1001 Adventureland Nights

Adventureland at Disneyland Paris unfolds in five distinct neighborhoods, each representing a different exotic region of the world. The entrance to the land from the Central Plaza is the first most guests encounter, and the setting here is the Middle East, inspired by the tales of the Arabian Nights (known in Arabic as One Thousand and One Nights).

The entrance archway and surrounding structures create a sense of place with traditional Persian architecture and details. Look closely, though, and you'll spy nods to several of the traditional Middle Eastern folk tales and stories. Gold figures atop the minarets are images of an Arabian stallion, a genie and Aladdin on his flying carpet.

You may also spy the nest and giant egg of a roc, a gigantic mythical bird of prey. The roc plays into two of the "Seven Voyages of Sindbad the Sailor" and was popularized in the west through the tales of Marco Polo.

Venturing closer to the portal, even more detail becomes apparent. There's intricate tile work, spectacularly hand-crafted lanterns and chandeliers and even a bench carved in the shape of a resting camel. You'll even find a bit of Hidden Disney here. Click the image below for an up-close look at the orange circle at either side of the arch. It's the symbol of Walt Disney's True-Life Adventures, the series of documentary films produced by Disney in the 1950s which provided the original inspiration for Adventureland.

Inside the walls of Adventureland is a bustling marketplace, filled with boutiques and bazaars which we'll explore in future articles. There's immeasurable detail to be appreciated here, even on the outside. The coloring on the domes is spectacular, as is the variety of architectural styles, from uniquely laid brick to packed sand and mud structures similar to those found in Islamic regions of northern Africa.

And what's this crowd gathered in a corner of the market? It appears they've been attracted by the presence of the Sultan's Royal Vizier, Jafar. Characters from Disney's Aladdin, which opened in theaters the same year Disneyland Paris made its debut, are an appropriate fit for this region of Adventureland. In fact, there's an attraction here based on the film. Check back tomorrow as we explore the Enchanted Passage of Aladdin.