Disneyland Paris: 20th Anniversary

Disneyland Paris (formerly Euro Disney) is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Its recent earnings report mentioned lower attendance, in part due to the ongoing economic slowdown. Now the theme park is adding new attractions and entertainment and staying open later as it seeks to increase attendance during this anniversary season.

With high brand recognition, Disneyland Paris attracts more visitors in a year than the Louvre. Still, it faces considerable competition. Already open--and becoming more popular--is Les Machines d'Ile in Nantes, devoted to (what else?) giant mechanical machines. North of Paris, Parc Asterix is older than Disneyland Paris and a key competitor. In the planning stages is a new Napoleon theme park, to be built south of Paris.

Another factor that could influence 2012 attendance: The exchange rate may give European families a reason to fly to Florida for DisneyWorld and tour the many other theme parks within driving distance, including Legoland, Universal Studios and SeaWorld.

Can M. Mouse and his friends bring in crowds during Disneyland Paris's anniversary year?