Culture Curve Ball: How Mainstreet USA Almost Never Happened?!

I know what your thinking, this statement seems a little... well.... extreme.. 

But It really is the truth! 

You see, in the beginning of the design process for Disneyland Paris, Imagineers were worried about what would translate to a European audience. Sure the parks so far had grown into great success stories, but they were all based on American ideologies. 

Even in 1982 when Disneyland Tokyo opened, the park was a complete carbon copy of its American predecessor in California at the request of the Japan's government.  

This would be the first time the imagineers had to tackle a park coming into a completely new culture. 

They initially thought that the formulaic Main Street USA entrance way wouldn't translate to the European crowds. After all, Main Street in it's original form was heavily based around the turning of the century and industrial periods of the US. 

So they decided to look at another style and period of time... 

They knew the Europeans were fascinated by the 'roaring 20's'. So The designers set out to transform the vision into a reality, drawing up concept art that would include, cinema's, gangsters all the hustle and bustle, glitz and glamor that one would find in that time period. 

Themed to a somewhat mix of Chicago and New York, it was a spectacular fantasy of urban beauty. 

However this idea wouldn't last..... 

So why did we end up with a Main Street USA in Disneyland Paris? What made the imagineers do a sudden 'U Turn'? 

Well the team of designers went back to look at the original ideas of what Main Street was about...

while the focus was on American history and heritage, there was still a load of themes that were thought to be universal..  

The Bright lights of a city, horse drawn carrages and old tram cars. These were things that while generic would form what would be known as the 'Spirit Of Main Street' 

This was a collection of sights and sounds that would capture the essence of Walt's original ideas, without the need for the heavy context. 

Of course the imagineers knew certain features worked well in its other veriations and brought them to Paris. 

The Emporium, a feature restaurant ( Walt's ) and many other opportunities for 'spontaneous' moments of entertainment, such as the Dapper Dans. 

Wrap Up: 

It was a great success and a new form of Walt's classic lives in the heart of our European park! 

Would you have liked to seen Main Street in a different form? What's your favourite land? 

Leave a comment below, or get involved on our insta: @coastersamblog 

Until Next Time, 

See Ya!

Sam x