Big changes are happening at Disneyland Paris, and they’re already reshaping the future of the resort in a major way.
Walt Disney Studios Park is no more—at least in name. The park has officially been rebranded as Disney Adventure World, signaling a shift toward bigger, more immersive experiences. For years, this second gate sat in the shadow of Disneyland Park, but Disney is now working to change that perception entirely.
The groundwork for this overhaul dates back to 2018, when Bob Iger revealed a €2 billion expansion plan aimed at transforming the park. While progress has taken time, recent developments show that the vision is finally coming together.
The new name, Disney Adventure World, was confirmed during a 2024 showcase, coinciding with Disneyland Paris’ 30th anniversary celebrations. Alongside the announcement, Disney shared previews of upcoming attractions, including Tangled-inspired ride vehicles. That concept has since become reality, with Raiponce Tangled Spin now welcoming guests.
Another major addition has already opened: World of Frozen. This new land brings the Kingdom of Arendelle to life, allowing guests to step into the world of Anna and Elsa. It joins similar Frozen-themed expansions in Hong Kong and Tokyo, further cementing the franchise’s global presence.
But perhaps the most ambitious project still to come is a Lion King-themed land, currently referred to as the “Future Lion King Themed Area.” Inspired by the 1994 animated film, this area is expected to deliver a signature attraction designed to stand out within the park.
Disney has gradually released more information about the project, offering a clearer picture of what guests can expect.
“Construction is set to begin in Fall 2025,” Disneyland Paris News explained at the time. “When the sun rises on this realm after the grand opening of World of Frozen, an all-new attraction blending a spectacular water experience with state-of-the-art Audio-Animatronics technology will plunge guests into the heart of the Pride Lands, where Simba will await them for an unforgettable adventure complete with iconic songs from the 1994 masterpiece.”
“After making their way to the caves beneath the 37-meter-high Pride Rock, guests will embark on a wondrous and sensational adventure through iconic scenes and sceneries from the beloved animated movie, navigating a path with three exciting slopes, including an impressive 16-meter-high descent,” the website shared.
“With a seamless blend of many Audio-Animatronics figures scattered across a highly detailed environment coming to life thanks to state-of-the-art special effects and an unforgettable soundtrack, this attraction will be one of the biggest at Disneyland Paris!”
The planned drop alone puts the attraction in the same league as some of Disney’s larger water rides, pointing to a mix of thrills and storytelling. Michel Den Dulk of Walt Disney Imagineering also emphasized the importance of the project.
“We are looking forward to launching the construction of this new immersive world inspired by The Lion King and its major attraction, which will mark another milestone for Disney Adventure World,” he said.
“The main attraction will showcase the key features of Disney experiences: lovable characters, an unforgettable soundtrack, immersive décor and effects, and exciting thrills thoughtfully delivered throughout the adventure.” He added: “All of the Imagineers who work on this project have their hearts set on paying a vibrant homage to this timeless masterpiece by creating unforgettable memories for all our guests.”
More recently, updates from DLPWorks on X have added new layers of detail to the project.
The attraction is expected to feature a dual-loading system, which typically improves efficiency and allows more guests to experience the ride each hour. That’s a strong indicator Disney expects the area to be extremely popular.
The surrounding land is also being designed with careful attention. Instead of standard greenery, Imagineers are reportedly selecting plant species that thrive in the local climate and arranging them to resemble the African savanna, helping create a more immersive setting.
The experience itself begins before guests even board the ride. Visitors will make their way beneath a towering Pride Rock, expected to reach about 37 meters in height, setting the stage for what’s to come.
From there, the attraction will guide riders through scenes inspired by The Lion King, combining physical environments, Audio-Animatronics, and special effects, including bioluminescent elements. Multiple slopes throughout the ride will build toward a final drop, creating a clear sense of progression.
Taken together, these elements suggest Disney is building an experience that goes beyond a typical attraction. The Lion King area appears to be designed as a complete environment, balancing storytelling, visual design, and guest flow.
For many fans, this transformation represents a long-awaited shift. Walt Disney Studios Park has often been criticized for its limited scope and lack of cohesion, but Disney Adventure World is aiming to change that narrative.
As construction continues and new lands come to life, Disneyland Paris is positioning itself for a new era—one built around immersive worlds, major franchises, and attractions that could draw visitors from across Europe and beyond.
How do you feel about Europe getting this major Lion King attraction? Let us know in the comments down below!
