Disneyland Paris has just filed a new demolition permit that will bring an entire building crumbling to the ground.
So get ready to say your goodbyes!
Disneyland Paris has been undergoing some tough times as of late, especially when it comes to low-crowd issues.
The recent conclusion of the Olympic Games in Paris, marked by a poignant closing ceremony, captivated millions of sports fans globally. However, this widespread attention seems to have diverted crowds away from Disneyland Paris Resort, where wait times and attendance levels have notably dropped.
Despite the surge of tourists in Paris, which was just a short train ride from Disneyland Paris, the allure of the Olympics kept many visitors occupied. Both Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney Studios Park (soon to be Disney Adventure World) are facing a downturn in attendance.
Reports indicate unusually low wait times at the parks, with the longest being just 15 minutes—a surprisingly low number.
This decline is particularly disappointing in 2024, following a record-breaking year in 2023 for Disneyland Paris.
While Disney does not disclose individual park earnings in its quarterly reports, Disneyland Paris’ financial performance is detailed in the accounts of Euro Disney Associés, its French parent company and a wholly owned Disney subsidiary.
Disneyland Paris achieved record-breaking revenue of €2.9 billion in the year ending September 30, 2023, a 23.5% increase from the previous year. Net profits soared to €161 million, a significant turnaround from a €47 million loss in 2022.
The profit increase was driven by higher attendance, increased prices for premium park tickets, and improved performance in the resort’s entertainment district and themed hotels. The hotels, managed by a separate Disney-owned company, generated €99 million in operating profit on €637 million in revenue last year.
The majority of revenue comes from the flagship Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios, which attracted 15.3 million guests in 2022, according to AECOM data.
With this, we have also seen Disneyland Paris reduce their park hours.
Additionally, Disneyland Paris has been grappling with capacity issues, leading to guest dissatisfaction and the need for improved crowd management.
Recent audio announcements advising visitors to delay their trips to Walt Disney Studios Park are indicative of this ongoing problem. Last summer, similar capacity restrictions were implemented during peak hours, highlighting the urgent need for solutions.
The reopening of the refurbished Disneyland Hotel has further exacerbated the capacity challenges. The influx of visitors eager to experience the updated hotel has overwhelmed the available resources, resulting in logistical difficulties and access issues, even for paying guests.
Additionally, ongoing construction in Disney Village has contributed to a less-than-ideal atmosphere, with construction walls visible throughout the resort.
As well as a recent price surge on dining.
Now, it has been confirmed that the Disney Events Arena will be torn down.
DLP Works shared a permit which stated, “[News] ⚠️🚨A Demolition Permit has been granted on July 31st, 2024, for the “Demolition of the ‘Disney Events Arena’ building”!🚨⚠️ (PD 77111 24 00001) #DLPWorks”
[News] ⚠️🚨A Demolition Permit has been granted on July 31st, 2024, for the “Demolition of the ‘Disney Events Arena’ building”!🚨⚠️
(PD 77111 24 00001) #DLPWorks➡️A similar permit was granted in 2018, but the project was never completed.
➡️The Arena was fully renovated in 2021. pic.twitter.com/DaJQ3an0Ou— DLP Works (@DLPWorks) September 4, 2024
Considering that this arena was recently refurbished in 2021, it is shocking to see it torn down so soon.
The 7,200 m structure was renovated to provide maximum comfort for organizers and guests. The flooring and electrical system were refurbished, and the original canvas was replaced with metal cladding and a double-layered canvas roof, offering improved insulation. The venue was also equipped with new reversible heat pumps for heating and cooling.
Additionally, the structure was updated with a new, elegant color scheme.
Disney even put out a video on YouTube of the refurbishment, which you can see below.
It is not clear as to why the arena is shutting down, but we do know that Disneyland Paris is set to expand.
At D23, Disney fans worldwide were treated to exciting updates from Disneyland Paris, including the announcement of a new immersive attraction inspired by The Lion King franchise. This new addition, set to open after World of Frozen at Disney Adventure World in 2026, will transport visitors to the African savanna and allow them to experience Simba’s adventures firsthand.
In addition to the Lion King experience, guests can anticipate a new nighttime spectacular over Adventure Bay and a brand-new nighttime show at Disneyland Park, launching in January 2025.
Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, revealed plans for an extraordinary new area at Disneyland Paris dedicated to The Lion King. The centerpiece will be a water-based attraction that takes visitors beneath Pride Rock. The area will also feature character meet-and-greets, themed dining, and shopping options.
Natacha Rafalski, Présidente of Disneyland Paris, expressed her excitement about the new Lion King area, highlighting its exclusivity to Disneyland Paris. The area will be meticulously designed to immerse guests in the African savanna and the magic of The Lion King story.
Michel Den Dulk, Portfolio Creative Director at Walt Disney Imagineering Paris, shared his enthusiasm for bringing the emotional depth of The Lion King to life in this innovative attraction.
Before the Lion King area opens, Disney Adventure World will introduce several new experiences, including the Adventure Way promenade, the family-friendly Raiponce Tangled Spin ride, The Regal View Restaurant & Lounge, and the much-anticipated Frozen-themed land.
In 2025, a spectacular new nighttime show will debut over Adventure Bay, featuring a dazzling combination of water screens, fountains, special effects, and drone choreography. Disneyland Paris is developing the first-ever water-drones specifically for this show in collaboration with Dronisos.
These new additions will nearly double the park’s footprint and usher in a new era of creativity and imagination. When the Kingdom of Arendelle opens its gates in 2026, visitors will not only enjoy the new Frozen Ever After attraction but also immerse themselves in themed shopping, dining, and royal encounters with Anna and Elsa.
The upcoming nighttime show at Disneyland Park will feature a blend of iconic Disney songs and projections onto Sleeping Beauty Castle, creating a truly immersive experience. Main Street, U.S.A. will also be part of the show, with Disney Animation and Pixar stories coming to life on the iconic street.
Are you sad to see the Disney Events Arena become a thing of the past?