Euro Disney in France: Why Not Spain?
The location of Euro Disney, now Disneyland Paris, in France, rather than Spain, has been a topic of discussion for years. The decision to build in Marne-la-Vallée, France, was ultimately driven by financial incentives and tax breaks offered by the French government, overriding concerns about weather and existing tourism infrastructure in Spain.
Roy E. Disney, nephew of Walt Disney, believed that Spain would have been a more suitable location for Euro Disney. He cited Spain’s superior weather, established tourism industry, and readily available workforce as key advantages. He argued that these factors would have contributed to a more successful launch and long-term viability for the park.
However, the financial allure of the French government’s offer proved too strong for then-CEO Michael Eisner to resist. This decision, according to Roy Disney, prioritized short-term financial gains over the long-term success of the park. This prioritization of “scheme over dream” was a recurring criticism of Eisner’s leadership.
The “scheme over dream” mentality, as Roy Disney described it, led to cost-cutting measures in the early phases of projects like Disney’s California Adventure and Hong Kong Disneyland. These initial savings ultimately resulted in the need for significant financial investments later to bring these parks up to Disney standards. This approach contrasted sharply with Walt Disney’s philosophy of prioritizing the guest experience and taking calculated risks to achieve a larger vision.
In contrast to Eisner’s approach, John Lasseter, former Chief Creative Officer of Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios, championed a “dream over scheme” philosophy. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing the guest experience and storytelling, even if it meant higher initial costs. Lasseter believed that investing in quality and creating memorable experiences would ultimately lead to greater long-term success.
Lasseter’s commitment to quality extended to every detail of the parks’ attractions. He famously challenged executives who proposed cost-cutting measures that could compromise the guest experience. His unwavering focus on creating exceptional experiences helped to revitalize the Disney parks and solidify their reputation for excellence.
Beyond the financial considerations, a more humorous anecdote suggests another reason why the French government was so eager to have Euro Disney built in Marne-la-Vallée. The flat terrain of the region, ideal for construction, also happened to be the historical route used by German tanks during World War I and World War II. Some have jokingly suggested that the French government saw the park as a strategic “speed bump” in any future invasions.