Dream Weavers

Magique Musique

Sue Arondel encounters diverse cultures at Disneyland Paris.
by Emile Menasché

When Englishwoman Sue Arondel left her rainy homeland for the fun-in-the-sun of Epcot at Walt Disney World in Florida, she probably never dreamed that the journey would lead her back across the Atlantic to work at Disneyland Resort Paris, where she now serves as Entertainment Project Development Manager. That's because Europe's first Disney-owned park hadn't yet come into being.

But it was while at Epcot—where she began working as a cultural representative for the United Kingdom Pavilion in 1990—that Arondel learned of a training program for Disney's new facility on what the Brits call "the Continent."

"I requested an interview and went in there with my at-the-time terrible French," she recalls. "I joined the entertainment division of Disneyland Resort Paris for pre-opening in January of 1992." The park opened its doors to the public that April. "Needless to say, once on location, my French improved dramatically!"

Arondel brings a performing background to her duties at Parc Disneyland, as it's called in French. "I sang at Disney for two seasons as part of a Dickens-style Christmas Carolers a cappella group," she explains. "I have studied music from a very early age, and I have a degree in voice from the European Conservatoire in Paris."

But it's her work that she finds most rewarding. "One of my main missions is the development of the Disney Magic Music Days program, which I feel particularly passionate about," she says. "I first began working with Disney Magic Music Days back in 1995 when I replaced the manager temporarily; 13 years later, I'm still involved!"

Disneyland Paris' location, just 20 miles outside one of Europe's biggest cities, means that Arondel and her crew encounter students from many different cultures. "Being based in France gives us great cultural diversity," she says. "We host groups from over 26 different countries that vary from close European neighbors to countries as far away as Australia and even Russia."

With over 14 million visitors in 2007, Disneyland Paris continues to grow, as does Arondel's role. "After heading up the operational side for over 10 years, I now get the opportunity to be part of the future," she says. "New projects include the Disney Performing Arts workshops: We have a pilot test coming up in summer 2008." The payoff is being able to reach so many kids from so many places. "For me, it really is a joy to see young performers being inspired," Arondel says. "I feel very privileged to be in the position that I have today."

Sue Arondel, Dream Weaver

Role: Entertainment Project Development Manager

At Walt Disney World since: 1992

Grew up in: Saltburn by the Sea, England

Performed as: Singer

Training: Degree in Voice from the Conservatoire de Paris