Disney Backpedals on McDonalds: Drops Surprise Announcement

in Disneyland Paris

Mickey Mouse poses beside a giant McDonald's golden arches sign, blending Disney magic with familiar fast food fun.

Credit: Inside The Magic

McDonald’s has revealed a new location with Disney, cementing its legacy within the House of Mouse.

The original McDonald's in Disney Village at Disneyland Paris Resort
Credit: Disney

McDonald’s and Disney Just Did the Unthinkable

There’s something undeniably comforting about the familiar rituals of a Disney day. Whether you’re strolling through Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Paris or unwinding after a long afternoon in Walt Disney Studios Park, guests know that Disney magic extends beyond attractions. It lives in the details — the snacks, the late-night bites, the gathering spots where families recharge before heading back to their hotels.

For decades, Disney Village has served as that transitional space between fantasy and reality — a buzzing promenade filled with music, shopping, and recognizable brands. Among its most dependable fixtures was a quick-service favorite that many guests relied on year after year. It wasn’t glamorous. It wasn’t themed to a princess or a pirate. But it was dependable, affordable, and familiar.

Now, that chapter has quietly come to a close.

The old McDonald's restaurant at Walt Disney World Resort
Credit: Michael Gray, Flickr

A Familiar Fixture Quietly Disappears From Disney Village

Guests visiting Disneyland Paris this month may notice something missing. Construction walls now stand where a longtime staple once welcomed hungry travelers from across Europe and beyond. The closure didn’t come with fireworks or farewell merchandise. Instead, it arrived as part of something much larger — a transformation that has been reshaping Disney Village piece by piece.

Fans are heartbroken to see the original McDonald’s location permanently close, especially those who grew up pairing their Disney days with a late-night order of fries after park close. But this isn’t simply a goodbye story. It’s also about what rises in its place.

A vibrant scene at a Disneyland theme park features a fairytale castle with blue and pink towers. People are seen walking and enjoying the sunny day. Inset is a McDonald's drive-thru sign. The juxtaposition forces an element of modern commercialism into the magical setting, blending fantasy with reality.
Credit: Inside the Magic

A €20 Million Investment Signals a Bold New Direction

Back in 2023, Disneyland Paris announced plans for a completely new McDonald’s as part of the ongoing Disney Village reimagining. At the time, concept art teased an ultramodern structure with sweeping balconies and an “M”-shaped topiary near the entrance. Now, that vision has officially become reality.

The brand-new McDonald’s at Disney Village is open — and it is massive.

Described by Disneyland Paris as an “ultramodern building, erected according to the highest standards in sustainable construction,” the new restaurant spans three floors and offers seating for 600 guests, including 200 seats on outdoor terraces. A panoramic elevator, 23 self-service kiosks, dual kitchens, five dumbwaiters, and a three-story indoor play area elevate this far beyond a typical quick-service stop.

Disney World McDonalds
Credit: Emille

Social Media Is Divided Over the Dramatic Upgrade

As news of the opening spread across X (formerly Twitter) and Disney fan forums, reactions poured in. Some guests praised the scale and sleek design, calling it a “much-needed upgrade” that aligns with The Walt Disney Company’s modernization strategy across global parks. Others expressed nostalgia for the original building, posting photos and memories of their childhood visits.

On Reddit, one user wrote that the new structure “feels more like an airport lounge than the old Disney Village vibe,” while another countered that it represents “the future of Disney Village — clean, efficient, and built for crowds.” The debate reflects a broader tension fans have felt as Disneyland Paris updates long-standing locations to match evolving guest expectations.

Sophia Di Martino wearing a vintage McDonald's uniform in Loki
Credit: Marvel

The New McDonald’s Is Officially Open — and the Original Is Gone for Good

Here’s what guests need to know: the original McDonald’s at Disney Village is now permanently closed and will be demolished. In its place stands a €20 million flagship location designed to become what officials describe as the “go-to destination for families in Disney Village.”

Disney and McDonald’s France invested heavily in sustainability and efficiency. The building features 250 square meters of solar panels, 350 square meters of green space on the roof and in planters, and a 120-square-meter living wall promoting biodiversity and pollination. It is compliant with RE2020 environmental regulations, with 75% of raw ingredients sourced from French producers.

Ordering has also been streamlined. In addition to the 23 self-service kiosks, guests can order directly to their table via QR code and geolocation technology. The spacious reception area was designed specifically to reduce congestion during peak Disneyland Paris travel seasons. Employees representing 16 languages aim to assist international visitors with ease.

Jo Sempels, President and CEO of McDonald’s France, called the opening “a new milestone” and highlighted the 220 employees ready to welcome families from around the world. Boris Solbach, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Disneyland Paris, emphasized the restaurant’s role in supporting the broader transformation of Disney Village.

On the left is a McDonald's store; on the right is Cinderella Castle at Disneyland Paris.
Credit: Edited by Inside the Magic

What This Means for the Future of Disney Village

This opening is part of a sweeping overhaul that has already brought Disney Style, Disney Glamour, Deco by Disney, the Petite Rosalie terrace restaurant, and a new LEGO Store to the district. Casa Giulia, an Italian restaurant, is expected to open by the end of the year in the former Planet Hollywood space.

For Disneyland Paris, the message is clear: Disney Village is no longer simply a pass-through space. It’s becoming a polished, destination-worthy extension of the parks themselves.

Still, change is never easy in a place built on nostalgia. Fans are heartbroken over the loss of the original McDonald’s, but others are excited about the investment and sustainability efforts shaping the future.

Is this the end of an era — or the beginning of a better Disney Village experience? If you’re planning a trip to Disneyland Paris soon, you’ll be among the first to decide. Let us know your thoughts on social media.

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