ABSTRACT
When Disney, the U.S.-based entertainment giant, decided to open a theme park in Europe, it had almost no direct overseas experience. Tokyo Disneyland had proved successful, but it had been developed and run by a local Japanese partner. When EuroDisney opened in France, management had already incorporated changes in its successful models from California and Florida. To accommodate the cooler, damper climate in France, more indoor attractions were developed and more covered walkways were installed. Multilingual telephone operators and guides were hired to assist visitors from different European countries. Kennels were built for the many French families who would never think of going on vacation without the family dog. Estimates of restaurant traffic took into consideration the fact that Europeans like to linger over their food and are far less tolerant of standing in lines than Americans.
