While there’s now only 83 days to go before we can experience many of the new 25th Anniversary attractions, today marks a bigger milestone: 100 days until the actual birthday of Disneyland Paris itself, on 12th April 2017. Both the Disney Characters and resort president Catherine Powell have prepared their own commemorations. No less than 50 Disney Characters took part in a photo shoot back when the weather was warmer, marking out the number “25” in the beautiful area between Adventureland, Fantasyland and Central Plaza. With the technicolour of the characters and blue skies above, the results are absolutely stunning — this photo will be a treasure in the resort’s history for years to come. The characters featured in full, are: Mickey Mouse, Pluto, Chip, Dale, Goofy, Peter Pan, Mr Smee, Captain Hook, two Penguins, Mary Poppins, Elsa, Anna, Elsa, Tigger, Eeyore, Rabbit, Winnie the Pooh, Thumper, Miss Bunny, Snow White, Jasmine, Aladdin, Genie, Jafar; Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Pinocchio, Gepetto, Emile, Rémy, Rapunzel, Belle, Stitch, Baloo, King Louie, Perla, Suzy, Cinderella, Queen of Hearts, Tweedle Dee & Tweedle Dum, White Rabbit, Alice, Mad Hatter, Ariel, Aurora, Jessie, Buzz Lightyear, Woody. They even filmed a fun video showing the photo being put together — kudos to whoever thought to make sure the White Rabbit was characteristically late! Euro Disney operating group president Catherine Powell, who joined the company in 2016, has also recorded a New Year video message. Touching on the troubled French tourism market, the message is nevertheless hopeful and optimistic for the year ahead and the multitude of new experiences coming to the resort. Catherine already seems to have a very genuine and personal desire to move Disneyland Paris forward. Noting the 30-year anniversary of the original agreement with the French government to build the resort, and its 15,000 Cast Members, she clearly understands the scale of the undertaking. Having such a focused and personable president at the helm, who seems intent on connecting better with her audience to give the company a more human touch, is yet another reason to be optimistic for 2017. Happy New Year, and good luck to all at Disneyland Paris!