Hundreds of travelers heading to Disneyland Paris this week faced unexpected delays and cancellations after a series of incidents disrupted Eurostar services between the United Kingdom and northern France.
Eurostar trains were forced to cancel multiple departures on Tuesday following two separate incidents involving individuals on the tracks near Lille and Arras. Services were further impacted on Wednesday morning when a theft of nearly 600 meters of copper cable caused additional delays and last-minute cancellations near a northern French station.
As a result, passengers were advised to postpone or cancel their journeys. That included Disneyland Paris guests traveling via the U.K., many of whom typically take the Eurostar to either Lille or Paris Gare du Nord before transferring to a TGV service to Marne-la-Vallée – Chessy, the station adjacent to the resort.
Eurostar previously operated a direct route from London to Disneyland Paris, but that service was discontinued in June 2023 due to financial and logistical challenges following Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Copper Theft and Safety Incidents Disrupt Rail Service
The French rail network has increasingly become a target for sabotage and theft in recent years. In one notable case earlier this year, an unexploded World War II bomb discovered on the tracks near Saint-Denis disrupted rail service across the Paris region. In 2023, arsonists damaged key signal cables across three regions ahead of the Paris Olympics, causing widespread service interruptions.
Authorities say copper theft is on the rise across Europe, driven by growing demand for the metal from electric vehicle manufacturers and the tech sector. The stolen wiring from this week’s Eurostar incident caused significant disruption, particularly for international travelers relying on the high-speed train service during the summer season.
Disney Parks Remain Busy Amid Travel Chaos
Despite the ongoing transit issues, Disneyland Paris remains as busy as ever. In fact, Disneyland Park reached full capacity earlier this week, while Walt Disney Studios Park—currently undergoing renovations that will include a new World of Frozen area and a Lion King-themed land—has seen lighter crowds. Disney has encouraged visitors to explore the second park after 3 p.m. to avoid peak congestion.
The Disney Music Festival, which began earlier this year, features daily entertainment offerings including live concerts, themed performances, and character-led shows. Appearances include Minnie’s Marching Band, Miguel’s Fiesta Latina, Timon’s Matadance, and a musical meet-up with Rapunzel and Flynn. The event is scheduled to conclude on September 7.
Travelers are advised to monitor schedules and prepare for possible delays when transiting through northern France.
