Guests visiting a Disney park today will find one of its most familiar walkways closed.
For decades, the route leading straight toward Sleeping Beauty Castle has been a defining part of the arrival experience. First introduced at Disneyland Park in 1955, the castle-and-bridge layout became a template replicated across Disney parks worldwide.
Each resort has since developed its own version. Magic Kingdom opened with Cinderella Castle in 1971, while international parks introduced variations tailored to their settings. At Disneyland Paris, the castle stands out for its detailed design and its position as the centerpiece of the park.
Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant has long been considered one of the most distinctive Disney castles, drawing inspiration from European architecture and featuring the La Tanière du Dragon attraction beneath it. The bridge leading up to it has also been one of the park’s most photographed spots.
That bridge is now closed.
Access Rerouted as Bridge Work Begins
Disney has closed the main bridge leading into Sleeping Beauty Castle, effective immediately.
After years of complaints that Sleeping Beauty Castle and its surroundings are quite literally “crumbling,” Disneyland Paris is undertaking extensive repair works around the castle's bridge and entrance.
Guests can no longer walk straight through the castle via the central archway. Instead, they are being directed around the structure using side paths and the surrounding courtyard (via @PixiedustDLP).
The bridge leading to Sleeping Beauty Castle is now closed to guests as its long-awaited refurbishment begins. 🚧
Despite the work on the bridge, Sleeping Beauty Castle and La Tanière du Dragon will remain accessible throughout the renovation period. 🏰🐉 #DisneylandParis
The bridge leading to Sleeping Beauty Castle is now closed to guests as its long-awaited refurbishment begins. 🚧
Despite the work on the bridge, Sleeping Beauty Castle and La Tanière du Dragon will remain accessible throughout the renovation period. 🏰🐉 #DisneylandParis pic.twitter.com/9NWyUSKjwB
— Pixie Dust DLP ✨ (@PixiedustDLP) May 5, 2026
The castle itself remains open, including La Tanière du Dragon. However, the closure removes the most direct route between the park’s entrance area and Fantasyland.
The change also affects one of the park’s most common photo angles. The bridge previously offered a centered, unobstructed view of the castle.
Work Continues Through Peak Season
This is the second major refurbishment of the bridge following work completed in 2010.
The current project focuses on repairs around the entrance area rather than a full castle refurbishment. Disney has not outlined specific construction details but has acknowledged long-standing wear in the area.
The timing places the work during the summer season, when attendance is typically higher. Construction walls are now visible in a central part of the park, affecting both guest flow and sightlines.
Nighttime entertainment is also being adjusted. Disneyland Paris continues to run Disney Tales of Magic, which uses projection mapping and fountains around the castle.
During the refurbishment, fountain effects are paused. White walls have been installed to support projections, allowing the show to continue in a modified format.
The work is expected to be completed by late September 2026, ahead of the resort’s Halloween and holiday seasons.
Broader Changes Across the Resort
The closure comes as Disneyland Paris continues updates beyond its original park.
Disney Adventure World — previously known as Walt Disney Studios Park — has been expanding with new themed areas and landmarks. Among them is the Arendelle area in World of Frozen, which introduces another castle structure within the resort.
In recent years, construction has limited space and sightlines in that park. Ongoing development is intended to improve capacity and offer more areas for guests.
Work is currently also ongoing in the Disney Village shopping and dining district.
Will the ongoing refurbishment impact your Disneyland Paris travel plans?
