Disney Adventure World: review, tips & our honest opinion

It was a moment we had been looking forward to for years. Since the first announcements in 2018, the big question was: will the massive Walt Disney Studios Park expansion live up to expectations? Now that the construction fences are gone, the name has officially changed to Disney Adventure World and the gates of Arendelle are wide open, we finally got to discover it with our own eyes.

During the exclusive preview days and the official opening weekend, Lander and I spent days exploring. And we can already tell you: this park has definitely grown up. No longer an ‘ugly duckling’, but a full-fledged Disney experience. We take you through Adventure Way, World of Frozen and share our honest opinion and key tips for your next trip!

The official opening: a new era

Before diving into the park, we got to witness the official opening on Sunday morning. As the crowd gathered on Front Lot, we saw Spider-Man emerge on the Earffel Tower. With a swift movement, he pulled down the curtain and unveiled Disney Adventure World's brand new logo. Moments later, the gates of Adventure Way opened. Accompanied by the Disney Marching Band, an honour guard of happy Cast Members and executives like Natacha Rafalski and Tasia Filippatos, the children of Make-A-Wish walked into the new area as the very first guests. Goosebumps! It's finally here.

Adventure Way: a breath of fresh air full of atmosphere

As soon as you walk past the Tower of Terror and enter the new area, one thing immediately stands out: the enormous breathing space. Where the old Studios Park often felt cramped and oppressive, the promenade of Adventure Way towards the lake a fantastic view. There is a firm commitment to greenery, with lots of trees, plants, rock works and nice seating areas around the water.

Moreover, the promenade is buzzing with energy. Not only did we come across mimes, jugglers and the Disney Marching Band, but also several Disney Characters popped up such as Alice, the Mad Hatter, Peter Pan and Wendy. On this promenade you will also find the new attraction Raiponce Tangled Spin. Especially at night, when the iconic lanterns in the ceiling light up, this is a charming addition. And the future looks bright: exactly opposite this attraction, a brand new attraction around the Pixar film is currently under construction Up, which is scheduled for 2027!

🔗 READ ALSO: Adventure Way guide: attractions, entertainment & tips

World of Frozen: pure magic in every detail

From Adventure Way, you walk seamlessly into Arendelle. With North Mountain and Elsa's ice palace in the distance, the castle on your right and the cosy harbour, the atmosphere is just right. Disney has really paid attention to detail here. While in the little harbour listening to the seagulls in the background (and maybe even spotting Bruni at the lighthouse!), a sense of absolute tranquillity immediately overwhelms you. The thorough thematisation and immersive atmosphere here are of an unprecedented level.

In Arendelle, characters don't just walk around. This is how we met Mossie, the cute baby troll. She is carried around in a basket by a nari (her caretaker). Mossie talks non-stop to guests and is super curious about where you come from. Also be sure to ask for a photo with Mossie, she seems to love that!

Frozen Ever After: a darkride full of surprises

The big crowd-puller of the revamped park is of course the darkride Frozen Ever After. You walk in through the beautiful clock tower. Even the queue immediately draws you fully into the story; when the ride is about to start and you hear the royal announcement “Oyez, Oyez” reverberating through the corridors, you immediately feel the excitement rise!

After the first turn, you sail through a snowy ice forest where Olaf sings to you, followed by a beautiful scene with Grandpappy Troll. Via the lift hill, you literally sail into Elsa's ice palace, where she impressively sings “Let It Go”, complete with magical snow effects. And then comes the big surprise: you sail backwards into a misty cave where the giant snow monster Marshmallow awaits you. What follows is a rather steep, unexpected drop down where you can definitely get wet!

🔗 READ ALSO: World of Frozen guide: Frozen Ever After & entertainment

Food and drink: from quick snacks to royal dining

With a completely new park section naturally comes numerous new catering options. Disneyland Paris has added several atmospheric kiosks and food outlets on Adventure Way. Do you fancy hot bread bowls, savoury potato biscuits or sandwiches filled with brioche? Then visit stalls such as Chez Toulouse, Chez Berlioz and La Terrasse Panoramique. In Arendelle, you then rejoin the Nordic Crown Tavern For Scandinavian-inspired meals.

🔗 READ ALSO: Eating at Disney Adventure World: the ultimate food guide

The absolute crowning glory is The Regal View Restaurant and Lounge, where you enjoy a premium dinner with an insane view over Adventure Bay, while Disney princesses pass by your table. What exactly we ate, which dishes are absolute musts and whether the food is worth its price? We'll tell you soon in our comprehensive food guides and vlogs!

🔗 READ ALSO: The Regal View Restaurant: review & dine with Disney Princesses

Evening show: Disney Cascade of Lights

The perfect end to your day in the park is the new evening show over the water: Disney Cascade of Lights. The great thing about this new lake is that you can stand at 360 degrees around the water, spread over three different levels. So you definitely don't feel crammed together here, like on Main Street U.S.A..

The show is full of fountains and projections on large water screens, but really hinges on the drones. During our preview day, there was too much wind for the drones, so the show missed some magic for us. Did we see it later with the drones during the official opening? If so, it was a phenomenal show!

Fair downside: watch the weather

So is everything perfect in this new expansion? Largely yes, but we still want to give you an honest tip. The area is hugely open. Especially around the water, the wind has free rein, making you feel chilly quickly on colder days.

In addition, Disney has unfortunately provided little warm shelter for heavy rain. Outside the two pavilions and the covered terraces (where you mainly sit outside), there are few covered places to really warm up. The small shops are quickly overcrowded at 15 people. So dress smartly on changeable days!

A wonderful new chapter

There's no getting around it: Disneyland Paris has definitely moved in the right direction with Disney Adventure World. We are already looking forward to walking around here on warm summer evenings, or sitting on the terrace of The Regal View Lounge enjoying a cocktail. And if this is the standard, the countdown to the brand new The Lion King zone as far as we are concerned, start immediately!

Stay tuned for all the Disney magic!
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