Big dreams are coming to life at Disneyland Paris, where an exciting new chapter is unfolding at Walt Disney Studios Park—soon to be known as Disney Adventure World.
During a 2024 presentation, the resort officially unveiled the park’s new name, aligning with earlier speculation surrounding its grand transformation. The update coincided with the 30th anniversary celebration of Disneyland Paris, giving fans even more reason to celebrate.
Guests visiting the reimagined resort can look forward to stepping into entirely new realms of storytelling. Among the most anticipated additions is a breathtaking new area inspired by The Lion King. Referred to as the “Future Lion King Themed Area,” the project will be anchored by a spectacular new attraction that brings Simba’s world to life in an all-new way.
“Construction is set to begin in Fall 2025,” according to Disneyland Paris News. “When the sun rises on this realm after the grand opening of World of Frozen, an all-new attraction blending a spectacular water experience with state-of-the-art Audio-Animatronics technology will plunge guests into the heart of the Pride Lands, where Simba will await them for an unforgettable adventure complete with iconic songs from the 1994 masterpiece.”
That attraction will feature a thrilling trio of slopes, including a dramatic 16-meter (52-foot) descent—matching the height of the drop at Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the recent Princess and the Frog reimagining of Splash Mountain at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort.
“After making their way to the caves beneath the 37-meter-high Pride Rock, guests will embark on a wondrous, and sensational adventure through iconic scenes and sceneries from the beloved animated movie, navigating a path with three exciting slopes, including an impressive 16-meter-high descent,” the website shared. “With a seamless blend of many Audio-Animatronics figures scattered across a highly detailed environment coming to life thanks to state-of-the-art special effects and an unforgettable soundtrack, this attraction will be one of the biggest at Disneyland Paris!”
Michel Den Dulk, Vice President and Portfolio Executive Creative Director at Walt Disney Imagineering, shared his excitement: “We are looking forward to launching the construction of this new immersive world inspired by The Lion King and its major attraction, which will mark another milestone for Disney Adventure World. The main attraction will showcase the key features of Disney experiences: loveable characters, an unforgettable soundtrack, immersive décor and effects, and exciting thrills thoughtfully delivered throughout the adventure.”
He added, “All of the Imagineers who work on this project have their hearts set on paying a vibrant homage to this timeless masterpiece by creating unforgettable memories for all our guests.”
The future of Disney Adventure World extends beyond the Pride Lands. Guests caught their first glimpse of the Tangled-inspired ride vehicles, setting the stage for a whimsical journey with Rapunzel. Meanwhile, new concept art was also unveiled for the updated Disney Village, giving fans a peek at what’s still to come.
On May 15, Disney Adventure World will debut World Premiere, the park’s brand-new entry area. Alongside it, a new attraction themed to Pixar’s Up (2009) is set to take flight. While plans for a Star Wars expansion remain on hold for now, the developments underway are already shaping an incredible new identity for the park.
And then there’s The Kingdom of Arendelle. This Frozen-themed land will transport guests into the world of Anna and Elsa in grand fashion, marking the third Frozen land at a Disney destination following World of Frozen at Hong Kong Disneyland and Fantasy Springs’ Frozen Kingdom at Tokyo DisneySea, which debuted last June.
Originally announced by then-CEO Bob Iger in 2018 as part of a €2 billion investment, the evolution of Walt Disney Studios Park represents the most ambitious transformation in its history. Long viewed by fans as in need of a creative resurgence, the park is now set to redefine what magic means at Disneyland Paris.
With stunning environments, innovative attractions, and timeless storytelling on the horizon, Disney Adventure World is poised to enchant a whole new generation of dreamers.
How do you feel about Europe getting this major Lion King addition? Let us know in the comments down below!
