Disneyland - The Majestic Reawakening of La Tanière du Dragon at Disneyland Paris

By Mulder, Disneyland Paris, 21 october 2023

Since its inception in 1992, La Tanière du Dragon has been a captivating attraction, inviting brave visitors to venture into the shadows beneath Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant at Disneyland Paris. In 2023, after an extensive rehabilitation, the renowned lair has reopened its doors, revealing a rejuvenated experience for guests. Let's delve into the magical transformation orchestrated by the skilled Imagineers and central workshops of Disneyland Paris.

Jeremy Declerck, Stage Lighting Designer at Walt Disney Imagineering Paris, shares insights into the technical upgrades undergone during the rehabilitation. In July of the previous year, all projectors and show control mechanisms were replaced, elevating the overall technical prowess of the attraction. The Imagineers aimed not only to maintain the creature's mystique but also to enhance the ambiance.

New luminaires were strategically placed to accentuate the intricate details of the cavern. Visitors can now rediscover the nuances of the dragon's refuge, from the meandering crevasses to the iridescent effects on the rocks and the suspended roots overhead. The enhancements provide a more immersive and enchanting experience, preserving the mysterious atmosphere that defines La Tanière du Dragon.

During the October closure, attention was directed toward the animatronic dragon itself. Anne-Cécile Houron, Stage Finishing Designer, unveils the secrets behind the intensified spectacle. With the integration of new black light projectors and the application of a specialized paint that reacts to this type of lighting, a mesmerizing effect was crafted, amplifying the dragon's rage.

The Invisible Black Light paint, invisible to the naked eye, comes alive when exposed to black light. This ingenious application creates a magical effect for visitors, intensifying the realism of the dragon's anger. The collaboration with Disneyland Paris's Figure Finishing workshop was pivotal throughout the rehabilitation, from project conception to methodology, light adjustments, and effect programming.

For those unfamiliar with La Tanière du Dragon, tucked beneath Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant is a hidden, dark passage housing a 27-meter dragon. Reminiscent of Maleficent's alter ego from Disney's 1959 film, the dragon has been a fixture since the park's opening in 1992.

The entrance, either from Central Plaza or the Merlin l'Enchanteur boutique within the castle, leads to a dim and slightly damp cavern. At its center lies the dormant dragon. Visitors are warned to tread lightly, for the creature, though seemingly asleep, can easily be stirred, and its realistic features may startle younger guests.

La Tanière du Dragon, is a unique walk-through attraction beneath Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant at Disneyland Park in Disneyland Paris. Opening with Euro Disneyland on April 12, 1992, the attraction boasts an impressive audio-animatronic dragon, the largest of its kind at 27 meters from head to tail during its debut.

The walkthrough takes visitors through a dimly lit cavern where the massive dragon rests, occasionally awakening with billows of smoke and growls. The history of this legendary attraction dates back to 1987 when Imagineer Terri Hardin led the project, aiming to incorporate the skeleton of Maleficent's Dragon from Sleeping Beauty—an idea that, unfortunately, did not come to fruition.

the grand reopening of La Tanière du Dragon brings forth a revitalized and enchanting experience for Disneyland Paris visitors. The meticulous care given to technical improvements and the addition of captivating effects ensures that this iconic attraction continues to capture the imagination of all who dare to venture into the depths of the dragon's lair.

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Photos and video : Boris Colletier / Mulderville