On Friday, March 27, 2026, French President Emmanuel Macron visited Disney Adventure World at Disneyland Paris with Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro. This comes as the 2025 SETEC study, which determined that Disneyland Paris is Europe’s #1 tourist destination. Since 1992, when it opened, there have been over 445 million visits to Disneyland Paris. The visit by President Macron highlights Disneyland Paris’s and France’s appeal to guests from around the world.
“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. 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,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company.
Disneyland Paris continues to be the number one destination in Europe and currently contributes to 6.1% of France’s national tourism revenue. Disneyland Paris has also contributed €13 billion in investments to the French economy since 1992 and has generated 70,000 direct, indirect, and induced jobs.
The visit by the French president and the release of this study come just days ahead of the opening of Disney Adventure World at Disneyland Paris. This will be happening on March 29, 2026. It will see the reimagining of what is currently still known as Walt Disney Studios, along with a major expansion that includes the new Adventure Way and World of Frozen.
Disneyland Paris shared the following about the visit and the SETEC study:
Disneyland Paris further cements its position as Europe’s #1 tourist destination and its role strengthening France’s global appeal during a site visit by French President Emmanuel Macron
With more than 445 million visits since opening in 1992, Disneyland Paris further cements its position as Europe’s #1 tourist destination[1] and its role strengthening France’s global appeal during a site visit by French President Emmanuel Macron
Chessy, March 27, 2026 – During French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit on March 27, 2026, Disneyland Paris shared the results of a new contribution study conducted by SETEC, highlighting its continued impact on French tourism and the wider economy. The announcement comes just before the opening, on March 29, 2026, of the expansion of its second park, to be renamed Disney Adventure World. Part of an ambitious €2 billion investment plan announced in 2018, the park is undergoing a major transformation – its footprint will have roughly doubled when the entire expansion is complete, including the new World of Frozen and the creation of 1,000 new direct jobs. This latest milestone reflects the resort’s long-term commitment to strengthening France’s appeal as a global destination while supporting jobs and regional growth. Since its opening in 1992, Disneyland Paris has invested €13 billion in France and now employs more than 20,000 people, further cementing its status as Europe’s leading tourist destination2.
A Presidential Visit Showcasing Disneyland Paris’ Success Story in France
On March 27, Disneyland Paris welcomed the President of France, public officials including Apóstolos Tzitzikóstas, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, and national and international media, alongside Josh D’Amaro, newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company, to spotlight the destination’s strategic role in France and across Europe.
A tour of the entire site, led by Natacha Rafalski, Présidente of Disneyland Paris, gave guests the chance to meet with Cast Members[2], suppliers, and Walt Disney Imagineering teams, showcasing the excellence, innovation, and expertise behind the destination’s continued growth.
“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. 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,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company.
Disneyland Paris, A Key Driver of Economic and Regional Growth
With 445 million visits since 1992, Disneyland Paris remains Europe’s number one tourist destination, accounting for 6.1% of France’s national tourism revenue. Beyond playing a central role in French and European tourism, Disneyland Paris is a major economic and employment hub, supported by €13 billion in investments since 1992 and generating 70,000 direct, indirect, and induced jobs.
This growth stems from a unique public-private partnership in France, signed in 1987 between the French State and The Walt Disney Company, enabling the resort to play a key role in the development and economic momentum of the Val d’Europe area. The area, with a population that has grown sevenfold to more than 54,000 inhabitants, is now home to more than 9,300 businesses, including strategic offices of major companies such as Deloitte, Henkel, Orange, and Crédit Agricole Brie Picardie. The region is now entering a new development phase (2025–2040), including 6,000 housing units and more than 112,000 square meters of office space under construction, underscoring its continued momentum and long-term appeal.
“The results of the SETEC impact study highlight the important role Disneyland Paris plays in France’s tourism, economy and local communities. For more than thirty years, we have invested for the long term — creating jobs, supporting regional development and strengthening Europe’s tourism influence. The repositioning of our second park, Disney Adventure World, is a key part of that vision. The transformation underway today aims to elevate the guest experience while delivering lasting, positive impact for local communities, the economy, and employment,” said Natacha Rafalski, Présidente of Disneyland Paris.
A Major Employer Committed to Long-Term Local Impact
As a key employer in France, Disneyland Paris employ more than 20,000 Cast Members, representing more than 120 nationalities and 500 different roles. With 90% on permanent contracts, the resort places strong emphasis on career development, progression and inclusion, supported by training programs and internal mobility opportunities.
Furthermore, Disneyland Paris works with an extensive and diverse supplier network, reflecting its strong local roots and its commitment to responsible economic development. In 2024, more than 4,000 suppliers worked with the resort, 83% of them based in France. Of those, 14% are in Seine-et-Marne and 54% elsewhere in the Île-de-France region. International sourcing represents 17% of purchases, mainly from European countries including Germany, the United Kingdom, and Italy. More than 350 suppliers have worked with Disneyland Paris for more than 30 years, reflecting a procurement policy built on long-term relationships and a commitment to support local and regional businesses.
This approach is part of a broader social and environmental responsibility strategy, incorporating tangible actions to reduce environmental impact, support the energy transition, back local charities, and promote solidarity. Since 1992, Disneyland Paris has helped grant 25,000 wishes for children facing critical illnesses and welcomed more than 350,000 underprivileged children in its parks. These efforts are supported by the dedication of Disney VoluntEARS — Cast Members volunteers working alongside more than 100 French and European charities. Through its philanthropic initiatives, regional relationships, and ongoing dialogue with local stakeholders, the resort aims to make a lasting positive impact to its ecosystem for future generations.
Disney Adventure World: The Biggest Expansion in the Resort’s History
2026 marks a major turning point in the resort’s transformation, with the opening of the expansion of the second park, soon to become Disney Adventure World—one of the most ambitious projects ever undertaken at Disneyland Paris. Supported by a €2 billion investment, this new chapter is built on a comprehensive reinvention, with more than 90% of the park’s offerings redesigned since opening in 2002 and a footprint that will be roughly doubled upon completion of its full transformation, as well as a fully redefined creative identity. Beyond enhancing the guest experience, the expansion will also create more than 1,000 direct new jobs, including the new World of Frozen. Nearly 400 suppliers – 82% of them French and European, have also contributed to bring this large-scale transformation to life.
A Global Transformation of the Destination for an Elevated Guest Experience
Disney Adventure World will bring to life unique immersive worlds unlike anything else in Europe, inspired by stories from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, and Marvel Studios, and marks a major step in Disneyland Paris’ ambition to be a truly multi-day destination. Together, the two parks offer complementary experiences: the timeless heritage of Disneyland Park – its historic, fairytale roots in classic stories; and, at Disney Adventure World, immersive worlds of adventure and exploration designed for everyone. It is a truly European and multigenerational destination, with 44% of guests from France and 56% from international markets, primarily in Europe. Disneyland Paris appeals to families, young adults, dedicated fans, and repeat guests alike, reinforcing its position as a must-stay destination that deserves two days or more to fully explore it all.
The transformation extends across the entire resort. It notably includes the continuous enhancement of Disneyland Park through infrastructure modernization, artistic innovation in live entertainment – with the launch of the new nighttime show Disney Cascade of Lights, featuring more than 350 drones – an ambitious renovation of Disney Hotels including a major refurbishment underway at Disney Sequoia Lodge since January, and the ongoing transformation of Disney Village. Enhancements to dining, guest services and digital tools are also part of this broader effort to deliver ever more immersive experiences and unforgettable memories for every guest.
Disneyland Paris: Nearly 34 Years of Impact and Forward-Looking Ambition
For more than three decades, Disneyland Paris has played a central role in local, national and European tourism and economic development. Working alongside public and private partners, the resort continues to create jobs, generate value and support regional growth. The resort continues its transformation, with Disney Adventure World representing a major new milestone, alongside continued investments across its parks, hotels and Disney Village. Upcoming openings – including the first attraction inspired by Disney and Pixar’s Up and a one-of-a-kind land dedicated to Walt Disney Animation Studios’ The Lion King – reflect this ambition. Driven by its Cast Members, Disneyland Paris continues its forward-looking momentum, dedicated to delivering ever more immersive and memorable experiences.
[1] 2025 SETEC study
[2] Disneyland Paris Employees
