Theme park fans may be surprised to see some familiar Golden Arches making their way back to Disney property. As Disneyland Paris Resort undergoes extensive transformations, McDonald’s has begun construction on a brand-new location in Disney Village.
A Surprising Comeback at Disney Village
In September 2023, Disneyland Paris Resort announced that a new McDonald’s location would open near Lake Disney in Disney Village, a shopping and dining hub adjacent to the resort’s two theme parks. Construction walls went up shortly after, and by early 2024, work officially began on the new restaurant.
The expansion is part of a broader refurbishment effort at Disneyland Paris, which has also seen multiple Starbucks locations inside Disney Resort hotels temporarily close for updates. The current McDonald’s in Disney Village will remain operational until the new location is completed, with an estimated opening in early 2026.
McDonald’s and Disney: A Complicated History
McDonald’s and Disney once had a much stronger in-park presence. Guests may remember the days when McDonald’s French fry and chicken nugget stands dotted Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, and Disneyland Park, and a full-service McDonald’s operated at Downtown Disney (now Disney Springs). The brand even once sponsored DINOSAUR at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
The two companies ended their theme park partnership in the mid-2000s. Despite this, McDonald’s and Disney have continued collaborations in other areas, including the ever-popular Disney-themed Happy Meal toys.
Despite France’s rich culinary reputation, McDonald’s has remained one of the country’s most popular fast-food chains, with over 1,500 locations nationwide. Its affordability and familiarity make it an attractive option for both international tourists and locals visiting Disneyland Paris Resort.
Controversy Surrounding McDonald’s Expansion
While the return of McDonald’s to Disney property may excite some guests, it is not without controversy. The fast-food chain has recently faced boycotts from pro-Palestinian groups over its business ties to Israel, adding a layer of global political debate to its Disneyland Paris expansion. However, construction on the new location is progressing as planned.
X (formerly Twitter) account @DLPReport recently shared updates on construction around Lake Disney, including the McDonald’s build:
🔧 And two more projects around Lake Disney: the new awning across from Brasserie Rosalie, and the new McDonald’s location getting off the ground:
🔧 And two more projects around Lake Disney: the new awning across from Brasserie Rosalie, and the new Mc Donald’s location getting off the ground: pic.twitter.com/4gxzFgVVWQ
— DLP Report (@DLPReport) March 12, 2025
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