DISNEYLAND Paris is undergoing a huge new expansion and I was one of the lucky few to get an exclusive behind-the-scenes preview.
The theme parks’ Walt Disney Studios Park land won’t just be receiving a new name, but an entirely new identity.
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Frozen, The Lion King, Tangled and Up are part of the new expansion that will see the Hollywood inspired theme park double in size.
As part of my sneak peek, I journeyed into what will soon be the lush Parisian gardens of Adventure Way.
Across from the newly installed Adventure Bay I was drawn to something that I’ve only seen in movies – the Kingdom of Arendelle.
Opening next year, towering above the picturesque Scandinavian inspired town will be The North Mountain.
Read more on Disneyland Paris
Just like in the movie, the mountain will become the home of Elsa’s Ice Palace, though at the moment this has yet to be installed.
Elsa may have used magic and a song to create her palace, but
Disneyland Paris has hundreds of Imagineers working right now to bring it all to life.
When the World of Frozen opens in 2026 so too will the ‘Frozen Ever After’ boat ride, with the current banging of hammers replaced with choruses of “Let it Go” as we experience the tale of Anna and Elsa.
Announced last year, Disney Adventure World will host the very first land based on the The Lion King too.
Sat next to World of Frozen, the 37-metre-high ‘Pride Rock’ will reign across the skyline.
The land will house a new water attraction where guests will see Simba’s journey from cub to lion.
The entrance of Disney Adventure World is also receiving a makeover where you’ll attend your very own movie premiere.
During my preview, I got to see exactly what will greet guests when
World Premiere opens its doors on May 15.
A brightly coloured neon cinema sign draws guests to the end of a Hollywood inspired boulevard.
The design was influenced by the famous El Capitan Theatre and acts as the gateway to Adventure Way and beyond!
World Premiere is also home to art deco themed shops and a beautiful dining terrace, all set against a Los Angeles evening backdrop (and watch out for shooting stars as you grab a
bit to eat next to the Hollywood Sign).
The new Adventure Way won’t just be a path to the World of Frozen, as the area will be home to two new rides.
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The ‘Raiponce Tangled Spin’ will be a reimagined teacup ride, bringing to life the iconic floating lantern scene from Tangled.
Pixar’s Up will also receive its own attraction, with a ride based upon a flying carousel.
Unlike the action-packed areas of Avengers Campus and Toy Story Land, Adventure Way will offer guests a more relaxed space to enjoy the atmosphere of the beautifully designed park.
With a new soundtrack and twinkling light, guests are encouraged to take a break from saving the world with Iron Man and appreciate the lake views from The Regal View Restaurant and Lounge.
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Adventure Bay lake itself has been designed to give a 360-degree view of a brand new nighttime spectacular, with water, light displays, fireworks and even drones.
The transformation of the Disneyland Paris resort isn’t limited to Disney Adventure World, with the shopping and dining district of Disney Village currently receiving a huge modernisation makeover too.
Even the Disneyland Paris hotels are getting a refresh.
The Disney Davy Crockett Ranch and Disney’s Sequoia Lodge are the latest hotels about to receive an update after the recent crowd-pleasing changes to Disney Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel and the flagship Disneyland Hotel.
Just like Elsa, the magical powers of Disneyland Paris are getting bigger and I can’t wait for 2026 when I can switch out my hard hat for Minnie Mouse ears.
In the mean time, The Sun’s Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey went on a day trip to Disneyland Paris – without children.
Plus, how to stay at Disneyland Paris for less than £285 per person.
The new McDonald’s also opening at Disneyland Paris
The McDonald’s will feature sleek architecture and have several floors
As part of the expansion, there will also be a new McDonald’s at Disneyland Paris.
The park will be getting a massive McDonald’s restaurant in its shopping and dining district.
The “state-of-the-art” McDonald’s will have a modern look, with a giant ‘M’ at the front.
The plans show that the building is due to have a lot go greenery and Disneyland Paris has also promised that this McDonald’s will have a “unique architecture”.
In addition to the new McDonald’s, the shopping and dining district will also gain several other new restaurants, including La Petite Rosalie, Casa Giulia and The Sports Bar will get an update.
Work on the restaurant began late last year, and is due to open in early 2026, and will feature several floors.
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