Big changes are on the horizon for one of Disney’s long-time fast-food partners. McDonald’s is set to permanently close one of its iconic locations at Disneyland Paris in early 2026, marking the end of an era for the Golden Arches at the European Disney park.
McDonald’s and Disney have shared a relationship that dates back to the 1980s, starting with a partnership around Happy Meal toys. Throughout the 1990s, McDonald’s kiosks became a fixture at Disneyland Park, Magic Kingdom Park, and EPCOT. A full-size McDonald’s restaurant operated in Florida’s Downtown Disney District (now Disney Springs), and the brand sponsored the DINOSAUR attraction (then Countdown to Extinction) in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park when it first opened in 1998.
However, McDonald’s gradually disappeared from Disney parks in the U.S. during the 2000s. As part of a nationwide shift toward healthier eating options, Disney parks retired the Golden Arches in favor of more health-conscious alternatives. The only remaining McDonald’s location at a U.S. Disney park is a standalone restaurant near Walt Disney World’s All-Star Resort hotels.
On the other hand, McDonald’s has maintained a strong presence at Disneyland Paris Resort. Since 1999, the fast-food chain has been serving guests in Disney Village, the shopping and dining district outside the European theme parks. Despite France’s reputation for fine dining, McDonald’s became a go-to choice for visitors looking for affordable and quick meals, solidifying its place as one of the top fast food chains in the country.
But that is soon to change. McDonald’s is currently constructing a new, state-of-the-art restaurant near Lake Disney, which will replace the original McDonald’s at Disney Village. According to reports, the new location will feature “an innovative architecture designed exclusively for Disneyland Paris,” offering something entirely unique compared to the current location. The new McDonald’s will open in early 2026, officially replacing the longstanding restaurant that has served guests for over two decades.
Photos shared by X (formerly Twitter) user @DLPReport show the construction progressing rapidly, with the only significant element left to be added being the roof:
🔧 The new Disney Village McDonald’s continues to come together at lightning speeds, the roof is next!
🔧 The new Disney Village McDonald’s continues to come together at lightning speeds, the roof is next! pic.twitter.com/c0AMwO8yWO
— DLP Report (@DLPReport) June 18, 2025
Disneyland Paris Resort hasn’t announced an exact grand opening date for the new McDonald’s. Guests can still visit the old location until the new one opens.
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