Most visits to Disneyland Paris involve a walk through Disney Village. It sits between the two theme parks and the resort's hotels, so whether you're arriving in the morning or heading back after the nighttime show, chances are you'll pass through.
The district opened alongside the resort in 1992 under the name Festival Disney. Architect Frank Gehry gave it a look that stood out from anything else Disney had built, with tall illuminated pylons and bold, unconventional shapes that felt more like an art project than a shopping street.
Over the years, it became the place for a casual dinner, a night at the movies, or a last souvenir before the trip home. Restaurants came and went, but the Village always kept its lively, slightly offbeat personality.
Now that personality is being reshaped. Disneyland Paris has been overhauling Disney Village for several years, and this month brings two of its biggest dining changes yet.
The Jungle Goes Quiet on November 15
Let's start with the farewell. The Rainforest Cafe at Disney Village will serve its last guests on Sunday, November 15, 2026, before closing permanently.
DLP Report posted on X: “⚠️ A door opens, another closes: the Rainforest Cafe at Disney Village will be closing permanently this Sunday, November 15.”
⚠️ A door opens, another closes, the Rainforest Cafe at Disney Village will be closing permanently this Sunday November 15: https://t.co/7OrvBmvdPz
— DLP Report (@DLPReport) November 9, 2026
For 27 years, it has been one of the most immersive places to eat at the resort. It opened at Disney Village in 1999, and guests have been dining among thick greenery, waterfalls, aquariums, and animatronic animals ever since, with the occasional indoor thunderstorm rumbling overhead.
The end was announced back in September, when Disneyland Paris confirmed the restaurant would close by the end of 2026. Fans had initially expected it to shut its doors in mid-September, but that date slipped to November.
The closure is tied to the next phase of the Disney Village redevelopment. As for what will take its place, Disneyland Paris hasn't said.
Enter Casa Giulia
Just a couple of weeks later, a brand-new restaurant takes the spotlight. Casa Giulia, an Italian table-service restaurant aimed at families, starts its soft-opening phase on December 1, 2026.
You'll find it in the old Planet Hollywood building near the World of Disney store. And it's a big one:
- Two floors of dining
- 440 indoor seats
- An outdoor terrace with 120 more seats
Inside, the look is all about Italy, with terrazzo, brick, wood, and lots of greenery. The restaurant is run by Bertrand Hospitality, which also operates the Rainforest Cafe, Brasserie Rosalie, and The Royal Pub at Disney Village.
That connection has a nice side effect. According to Disneyphile, the Rainforest Cafe staff are expected to move over to Casa Giulia, so some familiar faces may greet you at the new spot.
No date has been set yet for the official opening that follows the soft launch.
Polpette, Pizza and a Quick-Service Sidekick
Casa Giulia's menu takes its cues from traditional Italian cooking, with ingredients that change by season. Among the dishes revealed so far are Rosemary Mozzarella Croquettes, Beef and Veal Polpette, and Pizza Tartufo. Guests can also choose from a lineup of Italian drinks and cocktails.
In a hurry? Casa Giulia has a faster option built in. Giulia Express is a quick-service counter serving pizza by the slice, focaccia, Italian pastries, and ice cream. It seats more than 80 guests between its indoor space and terrace.
That combination should make Casa Giulia useful for very different kinds of visits, from a long family dinner to a grab-and-go snack between park days.
Out With the Old Village
These two changes are part of a much broader overhaul. Over the past few years, Disney Village has added new shops and restaurants, renamed some existing spots, and given others major refurbishments.
The work is being done in phases. The northern half of the Village is close to wrapping up, highlighted by the opening of the Disney Wonders boutique on September 22, 2026. The southern half, home to the Rainforest Cafe, is next, with work expected to start in 2027.
Another familiar name will be affected soon as well. Vapiano is scheduled to close from the end of 2026 for a complete interior redesign.
There's a bittersweet side to all this progress. As the Village modernizes, much of Frank Gehry's original design is being removed. Gehry, the legendary architect behind the district, died last year at the age of 96.
Plan Your Last Bite and Your First
Timing is everything with this one. Visiting Disneyland Paris before November 15? Grab one last meal at Rainforest Cafe while you still can. Heading over in December? Add Casa Giulia to your list and see how the soft opening is shaping up.
We want to hear from you. Did you ever eat at the Rainforest Cafe in Paris, and what will you miss most about it? Or are you already planning your first Casa Giulia pizza? Let us know in the comments, and if you happen to visit during the soft opening, please tell us what you ordered and how it was!
