Disney’s global theme park portfolio has expanded dramatically over the past 70 years. New resorts have opened across North America, Europe, and Asia, turning the company’s parks division into one of its most important businesses.
On Saturday night, one of those parks quietly reached the end of its run.
Walt Disney Studios Park at Disneyland Paris officially closed permanently at 9 p.m. CET today. Beginning tomorrow, March 29, guests will instead visit Disney Adventure World — the reimagined version of the park following years of redevelopment.
The closure marks the end of a theme park that, for much of its existence, carried a reputation as one of Disney’s most criticized parks.
Disneyland Paris itself opened in 1992 as Euro Disney Resort before later adopting its current name. The resort quickly became one of Europe’s most visited tourist destinations, anchored by Disneyland Park — a traditional castle park similar to those in California and Florida.
Ten years later, Disney expanded the resort with a second gate.
Walt Disney Studios Park opened in 2002 with a theme focused on filmmaking, animation, and Hollywood production. Guests entered through a studio-style entrance before exploring attractions inspired by movie sets and behind-the-scenes effects.
The opening lineup included Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster, Armageddon: Les Effets Spéciaux, and the Studio Tram Tour.
Even at opening, however, many guests felt the park lacked the scale expected from a Disney theme park.
Early Criticism Followed the Park for Years
Visitors often pointed to the park’s limited ride lineup and sparse design. Large open spaces and minimal landscaping created an environment that some described as feeling unfinished.
Compared with Disneyland Park next door, Walt Disney Studios Park frequently felt smaller and less immersive.
Guests commonly referred to it as a “half-day park,” a label that followed the park for years.
Several experiences relied on shows or demonstrations rather than rides, reinforcing the perception that the park focused more on production exhibits than themed attractions.
Disney eventually began addressing those concerns through a series of expansions.
In 2014, Ratatouille: L'Aventure Totalement Toquée de Rémy opened alongside a Parisian-themed area inspired by the Pixar film.
The attraction introduced a trackless ride system and quickly became one of the park’s most popular experiences.
Further redevelopment followed years later with the arrival of Avengers Campus in 2022.
The land rethemed Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster into Avengers Assemble: Flight Force and introduced Spider-Man W.E.B. Adventure, an interactive attraction built around Marvel characters.
A New Disney Park Opens Tomorrow
Today’s closure clears the way for the next phase of the park’s transformation.
Starting tomorrow, March 29, the area will operate as Disney Adventure World.
The reimagined park introduces several major additions, including World of Frozen, Raiponce Tangled Spin, and Adventure Bay — a large central lake designed as the park’s new centerpiece.
New restaurants are also opening, including The Regal View Restaurant & Lounge.
Disney has warned guests that the first days of operation may bring unusually large crowds.
On the Disneyland Paris website, the company posted a notice advising visitors that access to the new Frozen-themed land may be limited due to demand.
“Due to the inauguration of Disney Adventure World and the opening of World of Frozen, we expect very high attendance,” it says.
“Access to the land and the attraction Frozen Ever After cannot be guaranteed, and there will be a dedicated wait line at the land entrance. If you’re visiting for several days, we recommend visiting Disneyland Park on 29 March 2026, and then Disney Adventure World and World of Frozen in the days that follow.”
Early previews suggest crowd levels could be a challenge.
During annual passholder previews, World of Frozen struggled with capacity.
The land currently features one attraction — Frozen Ever After.
Hong Kong Disneyland’s version of the area also includes a second ride, Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs, a famously short but charming family roller coaster.
Photos and videos shared online during previews showed guests queuing outside the entrance to the land, particularly when Frozen Ever After experienced downtime.
Beyond the new areas, guests visiting Disney Adventure World will still find several existing sections of the park.
These include Worlds of Pixar, home to Toy Story Playland, and World Premiere Plaza.
World Premiere Plaza hosts several stage productions, including TOGETHER: a Pixar Musical Adventure and Mickey and the Magician.
Do you plan on visiting Disney Adventure World this year?
if the theme park opened in 1992 how has it been 24 year?🤔 it would be 34 not 24!💯 lol
Maybe you missed the part where it said, 10 years later. 😏💥💯 lol
Great
The Castle in Paris should be Belle and Beast’s castle. It would give us a “new kingdom/New Castle” to visit. Just a thought 😊
…gee I wonder why it closed…islamification takeover of Europe
Turd Ferguson, how has the “islamification take over of Europe” caused the park to close?
I’m pretty sure the park close for all the aforementioned reasons (as this is NOT the first time I’ve heard those complaints)
But you seem to want to blame islam for shutting the park down, with out explain or proof” are you even a European citizen? Or did you just want an excuse to dis a religion you don’t like…
For years people.have complained that the park lacked enough substance, to warrant Disney’s traditionally high park entrance fees hope these new areas help
Turd, this shows the myopic view which can even make fun place and news of Disney be used to make your bias so evident without proof or reason.
Your comment has comes out so it of context and negative that it appears an attempt to polarize readers. Feel sorry for you.
Leave the poor person alone
We are all entitled to view the world , the things around
He said it
U responded
Muslim actions have done damages and people have opinions .
I trust in God and his final say !
About the one who stated “ myopic views “ … perhaps now that you wear corrective lenses , you can tell us how your views of this aspect so enchanted ….
Nina,
Well said! I believe that would warrant a “mic drop”
That is, of course, if you would actually do something so juvenile.
These comments are funny lol
Maybe it’s time for some of you to visit the new park. Clearly, you could use a dose of childhood happiness “That’s the real trouble with the world, too many people grow up.” — Walt Disney