You always remember your first time setting foot in a brand new Disney theme park, particularly your first worldwide one. We each nonetheless fondly and vividly recall the day, again through the twentieth anniversary, once we walked into Disneyland Paris for the primary time. On the threat of sounding cliche, it was nothing in need of magical.
It wasn’t simply our first worldwide park; it was our first time touring overseas, interval. The Metropolis of Paris and France as an entire exceeded expectations, feeling very very similar to the dreamy locations Hemingway or Fitzgerald delivered to life of their writing. France was like a fairytale, and even probably the most romanticized Hollywood depictions didn’t totally do it justice. We fell in love instantly, to the purpose that we’ve returned a number of occasions and even made it a aim to go to each “Impressions de France” filming location.
Disneyland Paris was an extension of that. Lovingly designed and lavishly detailed, the citadel park was every thing we hoped it might be and extra as followers of Imagineering. That first go to, we spent a number of days in Disneyland Paris, poring over Primary Road and the Arcades, Thunder Mesa, Discoveryland, and Fantasyland. We dined at Walt’s, explored each restaurant and resort, rode Massive Thunder Mountain Railroad, Phantom Manor, and Pirates of the Caribbean repeatedly. We simply couldn’t get sufficient. Like Paris, the citadel park exceeded our excessive expectations and made us desperate to return.
It wasn’t till our ultimate day of the journey that we visited what was initially often known as the Walt Disney Studios Park. Remember the fact that this was ~15 years in the past, through the nascent days of social media and earlier than YouTube and vlogging had actually blown up. I had by no means seen any footage of the park, and only some pictures.
Nonetheless, WDSP had a fame that preceded it. And never one. Pals had warned us that the second gate at Disneyland Paris was unhealthy, and we had learn loads of comparable sentiment on-line. There was a motive why we saved it for the tip of the journey after getting our fill of Parc Disneyland.
However after being blown away by the citadel park, we had a way that perhaps Disneyland Paris followers simply had unreasonably excessive expectations or maybe the WDSP hate was hyperbole. Maybe the ornate citadel park made the studios park look unhealthy by comparability, however not when zooming out a bit extra. We have been no strangers to studio parks, and figured this was not simply attainable–however possible.
Strolling into the Walt Disney Studios Park for the primary time gave new and completely different that means to the phrase “phrases can’t do it justice.” Upon seeing Disney’s California Journey in 2001, Disney Legend John Hench famously remarked that he preferred it higher as a parking zone. Properly, if Mr. Hench was a parking zone aficionado, he would’ve cherished the WDSP, which was principally Parking Lot: The Theme Park once we first visited.
The park because it existed then was a shame to the Disney identify and model. Except for just a few sights, Disneyland Paris would have been higher off if the second gate didn’t exist. It weakened the general expertise of the resort. It made circa 2001 DCA appear like a masterpiece.
Towards all odds, WDSP was even worse than its fame. It was by far the worst Disney theme park on the planet. Once we wrote in regards to the highlights on the time of our first go to, #1 on our checklist was that “the exit is fairly simple to seek out.”
Within the years since, we’ve got spent a ton of time at Disneyland Paris, however previous to March and April 2026, we had most likely spent extra time on the Earl of Sandwich in Disney Village than the second gate. That’s not likely a joke; there have been a few journeys we skipped WDSP utterly, whereas we ate at Earl’s nearly each night.
Even realizing the background of WDSP, I nonetheless can’t utterly fathom how this opened because it did again in 2002, particularly proper subsequent door to one of many starkest contrasts in themed design. Actually, previous to the Ratatouille enlargement debuting, we argued that the Walt Disney Studios Park was not truly a “Disney” theme park.
WDSP wasn’t simply the worst Disney park by a large margin, it lacked the defining traits of a Disney theme park, and accordingly, was inappropriate to categorize it as such within the absence of that, regardless of “Disney” proper there within the identify.
Suffice to say, that perplexing article title from over a decade in the past arguing {that a} park with “Disney” within the identify was not truly a Disney theme park is how we’ve arrived at one other complicated title asserting the apparent: that the renamed park, additionally with “Disney” within the identify is, in truth, a Disney park.
Said in another way, not like its predecessor, the reinvented second gate at Disneyland Paris does possess the defining characters of a Disney theme park. Disney Journey World is a triumph in an important sense: it’s lastly a park that’s worthy of Walt Disney’s identify and legacy. It’s nonetheless not an ideal park, and the reimagining is way from flawless, however Imagineers however pulled off the not possible in reinventing the second gate into Disney Journey World.
That is their third such success, and a little bit of a full circle second for the corporate. Bob Iger roughly started his tenure as CEO by overhauling Disney California Journey, and ended it by doing the identical at WDSP. In between, a slew of comparable tasks successfully did the identical with Hong Kong Disneyland. Undoubtedly, the transformation of Disney Journey World was probably the most difficult of this trio, and Imagineering largely caught the touchdown.
The issue posed by the second gate at Disneyland Paris was partly that it was a sequence of disjointed sights plopped down on what was principally a glorified parking zone, dotted by soundstage-looking buildings in between. It was additionally that seemingly no grasp planning was performed through the preliminary construct out for future enlargement.
The primary decade of the park’s growth felt prefer it was performed by drunken chimps throwing darts, with ideas derived by manatees pushing round thought balls. It nonetheless boggles my thoughts that the unique Imagineers, who knew they have been constructing this park on a budget as a contractual obligation, didn’t accomplish that with future enlargement in thoughts.
The reinvention of Disney Journey World occurred, basically, as equal elements enlargement and placemaking tasks, fixing the entrance half of the park and constructing out the again half round a central lagoon–and one that features a number of enlargement pads tailored for future growth.
Longtime Disney followers have most likely heard the tall tales in regards to the authentic idea for EPCOT Middle coming collectively by pushing collectively two fashions, one for Future World and one for World Showcase.
That’s basically what has occurred right here with the legacy WDSP park getting a facelift, with an prolonged thoroughfare connecting that to the all-new Journey Bay and World of Frozen. The addition of this space roughly doubles the dimensions of the park, and paradoxically sufficient, that again half feels vaguely like World Showcase.
This transformation plan for Disney Journey World, got here to fruition due to a 2-billion-euro funding to increase the park, as introduced in 2018 (albeit with a number of modifications since).
This started in earnest with the debut of Marvel Avengers Campus in 2022, adopted by the reimagined World Premiere opening act that refreshed the Disney Studio 1 soundstage. All instructed, greater than 90% of the second gate’s opening day choices have been reimagined as a part of the overhaul.
There’s loads of reward in regards to the redone Disney Journey World, however actually, a good quantity of that is lipstick on a pig or making lemonade out of lemons. World Premiere is a noticeable improve over the outdated soundstage…but it surely’s nonetheless a soundstage. It’s not almost as dramatic of transformation as going from Sunshine Plaza to Buena Vista Road at DCA.
To its credit score, World Premiere seems beautiful and is a way more inviting house with outdated Hollywood attraction. It’s a bit floor degree, and I’d’ve most popular a wholly new entrance space, however the final result right here was higher than anticipated. I loved my time in right here, particularly unwinding on the higher degree on the finish of the day, people-watching and ‘having fun with’ a meal (though Earl of Sandwich nonetheless wins there).
Exiting World Premiere is when the reimagined entrance half of the park actually begins to exceed expectations. There’s extra placemaking than anticipated up right here, and it was performed in a approach that makes the areas really feel much less disjointed, cramped, and parking lot-esque.
Little issues like pavers, landscaping, and recent facades positively assist. It’s nonetheless removed from the head of themed design, to make sure, however this space feels a lot extra heat and alluring than it did beforehand. And though I’ll miss CineMagique, the most effective attraction within the OG park, it definitely helps to have a formidable stage present and experience roster up right here.
Whereas the placemaking exceeds expectations, one factor of the particular overhaul disappoints: Avengers Campus.
Substantively, this can be a remix of the land discovered at DCA, however with out Mission Breakout (it’s nonetheless Tower of Terror right here) and with a half-hearted reimagining to Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster. It’s high quality, I assume. Like a worse model of Hyperspace Mountain, however Marvel.
The true concern is the themed design. Realizing this park already felt chilly and uninviting, Disney ought to’ve chosen an idea that was not themed to an workplace park. Avengers Campus as soon as once more is overly industrial and sterile, and that drags down this park greater than it does DCA. Neither model of the Marvel land is an exemplar of themed design, however this one is worse, and on the park that wanted it extra.
Thankfully, Journey Means and past decide up the slack. This vibrant promenade is lined with bushes brimming with popcorn lights and bona fide design. It’s an extended stretch, but it surely additionally opens as much as the prevailing lands, and provides the park a bit extra respiratory room.
One of many issues that stood out to me when first visiting the OG second gate was simply how little landscaping and water it featured (therefore the parking zone comparisons–it was a veritable sea of concrete with no water options). I didn’t play “rely the bushes and gardens,” however that is basically an antidote to that.
Journey Means options numerous gardens, from Tangled to Toy Story, in addition to entrances into the legacy lands. There are additionally meet & greet spots, and a seemingly endless parade of dwell leisure. This all feels seamless and alive; fears or complaints that this hall is simply too lengthy are overblown.
Journey Means additionally includes a new household teacups-style attraction, Raiponce Tangled Spin. Seated in sculpted gondolas, friends whirl beneath a sky illuminated with floating lanterns, surrounded by frescoes depicting Rapunzel’s adventures.
There’s not a ton that must be mentioned a couple of flat experience, however as a agency believer that this sort of factor is efficacious in rounding out the experience roster, I need to no less than name consideration to its high quality. Raiponce Tangled Spin options lavish design befitting of the primary gate, and would’ve been completely at house in Fantasy Springs in Tokyo DisneySea. Our daughter cherished it, and I discover it to be a stunning addition.
Within the not too distant future, you’ll additionally soar into the whimsical world of Pixar Animation Studios’ Up. This family-friendly, flying carousel will add movement and power on Journey Means. It’s unclear when this Up attraction will open, however our expectation is 2027.
Disneyland Paris claims that there are 15 brand-new meals and beverage areas alongside Journey Means, however both that’s an exaggeration or I can’t rely to fifteen. (Neither might be dominated out.) There are a few everlasting areas, La Terrasse Panoramique and Café Luminosity, serving largely lighter meals (sizzling canine and bread bowls). The remainder are extra like festival-style marketplaces (chalets).
Whereas Disney arguably ornaments the abundance of eating choices, one factor that can not be overstated is the eye to element within the design of La Terrasse Panoramique and Café Luminosity. Each are wealthy in Artwork Nouveau stylization, with beautiful and gratuitous ornamentation. These really feel distinctly Parisian, harking back to the Guimard Metro entrances, with gorgeous stained glass marquees, lighting fixtures, and forged iron rails.
It might be honest to say that simply these two tertiary eating choices are extra detailed than something within the authentic Walt Disney Studios Park. And though these are outstanding and crowd pleasing examples, the identical is true all through Journey Means and circling Journey Bay. The depth of design and texture is way superior to the panorama of the outdated park.
On the finish of Journey Means is Regal View Restaurant & Lounge. This table-service restaurant serves up breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a refined environment embellished with embroidered drapes, floral tapestries, delicate wooden moldings, and murals of Disney Princesses.
You’ll even have the prospect to fulfill just a few princesses at Regal View Restaurant & Lounge. Showing royalty consists of Belle from Magnificence and the Beast, Merida from Courageous, Jasmine from Aladdin, Aurora from Sleeping Magnificence, Mulan from Mulan, and Ariel from The Little Mermaid.
Each element of The Regal View Restaurant & Lounge has been crafted meticulously with artistry in thoughts. It’s, unquestionably, some of the gorgeous and lavishly-designed Disney eating places on this planet. I had an opportunity to dine right here, and left totally impressed. It’s simply the most effective in-park restaurant at Disneyland Paris–not that that’s a excessive bar. I hope to have a full evaluate sooner or later, but it surely’s positively a restaurant I’d suggest if value is not any concern (small caveat!).
There’s been a good quantity of discourse about how Journey Means and Bay successfully double the dimensions of the park whereas solely including a few sights and eating choices. This results in much more strolling and (supposedly) useless house.
I disagree. One of many extra nice surprises in regards to the Journey Means and Bay areas is simply how pleasant these landscapes are, regardless of being substantively lighter. There’s an amazing quantity of depth and environmental engagement, which is a stark distinction to the flatness of the outdated WDSP.
These areas really feel like quintessential Disneyland Paris: element for element’s sake. As somebody who enjoys placemaking and leisurely strolls, maybe I’m extra tolerant of this, however I additionally really feel prefer it’s a pleasant counterweight to the attraction-dense, detail-light entrance half of the park.
Journey Bay can also be the stage for the brand new “Disney Cascade of Lights” nighttime spectacular. This 360° present includes a ballet of tons of of aquatic drones, choreographed fountains, water screens, and pyrotechnics, all set to an orchestral rating.
Designed in a 360° configuration with tiered viewing areas making for a high-capacity present, Cascade of Lights permits guests to get pleasure from nice views from across the bay. The present options Mulan, Hercules, Moana, and Zootopia, Pixar’s Up, and stuff the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
I had an opportunity to catch Cascade of Lights just a few occasions from round Journey Bay and it grew on me with every subsequent viewing. Nonetheless, my big-picture view is that the nighttime spectacular leans somewhat too closely into its high-tech wizardry, to the purpose that it’s a bit distracting. Throughout my first viewing, I saved fixating on the low-level drones, which hover at eye degree even whereas not activated.
It doesn’t assist that Cascade of Lights doesn’t function a lot semblance of a narrative, and focuses nearly solely on movies from the 2000s. I didn’t dislike Cascade of Lights, however I’m additionally in no big rush to see it once more. It’s not the caliber of signature nighttime spectacular the reimagined park wanted, just like World of Coloration.
On the plus aspect, I discovered it very simple to see Cascade of Lights, even with minimal effort, so the present being comparatively low stakes is definitely a win! The tiered viewing space can also be thoughtfully designed, and it provides to the panorama.
The park’s flagship addition is World of Frozen, which opened up its gates for the primary time in without end as a part of Disney Journey World relaunch. This Arendelle space options gorgeous structure, together with the towering North Mountain topped by Elsa’s Ice Palace, and a vibrant village sq. impressed by Nordic design. From handcrafted décor to new music composed by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, the land is designed to immerse friends in Arendelle.
The one attraction in World of Frozen is Frozen Ever After, a family-friendly boat experience that journeys by means of iconic scenes from the movies, enhanced by lifelike Audio-Animatronics figures and different know-how. Uncover a Royal Encounter with Anna and Elsa “inside” Arendelle Fort, or be part of within the festivities with “A Celebration in Arendelle,” a daytime present staged on Viking longships in Arendelle Bay that brings the Snowflower Pageant to life.
The land additionally provides quick-service eating at Nordic Crowns Tavern, unique merchandise at Arendelle Boutique, and interactive surprises like assembly Rúna, a child troll companion. There are different free roaming characters just like the Oaken (who, true to his identify, wanders) and Mossie. In fact, there’s additionally the Olaf Audio-Animatronics, who lately cleared concussion protocol after a viral incident.
World of Frozen is without doubt one of the finest lands Imagineering has ever performed. Regardless of this, enthusiasm for the Disney Journey World appears pretty muted. Followers assume that is “third place” to the Arendelle areas in Hong Kong Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea.
These are two world-class lands, so third place right here isn’t essentially unhealthy. Fantasy Springs is sort of its personal factor, so it isn’t actually comparable. World of Frozen at Hong Kong Disneyland is the extra direct comparability, and that land punches approach above its weight.
World of Frozen is healthier at HKDL, which is usually as a result of pure panorama and pure mountains serving as a ‘borrowed surroundings’ backdrop. It isn’t, nonetheless, higher as a result of second experience. Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs seems good, however is extremely underwhelming as an attraction.
“A Celebration in Arendelle” is the leisure providing unique to the Disneyland Paris model of World of Frozen! Offered a number of occasions a day, the fjord present unfolds aboard three majestic Viking longships, that includes fan-favorite characters (together with the Olaf robotic), catchy music, and enjoyable results because it brings the Snowflower Pageant to life. This present is to not be missed; arrive early, as views are restricted across the fjord.
“A Celebration in Arendelle” is simply higher than that kiddie coaster. The precise disappointment, no less than for our younger household, is swapping out the interactive Playhouse within the Woods for a conventional meet & greet. However maybe that’s as a result of we had zero success with the digital queues for princesses in Paris.
For the common visitor, “A Celebration in Arendelle” plus Frozen Ever After might be going to beat the attraction lineup in World of Frozen at HKDL. The land as an entire continues to be higher there, however every are glorious. And it’ll be fascinating to see how this model continues to evolve, particularly given how nicely Disneyland Paris does leisure.
By way of different fast hits from World of Frozen, I used to be pleasantly stunned by Nordic Crowns Tavern. It’s one of many higher quick-service eating places at Disneyland Paris (a really low bar), serving edible meals. The menu is proscribed, however the salmon is serviceable.
The merchandise is top-tier; higher than HKDL or TDS. I’m not usually a merchandise particular person, however the high quality and a focus to element right here impresses. There’s really one thing for everybody, and that actuality will quickly be mirrored on our bank card assertion.
World of Frozen is an amazing asset to the panorama of the park. The rockwork of the mountains and Norwegian picket structure provide vary and selection to the realm, making it really feel without delay grand and comfortable.
But it surely’s the fjord and looking out previous Arendelle Fort that actually impressed me, the place the woods and waterway (plus a hidden Bruni) evoke the distant wilderness. This huge surroundings feels worlds away from the outdated WDSP, and it’s arduous to consider it’s a stone’s throw from the outdated parking zone park.
Though the second gate has now relaunched, DLP isn’t performed with Disney Journey World. Development is underway on the opposite themed-land at Disney Journey World. This would be the first themed space devoted to Disney Animation’s The Lion King, recognized informally because the Pleasure Lands.
Set on Journey Bay, this new land will function a serious attraction combining water-based thrills with next-generation Audio-Animatronics figures and unforgettable songs from the 1994 animated masterpiece, plunging friends deep into the Pleasure Lands to comply with Simba’s adventures.
The plot of land that’ll be house to the Lion King was beforehand going to be a truncated model of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge; it’s our understanding that this was quietly cancelled even pre-COVID after the tepid preliminary response of the home lands.
It’s unlucky that this land was delayed so lengthy and didn’t open with Disney Journey World, as having an all-new and unique land would’ve made the relaunch extra impactful. Once more, the unique announcement of the second gate enlargement and overhaul got here again in 2018, so we’re wanting on the Lion King Pleasure Lands realistically taking roughly a full decade from then to return to fruition.
All in all, the reinvented Disney Journey World exceeded our expectations. We will’t wait to see the park proceed to develop and evolve, and are wanting ahead to returning. These weren’t phrases I ever thought I’d sort after experiencing the Walt Disney Studios Park for the primary time.
Actually, there was a time that I believed this park was irredeemable, with no quantity of latest sights fixing the baked-in issues. The Journey Means and Bay enlargement together with ample placemaking across the entrance half of the park have been the proper resolution, and make the second gate really feel like a real Disney (emphasis added) park (extra emphasis).
Disney Journey World has a way of place and objective, and themed environments that make you need to linger versus getting in, doing just a few rides, and getting out as rapidly as attainable.
If you happen to go to Disney Journey World for the primary time at present, you may not admire simply how radically this overhaul has addressed the structural woes of this much-maligned park. You may nonetheless be a bit underwhelmed, discovering the experience roster a bit missing. On paper, the transformation just isn’t as spectacular because the outcomes at DCA or HKDL, which have superior attraction lineups.
As a sensible actuality, although, this overhaul was way more of a herculean enterprise; the bones of these parks weren’t almost as unhealthy to start with. Not solely that, however Disney Journey World does have a sneakily good slate when you account for the world-class exhibits (Collectively plus Mickey and the Magician are a improbable one-two punch). And though a few the headliner rides are overrated (taking a look at you, Crush’s Coaster and Ratatouille), the totality of the lineup continues to be robust.
Disney Journey World is already a bona fide full-day park. And one which’ll solely get higher within the years to return as the plush panorama matures, Lion King opens, and the leisure evolves. All of this has me extra excited for the way forward for Disney Journey World; once more, not phrases I anticipated to ever sort about this park.
The second gate being greater than a few-hour park additionally has thrilling implications for Disneyland Paris as an entire. I’ve lengthy felt that DLP was master-planned exceptionally nicely, and Disney Journey World being a full-day park makes the Disneyland Paris a 3-day destination-worthy resort advanced.
Add to that quick access to Paris, one of many world’s biggest cities, and I’m excited to extra enthusiastically suggest Disneyland Paris journeys to Individuals. That’ll be doubly true as soon as the Lion King opens, Disney Village reimagining wraps up, and Sequoia Lodge (my favourite DLP lodge) overhaul is accomplished.
My greatest grievance is that each one of this has occurred too slowly and with too few sights, but it surely’s nonetheless an enormous win for Disneyland Paris. An enormous leap ahead in the suitable path after years (many years?) of neglect and underinvestment within the European parks.
When evaluating the primary decade of WDSP to Disney Journey World, it’s an evening and day distinction, and an nearly unfathomable enchancment. I hope the relaunch of Disney Journey World is a right away smash success, and the result’s that the corporate instantly greenlights and expedites additional enlargement. Hopefully, we’ll be taught extra on the 2026 D23 Expo!
For the fundamentals of planning a go to to Disneyland Paris, take a look at our Disneyland Paris Journey Planning Information. Discover the most effective place to remain in Disneyland Paris Lodge Critiques. Take a look at 101 Disneyland Paris Suggestions for some (101, to be precise) of our greatest random suggestions for doing DLP like a professional. See Disney Park Tickets Suggestions & Tips for tactics to avoid wasting on tickets. For the place to eat, take a look at our Disneyland Restaurant Critiques. 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
Have you ever visited the reinvented Disney Journey World? Ideas on the massive relaunch of the second gate at Disneyland Paris? Opinions on World of Frozen, Journey Means, Disney Cascade of Lights nighttime spectacular, or anything? Do you view these nearly as good additions? Are you excited for the Lion King Pleasure Lands or every other future additions? Hope extra is introduced on the 2026 D23 Expo? Excited to lastly stroll across the central lake and expertise the reimagined park? Do you agree or disagree with our evaluation? Any questions? Listening to your suggestions—even while you disagree with us—is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas beneath within the feedback!
