On Sunday, a magical transformation unfolds at Disneyland Paris as Walt Disney Studios Park officially becomes Disney Adventure World. This rebranding marks the grand opening of "World of Frozen," the centrepiece of a colossal 2 billion euro expansion that is reshaping Europe's most-visited theme park.
A New Era for Disneyland Paris
The kingdom of Arendelle from Disney's beloved "Frozen" franchise now has a permanent home just east of Paris. This enchanted land features a picturesque lagoon, a charming wooden Nordic village, and interactive elements like a robotic snowman that engages with children. The World of Frozen area includes the Frozen Ever After boat ride and opportunities for character encounters with Anna and Elsa.
Expansive Additions and Redesign
The broader relaunch introduces a vast central lake, a new attraction based on "Tangled," fifteen fresh dining locations, and a spectacular nighttime show. This show utilises what Disney claims is the world's first combined aquatic and aerial drone system. Remarkably, more than 90% of the second park has been redesigned since its original opening in 2002.
Embracing European Heritage
It is no accident that "Frozen" and "Tangled" anchor the new lineup at Europe's sole Disney resort. Both stories are deeply rooted in European folklore—"Frozen" draws loosely from Hans Christian Andersen's "The Snow Queen," while "Tangled" is based on the Brothers Grimm's Rapunzel. Disney is strategically leaning into this cultural heritage to enhance the park's appeal.
"'Frozen' has its roots in European storytelling," explained Michel den Dulk, vice president and creative director at Walt Disney Imagineering. "To have a northern European, charming wooden little village here in Disneyland Paris just made perfect sense."
From Controversy to Success
The park originally opened in 1992 as Euro Disney, facing withering criticism from French intellectuals who labelled it a "cultural Chernobyl." Today, Disney reports that the resort has attracted 445 million visits and supports 70,000 jobs, showcasing a dramatic turnaround in its fortunes and public perception.
Global and Economic Impact
The Paris investment is reportedly a key component of Disney's broader global expansion strategy, which involves approximately $60 billion for its parks and experiences business. This segment generated 57% of the company's segment operating income in fiscal 2025, underscoring its financial importance.
During a visit to the park on Friday, French President Emmanuel Macron hailed the resort as "the leading tourist destination in Europe." He also highlighted that the expansion would create 1,000 direct jobs, emphasising its significant economic benefits for the region.
This monumental revamp not only reimagines the guest experience but also solidifies Disneyland Paris's position as a premier entertainment destination, blending fantasy with European cultural roots in a multi-billion euro endeavour.
