Spoil Mom at Mlle. Antoinette’s Parfumerie in Disneyland Park

Shannon Swanson

by , Public Relations Manager, Disneyland Resort

Perfume is a perfect present for mom, so I thought it was a great time to take a tour of Mlle. Antoinette’s Parfumerie in New Orleans Square at Disneyland park. I honestly never thought of buying perfume in Disneyland park before; however, after experiencing the shop firsthand, I’m hooked. I just hope my kids are watching (hint, hint)!

The artwork on the mirrors in Mlle. Antoinette’s Parfumerie is a true treasure not to be missed. The mirror panel paintings were created using a technique called reverse painting, a lost art with a history tracing back to the 14th century. These paintings of flower bouquets, birds and butterflies measure over one foot wide and almost seven feet high. At the time, they were believed to be the largest such painted mirrors ever created.

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Glendra von Kessel was commissioned by Walt Disney’s wife, Lillian Disney, to create the paintings for the opening of the parfumerie in 1966. Sadly, Glendra passed away before they were completed and Disney Legend Dorothea Redmond stepped in to finish them. Above are some rare photos of Glendra von Kessel, taken while she was painting the amazing mirrors. Her signature remains on them today.

Destinations: Spoil Mom at Mlle. Antoinette’s Parfumerie in Disneyland Park

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  • Glendra Von Kessel (not Gloria) passed away on February 28, 1992, at the age of 79. Affectionately nicknamed “The Baroness” at the WED Model Shop, she was alive and well at the opening of Disneyland’s New Orleans Square (1966) and continued to work on Disney Park projects including Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion (1969) and attractions such as “Tropical Serenade” for Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom (1971).

  • My wife and I love going to Mlle. Antoinette’s when we visit Disneyland for a few reasons. Most obviously for the perfume, but to see Mary and talk with her. We met Mary when she was in Epcot working in the France perfume store. One day we went to Disneyland and saw her and said “hey didn’t we see you in France?” and sure enough it was her! She is very knowledgeable in perfume and has help us every time we visit. There is another castmember you should seek out while you are there also. Her name is Debbie. She has been at Disneyland for 35 years (I think she said) and really knows the history of not just the shop but the entire park. We and the group I was with could have talked to her for hours! This shop is a hidden gem of Disneyland.

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