Photo by Dan Heaton

The best theme park attractions can transport you to another place. You aren’t just riding a coaster or watching a movie. You’re taking a journey and having a rare experience. The bar is high to reach this plateau, especially for theater attractions. One of the best examples is Impressions de France, an opening day show that is still operating more than 33 years after EPCOT opened. From the first flute sounds of Claude Debussy’s “Syrinx” that play over images from Étretat in Normandy, we’re taken away from our seats. This isn’t an immersive ride like Soarin’ or even a Circle-Vision 360 film, but it still is one of Disney’s most enchanting attractions.

The enjoyment of Impressions de France starts well before the first images appear on the screen. The France pavilion in World Showcase is one of the best and creates just the right atmosphere. The only downside is the crowds. If you aren’t packed into the space, it can feel like you’ve been shipped overseas to France around the turn of the century. The buildings were designed to reflect the La Belle Epoque period from 1870-1910. It’s hard to beat sitting near the fountain and enjoying an ice cream from L’Artisan de Glaces in the middle of such an attractive space.

You’ll stroll by Chefs de France, which resembles a sidewalk café on the streets of Paris. The trees line the path and lead you to the Palais du Cinema for the feature presentation. You might stop at several charming shops along the way to sample perfumes and French wines. The Boulangerie Paitisserie les Halles is a perfect spot to grab a sandwich or baguette, though it is quite popular. Each structure builds the theme that you’ve made a brief trip to another place. That sensation only increases once the lights dim for the main feature.

An Epic Journey

Impressions de France appears on five screens offering a 200-degree view into every aspect of the French landscape and culture. Unlike the Circle-Vision films, you can sit back and relax for this 18-minute presentation. It isn’t as technically immersive but is more enchanting because you aren’t constantly swinging your head around to see everything.

The air-conditioned theater is omfortable, and the music ranks among the best at any theme park attraction. The London Symphony Orchestra performed the score, which includes famous songs along with original music from Buddy Baker. The cozy space is the right spot for the grand presentation.

I adore the sense of graceful movement that separates this movie from similar films. The camera glides through the Marais Poitevin swamp and provides a warm look at the landscape. Shortly thereafter, we’re flying over attractive chateaus and glimpsing the inside of the church at Vezelay. The aerial shots are still amazing as we slowly drift above the massive structures. The combination of swelling music and striking visuals pulls you right away from the seats. It’s easy to forget that we aren’t being lifted above the ground by this show.

Joy and Movement

Beyond the monuments and palaces, Impressions de France shines in its depiction of everyday moments. We ride a horse cart through Riquewihr Village in Alsace while laid-back music plays in the background. It feels authentic to pick out pastries with excited kids or stroll through the vineyards during a harvest because we’re immersed in the scene. We glimpse a man chopping wood in a quiet forest, and there’s a sense that life is just progressing. The trick is just spending brief moments in each spot and catching a range of experiences. The total effect is what we remember.

The original EPCOT Center has the reputation of being dull or too educational. I strongly disagree with that opinion, and Impressions de France is a perfect example of why it misses the mark. One of my favorite sequences presents bike riders sprinting down a hill with joy. We face backwards and see their excited faces as they race towards an unknown destination. The scene moves to race cars in Cannes and then shifts to the quiet serenity of hot air balloons near Chaumont Castle. This is such a fun trip! Some guests who’ve ridden Soarin’ many times have probably never seen Impressions de France. I’d argue there’s even more depth in this gorgeous film.

The Superstars

The final act brings out the heavyweights, and none of them disappoint. Mont St. Michel is a beacon in the night sky and only more breathtaking when we move closer. After returning to the cliffs of Normandy and stopping by the quiet Riviera, we finally reach Paris by train for the rousing climax. The Champs-Elysses, Arc de Triomphe, and the Seine River all get the chance to shine. It never feels like we’re just checking a box either. There’s charm and life inside these scenes, which rarely take the obvious approach. We ride alongside the horses on Bastille Day and enjoy the balloon release at the Notre-Dame Cathedral.

It’s a challenge to capture the grandeur of the Eiffel Tower on film, but it’s present here. The climactic montage depicts natural wonders like the Alps and places like the Chateau Chambord before returning to the iconic symbol. We close with the Eiffel Tower at night as the score sets the right tone. In just 18 minutes, Director Rick Harper (American Journeys) gives us so much to enjoy about France. I’ve only visited Paris for five days and have a broader understanding of the entire country because of Impressions de France.

An Unheralded Winner

It’s no secret to avid Disney fans that Impressions de France is a must-see attraction. Only this film remains in its original form and hasn’t lost its edge. There are a few dated fashions, but it’s mostly timeless. The sparse narration allows the visuals and music to grab us without any distractions. If you arrive at the theater with the right attitude, there’s little chance in not enjoying it. Even the YouTube videos (especially this one) are stunning.

Impressions de France is easily in my top five attractions at the park and might be my favorite. Let’s appreciate the greatness of this classic attraction. It’s one of the best examples of what’s possible without using IP, 3D, or cheap gimmicks. When talented artists get the chance to tackle the right subject, they’re going to succeed. Let’s make EPCOT shine and use this wonderful film as a reminder of what’s possible.

Related Articles: Impressions de France

Ten Extinct Disney World Attractions I’m Thankful For

The Tomorrow Society Podcast, Episode 61: Rick Harper, Director of Impressions de France

Top 10 Favorite Walt Disney World Attractions

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