Meet the New Disney Stars: DLP CEO Philippe Gas confirms indirectly the WDS Ratatouille dark ride project

In today's Telegraph interview DLP CEO Philippe Gas announced indirectly the WDS Ratatouille attraction project. It's the first time that he mentions Ratatouille and although he don't talk specifically about an attraction it's easy to read "between the lines". He didn't announced an opening date but, still, it's one more confirmation that the project is not pure DLP fan fantasy. In two words, it's not a rumor anymore.

He didn't talked about Star Tours 2 coming to DLP but it doesn't mean that they won't do it. They still have plenty of time - almost one year - to take their decisions and i won't be surprised if they were waiting for the ST2 opening at DL and WDW next year to see how good it is to make a decision.

I've told you in my latest DLP pdate that the park envision changes in major DLP attractions like Phantom Manor and Pirates of Caribbean and it's interesting to note that in his interview Philippe Gas mentions that the park "have enough cash today...to pay for rehabilitation of current attractions in the park".

He also talked about the third park and confirmed that the decision to build the third park may not be made until 2020.

Here is excerpts of the Telegraph interview:

“You cannot think about Disneyland Paris as a five-year play or a 10-year play. We are looking at 2035. We’re not looking at tomorrow – so, looking at this strategically, investing in a second park was the right thing to do.”

Mr Gas said the group is committed to paying back 25pc of its current debt by 2013. He plans to significantly expand the Studios Park and is now talking about developing a third theme park on its Disneyland Paris site.

“Honestly, we have enough cash today to pay our debt, to finance our expansion and to pay for rehabilitation [of current attractions in the park],” highlighted Mr Gas, denying recent speculation that the company came close to breaching banking covenants...

...High on Mr Gas’s agenda are the development of the Disney Studios, where he plans more attractions and restaurants with the intention of turning it into a “one-day experience”. New Disney characters he is keen to feature at the park include Disney’s Cars and Ratatouille.

“Ratatouille is perfect, as it is set in Paris,” he said, pointing to a large wall poster of the film in his office. Furthermore, there is the agreement to build homes as part of the development of Marne la Vallée, where Disneyland Paris is located, as well as a nature park that will be set up with French holiday company Pierre et Vacances."

Later down the line, the construction of a third theme park is also on the agenda...

...Mr Gas said a decision to build the third theme park may not be made until 2020, though it may be brought forward if planned work on the existing Disney Studios Park is completed."

You can read the full Telegraph interview HERE in which Philippe Gas also defends DLP workers condition.

Text: copyright Telegraph.co.uk