Disneyland Paris is launching The Castle Hub, an online platform through which start-ups can collaborate with Europe’s number one tourist destination.

This is a new step in the resort’s search for excellence and in continuing to create exceptional experiences for guests. Recently, eight companies were invited to participate in the “Tower of Terror: the pitch” competition, where they gave their Elevator Pitch to win the unique opportunity to see their solution implemented across the Resort.

“Tower of Terror: the pitch”: an elevator pitch with a Disney touch 

Disneyland Paris teams challenged eight start-ups to do something they all know well: an elevator pitch. The concept was the same – present an idea or project in the amount of time it takes to ride an elevator – but this special version was a little more exhilarating than traditional elevator pitches.

The start-ups were filmed as they made their three-minute pitches while jolting up and down in the Tower of Terror attraction, trying to win over a panel of judges made up of professionals and Disneyland Paris leaders.

 Outtake from the first “Tower of Terror: the Pitch” competition 

Two start-ups were selected as winners and will soon begin working with teams from Disneyland Paris.

• Design Aglaé won the 1st prize with its unique magic serum which creates a luminescent plant experience.
• Wakatoon walked away with the judges’ choice for their coloring books which turn into personalised cartoons. 

Anais Richardin, Editor in Chief of French start-up magazine Madyness, commented:  “It’s tough to reinvent the elevator pitch, but doing so with a Disney touch seemed promising. With quality sourcing and entrepreneurs who pitched while battling gravity and strong winds, this first edition helped us to discover some great start-ups that we will be following closely, as well as proving Disney’s appetite for innovation.” 

The Castle Hub: an innovative platform

For over 25 years, Disneyland Paris has been finding new ways to innovate. The launch of The Castle Hub is a new step in the resort’s ambition for excellence in the guest experience. This brand new platform will be a way for Disneyland Paris teams to discover start-ups who share some of the company’s key goals. From data processing to robotics, including marketing and entertainment, registration is free and easy for all start-ups on this new tool.

“The Castle Hub is intended to support innovation and the growth of European start-ups – particularly in France. It is part of our responsibility as the industry leader to find young companies and help them to develop,” shared Julien Kauffmann, Vice President of Transformation at Disneyland Paris.

The number one tourist destination in Europe has already successfully collaborated with start-ups several times. For example, in December 2017 Disneyland Paris worked with Lineberty, a start-up whose mobile app eliminates physical waiting lines by using e-tickets. Disneyland Paris hopes to support more start-ups by implementing some of their solutions across the resort.

 More information on www.thecastlehub.disneylandparis.com/en