A Starry New Era Begins at Disneyland Paris as ‘World Premiere’ Opens Its Gates
A New Entrance as More Expansions Approach
From aging backlot to glamorous red carpet arrival—Disneyland Paris has just rolled out the transformation fans have been waiting for. But is this just the beginning of something much bigger?
It wasn’t long ago that guests at Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris entered through a soundstage that felt more like a queue than a welcome. But as of this week, the park has quietly lifted the curtain on a brand-new entrance experience—one that swaps utilitarian backlot vibes for a full-blown movie premiere fantasy.
And while it looks polished and cinematic on the surface, there’s a deeper story unfolding beneath the glamour. Could this reimagined entrance signal a new creative chapter—and a new identity—for Disneyland Paris’ long-maligned second gate?
Goodbye Backlot, Hello Blockbuster Welcome at Disneyland Paris
This week, Disneyland Paris officially opened World Premiere, the reimagined entrance to Walt Disney Studios Park. The new arrival experience replaces the former Disney Studio 1—a backlot-themed walkthrough that closed in spring 2023. In its place now stands a dramatically updated indoor boulevard that immerses guests in the thrill of a Hollywood movie premiere.
[Live] Welcome to World Premiere!! Finally, the incredible transformation of Studio 1 has officially opened its doors! The new architecture, ambience, and music immerse in a truly cinematic experience, just wow ! Countless hidden details invite guests to slow down and look closer, every corner tells a story! It’s a beautifully crafted reimagining, and we are truly impressed by the scale and execution! A small note : we couldn’t help but wonder, where is the iconic plaque “Here you leave today and enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow and fantasy” on the Disney Theater façade? Also, while the new BGM is generally effective, a few tracks might feel slightly off-tone for the setting, in our view. But overall, this new chapter in the park’s narrative is off to a spectacular start! Full tour available on our Instagram!
[Live] 🚨 Welcome to World Premiere!!🎉
➡️ Finally, the incredible transformation of Studio 1 has officially opened its doors! The new architecture, ambience, and music immerse in a truly cinematic experience, just wow 🤩!
➡️ Countless hidden details invite guests to slow down… pic.twitter.com/v9lwqmObue— DLP Works (@DLPWorks) May 15, 2025
On the outside, the building retains its familiar facade—complete with the iconic “1” atop its art deco-style archway. But inside? It’s an entirely different world. Beneath a simulated “permanent starry sky,” guests now stroll through a richly themed space designed to evoke the glamour of classic Tinseltown, complete with golden lighting, premiere posters, and a dazzling indoor marquee for the “Disney Theater.”
This marquee isn’t just set dressing—it acts as a gateway to the rest of the park, symbolically and literally transporting visitors from the ordinary into the extraordinary. Think of it as a cinematic curtain rising on your park day.
New Dining and Retail Experiences Anchor the Red Carpet Ambience
World Premiere also introduces fresh guest experiences, including two major overhauls that breathe new life into previously dated venues.
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The Hollywood Gardens Restaurant, once known as Restaurant en Coulisse, now invites guests to a stylish “outdoor” garden party celebrating a glamorous film launch, with scenic views of the Hollywood Hills.
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Mickey’s of Hollywood Boutique, the reimagined park shop, features nods to vintage cinema, sleek Art Deco styling, and a golden Mickey statue designed by Disney animator Eric Goldberg himself. Inside, guests will also find a Pandora counter with Disneyland Paris-exclusive jewelry.
Each space seamlessly blends original IP references with a curated atmosphere, suggesting a broader creative direction that feels more like a cohesive park experience—and less like the studio mishmash of years past.
A Tease of What’s to Come: World Premiere Plaza and Beyond
Disneyland Paris teased even more to come in its official press release, stating that the transformation of World Premiere Plaza, located just beyond the new entrance, will continue “in the coming months” in preparation for the park’s major expansion in 2026.
Fans already know what’s coming: the park is on track to launch a fully rebranded identity—Disney Adventure World—complete with immersive lands like World of Frozen, a “Tangled” attraction, and eventually, a dedicated “Lion King” area.
In fact, World Premiere isn’t just an entrance—it’s a launchpad. Guests are now being funneled through a theatrical corridor that leads directly into immersive worlds like Marvel Avengers Campus, already open, and the upcoming World of Frozen, scheduled to debut with the new name in 2026.
Why It Matters: A Long-Awaited Transformation for Disneyland Paris
Walt Disney Studios Park has long struggled to define itself. Often criticized for lacking cohesion and depth, it has historically ranked as one of the weaker Disney parks globally. But this new entrance—packed with cinematic energy and layered detail—is an unmistakable signal that the park is evolving.
It’s more than just a facelift; it’s a declaration.
By enhancing the guest arrival experience and connecting it directly to immersive lands, Disneyland Paris is not just upgrading aesthetics—it’s rebuilding the park’s identity from the ground up. The shift from utilitarian to theatrical is the first real indicator that Disney’s multi-year, multi-million-euro expansion plan is no longer theoretical. It’s happening. And it starts at the front door.
Final Take: The Curtain’s Up—And the Best Is Yet to Come for Disneyland Paris
With World Premiere now open, Disneyland Paris has taken a bold first step into its long-promised evolution. While subtle in its rollout, the new entrance is anything but minor. It’s a masterstroke in storytelling design—and a powerful preview of the immersive, IP-driven adventures that lie just ahead.
If this is how the show begins… what does the finale look like?
