Colonel Hathi's

The red and white of a British colonial plantation house stands in stark contrast against the green, untamed jungles of Adventureland in Disneyland Paris. This is the home of Colonel Hathi's Pizza Outpost, or as it was known in the early years of the park... The Explorers Club.

Originally conceived as a table service location, the Explorers Club restaurant was converted to counter service within the park's first year of operation. The name and menu were changed (toward the odd juxtaposition of The Jungle Book and Italian cuisine) in 1995, in further deference to public demand.

Step inside, though, and you'll see that even after all these years, the restaurant still bears some of the unique stamps of the Explorers Club, a gathering place for adventurers from around the globe to display their findings and share tall tales of their exploits. Look around, and you may even spot the occasional "EC" logo:

What you'll definitely find is a collection of old photographs, letters, books, equipment and other items left by the members of the club. Created in the spirit of the former Adventurers Club on Pleasure Island at Walt Disney World, the Explorers Club even featured a cast of characters portraying famous individuals such as H.M. Stanley and David Livingstone.

The main dining room of the Explorers Club/Pizza Outpost is dominated by a giant tree, growing straight up through the floor. The members have embraced its presence, hanging lanterns and chandeliers from the tree's branches.

All around the room are murals, honoring well-known expeditions to the "four corners of the globe and beyond!"

And even though the members of the Explorer's Club have long since gone their separate ways, that's not to say the restaurant is completely unpopulated. These Audio-Animatronic toucans still peer down at diners from their lofty perch. They're what remains of several animated birds and animals which once interacted with the characters and guests of the Disneyland Paris Explorers Club restaurant.