Credit: Scott Calleja, FlickrPlanning to meet the world’s most famous mouse on your upcoming Disneyland Paris trip? You’ll need more than just a smile — now you’ll need a reservation, too.
In a move that blends digital planning with old-fashioned Disney character magic, Disneyland Paris has officially transitioned its main Mickey Mouse meet-and-greet to a reservation-only system, following the temporary closure of the classic Meet Mickey Mouse theater in Fantasyland.
While Mickey hasn’t left the building entirely — in fact, he’s taking on two new locations across the resort — the process for snapping a photo with him has changed. And for guests who are used to walking into a queue and meeting Mickey the old-fashioned way, this marks a new era of character encounters at the Parisian resort.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Meet Mickey Mouse Goes Dark… For Now
Since its opening in 2012, the Meet Mickey Mouse location inside Fantasyland has been one of the most reliable ways to meet the iconic mouse at Disneyland Paris. With its indoor theater, charming backdrop, and a steady stream of happy visitors, the attraction became a staple for families and Disney fans alike.
But starting September 8, 2025, that experience is going on a long break.
Disneyland Paris announced that Meet Mickey Mouse is officially closed for refurbishment, with plans to reopen sometime in early 2026. While the specific reasons for the closure haven’t been detailed publicly, it likely includes a mix of technical upgrades, guest flow improvements, and possibly aesthetic enhancements to keep up with the park’s evolving standards.
As always, the magic doesn’t stop — it simply relocates.
Where Can You Find Mickey Now?
With his Fantasyland home temporarily out of action, Mickey Mouse is now meeting guests at two distinct locations across the resort — and the experience varies depending on which park you visit.
Option 1: Phantom Manor, Disneyland Park (Reservation Required)
In a unique twist, Mickey is now making appearances near Phantom Manor in Frontierland, offering a rare chance to see him in a dramatically different setting.
This meet-and-greet requires a reservation, and must be booked via the Disneyland Paris official mobile app. Guests can expect to see Mickey in his traditional red shorts and yellow bowtie, posing for photos against a rustic backdrop that’s miles away from his usual Fantasyland setting.
Pro Tip: Think ahead — reservations are limited and can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and school holidays.
See below for DLP Report’s findings!
📍Following the closure of Meet Mickey (under refurbishment until early 2026), you can now meet him in his traditional outfit at Phantom Manor, using the reservation system. He will also appear at Studio D in Walt Disney Studios Park, without reservation. pic.twitter.com/GxygwTXwYv
— DLP Report (@DLPReport) September 8, 2025
Option 2: Studio D, Walt Disney Studios Park (No Reservation Needed)
If you didn’t score a reservation (or prefer to keep your schedule flexible), you can also find Mickey at Studio D in Walt Disney Studios Park. This location does not require a reservation, but keep in mind: you’ll need to queue the old-fashioned way.
While this setup offers a more spontaneous encounter, lines could become lengthy during peak periods, especially as more guests adjust to the new system.
How to Reserve Mickey at Phantom Manor
Reservations for the Phantom Manor meet-and-greet follow the same model as other limited-access character experiences at Disneyland Paris, such as the Princess Pavilion and Avengers Campus’ Hero Training Center.
Here’s how to secure your spot:
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Download the official Disneyland Paris app.
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Log in to your Disney account or create one in advance.
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Navigate to the “Characters” section on your park day.
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Select the Mickey Meet & Greet – Phantom Manor experience.
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Choose your time slot and confirm your booking.
Once confirmed, arrive at the meet-and-greet location within your assigned time window and enjoy your one-on-one time with Mickey.
Important Note: Availability opens day-of and tends to go fast, so be ready to book as soon as your park day begins.
Why This Matters for Your Trip
Disneyland Paris has been experiencing massive crowd surges lately, with both parks hitting full capacity as recently as September 5, resulting in guests being turned away at the gate.
This spike in attendance — driven by the resort’s continued expansion (including the opening of Avengers Campus and the upcoming Frozen Land) — has made planning ahead more important than ever. The move to reservation-based character greetings is a clear effort to manage these growing crowds and minimize chaos.
For many, meeting Mickey Mouse is a top priority, especially for first-time visitors and families with small children. But the new system means you can no longer rely on just stumbling into him during your park day. Guests are now encouraged — and in some cases required — to engage with the app regularly and make strategic decisions early in the day.
The Upside: Less Waiting, More Certainty
Although it may feel like one more thing to plan, the reservation system does offer benefits: reduced wait times, more personalized meet-and-greet moments, and clearer expectations. Instead of queuing in the heat for 45 minutes, you can explore other areas of the park and arrive only when it’s your time to shine in front of the camera.
It’s part of a broader shift toward app-integrated planning at Disneyland Paris, mirroring similar strategies used at Walt Disney World and Disneyland California. As mobile-based experiences become more prevalent — from Premier Access to mobile food ordering — character encounters are now following suit.
No Reservation? Don’t Panic
If you miss out on a reservation at Phantom Manor, Studio D is your backup plan. The queue may be longer, but you’ll still get that coveted Mickey moment — no need to stress.
Additionally, Mickey is known to appear in shows like “Mickey and the Magician” and during seasonal parades or special events, giving fans multiple chances to catch a glimpse of him even outside designated meet-and-greet areas.
While the need for a reservation may come as a surprise for some guests, the good news is that Mickey isn’t going anywhere. The beloved character is still front and center — he’s just a bit more exclusive for now.
For those planning a trip to Disneyland Paris between late 2025 and early 2026, here’s the golden rule: Download the app, plan ahead, and check daily character updates. With a bit of preparation, that magical hug (or selfie) with Mickey is still 100% within reach.
And when Meet Mickey Mouse reopens in 2026? We can only imagine the upgrades that await.