Walt Disney Studios Park at Disneyland Paris will officially cease operations under its current name on March 29, 2026. This date marks the conclusion of a 24-year chapter for the park, which initially opened on March 16, 2002. The site will immediately reopen under its new identity, Disney Adventure World, signifying a complete reimagining of the park’s theme and guest experience.
This transition is a comprehensive transformation, not a demolition. Existing attractions are not being removed from the park. The name change directly reflects a multi-year investment focused on introducing new lands, dining establishments, and entertainment. This strategy fundamentally alters the park’s offerings.
Walt Disney Studios Park launched as the second gate at Disneyland Paris, conceptually aligning with the studio theme of Disney-MGM Studios, now Disney’s Hollywood Studios, in Florida. Early in its operation, the park faced criticism for a limited attraction portfolio and a perceived lack of cohesive theming. It often struggled to compete with the original Disneyland Park for multi-day guest visits.
Disney announced a €2 billion expansion plan for the park in 2018. This significant investment aimed to overhaul the park’s content and address previous criticisms by integrating major intellectual property (IP)-driven lands. This strategy is consistent with global Disney parks trends that prioritize immersive storytelling and well-known franchises.
The initial phase of this transformation was the opening of Avengers Campus in July 2022. This Marvel-themed land introduced new attractions such as Spider-Man W.E.B. Adventure and Avengers Assemble: Flight Force. It also added themed dining and character interactions, substantially enhancing the park’s appeal.
Upon its March 29 renaming, Disney Adventure World will debut several new elements. These include the Grand Reopening of Studio 1, now designated as World Premiere Plaza, which functions as the park’s primary entrance area. A new promenade, Adventure Bay, leading to the park’s expanded areas will also open, enhancing guest flow and thematic continuity.
The park will also feature the highly anticipated World of Frozen land. This area, inspired by Disney’s “Frozen” franchise, includes a new boat ride, “Frozen Ever After,” and themed dining establishments. While specific opening details for World of Frozen coincide with the rebrand announcement, its completion is a foundational component of the new park’s appeal.
Disney Adventure World is also set to introduce a new nighttime spectacular, exclusive to the park. Additional themed dining options are integral to the broader transformation. These new offerings are designed to increase per-guest spending and extend average visit times within the park.
The evolution of Walt Disney Studios Park parallels the transformation of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Both parks began with a studio backlot theme and have since shifted towards IP-heavy, immersive lands like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land. This reflects a company-wide pivot towards storytelling and established franchises over behind-the-scenes experiences.
Guests visiting Disneyland Paris in 2026 will experience a significantly different second park. The new name signals a fresh direction and a more comprehensive theme park experience. Advance planning is recommended for visitors to explore the new offerings and understand the revised park layouts. This rebranding and expansion represents a substantial commitment to the Disneyland Paris resort, aiming to boost attendance and revenue.
This investment ensures the resort remains a competitive destination in the European theme park market. It also demonstrates Disney’s confidence in leveraging its key intellectual properties for continued growth and enhanced visitor engagement.
