Disneyland Paris has provided yet another look and update for its attraction based on the world of Cars at Walt Disney Studios. With this update also came an updated name. The attraction is now being called the Cars ROAD TRIP attraction instead of the previously announced Cars Route 66 Road Trip. The other update is that one of the iconic scenes of this attraction has been brought to life with the help of some local companies. When guests experience it, they will go on a trek along Route 66 and see many of its iconic locations along with many friends from Disney and Pixar’s Cars.
The characters that will be found on Cars ROAD TRIP are getting a little assistance in being brought to life by some local companies near Disneyland Paris. Imagineers have been working with these companies for years, most recently on this attraction. One iconic moment has a blue Dinoco semi-truck welcoming visitors to what was formerly Catastrophe Canyon of the old Studio Tram Tour. It can be presumed now that this is going to be a welcome to Ornament Valley. The transformation of this scene was made possible with the efforts of Axyon and Carolaux-Paradis, local SMEs based in the Seine-et-Marne department.
“We helped transform an American truck into one of the icons of the attraction revisited. In particular, we designed, produced, tested and installed all the mechanics and electronics necessary for its animation, and to finish we used a 250-ton crane to lift it and install it in the canyon” shared Philippe Barbot, director of ‘Axyon. This engineering company was approved by the French Ministry of Research and is based in Collégien. The company also helped bring to life other friends from the Cars universe that will be seen in the attraction.
Barbot also shared how this was done in partnership with Disney despite the challenges brought upon by the pandemic. “Our teams have built a relationship of trust, based on dialogue and exchange. This has been particularly illustrated in recent months. When the first confinement was declared, the management of Imagineering contacted me immediately to see what would be the best way to move forward together, in accordance with government directives. Thus, we have never stopped working in close collaboration, and Disneyland Paris has always listened. ”
Another company that is working on the attraction is Carolaux-Paradis. This local body shop helped remodel and repaint the exterior of the truck. Carolaux-Paradis also worked on some of the other Catastrophe Canyon stage set elements and refurbished the Studio Tram Tour vehicles. Christophe Gorny, the co-manager of the workshop has worked with Disneyland Paris for 25 years on many different projects.
“Despite the current unprecedented situation, we were able to continue our collaboration with Disneyland Paris and comply with all health protocols and barrier gestures. Our work for the destination is probably what has enabled us to do better than most companies in our sector, ”says Mr. Gomy.
While Disneyland Paris continues to remain closed to guests, work continues on with Cars ROAD TRIP. What do you think of what you are seeing of it so far? Are you excited to experience it some day? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
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