing age, demographics, culture, activities, and emotional quotients. History, philosophies, and trends, require research, study, and examination, which become the starting point essential for
GLOBAL BUSINESS
M A K I N G A
D I F E R E N C E
TOGETHER
continuity and authentic replication. Another important factor is safety protocols which is critical for the attractions to be physically engaging, while personally enticing without reservation.
Bigger and better was typically the driving force when developing major location-based entertainment resorts entering the 21st century. Today’s architects and creatives are focused on “emotional stimulation” versus physical adrenaline or shock factor. Especially, as attractions must cater to a broader demographic and address the entire family experience. Ideally, memorable experiences are produced for everyone’s shared happiness, joy, and momentary escape from life’s everyday responsibilities. Creating inspired storytelling environments that are compelling through visual and physical touch, is the core business model of themed destination sites and resorts.
Krent Studio has continually assembled worldwide talents to create impactful attractions. Designing several theme park concepts from single attractions to sizable cities, each project integrates functional programming, advanced technologies, infrastructure, transportation, logistics, and security measures. Krent Studio has worked with the majors from Warner Bros., DreamWorks, Sony, Universal Studios, Six Flags, branded water parks to the E-Games Precinct within Uptown South for Qiddiya.
Quality of the teams are the most important element in any project’s success. If the objective is to develop an entire park, the scale is typically 100 acres plus “Back of House.” The Development team size will vary depending on the strategy for ownership and level of involvement in the creative intent.
Parks like Universal Studios’ Islands of Adventure had a development team of approximately 300 people plus operations, tech services, and others as part of Universal’s entire team. Additionally, there were Architects, Show Set Designers, Show Action Equipment and Ride Vendors, along with a series of expert consultants that contributed to the design and documentation prior to construction. Epic, their latest park, has over 600 people on the Universal Creative Project Team.
Resort Teams and Executive Oversight at Dubai Parks & Resorts, where Krent was the Head of Design for Meraas Holdings Leisure and Entertainment, engaged a much smaller internal team with project management groups and creative consultants to implement and manage the development processes for them. Typically, a Project Executive Team directs the overall development, covering the Creative, Project and Operational Management.
Creative Executives manage the Creative intent, Intellectual Properties (IP), Story, Design, Show, Architecture, Engineering, Approvals, and Permits.
Project Executives manage the Project Dashboard, Contracts, Procurement, Budget, and Schedule.
Operations’ Executives manage FF&E, Retail Product, Food & Beverage development, area Program, with collaborative operational inputs to the design process.
Each have their own teams that focus on their respective specialties and are led by the lead Creative Executive as the holder of the Brand integrity; they report directly to the CEO of the organization and its Board of Directors for funding allocations and gateway approvals for the project.
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Welcome to Dubai parks and resorts
“Dubai Parks and Resorts, the Middle East’s largest theme park launched a new staycation package last year for those looking for an action-packed getaway in the festive holiday season.”
Welcome to Dubai parks and resorts, the middle east’s largest integrated theme park destination, featuring Motiongate™ Dubai, Bollywood parks™ Dubai, Legoland® Dubai, and Legoland® water park, all in one incredible location!
Enjoy a full day of endless fun with over 100 thrilling rides, record-breaking swing ride, familyfriendly attractions and captivating live shows!
Dubai Parks and Resorts, the Middle East’s largest theme park launched a new staycation package last year for those looking for an action-packed getaway in the festive holiday season. Not only could guests stay at the heart of all the fun, adventure and entertainment, but they were also able to experience the park’s
unique festive offerings at one of the largest festive destinations in Dubai.
Only a jump away from all the thrills, families and friends could book a getaway at Lapita, Dubai Parks and Resorts, Autograph Collection, a luxurious Polynesianthemed family hotel part of Marriott International, for a tropical Christmas celebration.
For the perfect Christmas Eve gathering, guests could enjoy a delightful buffet with the family and friends at Kalea Restaurant. While on Christmas Day, adults and kids could come together to show off their ugliest Christmas sweaters while enjoying a scrumptious buffet of roasted turkey with all the trimmings, fresh oysters, Christmas stollen, panettone, and mince pie. The Lapita Choir added to the festive spirit with Christmas Carols and live music, while the little ones enjoy a special visit from Santa along with plenty of kid’s activities.
With Q-Fast access, as part of the staycation package, thrill seekers could jump the queues at Motiongate and Bollywood Parks Dubai. That’s not all! With over 50 different activities across four theme parks including fireworks, carols, festive workshops, enchanting live shows and parades, guests could look forward to creating memorable moments with their loved ones.
For those longing to be named ‘best parents ever’ by their kids were invited to treat their youngsters to the brand-new ‘Santa Sleepover’ between December 14 to January 8 at Legoland Hotel - the unmatched kids’ holiday destination in the region.
Available for a minimum of two nights from December 24 until December 26, Lapita was offering guests to stay in a fully decorated Christmas Villa, adding a little extra holiday cheer to their stay. The full-board staycation includes a delicious Christmas Eve Dinner and Christmas Brunch, as well as a personal visit from Santa himself!
From AED 500+ per person (two adults and two children sharing a themed room) the ‘Santa Sleepover’ included a letter written by Santa (per child), a Lego gift and a complimentary festive refillable bottle awaited the youngsters in each room. Fantastic activities at the hotel, including the Lego Gingerbread House Decorating class, the Lego Ornament Build, holiday arts & crafts, Lego Santa meet & greet together with Christmas Bingo on the weekends.
This was topped by a complimentary breakfast buffet and access to the Festive Bricktacular event with all its exciting activities, shows and performances at Legoland Dubai theme park until 8 January 2023. The Santa Sleepover package was only available to guests who book directly on Legoland.ae.
Apart from choosing one of 5 room themes, whether “Pirate,” “Adventure,” “LEGO NINJAGO,” “LEGO Friends,” or “Kingdom” –each with a different treasure hunt experience - kids were able to enjoy unforgettable festive adventures throughout their stay.
A one-stop shop of wondrous adventurefilled entertainment with imaginative international cuisine and runway fashion at rock-bottom prices, Rove At The Park offered something exciting for the whole family in this epic wonderland.
Situated minutes away from Riverland Dubai, the hotel is a perfect choice for those who want to stay close to all the adventures and merriments.
Best-in-branded entertainment from three of the largest and most successful motion picture studios in Hollywood –DreamWorks Animation, Columbia Pictures and Lionsgate – complete your visit to a world of innovation and creative storytelling by visiting MOTIONGATE™ Dubai theme park.
Step into the adventurous world of Columbia Pictures
Hang on tight as you embark on a high-speed chase, Green Hornet style. Join the Ghostbusters in a paranormal battle to save New York City. Or take on the Lycans with vampire warrior Selene in the supernatural universe of Underworld. Experience an action-packed land with 7 attractions, including a family water ride, coasters and interactive shows where ghosts roam, zombies’ rule and meatballs fall from the sky.
Venture into the fantasy world of Smurfs
Welcome to the magical world of the Smurfs. Where fairy tale mushroom-top houses capture imaginations, and a colony of friendly blue Smurfs await at every corner. The village of the internationally beloved Smurfs offers 5 immersive attractions including interactive play zones, exciting family rides and a charming theatre show for all generations to enjoy.
Immerse yourself in the world of DreamWorks
Have you ever wanted to soar through the skies with Toothless? What about joining the Furious Five on an epic martial arts escapade? You can, at this movie theme park! Explore four unique lands based on the blockbuster classics Kung Fu Panda, How to Train Your Dragon, Madagascar, and Shrek – all entirely indoors! Play the hero and save the day with 12 mind-blowing attractions. Experience roller coasters, thrilling family rides, multimedia theatre shows
FRIENDLY
and interactive play zones that you’ll never forget.
Immerse yourself in the worlds of LIONSGATE films With exhilarating thrill attractions, delectable food offerings, trendy merchandise, and highenergy live entertainment, LIONSGATE brings to life the fast-paced, action-fuelled THE WORLD OF THE HUNGER GAMES and the awe-inspiring dance spectacular STEP UP DUBAI, ALL IN! based on the latest instalments of the Step Up franchise.“We are confident that these new offerings will contribute to further enhancing Dubai’s competitiveness as one of the leading international tourism destinations in the world,” he added.
THE FUTURE OF IMMERSIVE ENTERTAINMENT (YOU
DON’T NEED A STORY!)
By Ryan A. Harmon, President & Chief Creative Officer Zeitgeist Design & Production
Today’s audiences spend much of their time glued to screens. They’re glued to their phones in the morning – ooh, 35% off at Shein! They’re glued to their computers at work – seriously, another Zoom meeting? They’re back on their phones in the afternoon - checking emails, responding to texts, and making dinner reservations. Then they’re glued to their TVs when they get home – isn’t “The Last of Us” just “Mandalorian” meets “The Walking Dead?”
Add to that three years of isolation thanks to a certain global pandemic, and the online availability of anything and everything delivered to your doorstep, and you have the pent up need, want, and desire to get out of the house, tuck those digital devices away, be amongst other humans, and actually immerse yourself in life – real, tactile places that you can touch, hear, see, smell – and maybe even taste.
At Zeitgeist Design & Production, it’s our mission to create bespoke experiences we call UX-IRL (User eXperiences In Real Life) that
Many of us were born artists or writers who perfected our craft at Walt Disney Imagineering in the 1980s and 90s, where we had the opportunity to work closely with the talented men and women who invented this medium – the art directors, writers, and producers who designed and built Disneyland, The Magic Kingdom, and EPCOT Center.
“themed entertainment” projects around the world.
transport our client’s guests, visitors and patrons to a desired time and place and invite them to spend time off their screens, enjoying a visual, auditory, and emotional feast while making new memories with friends and family.
Our team members have conceived, designed, and built well over US$12 billion in incredibly successful theme parks, lands, rides, shows, restaurants, resorts, retail destinations, FECs, museums, visitor centers and events.
Though our company is only a dozen years old, each of our senior team members has at least 35 years under his or her belt dedicated solely to the design and production of world-class immersive experiences.
While some of our team members remained Imagineers for decades, overseeing some of the company’s biggest projects, like Disneyland Paris and Hong Kong Disneyland, others, like me, ventured out to hold creative leadership roles at Universal, Warner Bros., and several independent design firms, developing exciting
Today, with the unprecedented popularity of location-based experiences and the realization by the retail, hospitality, and brand sectors that “creating an experience” is required to lure people out of their comfort zones, we have been busier than ever. And with the arrival of next generation technologies, we’re thrilled to have several fresh tools to bring tomorrow’s dreams to life even more vividly than before.
We’ve got breathtaking high-definition LED screens and projection mapping, voice recognition software, augmented reality, virtual reality, spatial audio, wireless animatronics, digital puppets,
“One People, One Planet” nighttime spectacular, BBC Earth Theme Park, Hainan Island, China
“Conkordika” theme park, MNC World LIdo, Bogor, Indonesia
Zeitgeist team members (L-R): Ryan Harmon, Joe Lanzisero, Tom Morris, Chris Runco & Beckie Kiefer
illuminating drones, trackless ride systems, on-ride gaming/ scoring, and so much more. And although we’re having a blast coming up with compelling new ways to incorporate all these new gadgets and gizmos, we know that few to none of them are going to sell tickets, raise per caps, or go viral on social media.
Why? The reason is simply that as cool as the tech is, none of these tricks of the trade themselves makes for a successful immersive experience.
I know what you’re thinking. It’s the “story” that’s missing, right? You must have a story. A backstory. Story, story, story. Every design firm’s website, including ours, mentions the importance of story. Some new companies even add the
word to their name as if they are instant experts on one of the earliest forms of human communication.
Sure, everyone loves a great story – in a novel, in a movie, a theatrical production, or just sitting around a campfire like our ancestors did. But most attractions and experiences are 3.5 minutes long. Some might be 8-12 minutes. And occasionally, you’ll find an immersive venue that allows you to spend hours attempting to unravel it’s “story.” And while there are exceptions to every rule, the truth is that a traditional story has never been effectively told in an environmental setting — there’s just not enough time to digest the detailed environments, complicated situations, or more importantly, to develop empathy (or apathy) for the characters.
Our industry has gotten so stuck on the word “story” that developers are willing to spend millions and millions of dollars from their tight budgets to license movies, TV shows, and characters because they believe that intellectual properties give them a hopefully recognized (and liked) “story,” somehow guaranteeing financial success.
But even with an IP based on a popular film or brand, there’s the danger that what people can’t get enough of today becomes old news as soon as something new comes along. Most IP has a limited shelf life unless its owner is consistently producing new content year after year. Does anyone remember The World of Sid & Marty Kroft in Atlanta?
The Battlestar Galactica
attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood? How about Back to the Future: The Ride?
So, if story is not the answer, what is?
The answer is both timely and timeless: Human experience.
Walt Disney gave us a cruise through the jungles of the world. He sent us careening down the slopes of the icy Matterhorn. He invited us aboard a space capsule to the moon – and then Mars.
He allowed us to explore the sea in a submarine and to celebrate the children of the world. In later years, his company invited us to tour a haunted mansion, to travel back in time with Spanish
pirates, to race through outer space, and to cling to a runaway mine train.
Do any of these attractions – most of which still command lengthy queues 40-60 years after they debuted – have a “story?” Were any of them based on a movie or TV show? Can you name a single character originally found in any of these exciting human experiences?
How about waterparks? Disney and Universal own some of the most beloved IP on the planet. But when Disney designed and built two of the most successful waterparks in America, they went with Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. No IP. No story. Just a premise of a post typhoon tropical landscape at one and a freak snowstorm at the other.
Same with Universal’s Volcano Bay. And Sea World’s Aquatica. And Chimelong Waterpark – the most successful on the planet. Huge successes. No story.
My favorite European parks – Efteling, Europapark and of course, Puy du Fou, brilliantly tap into history, centuries old children’s literature, and the beauty of nature for inspiration.
Contrary to what you might hear at the next industry conference, audiences just don’t need a “story” for every immersive
Pirate Grotto land, Sea Dreams, Qiddiya Coast, Saudi Arabia
Flaming Mountain Flume Ride, Journey to the West Theme Park, China
experience. Most pay no attention to pre-shows. They checked their brains at the gate and often have trouble grasping complicated premises. They feel it’s a cliché to play the role of “volunteers,” or be thanked at the end for saving the world when all they did was sit there and hold on.
To be timely and timeless, just give the audience a compelling human experience. Take them where they’ve never been. Invite them to do what they’ve never done. Allow them to feel something and to learn something.
Why is Disney’s “Soarin’” attraction so popular with muti-hour queues in Shanghai? Because we can fly (with our feet dangling, our hair blowing, and our sense of smell tingling) over amazing places around the globe. Why does the “Peter Pan” dark ride still demand a 40-minute wait? It’s not because the animated film is relevant 70 years after its release. It’s because of the sensation of soaring over miniature London and Neverland in an enchanted pirate ship. Why is Universal’s Wizarding World so popular? Because it recreates a charming old British village in wintertime and is overflowing in witty (and dark) magical experiences. And Universal’s “Waterworld” stunt spectacular – based on a less than stellar 28-year-old film? It’s just an awesome stunt show with a surprise plane crash!
Magic is a human experience that never gets old. Same with flying, shrinking, exploring distant planets or ocean depths, time traveling, aliens, ghosts, surviving a gauntlet of terror. The list goes on. Human experience? Yes. Story? Not necessary.
Every project is unique in its owner’s vision, target audience, budget, and schedule. At Zeitgeist, we work closely with our clients, tapping into our imaginations, ingenuity, and innovation— and decades of knowing what works and what doesn’t — to
develop something that not only meets, but exceeds the expectations of our client –and their guests.
We encourage all developers and owner/operators to reach out, get to know us, add us to their RFP list, and give our “dream team” the opportunity to conceive, design, and produce an original, world-class, immersive entertainment project that will be celebrated — and profitable —for years to come.
And that’s our story.
Dark ride concept, “Conkordika,” MNC Lido World, Bogor, Indonesia
Pirate Grotto land, Sea Dreams, Qiddiya Coast, Saudi Arabia
MGM
“With its glittering jewel-like façade towering over the Cotai Strip, MGM Cotai is Macau’s icon of innovation.”
With its glittering jewellike façade towering over the Cotai Strip, MGM Cotai is Macau’s icon of innovation.
When it comes to the gambling capital of the world, Las Vegas has always been the most obvious contender – but in recent years, it has been eclipsed in revenue by the special Chinese administrative region of Macau. In fact, it’s often dubbed the ‘Vegas of Asia’, but in reality, this is doing it a disservice – as while Sin City has been popular amongst seekers of excess and ostentation for many years, Macau offers an altogether more refined version of luxury.
The destination has been gaining popularity rapidly over recent years, with visitor numbers at an all-time high since the world reopened following on from the lengthy global Covid-19 pandemic.
Many industry experts believe that the ongoing lockdowns that were imposed in many countries, between 2020 and 2022, were responsible for the boom in online casinos
(follow for more information), which offered high-rollers and amateur gambling enthusiasts alike a way to get their fix while land-based establishments remained closed – with the UK thought to be one of the biggest spending nations at some of the most popular UK online casinos.
In turn, that boom in online casinos is thought to have sparked renewed interest in luxurious land-based establishments since the return to ‘normal’. With players looking for an authentic, highend gambling experience that cannot be replicated online, destinations like Macau are well and truly back on the map
and turning over eye-watering amounts in gambling revenue.
With many visitors coming from nearby countries such as China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, Macau’s position as a destination for highend gambling has been cemented, and casino-lovers from around the world
want a slice of the action and the unforgettable gaming experience in an opulent setting that comes with it.
Macau’s lavish casino resorts are still just as grand and expansive as those you might find in Vegas, but if you’re looking for all-out luxury without the lairy crowds that
can detract from the refined atmosphere you’re seeking, then it’s worth using the extra airmiles to get here.
One of the most stunning new additions to Macau’s thriving gambling scene and the perfect five-star resort in which to base yourself for a stay in Macau is the MGM
Cotai, which has certainly won itself global attention since opening its doors in early 2018.
Its casino, which is spread over two enormous floors, boasts an impressive 500 gaming tables, featuring classic favourites like roulette, blackjack and poker alongside a host of more modern entertainment options – and with 1,400 slot machines and a range of luxurious amenities and entertainment options, it’s easy to see why the world’s wealthiest high-rollers are queuing up to check in.
Located on Macau’s Cotai Strip, a stretch of land that was reclaimed from the sea and is now home to some of Macau’s most prestigious resorts and casinos, the MGM Cotai is much
more than just a casino – in fact, it’s a complete entertainment destination as well as an ultra-plush highend hotel.
The resort features a 1,500seat theatre, as well as a sprawling shopping mall that is home to more than 100 stores. Add to that the numerous restaurants and bars it offers up, which include two Michelin-starred restaurants, and it’s safe to
say that it really does have it all.
But all those amenities would be nothing if the rooms and suites aren’t up to scratch, and when it comes to accommodation, the MGM Cotai doesn’t do things by halves.
With over 1,400 elegant rooms, there is plenty of choice, and each is beautifully furnished, offering high-end amenities like flat-screen TVs, minibars and high-speed Wi-Fi, and promise incredible views down over the Cotai Strip and its surroundings. If you’re staying here, you can choose from a variety of room types, including deluxe, grand, and suites. If money is no object, then go right ahead and book yourself a suite, which offers additional space and luxury amenities such as a separate living area, kitchenette, and a private balconies with some of the best views of the city.
The hotel’s signature skylofts are the epitome of luxury, with high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and expansive living spaces – and a stay in one also gives you access to a private
butler and exclusive privileges including access to the hotel’s VIP lounge.
Whilst it’s fair to say that the Cotai MGM Grand is enjoying a surge of customers in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, it has also made several changes to its method of operation to ensure customers feel safe, including a variety of strict health and safety measures.
During the pandemic itself, it also adapted by offering virtual gambling experiences, so that players could access some of their favourite games online from the comfort of their own homes.
This almost certainly provided the venue with an extra boost, piquing the interest of new high-rolling customers who had never visited before, as well as retaining the loyalty of those who had.
But despite its attractive VIP programme and array of promotions and bonuses for players to enjoy, the online offering pales in comparison to the real deal, because the MGM Cotai is nothing less than a shining example of the kind of high-end casino resorts that have made Macau what it is today.
That is, a leading destination for gambling enthusiasts from around the world, and one that every player should add to their bucket list – so if you’ve yet to visit, then there’s no time like the present to book those first-class flights.
DISNEYLAND PARIS
“Disneyland Paris Announces Multi-Year Transformation Plan for Disney Village”
DISNEYLAND PARIS
In the midst of the 30th Anniversary at Disneyland Paris, the resort-wide transformation continues! Along with the Walt Disney Studios Park expansion plan and the Disneyland Hotel royal transformation, Disney Village will see its own transformation over several years including new dining options and refreshed shopping and entertainment offerings. Disneyland Paris is sharing a first look at what to expect in the future for this 428,000-square-foot complex.
A multi-year transformation plan for an enhanced Disney Village experience
Located at the heart of Disneyland Paris, Disney Village is the retail, dining and entertainment complex between the theme parks and Disney hotels. The district, which celebrates 30 years in 2022, has more than doubled in size since its opening, constantly adding new options to reinvent the guest experience. By the end of the year, a phased transformation of the entire area will begin to give the district a brand-new visual identity and introduce exciting new offerings into the mix.
By combining the best Disney know-how with select complementary brand concepts, the reimagined Disney Village will celebrate timeless, family-friendly environments that are uniquely Disney. By day, stylish boutiques and innovative restaurants will draw guests in, and by night, thousands of lights will transform the area into a bustling wonderland.
When the transformation is complete, Disney Village will feature a relaxing lakeside park and boardwalk, enhanced pedestrian walkways, brand-new facades, relaxing terraces and patios, and lush landscaping. Its diverse eateries and collection of shops will expand dining and retail options for guests with innovative concepts from some of the world’s most exciting brands for a completely enhanced experience complementing the theme parks.
“Our plan to transform Disney Village is yet another example of how we continue to reimagine Disneyland Paris at the resort level, notably with our major expansion plan in progress at Walt Disney Studios Park,” said Natacha Rafalski, Présidente of Disneyland Paris. “
We’re very excited to bring new iconic and timeless concepts to the district that will appeal to a new
generation of guests, whether they visit from our nearby resort hotels or from the local area.
We can’t wait for our guests to be surprised and delighted by what we have in store.”
Rosalie, a new lakeside French brasserie to open in 2023
The first step in the transformation plan will be a contemporary French brasserie in place of the current Café
Mickey restaurant. Groupe Bertrand, with its portfolio of renowned Parisian brasseries, has been chosen to take over the location and bring in a fresh new concept that will both elevate the culinary experience and expand dining options for guests looking for French flavors in Disney Village.
Rosalie, the new two-floor restaurant will feature 500 seats in contemporary interiors. Inspired by Parisian brasseries, it will celebrate renowned French “Art de Vivre” and classic cuisine in a modern yet elegant setting, with expanded
Rendering of Rosalie, a new
lakeside French brasserie to open in 2023 at Disneyland Village
terraces looking over Lake Disney. Honoring both regional diversity and product seasonality, the restaurant will cater to all cravings. In addition to table service, a counter will offer French bakeryinspired options for take away like viennoiseries, pastries, sandwiches and salads, as well as a selection of products satisfying every taste and level of service. Seasonally, an outdoor terrace will welcome guests on the lake’s edge.
“As we continue to collaborate with exceptional brands that we share strong values with, we are delighted to welcome a new restaurant managed by Groupe Bertrand as a first step in our Disney Village transformation plan,” said Laure Albouy, Vice President Business Strategy & Integration, Disneyland Paris.
” We believe this unique, family-friendly restaurant will elevate the guest experience at our resort by offering famous French specialties in a unique setting, and we can’t wait to make this new partnership a reality.”
As Imagineers from Paris and beyond are hard at work
transforming Walt Disney Studios Park, which celebrated its 21st anniversary two months ago, many exciting milestones took place over these past few weeks! Get an inside look into these thrilling updates:
The “Frozen” themed land, inspired by the hit Walt Disney Animation Studios films, the kingdom of Anna and Elsa is taking shape and reaching for the sky more and more every day.
Nearby the Arendelle Castle, the teams have welcomed their very first trees, giving new life to the construction site. To recreate the atmosphere of a Norwegian Fjörd, the area development and construction teams chose to use majestic conifers such as sequoia trees, which reach more than 22 feet in height.
And the work here is just getting started — did you know that
more than one thousand trees will be planted by the end of the expansion project?
When you arrive at the heart of the park, you’ll be immersed in the same wintery atmosphere experienced during the movies.
Elsa’s Ice Castle, which will stand at the top of a 131-foot-high snow-covered mountain, can be admired from afar. Many new experiences await you in this magical land including a new attraction that will take guests on a journey accompanied by the iconic “Frozen” characters.
The village — with its Norwegian-inspired architectural style — will be home to both a shop and a restaurant that will serve meals with a Nordic touch.
Additionally, guests will have the opportunity to meet their
favorite characters during a royal meet and greet. This new land is sure to melt your heart and create magical moments you’ll never forget! Picture a beautiful promenade surrounded by lush landscape, green walkways and themed gardens – the perfect spot for magical daydreams. Not only will you walk along this promenade to gain access to the Kingdom of Arendelle, it will also serve as a transition to the new theme-based areas that will surround the future lake, completely transforming the park’s current atmosphere.
If you’re feeling hungry, a stylish table-service restaurant with an Art Nouveau design will serve as the perfect place to refuel. With spectacular panoramic views of the lake and special meet-and-greet opportunities with a selection of fan-favourite Disney characters, this restaurant will offer fun and relaxation for the whole family.
These new projects are yet another step in the ambitious transformation and expansion plan for Walt Disney Studios Park and the entire Disneyland Paris resort.
Severn Lamb, the world-renowned leader in visitor transportation, has carved a niche in designing and manufacturing cutting-edge solutions for leisure and resort passenger transportation. With an impressive portfolio of Park Trains, Trams & Trolleys, and Road Trains & Trams, the company’s expertise extends to tailoring existing models and creating bespoke designs to meet unique technical and creative requirements. In 2023, Severn Lamb will showcase their unrivalled innovation by commissioning a world-first: a 3ft gauge classic steam outline fully battery electric locomotive and tender, accompanied by two coaches with an 80-passenger capacity. This remarkable blend of traditional craftsmanship and state-of-the-art electric vehicle technology will be unveiled at the Carillon Historical Park in Dayton, Ohio.
Innovation at the Carillon Historical Park
Collaborating closely with the Carillon Historical Park, Severn Lamb customized their 3ft gauge Jupiter locomotive and tender to faithfully replicate the “Cincinnati,” the first engine to arrive in Dayton in 1851. The customization involved significant cosmetic and structural changes, most notably replacing the conventional water tank, steam chest, and boiler with an environmentally friendly and silent battery electric powertrain. The powertrain, featuring appropriately sized batteries, four 38kw motors, and controllers, has been meticulously engineered to provide ample power for a full day’s operation on the 1.8m track. Weighing in at 23 tonnes, the locomotive’s weight guarantees optimal traction to navigate the gradients present on-site.
Visitors to the Carillon Historical Park will be treated to an enchanting 20-minute ride guided by an onboard commentary triggered by GPS. As they embark on this immersive journey, passengers may even catch a glimpse of the majestic local bald eagles, adding a touch of natural beauty to their experience. Severn Lamb’s commitment to excellence shines through in their turnkey package, which encompasses not only the train itself but also the track infrastructure installation. This comprehensive approach ensures a seamlessly integrated and flawlessly engineered transportation system that enhances the historical park’s appeal.
Expanding the Road Train Portfolio
Severn Lamb’s experience in the rail train industry spans over 70 years, and their success took a significant leap forward in 2022 with the acquisition of Trams International. As a veteran in the US market, Trams International has been supplying road trams to various venues across the Americas, the Caribbean, and internationally for the past three decades. This acquisition
instantly bolstered Severn Lamb’s already thriving road train portfolio, introducing renowned series such as the 6001, 9000, and 3000 to their line-up. These vehicles, including their trailers, can be powered either by low-emission diesel engines or fully electric battery drives. This expanded range of passenger road vehicles has been purpose-built to thrive in high-capacity, low-speed environments, enabling efficient operations in tight spaces. To further cater to clients’ diverse needs, Severn Lamb offers complete customization options, ensuring that every requirement is met. Among their notable offerings are the SL Land Train, Vision, Adventure Truck, and Mini Movers, each designed to provide exceptional experiences to passengers and venue visitors.
In addition to their prolific presence in the attractions industry, Severn Lamb also offers Specialist Engineering services. One notable project involved manufacturing a mobile stage equipped with hydraulically operated legs, opening stage doors, and speaker arms. These mobile stages are quick and easy to set up and install, making them versatile solutions for events worldwide. With their commitment to engineering excellence, Severn Lamb continues to diversify their offerings, catering to a broad range of clients and industries.
are undertaking diesel to battery electric conversions for various existing clients, replicating subway trains, and introducing two 6001 Series vehicles for the Americas, among other exciting projects.
To reaffirm their global presence, Severn Lamb and Trams International will be attending major trade exhibitions throughout 2023, including the Saudi Entertainment & Amusement Expo, IAAPA Expo Asia, CAE Beijing, Vietnam Theme Park Expo, and IAAPA Expo Europe. Those interested in exploring Severn Lamb’s cutting-edge solutions can reach their team at sales@severnlamb.com or visit their official websites, www.severn-lamb.com and www.tramsinternational.com.
Future Ventures and International Presence
Building on their successes in Dayton and inspired by their recent acquisition of Trams International, Severn Lamb is poised for continued international success. The company is currently designing and delivering new products, including two battery electric Lincoln rail trains and four Land Rover Road Trains for Mexico. Furthermore, they
Severn Lamb’s unwavering commitment to innovation and customization has solidified their position as world leaders in visitor transportation. From their ground-breaking battery electric locomotive to their diverse range of road trains and trams, the company continuously pushes the boundaries of what is possible in the industry. With their expansion into Specialist Engineering services and ambitious international ventures, Severn Lamb is poised to revolutionize transportation solutions
across a wide array of sectors. As they prepare to showcase their latest achievements and forge new partnerships at major trade exhibitions worldwide, the future holds boundless possibilities for Severn Lamb and their pursuit of excellence in visitor transportation.
