Special effects teams at Disneyland Paris recently opened their doors to cast members to show how their magic is made. This was done during a day that was dedicated to showcasing their roles and expertise. Throughout the day, special effects equipment, props used in shows, and even virtual reality were shown off. This gave visiting cast members the chance to explore the many different parts of the department that help bring Disneyland Paris shows and experiences to life on a daily basis.

Following this very special day, Disneyland Paris gave a glimpse behind the scenes to the rest of the world by showing some highlights from this event. Take a look below!

An Immersive Look at the World of Special Effects

Several areas had been specially designed to give Cast Members a hands-on look at the work of the SFX teams. One exhibit showcased a range of props and equipment used in productions, while Cast Members from the department shared their expertise and introduced visitors to the machines used to create some of the effects seen on stage.

Visiting Cast Members could also enjoy an immersive virtual reality experience before capturing the moment at a photo spot showcasing various effects, from spark fountains to bubbles.

It was a rare opportunity to get an up-close look at equipment and techniques that are usually hidden from view, as some curious visitors shared: “I got to see special effects I had never seen before. […] It’s very impressive and quite unique to experience.”

In addition to the workshops and exhibits, several live demonstrations took place throughout the day on the Théâtre des Stars stage. These demonstrations gave the teams an opportunity to showcase special effects in real-life conditions and illustrate the techniques used across various Disneyland Paris shows.

In total, more than 500 Cast Members attended the open house throughout the day.

An Exclusive Show to Close the Event

To bring the day to a close, the Special Effects teams had one final surprise in store: an original show created especially for the occasion, with contributions from several other Disneyland Paris departments.

In front of more than 1,100 Cast Members, the teams showcased the full extent of their expertise in an emotional performance featuring a wide range of effects.

It was a spectacular way to conclude the event and shine a spotlight on the people behind the scenes who work with fire, water, smoke and many other effects every day to help bring Disneyland Paris stories to life.

Discover highlights from the Special Effects teams’ open house in the video below:

Did You Know?

Virtual reality is also part of the recruitment process for some future Cast Members joining the Special Effects teams!

Using virtual reality headsets, candidates can experience situations directly inspired by their future work environment. The goal is not only to assess their knowledge or how comfortable they are in these situations: above all, the experience helps spark conversations with recruiters based on a realistic, hands-on scenario.