Disneyland Paris Resort has made a controversial move that’s upsetting some longtime Disney Parks fans. Recently, the resort shared concept art for the World Premiere area in the upcoming Disney Adventure World, revealing that Walt Disney’s name has been excluded from a Disney Studios sign. This change marks the latest in a series of steps toward rebranding the second European Disney park, as it transitions from “Walt Disney Studios Park” to the new “Disney Adventure World.”
The move is part of a larger plan, announced by Walt Disney Imagineering, to transform Disneyland Paris’s second park. Set to reopen in 2026, Disney Adventure World will follow a similar path to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida, shifting its focus from a behind-the-scenes look at movie-making to a park centered around popular Disney-owned intellectual properties (IPs) and franchises.
While existing attractions like Avengers Campus and the World of Pixar will remain, Disney Adventure World will also debut new experiences, including a family-friendly ride inspired by Pixar’s Up (2009) and the World of Frozen. Disney Parks fans can get a sneak peek at the newly rebranded park when the new entrance, World Premiere, opens in May 2025.
However, the decision to remove Walt’s name from a sign in the World Premiere area has sparked significant backlash. @pixiedust_be recently shared a photo of concept art for the Disney Adventure World area on X (formerly known as Twitter), noting that the new sign for “The Disney Studios” omits “Walt” entirely. In response to a question about this omission, Imagineer Michel den Dulk reportedly “had no answer.”
On the World Premiere concept art, it says “The Disney Studios” instead of “The WALT Disney Studios,” the official name of the Burbank lot. Imagineer Michel den Dulk had no answer when I asked why. What do you think — should “WALT” be included?
On the World Premiere concept art, it says “The Disney Studios” instead of “The WALT Disney Studios,” the official name of the Burbank lot. Imagineer Michel den Dulk had no answer when I asked why. What do you think — should “WALT” be included? pic.twitter.com/UG0gAI8LuU
— PixieDust.be (@Pixiedust_be) April 30, 2025
The decision to leave out Walt’s name is not sitting well with many fans. @DLPWelcome replied:
The park entrance should be called “Walt Disney Studios” and not “Front Lot”. It would be a reference to the park’s past, and would give all the logic to the facade/skyline that the park offers as you arrive and enter. And no need to change the name on the water tower.
The park entrance should be called "Walt Disney Studios" and not "Front Lot". It would be a reference to the park's past, and would give all the logic to the facade/skyline that the park offers as you arrive and enter. And no need to change the name on the water tower.
— DLP Welcome (@DLPWelcome) April 30, 2025
Another Disney Parks fan, @DsnYmaniac, agreed:
ABSOLUTELY! Add walt!!
ABSOLUTELY! Add walt!!
— Sevi Tate 🎢 (@DsnYmaniac) April 30, 2025
On the other hand, some Disney Parks fans are less concerned with the change. @couldbebrillig commented:
No. The romanticization of Walt Disney has to end. He was a homophobic republican who was against unions and tried to squash them many times. And he wasn’t a nice person overall.
No. The romanticization of Walt Disney has to end. He was a homophobic republican who was against unions and tried to squash them many times. And he wasn’t a nice person overall.
— Nikolaus (@couldbebrillig) April 30, 2025
Whether or not Walt’s name will be added to the sign at the World Premiere entrance is still uncertain. Disney Parks fans will have to wait until the opening of the new area in May 2025 to see if the founder’s name returns.
What do you think of Walt Disney Studios Park’s transformation into Disney Adventure World? Disney Fanatic would love to hear your opinion in the comments!
