Guests hoping for one-on-one time with Mickey Mouse will soon be left disappointed.
For decades, the beloved Disney character has been the heart of the theme park experience, from parades on Main Street to magical moments during fireworks spectaculars. Now, however, his presence at one resort is shifting in ways longtime visitors may not expect.
Since Disneyland’s opening in 1955, Mickey Mouse has been more than just a mascot. He has served as the parks’ most reliable star attraction, anchoring parades, greeting families, and embodying the Disney brand in ways no other character can. Meeting Mickey has been a rite of passage for generations of children — and for adults seeking a nostalgic return to childhood.
The company has frequently reimagined how fans interact with him. Elaborate meet-and-greet spaces like Mickey’s Toontown in California and Town Square Theater in Florida created full environments where families could share a hug or snap a photo. More recently, Mickey’s role expanded into attractions themselves, with the launch of Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway — a ride that immerses guests inside a cartoon adventure.
Meet-and-Greet and Dining Closures
That legacy is now hitting a pause. Disneyland Paris confirmed that Meet Mickey, its signature meet-and-greet, will close September 8 and remain shuttered through early 2026. The resort also announced that Plaza Gardens Restaurant — its only breakfast buffet featuring Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto, and friends — will close for refurbishment beginning April 1, 2026.
The dual closures mark a rare moment when Disney’s most iconic character becomes harder to access in his own park. Plaza Gardens has long been a favorite for families, offering all-you-can-eat dining with guaranteed Mickey Mouse photo opportunities. Fans may now have to make new plans for those cherished character breakfasts.
Disneyland Paris will redirect some of that demand toward Auberge de Cendrillon, typically a princess dining location. During the refurbishment, Mickey Mouse will make appearances there, though at a higher price point — €100 ($117) per adult, compared with €80 ($94) at Plaza Gardens. Another option is the Royal Banquet at the Disneyland Hotel, where Mickey and friends appear at both lunch and dinner for the same €100 price.
Opened in 1992, Disneyland Paris is the most visited tourist destination in Europe, attracting millions annually. Located in Marne-la-Vallée, about 20 miles east of Paris, the resort includes two theme parks — Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park — as well as hotels, a shopping district, and convention spaces. It has become a cornerstone of Disney’s global theme park portfolio, drawing both European and international travelers.
A Resort in Transformation
The reduced availability of Mickey Mouse meet-and-greets comes amid a larger overhaul of the resort. Earlier this year, Disneyland Paris unveiled World Premiere, a redesigned entrance to Walt Disney Studios Park, which will soon be renamed Disney Adventure World. The Hollywood-inspired plaza features new dining, retail, and entertainment spaces, including Hollywood Gardens Restaurant and Mickey’s of Hollywood Boutique.
Inside the park, major construction projects are progressing. World of Frozen is set to debut in spring 2026 with Frozen Ever After (the fourth iteration after variations in EPCOT, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Tokyo DisneySea) as its anchor attraction.
Nearby, Adventure Way will introduce rides based on Tangled (2010) and Up (2009). Plans for a Lion King (1994)-themed land include a water ride descending from Pride Rock.
Beyond the parks, resort hotels and retail are being reimagined. Davy Crockett Ranch is rolling out Donald Duck–themed bungalows, while Disney Sequoia Lodge will undergo refurbishment next year. Disney Village is also transforming, with updated restaurants, retail, and a modernized McDonald’s.
For fans, the temporary disappearance of Mickey Mouse from his most accessible experiences may feel like a loss. Yet Disney’s investment in new lands, attractions, and dining suggests the character’s reduced presence is less a retreat than a recalibration — positioning Mickey Mouse for an even bigger spotlight once the resort’s ambitious expansions are complete.
Are you impacted by Disney’s Mickey Mouse updates?
They’re draining Disney dry of it’s magic for generations to come, pretty much. That was really depressing to read.
Actually in response to IP related attractions, the magical spirit that Walt Disney put into everything seems to diminish. That was what I was referring to in another article.