The reimagined Disney Journey World simply opened its doorways a few weeks in the past, and already, a number of extra new & returning additions are being introduced for this yr and 2027, earlier than the Lion Kings Delight Land. This is smart. Although the brand new & improved parks is an enormous leap ahead, it’s nonetheless the weakest Disney park on this planet and wishes assist earlier than 2028.
In our new evaluate, we clarify why Disney’s worst park is lastly worthy of the “Disney” identify and legacy. It’s not an ideal park, and the reimagining is much from flawless, however Imagineers nonetheless pulled off the unimaginable in reinventing the second gate into Disney Journey World.
It’s a triumph in an important and foundational sense: making it really feel like an precise Disney theme park, not only a bunch of disjointed points of interest plopped down on what was principally a glorified car parking zone, dotted by soundstage-looking buildings in between. Disney Journey World has a way of place and function, and themed environments that make you wish to linger versus getting in, doing a couple of rides, and getting out as rapidly as attainable.
The reimagined second gate is an enormous win for Disneyland Paris. It’s an enormous leap ahead in the proper path after years (a long time?) of neglect and underinvestment within the European parks, and one which lastly makes DLP a bona fide multi-day vacation spot.
My largest grievance is that the transformation of Disney Journey World, first introduced in 2018, has occurred too slowly and with too few points of interest. Once more, it’s nonetheless Disney’s weakest park–what’s been performed so far is an effective begin, however shouldn’t be seen because the conclusion of the transformation. Fortunately, extra assistance is on the best way within the subsequent couple of years earlier than the opening of the Lion King Delight Lands, presumably in 2028…
Alice and the Queen of Hearts: Again to Wonderland is Again in 2027
Let’s begin with the information that Alice and the Queen of Hearts: Again to Wonderland returns to Disney Journey World in Spring 2027. Hailed for its originality, vitality and creativity, this one-of-a-kind manufacturing is a contemporary tackle the Disney traditional, with a colourful pop rock twist.
Again in Wonderland following an invite from the Mad Hatter, Alice thinks she’s simply going to have a tea social gathering along with her associates. However that’s with out relying on the truth that the Queen of Hearts has additionally been invited, and this sudden reunion will give rise to a different vibrant confrontation. This time, it’s not croquet – they’ll go head-to-head in a spectacular face-off.
The acrobats, a few of whom specialize in ‘trampo-wall’, symbolize the Mome Raths, the small multi-colored creatures that information Alice by Wonderland. The BMX riders symbolize the Queen of Hearts’ card guards. They carry out on a course of 9 ramps specified by entrance of the stage like a skate park. With a 68-metre-long set in city tones and stuffed with references to the animated movie, the tracks and equipment are laid out to permit acrobats and BMX riders to maneuver to the music.
I’m blissful to listen to that Alice and the Queen of Hearts: Again to Wonderland is coming again. Not as a result of it’s a private favourite of mine; on the contrary, I’ve by no means seen it. However as a result of it’s strikes me as the proper intersection between ‘Distinctly DLP’ and quintessential ‘Bizarre Disney.’
I do know some associates who love this present, and others who didn’t even make it by the complete factor earlier than strolling out. Even when Alice and the Queen of Hearts: Again to Wonderland is the worst manufacturing at Disneyland Paris, I wish to see it myself. Really, particularly if it’s the worst. I wish to see Disney attempt fascinating issues, even when they’re trainwrecks. That’s why I appreciated KiteTails (RIP).
The Disney Princess Cavalcade Opens in July 2026
Within the nearer time period, Disneyland Paris has introduced that company visiting Disney Journey World will be capable to take pleasure in a brand-new expertise, The Disney Princess Cavalcade, beginning July 24, 2026. This can be a a lot “safer” piece of leisure that’ll give life to the again half of the expanded park.
In accordance with DLP, this cavalcade will give company the chance to journey alongside iconic Disney Princesses, celebrated for his or her braveness and adventurous spirit. 4 princesses, 4 worlds, 4 radically completely different tales. However all of them share the identical objective to assist their neighborhood.
Moana doesn’t hesitate to set sail to save lots of the individuals of her island of Motunui. In the meantime, Raya’s quest to reunite the varied fragments of the Dragon Stone has no different function than to save lots of her individuals and produce collectively the completely different lands of Kumandra. The creators of this cavalcade have chosen to emphasise the concept of belonging by the completely different floats that make it up: the village of Motunui for Moana and the Coronary heart Palace for Raya.
As Matteo Borghi, one of many present’s administrators, explains, “Françoise Baffioni and I had been impressed by the concept of journey as expressed at Disney Journey World. There will be no true journey, quest or exploration until you’re firmly rooted in your neighborhood and tradition. This method is typical of Disney and that’s the spirit during which we imagined this story.”
The 2 administrators have delved deep into the world of the unique animated movies and the traditions of the varied international locations represented to design the floats, outfits and choreography, created in collaboration with famend choreographer Cécile Chaduteau.
The cavalcade will begin on the entrance of the longer term The Lion King-themed space and will make its approach as much as The Regal View Restaurant & Lounge earlier than returning to its start line. Throughout the return, company will expertise an interactive sequence the place the Princesses greet with the general public.
Moana will educate a lot of strikes impressed by conventional Pacific Islands dance, whereas Raya will show strikes impressed by martial arts. “It’s a approach of bringing Journey Strategy to life as a complete,” explains Françoise Baffioni. “All alongside the avenue that runs from World Premiere Plaza to The Regal View Restaurant & Lounge, you’ll discover every kind of leisure.”
On this journey, music performs a necessary position because the narrator. Two authentic songs had been specifically produced for the occasion – one to accompany the cavalcade and one other for the stops. They had been written by a gaggle of songwriters together with Chris Sernel.
For the Disney Princess Cavalcade, the music will supply infectious vitality and inspiring lyrics, peppered with quotations from the Princesses’ musical themes. All of the music was recorded final November in Nashville with a number of the best musicians within the metropolis. On-site rehearsals set to start out quickly, so the Disney Princess Cavalcade can be prepared for this summer season.
I don’t have a lot to say about this. It’s a cavalcade. Disneyland Paris places a ton of vitality and expense into leisure, so I assume this can be extra bold than its counterparts within the home parks. However on the finish of the day, it’s nonetheless solely a cavalcade, and feels prefer it’s being oversold right here.
My hope is that that is basically testing the waters to see if there’s visitor curiosity in a fully-fledged daytime parade. On a optimistic observe, the atmospheric acts alongside Journey Method give the promenade a whole lot of vitality–Disney Marching Band with Minnie Mouse (pictured above) is incredible.
Wilderness Explorers Sky Swings Opens in 2027
Positioned in Journey Method, simply reverse Raiponce Tangled Spin, building of the longer term Wilderness Explorers Sky Swings attraction, impressed by the Pixar movie Up, is nicely underneath approach after beginning late final yr. The identify references the Wilderness Explorers, the membership of younger adventurers to which Russell belongs.
Within the attraction’s story, company are invited to hitch this journey and earn the ‘Aviation’ badge, immersing themselves on this planet of the animated movie Up and its unforgettable soundtrack, all whereas having fun with elevated views of the encircling space. Wilderness Explorers Sky Swings will mark a brand new milestone within the transformation of Disney Journey World, and can complement the themed gardens of Journey Method.
Disneyland Paris has now revealed that the deliberate household attraction referred to as the Wilderness Explorers Sky Swings, is ready to open at Disney Journey World in 2027. This new attraction was first introduced one yr in the past, and was broadly anticipated to open this yr or subsequent, so this confirms it’ll be the latter. Truthfully, it’s somewhat disappointing that they didn’t fast-track this; it shouldn’t have been that troublesome to get it open in 2026.
Since they’re taking their time, an April 12, 2027 opening date for Wilderness Explorers Sky Swings might be the odds-on favourite. I hope it’s earlier within the yr, as having the attraction debut earlier than Spring Break begins would make sense. (Therefore Disney Journey World as a complete opening final month, versus holding its grand opening till as we speak.)
This family-friendly Wilderness Explorers Sky Swings will supply a brand new tackle the ’flying chair carousel’, an iconic attraction in conventional theme parks for over a century. At Disneyland Paris, the carousel will supply 64 locations on 48 chairs, with a number of ’duo’ chairs inviting company to trip in pairs.
Because it spins, the dome above tilts, intensifying the sensation of flight and bringing dynamic motion to Journey Method. The attraction’s structure, and particularly its line, will mix Artwork Nouveau and industrial touches, reminiscent of wrought iron arches evoking characters from the movie, in addition to balloon and cloud motifs.
Design-wise, Wilderness Explorers Sky Swings will match seamlessly into the world of Journey Method. On the high of the attraction, guests will spy a golden spike representing Carl and Ellie’s well-known home, echoing Pascal’s silhouette perched on the roof of Raiponce Tangled Spin.
The Wilderness Explorers Sky Swings will have a good time the adventurous spirit of Russell, Carl, Ellie, and different Up characters. The queue, organised into 4 zones representing key moments from the movie, will characteristic ornamental banners and iconic props, together with Carl’s childhood aviator helmet and goggles, in addition to Ellie’s journey e-book.
The attraction can be on the coronary heart of a brand new themed backyard impressed by Up, the place company can stroll and discover a lush, plant-filled world earlier than discovering the lands of Disney Journey World.
Whereas I feel that Up deserves greater than a flying swings trip, I additionally assume that’s true with like 75% of Disney’s franchises for the reason that Nineteen Nineties. It’s baffling that so many motion pictures from my youth–now trendy classics–nonetheless don’t have main points of interest within the parks. I’m glad that Up is getting something in any respect.
After seeing Journey Method in particular person, I do query why Imagineering opted for an Up attraction on this explicit location versus Mary Poppins or one other animated traditional. Even Alice in Wonderland or the Aristocats would’ve been extra thematically coherent choices.
Cloning the Foolish Symphony Swings additionally would’ve made sense, though giving the park an authentic attraction might be sensible. It’s not a giant deal within the grand scheme of issues, however given the hassle put into placemaking and carving distinct ‘worlds’ into the park, it’s barely odd to go together with Up.
In any other case, I’m totally on board with the concept of a flying swings trip on this spot. Many grownup Disney followers will flip their noses up at an amusement park type trip, however not me.
Foolish Symphony Swings at Disney California Journey is a beautiful attraction, providing massive views and enjoyable, in addition to including kinetic vitality to the world for passersby. It’s additionally dressed-up simply sufficient that it’s an on-theme addition worthy of Disney. The identical can’t be mentioned of a lot (most?) of the circa-2002 Walt Disney Studios Park.
The “downside” with the discourse about flat rides is that it’s largely dominated by Childless Disney Adults. As we’ve demonstrated time and time once more, we’ve no difficulty with this demo. It’s an necessary one for Disney, and we was once these individuals. On the identical time, it’s akin to vegetarians reviewing a steakhouse.
As a younger dad or mum who simply spent a number of days at Disneyland Paris with our toddler, I’ve gained in depth expertise with flat rides during the last couple of years and respect the worth they add in rounding out a trip roster. As a lot because it pains me to confess this, our daughter most popular Disney Journey World to the fort park.
She cherished Toy Story Playland, which supplied extra for her to do than its (superior) counterpart at Walt Disney World; she loved a number of of the opposite flat rides within the park, in addition to the stage exhibits (which truly are glorious). Fortunately, World of Frozen was her favourite land, so she no less than acquired that “proper.” Whereas I’d personally (somewhat strongly) favor a half-dozen lavishly-done family-friendly darkish rides, there’s a restrict to what number of lengthy traces or lengthier leisure productions we’re in a position to tolerate.
Whereas it’s nonetheless, with out query, the weakest park in Disney’s international portfolio from an goal perspective, Disney Journey World supplied extra to fill our household’s day than a couple of different Disney parks (that shall stay anonymous as a result of I’d shudder to record them as a fan of themed design).
The Wilderness Explorers Sky Swings can be a strong addition, bringing life to an space of Journey Method that’s in any other case a lavish however lengthy hall of timber and gardens with out a lot of substance to see alongside the best way. This could assist break up the pathway including focal factors that draw company additional down the promenade and make that stroll extra fascinating.
I’d like to see a few flat rides within the upcoming Delight Lands Lion King space (or an bold play space), to assist spherical out the slate across the marquee log flume. One of these attraction will be comparatively cheap and helps a bit to absorb crowds. Having 3-4 points of interest in new lands, with a pair being flat rides, certain beats the present development of single-attraction lands.
Clearly, interesting to younger youngsters isn’t every part, and Disney’s parks are outlined by their extra immersive points of interest. The purpose is that there’s a spot for issues just like the Wilderness Explorers Sky Swings as filler, simply as there’s a spot for lounges or extra subtle choices for adults. On the subject of flat rides or supporting participant points of interest, Walt Disney World may actually stand to take observe!
With all of that mentioned, what Disney Journey World actually wants going ahead is extra E-Tickets.
One of many explanation why the second gate at Disneyland Paris will most likely nonetheless be the weakest park on this planet even after the Lion King Delight Lands opens is as a result of its trip roster nonetheless just isn’t sufficiently top-heavy. (Weak themed design within the entrance half is the opposite, even after the placemaking venture.) Though each are superficially-similar studio parks, it’s basically the precise reverse of the issue that Disney’s Hollywood Studios has.
We’ve mentioned this earlier than, however diehard Disneyland Paris followers grade this second gate on a curve. Crush’s Coaster is among the most overrated Disney points of interest on earth. It’s actually good, however it’s typically made out to be a high 10 trip worldwide…and I’m unsure it’d crack my high 50. This was bolstered on our most up-to-date journey, once I gave Crush’s Coaster a number of “second probabilities” to see if I’m being too harsh on it. (I’m not. It’s mediocre.)
Related sentiment arguably applies to the Marvel and Ratatouille rides. I’ve additionally heard some followers argue that Frozen Ever After is a D-Ticket versus an E-Ticket. That’s the place they lose me. Followers are approach too laborious on Frozen Ever After, which I think is as a result of they nonetheless view it as “solely” a clone of the Ghost of Maelstrom.
No matter the place all of us come down on every of these particular person points of interest, the fan consensus is clearly that Disney Journey World wants extra headliners. The Lion King trip can be an excellent begin, however my hope is that one other new land can be introduced for one of many different growth pads at Disney Journey World throughout the 2026 D23 Expo. Right here’s hoping that by the primary half of the 2030s, we gained’t be capable to name this the “worst” or weakest” Disney theme park on this planet!
For the fundamentals of planning a go to to Disneyland Paris, take a look at our Disneyland Paris Journey Planning Information. Discover the perfect place to remain in Disneyland Paris Lodge Evaluations. Try 101 Disneyland Paris Suggestions for some (101, to be actual) of our greatest random suggestions for doing DLP like a professional. See Disney Park Tickets Suggestions & Tips for tactics to save lots of on tickets. For the place to eat, take a look at our Disneyland Restaurant Evaluations. For distinctive concepts of issues that’ll enhance your journey, take a look at What to Pack for Disney. Lastly, for recommendation past Disney, take a look at our Final Journey Information to Paris, France.
Your Ideas
Ideas on the Wilderness Explorers Sky Swings? Do you view this as an excellent ‘supporting attraction’ addition to Disney Journey World? Are you excited for the Lion King Delight Lands or every other upcoming additions to the second gate at Disneyland Paris? Do you agree or disagree with our evaluation that flat rides are good for rounding out the trip roster? What about that Disney Journey World wants a couple of extra headliners? Any questions? Listening to your suggestions—even if you disagree with us—is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas beneath within the feedback!
