Disney Adventure World: Disneyland Paris renames Walt Disney Studios as part of massive expansion

Apr 12, 2024 in "Disneyland Paris Resort"

Posted: Friday April 12, 2024 9:55am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Disneyland Paris is set for a major revamp of its second park, currently known as Walt Disney Studios Park, which will be renamed Disney Adventure World.

This transformation marks a shift towards more immersive experiences, starting with the introduction of the "World of Frozen," an area inspired by the popular Disney movie. The park's expansion will nearly double its size, incorporating new themed areas alongside existing ones like Marvel Avengers Campus and Worlds of Pixar.

The project, fueled by a two-billion-euro investment, aims to overhaul more than 90% of the existing park, enhancing it with attractions that allow visitors to step into their favorite Disney stories. The revamp also includes updates to Disney Village and Disney Hotels, aiming to boost the overall guest experience.

Future attractions include the "World of Frozen," set by a new 70,000 cubic meter body of water called Adventure Bay, which will feature high-tech entertainment stages. The park entrance will also be reimagined to resemble a vibrant, open-air movie studio, enhancing the thematic journey from the moment guests arrive.

"Today, we are changing the story of Walt Disney Studios Park, evolving from 'how it's done' soundstages to celebratory theaters and adventures that come to life in immersive worlds. These fully realized adventure worlds will become the focus of the park's new identity and appear as realms that guests discover as they navigate deeper within the park and are invited to participate in adventures inspired by our most beloved stories," Tom Fitzgerald, Walt Disney Imagineering Chief Storytelling Executive and Senior Creative Executive for Disneyland Paris, commented.

"Embracing a transformation that involves the overhaul of more than 90% of Walt Disney Studios Park since its debut in 2002, we're unveiling a fresh creative vision that has completely redefined our second gate. Guests will embark on a journey that blends the magic and emotion of our beloved franchises with explorations into faithfully recreated new worlds. This significant evolution inspired us to rename the Park, heralding a vibrant new chapter for Disneyland Paris. The new name will officially take effect coinciding with the grand opening of our next themed land, World of Frozen, marking a harmonious start to this exciting new era. With our commitment to pushing the boundaries of immersion and innovation, we're crafting breathtaking new experiences and spectacular moments at Disney Adventure World that will resonate more than ever with our guests. It's set to offer unique adventures in immersive worlds, serving as a perfect complement to Disneyland Park," Natacha Rafalski, Présidente of Disneyland Paris, shared.

World of Frozen

World of Frozen will take guests on a journey to the kingdom of Arendelle, with its colorful facades and remarkable North Mountain gradually coming into view. The land will feature the Frozen Ever After ride and a meet-and-greet experience with Anna and Elsa.

The land will be well located on the edge of Adventure Bay, a 70,000 cubic meter body of water surrounded by picturesque banks and a promenade at the heart of the park expansion, serving as a gateway to the new themed universes that will surround it.

More than a scenic icon, Adventure Bay will serve as a unique entertainment stage with a 360-degree viewing area. It will be fitted with the latest technologies to provide exciting water-based entertainment, complete with fountains, music, lights and special effects that are sure to delight guests.

A brand-new immersive world, whose concept and design are currently being finalized by Imagineers, will further enhance the appeal of this reimagined park in the years to come. Disney says more details will be shared in the future.

A Reimagined Park Entrance

Beginning this month, the park's transformation work will extend to the entrance area to immerse guests in the brand-new story as soon as they step into Disney Adventure World.

After passing through the turnstiles, guests will be transported into a vibrant, contemporary open-air movie studio before becoming special guests of a glamorous film premiere in the heart of Hollywood on a starry night. To bring this all-new immersive experience to life, the interior décor of the "soundstage" — which currently depicts a filming scene on Hollywood Boulevard — will be replaced with crafted décor that pays homage to historic movie theaters in Hollywood and the entertainment industry as a whole. The new entrance building, renamed World Premiere, will reopen in Spring 2025.

Once outside the building, guests will arrive in the heart of World Premiere Plaza, an area that brings together theaters, currently celebrating Disney Animation and Pixar stories, in a stylish Art Déco-inspired setting. The Walt Disney Imagineering Paris teams are already at work to turn the park's former central square into a dynamic and warm environment with décor inspired by the famous facades of Broadway and West End theaters. The atmosphere will be even more vibrant and magical at night, with bright lights illuminating the whole experience!

To gain access to the park's immersive worlds, guests will be able to walk along Adventure Way, a beautiful promenade surrounded by lush landscape and themed gardens. As guests wander through this enchanting area, they will discover Raiponce Tangled Spin, an all-new family attraction offering a fun take on a classic ride, inspired by the beloved Disney Animation movie Tangled.

It will invite guests to "take a spin" through the iconic floating lanterns scene that has touched the hearts of viewers of all ages.

Finally, before setting off on new adventures, guests will have the chance to treat their taste buds to delicious dishes served at The Regal View Restaurant and Lounge, a stylish table-service restaurant that will offer guests spectacular views over Adventure Bay, along with a chance to meet some of their favorite Disney Princesses.

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TiggerDad49 minutes ago

I thought one additional challenge was that a lot of the construction capacity was pulled into Olympics preparation, and they decided not to fight for the remaining capacity.

LondonTom21 hours ago

I love DCA, maybe its an age thing and being childless? but it might genuinely be my favourite Disney park just to exist in and enjoy 😂 The Bars/Restaurants add to it when you don't want to run around just doing rides all day, basically the "vibes" park and then yeah Grizzly Peak/Cars Land and even Avengers Campus while they have the characters out (believe a few have been cut) provide a lot of fun in between the vibes. (Really just needs to bring back Rogers the Musical or Frozen in the Hyperion) I don't think WDSP(ick DAW) is that far off in providing that sort of experience, especially when the lake does open. If they can get a Lamplight Longue and Carthay Circle equivalent in, that feels slightly more "grown-up". You kind of get it when they have the Gourmand chalets out but some more nice indoor/outdoor seating would work wonders.

mrflo1 day ago

Some of my thoughts about the DCA comparison. I've visited DCA both in 2011 and last summer - last time staying at the Grand Californian Hotel. While there's been some progress and changes in the park's development since 2011, I still wouldn't consider it one of my favorite Disney parks, as it has its flaws. I agree that the theme can feel a bit diluted with various IPs, leading to less thematic coherence. However, DCA still does offer some elements that I find more in line with what I'd expect from a Disney park compared to WDS. The kinetic & immersive energy in DCA is more present, with features like Grizzly Peak and its waterfalls, the tram & streetmosphere in Hollywood Land, and the vibrant Radiator Springs Racers. These elements contribute to a dynamic atmosphere that is somewhat lacking in WDS and can't be just solved by themed carnival rides. Hopefully, future lands like LK or Pandora will help to fix this. Additionally, DCA provides a broader experience beyond just rides & shows, with areas like the Animation exhibition and Redwood Creek Challenge Trail offering more to explore and discover. This sense of exploration is a key aspect of Disney parks that DCA currently captures better than WDS, even despite having "Adventure" as part of its future name. (Not just) kids love those interactive playgrounds and they should definitely add some to WDS/DAW. One aspect I particularly appreciate is the nod to Walt Disney's legacy. In DCA, there are subtle references to Walt's arrival in California and the beginnings of his studio, especially in the entrance area. I hope that as Walt Disney Studios transitions to Disney Adventure World, they continue to honor Walt's legacy with some references, and not just by having the Partners statue. It would be great to see some of the heart and soul that reflects Walt Disney's influence, even if the park's name changes. How about “Walt Disney Presents” moving into the Animation building? Lastly, I also enjoyed the food options at DCA which are quite diverse & fun. I hope they would add something themed like the Lamplight Lounge to the Pixar area in Paris as well. The new lake restaurant in DAW looks nice. Though another Disney Royal dining experience... :rolleyes:

cjkeating2 days ago

Adventure Way would allow the park to no longer be U shaped with it connecting to Campus and TSPL allowing guests not have to double back each time. It would also be a 'new' offering with Tangled and some streetmosphere in the 'English Garden' and a big opportunity to tease the lake/Frozen 'coming soon' At worst it better than what's currently there. Don't forget Studio 1 will be reopening around then which allows you to have the full entry sequence of Studio 1 opening onto Adventure Way.

marni19712 days ago

Assuming the paving project is complete (which it should be) this would be the main reason for half opening. Plus if the lake and Frozenville is visible it’s free advertising.

mickEblu2 days ago

I agree that DCA has been trending down since 2017 but do most people have DHS ahead of DCA? The E tickets at the top of the attraction roster are pretty comparable. Then DCA has a lot more rides (mostly but not limited to flat rides) so maybe you call it a wash because DHS has the shows. It also has an exclusive world class land in Cars Land and the beautiful Grizzly Peak with the Grand Californian. And a water ride! Haha. Seems to me that DCA has it beat.

wdrive2 days ago

I mean if the Tangled spinner is ready to go might as well open it

nickys2 days ago

It would open up the park, avoiding the dead ends there are now. And Frozen would be far enough along to cause excitement perhaps.

LondonTom2 days ago

Surely Tangled and the Walkways would be too underwhelming to open without Frozen? Feels like it would just highlight Frozen isn't open yet 😂😂

cjkeating3 days ago

I think DLP would love this but I would be shocked. Maybe if they use the loose/flexible Disney definition of seasons so spring runs until end of June.

sid353 days ago

Tangled and the connecting walkways will be open, spring 2025. Lake and Frozen prob. summer/ autom of the same year. Or so I hear....👂

cjkeating3 days ago

TWDC might get March. Just not the one they wanted.

Jordan dby3 days ago

there was also a story that they were under investigation for how they reported their PNLs internationally (Paris losses offset other parks as France is a high tax country), so would be needing to react to that. also - whilst i fully agree DAW needs something and ive watched my girls go from dead excited to outgrow Frozen somewhat... the fact is since Covid prices have gone up (discounts removed) and the parks have still been full. it is hard to commercially justify that they needed to spend more to do it quicker. i believe those days are ending, partly because this has been a 3 year covid rebound, partly because guest satisfaction isnt that high and now because general economic situation is worsening on most places. i live near alton towers and would regularly go pre covid for £15, since covid I couldn't get a ticket for less than £45 (often £60) and last week they emailed me offering them for £20 every day in the summer holidays. like Disneyland for the last 2 years they couldnt charge enough to deter customers (bar me apparently!) so in conclusion yeah i think frozen will be ready at the time disney needs it, it may be the difference between maintaining today's prices and the '40% off + free dining' deal i got in 2019 which I'm very glad i took advantage of.

BrianLo3 days ago

I hadn't really considered that DCA had fallen so low, but I guess it has. I just got fixated on the best park and one of the worst parks were moving in lockstep with one another (Galaxies Edge, MMRR) and the only thing to break the tie was Toy Story Land... but DHS has come out largely positively received as of late. Now all of that said, DCA is on the cusp of getting its actual second 'show-stopper' land in Pandora and DAW still really doesn't have one. Plus that Avengers E-ticket. As lovely as all the parts I think are going to be, DAW has a lot more work to do. Dining is a big one in my eyes, DCA is miles ahead still.