Disney Around the Globe

Disney Opens One of the Largest McDonalds in the World

Grimace Makes His Triumphant Return

There’s something uniquely comforting about grabbing a familiar meal in the middle of a Disney day. Whether you’re spending hours inside Disneyland Park or exploring the shops and dining options of Disney Village, certain locations become part of a family’s tradition.

For decades, one particular restaurant at Disneyland Paris has quietly served as that dependable stop between attractions, parades, and late-night shopping sprees. Parents knew the menu. Kids knew the fries. It wasn’t flashy—but it was reliable.

Now, fans are realizing that chapter has officially closed.

A modern McDonald's restaurant at Walt Disney World Resort.
Credit: Michael Gray, Flickr

For Many Disneyland Paris Guests, This Spot Was a Ritual

Disney Village has long been the transitional space between fantasy and reality. After a day immersed in Sleeping Beauty Castle and Marvel superheroes, guests step into this retail and dining district that blends Disney magic with recognizable global brands.

Since 1999, one fast-food giant has been part of that rhythm. Over the years, it became a familiar landmark—easy to find, quick to navigate, and a lifesaver for families traveling on a budget at one of Europe’s most popular theme park destinations.

But as Disney Village undergoes a sweeping reimagining, even long-standing staples are evolving. Construction walls, updated storefronts, and bold architectural statements have signaled that change is not just coming—it’s here.

McDonald's Image
[Credit: Unsplash – Meghan Hessler]

A Major Investment Signals a Bigger Transformation Underway

Back in 2023, Disneyland Paris announced that a brand-new McDonald’s would rise within Disney Village. At the time, details were limited to concept art and promises of an ultramodern experience.

Now, that promise has become reality.

The new three-story McDonald’s has officially opened its doors, and the original location is permanently closed. According to DLP Works, the former building is now surrounded by construction walls and will be demolished.

And that’s the new McDonald’s Disney Village, now open! Our thanks to restaurant director Dimitri Zelmanski, the Disneyland Paris teams, and of course Grimace, for the tour and insights. – @DLPReport on X

This isn’t a simple refurbishment. Disney and McDonald’s invested over €20 million in the new structure, which Disneyland Paris describes as an “ultramodern building, erected according to the highest standards in sustainable construction.”

Disneyland Castle McDonalds
Credit: Inside the Magic

The New McDonald’s Is Unlike Anything Disney Village Has Seen Before

The final design closely mirrors the early concept art, complete with balconies and an “M”-shaped topiary greeting guests at the entrance. Inside, the scale is immediately noticeable.

The restaurant spans three floors and offers 600 seats, including 200 on outdoor terraces. A panoramic elevator connects levels, while 23 self-service kiosks aim to streamline the ordering process. There’s even a dual kitchen system and five dumbwaiters to optimize service flow.

Disneyland Paris invited us to visit the new McDonald’s in Disney Village. Media guests were treated to a full tour including the kitchen, backstage and rooftop – as well as an exclusive visit from Grimace! – @CharactersPBlog on X

Families will find a three-story indoor play area, while adults can unwind in what Disneyland Paris calls an “elegant” McCafé. Guests can order via kiosks or use table ordering through QR code and geolocation technology.

The goal, according to Disneyland Paris, was “to make this restaurant the go-to destination for families in Disney Village, thanks to an experience that is both intuitive and optimized.”

And in true international fashion, the 220 employees collectively represent 16 languages, ensuring visitors from around the world feel welcome.

A green M mural made of plants on the wall of a McDonald's at Walt Disney World Resort.
Credit: Disney Dining

Sustainability and Design Take Center Stage in This Landmark Project

Beyond size and technology, sustainability is a core focus of the new building.

The restaurant features 250 square meters of solar panels, 350 square meters of green space across the roof and planters, and a 120-square-meter living wall designed to promote biodiversity and pollination. It also complies with RE2020 environmental regulations.

Seventy-five percent of raw ingredients are sourced from French producers, further grounding the location in its regional context.

Jo Sempels, President and CEO of McDonald’s France, called the opening “a new milestone” and emphasized the partnership with Disneyland Paris. Boris Solbach, Senior Vice President and CFO of Disneyland Paris, described the project as a landmark addition that supports the broader transformation of Disney Village.

And that transformation is significant. Over the past year, new additions including Disney Style, Disney Glamour, Petite Rosalie terrace restaurant, Deco by Disney, and a new LEGO Store have opened. Casa Giulia, an Italian restaurant replacing the former Planet Hollywood footprint, is set to debut later this year.

Mickey Mouse meets guests in his temporary Studio D location
Credit: Disneyland Paris

Fans React as an Era Officially Comes to an End

While many guests are excited about the upgraded dining experience, others are feeling nostalgic.

On social media platforms like X and Reddit, longtime visitors have shared photos of the former location, calling it “a classic stop” and “part of every trip.” Some are thrilled by the modern design and sustainability focus. Others admit they’ll miss the simplicity of the old space.

It’s a reminder that at Disney Parks, even a fast-food restaurant can hold emotional weight.

As Disney Village continues its evolution, this new McDonald’s stands as both a symbol of progress and the end of an era. For future travelers to Disneyland Paris, the experience will be bigger, more high-tech, and more environmentally conscious.

But for returning fans, walking past construction walls where the original once stood may feel bittersweet.

How do you feel about the new McDonald’s and the continued transformation of Disney Village? Is this an exciting upgrade—or will you miss the old location? Let us know on social media.

Emmanuel Detres

Since first stepping inside the Magic Kingdom at nine years old, I knew I was destined to be a theme Park enthusiast. Although I consider myself a theme Park junkie, I still have much to learn and discover about Disney. Universal Orlando Resort has my heart; being an Annual Passholder means visiting my favorite places on Earth when possible! When I’m not writing about Disney, Universal, or entertainment news, you’ll find me cruising on my motorcycle, hiking throughout my local metro parks, or spending quality time with my girlfriend, family, or friends.

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