Do you want to build a snowman: Why 2026 is the Year You Finally visit Disneyland Paris
- Alex Currie
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
If you’ve been holding off on a trip to Disneyland Paris, 2026 is the year the "wait" becomes a "must."
On March 29, 2026, the resort officially rebrands its second park to Disney Adventure World. This isn't just a name change; it’s a €2 billion transformation that doubles the park's size and introduces the world's most immersive lands. From the gates of Arendelle to the high-tech streets of the Avengers Campus, here is everything you need to know to plan the perfect adventure.
The Crown Jewel: World of Frozen
For the first time in Europe, guests can step directly into the kingdom of Arendelle. This isn't just a "land”, it's a living, breathing village framed by the 118-foot-tall North Mountain and Elsa's shimmering Ice Palace.
The Attractions
Frozen Ever After: A musical boat journey through the glistening fjords. You’ll encounter life-sized, state-of-the-art animatronics of Anna, Elsa, Olaf, and Kristoff. Be prepared, the "Let It Go" finale in the Ice Palace is a genuine showstopper.
Rencontre Royale (Royal Encounter): Located inside Arendelle Castle, this is a world-exclusive meet-and-greet. You’ll walk through the Royal Portrait Gallery before a private audience with the Sisters. Pro tip: PhotoPass is essential here!
Wandering Olaf: Using next-generation robotics, a free-roaming Olaf will actually walk through the streets, interact with guests, and gesture naturally.
Dining & Shopping
Nordic Crowns Tavern: A lakeside restaurant where you can sample traditional Nordic-inspired delicacies (think meatballs, salmon, and artisanal pastries) in a setting fit for royalty.
Arendelle Boutique: A charming toy shop filled with traditional wooden trinkets and knitwear you won’t find anywhere else in the resort.
Adventure Way & Adventure Bay
The "connective tissue" of the new park is just as exciting as the lands themselves.
Raiponce (Tangled) Spin: Located on the lush Adventure Way promenade, this whimsical ride lets you twirl in wooden boats beneath a sky of glowing lanterns.
Disney Cascade of Lights: As the sun sets, Adventure Bay (the new 70,000-square-meter lake) becomes a 360° stage. This nighttime spectacular uses hundreds of choreographed drones, water screens, and pyrotechnics to tell stories of Disney, Pixar, and Marvel heroes.
The Royal Restaurant: A stunning new dining venue overlooking the lake where you can dine alongside several Disney Princesses in an elegant, early-20th-century setting.
Where to Stay: Onsite vs. Offsite
Choosing your "base camp" is the biggest factor in your trip's success. Here is the 2026 breakdown:
Onsite Disney Hotels (The "Full Magic" Option)
Disneyland Hotel (5-Star): Reopened as a royal palace. It sits at the park gates and features the exclusive Frozen Signature Suites.
Hotel New York – Art of Marvel (4-Star): Sleek, modern, and home to the world’s largest collection of Marvel art.
Newport Bay Club (4-Star): A grand, lakeside nautical retreat.
Sequoia Lodge (3-Star): A cozy, forest-themed lodge. Note: Undergoing refurbishment in 2026 to elevate the guest experience!
Hotel Cheyenne & Santa Fe: The "Value" picks. Choose between Toy Story/Wild West (Cheyenne) or Cars/Route 66 (Santa Fe).
Why Onsite?
Extra Magic Time: You get into the parks 60 minutes before the general public. In 2026, this is the only way to experience World of Frozen without a 3-hour wait.
Character Breakfasts: Meet characters right in your hotel lobby.
Offsite & Partner Hotels (The "Value & Space" Option)
Explorers Hotel: Features an indoor waterpark with slides and a pirate ship. Best for kids with endless energy.
Dream Castle Hotel: A 4-star "castle" with beautiful gardens and a spa for the adults.
Adagio Val d'Europe: Apartment-style living with full kitchens, perfect for saving on food costs and larger families.
The "Expert" Planning Strategy
Planning a trip for the opening year of a new park is high-stakes. Here is how we make it easy:
1. Timing the Crowd: We know which French and UK school holidays to avoid to ensure you actually see the pavement, not just other people’s heads.
2. Dining Reservations: Disney’s best restaurants (like Walt’s or the Royal Banquet) book up months in advance. We give you the best advice to help you secure your booking.
3. Transport Simplified: From Eurostar "Disney Express" tickets to private airport transfers, we ensure the journey is as smooth as the holiday.
Ready to Journey into the Unknown?
Disney Adventure World is the culmination of a decade of dreaming. Whether you want the royal luxury of the Disneyland Hotel or the pirate-themed fun of the Explorers, 2026 is the year to make it happen.
Don't let the logistics freeze your plans. Reach out to us today for a bespoke quote and a full planning consultation… let's get you to Arendelle!
Comments