More than 445 million visits since 1992 underscore the resort’s position as Europe’s No. 1 tourist destination; €2 billion expansion will create 1,000 new jobs and nearly double the footprint of the destination’s second park
The Walt Disney Company today marked a landmark moment in the 34-year history of Disneyland Paris, welcoming French President Emmanuel Macron to the resort ahead of the March 29 opening of Disney Adventure World — the most ambitious expansion in the destination’s history and a centerpiece of a €2 billion investment plan that is transforming one of the world’s most visited theme park resorts.
The visit, which included Josh D’Amaro, Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company, Natacha Rafalski, Présidente of Disneyland Paris, and Apóstolos Tzitzikóstas, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, coincided with the release of a new independent economic contribution study conducted by SETEC, documenting Disneyland Paris’ sustained impact on French tourism, employment, and regional development.
Since opening on April 12, 1992, Disneyland Paris has welcomed more than 445 million guests, invested €13 billion in France, and grown to employ more than 20,000 Cast Members — reinforcing its standing as Europe’s number one tourist destination and one of The Walt Disney Company’s most significant long-term investments outside the United States.
Disney Adventure World: A New Era for the Resort
Opening March 29, Disney Adventure World represents the most comprehensive reimagining in the resort’s history. More than 90% of the park’s guest offerings have been redesigned since its original debut in 2002, and the park’s footprint will have roughly doubled upon the completion of its full transformation. The expansion — supported by nearly 400 suppliers, 82% of them French or European — will create more than 1,000 new direct jobs.
At its heart is World of Frozen, an entirely new immersive land bringing to life the world of Disney Animation’s beloved Frozen franchise in a scale and scope unprecedented in Europe. Future openings will continue to expand the resort’s offerings, including the first attraction inspired by Disney and Pixar’s Up and a dedicated land celebrating Walt Disney Animation Studios’ The Lion King.
Disney Adventure World joins Disneyland Park to position the resort as a true multi-day destination — one park rooted in the timeless, classic storytelling traditions of Disney’s heritage, and the other offering immersive worlds of adventure and exploration drawn from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, and Marvel Studios. With 44% of guests traveling from France and 56% from international markets, Disneyland Paris is a truly European and multigenerational destination.
“With the inauguration of Disney Adventure World and the opening of World of Frozen, we are entering a new phase of growth at Disneyland Paris — expanding our capacity, increasing tourism, and driving meaningful economic impact for France through job creation and local investment,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “This progress is made possible through our longstanding partnership with France, and grounded in the creativity, innovation, and world-class experiences that only Disney can deliver.”
Economic Engine for France and Europe
The SETEC study highlights the scale of Disneyland Paris’ economic contribution: the resort accounts for 6.1% of France’s total national tourism revenue and supports 70,000 direct, indirect, and induced jobs across the broader economy. Its supply chain spans more than 4,000 suppliers, 83% based in France — with deep roots in the Seine-et-Marne department and the wider Île-de-France region. More than 350 suppliers have maintained continuous partnerships with the resort for over 30 years.
The resort’s growth is anchored by a public-private partnership between The Walt Disney Company and the French State, originally signed in 1987. The resulting Val d’Europe development zone — which has grown from a rural area to a community of more than 54,000 residents — now hosts more than 9,300 businesses, including major corporate presences from Deloitte, Henkel, Orange, and Crédit Agricole Brie Picardie. A new development phase running through 2040 will add 6,000 housing units and more than 112,000 square meters of office space to the region.
“For more than thirty years, we have invested for the long term — creating jobs, supporting regional development, and strengthening Europe’s tourism influence,” said Natacha Rafalski, Présidente of Disneyland Paris. “The transformation underway today at Disney Adventure World aims to elevate the guest experience while delivering lasting, positive impact for local communities, the economy, and employment.”
20,000 Cast Members. 120 Nationalities. One Destination.
Disneyland Paris is among the largest private employers in France, with more than 20,000 Cast Members representing more than 120 nationalities across more than 500 distinct roles. Ninety percent hold permanent contracts, supported by robust internal training, career development, and mobility programs.
The resort’s community commitment extends well beyond its gates. Since 1992, Disneyland Paris has helped grant 25,000 wishes for children facing critical illnesses and has welcomed more than 350,000 children from underserved communities into its parks. Disney VoluntEARS — Cast Member volunteers — partner with more than 100 French and European charities. These initiatives, alongside the resort’s environmental and energy transition programs, reflect a long-term commitment to positive impact across the communities it serves.
A Continuously Evolving Destination
The transformation of Disneyland Paris extends across every dimension of the resort. Disneyland Park continues to evolve through infrastructure modernization and artistic innovation in live entertainment, including the debut of Disney Cascade of Lights — a new nighttime spectacular featuring more than 350 drones. Disney Hotels are undergoing an ambitious renovation program, with a major refurbishment of Disney’s Sequoia Lodge currently underway. Disney Village is also being reimagined, alongside enhancements to dining, guest services, and digital tools designed to deliver increasingly immersive and personalized experiences.
About Disneyland Paris
Disneyland Paris is Europe’s number one tourist destination, with more than 445 million visits since opening on April 12, 1992. The resort offers two world-class theme parks — Disneyland Park and Disney Adventure World — along with seven themed Disney Hotels, the Disney Village entertainment complex, and one of Europe’s leading integrated corporate event venues. Disneyland Paris employs more than 20,000 Cast Members in more than 500 roles, representing more than 120 nationalities. For more information, visit DisneylandParis.com.
