At a glance
This covered gallery is a long, richly decorated corridor running alongside Main Street’s main avenue. It isn’t a ride with vehicles but a sheltered walk that pays tribute to Franco-American friendship. The decor uses fine materials such as dark wood, wrought iron and glass to recreate the feel of nineteenth-century Parisian arcades.
Along the way are many display cases showing objects, sketches and models linked to the creation of the Statue of Liberty by Auguste Bartholdi. In the middle of the arcade, a scene called Statue of Liberty Tableau uses wax figures to depict the unveiling of the monument. The soft glow of the gas lamps and the architectural details create a calm, hushed atmosphere.
It works as much as an exhibition space as a handy shortcut. It lets you move between the park entrance and the centre without facing the weather or the crowds on parade days. This attraction is about taking your time and discovering history, a cultural break from the park’s noisier activities.
The covered gallery on the Statue of Liberty side. A sheltered walkway along Main Street, devoted to the history of the Statue of Liberty with dioramas and a projection room. Handy in bad weather or when it’s very busy, and much calmer than the main street. Often walked through without stopping.
History
Opened on 12 April 1992 along with the park, Liberty Arcade is one of the two covered galleries along Main Street U.S.A., only found at Disneyland Paris. Like Discovery Arcade opposite, it was designed to shelter visitors from the Paris weather.
Technical data
- Opened
- 1992
- Type Walk-through
- Opening date 12 April 1992
- Average duration 5-15 min depending on how much you explore
Theme & story
Levels & accessibility
- Fear level none
- Thrill level low
- Emotional impact low
- Perceived wait none
- Minimum height None (open to all)
- Recommended age all ages
- Wheelchair access fully accessible
- Pregnant visitors suitable
Premier Access, Single Rider, PhotoPass
Not offered on this ride.
No Single Rider here. To save time, count on Premier Access or park opening.
No PhotoPass on this ride.
Not open during Extra Magic Time: it opens at the same time as the park.
Who it’s for
Pros and cons
Strong points
- Fully covered walkway, ideal when it rains or in hot weather
- A calm alternative to avoid the crowds on the main street
- An interesting historical exhibition with detailed objects and models
Weak points
- Can get very crowded when visitors shelter there from downpours
- Limited interest for very young children
My verdict
Liberty Arcade is the other covered gallery on Main Street, unique to Disneyland Paris, devoted to the story of the Statue of Liberty, with dioramas, engravings and a room recalling its unveiling. Free access, no queue and a route fully under cover along the left-hand side of Main Street.
A personal favourite, just like Discovery Arcade opposite, especially if you love American history and the history of the park. My real insider tip: use the arcades during the parade or after the night-time show to escape the dense crowds. A story to tell the children: Liberty Arcade takes its name from the Statue of Liberty Tableau in the middle of the arcade. And every arch features a depiction of the Statue of Liberty, so keep an eye out.
Julie’s tip
Map & getting there
Liberty Arcade is in the Main Street U.S.A. land of Disneyland Park, to the left of the entrance.
Your questions about this ride
01 How can you avoid long queues for the most popular rides?
To avoid long queues at Disneyland Paris, I combine several tactics. First, Single Rider is free and really speeds things up on the rides that offer it, including Crush’s Coaster, Flight Force, Ratatouille and Spider-Man, as long as you’re happy not to ride with your group. Next, Disney Premier Access is a paid service that gives you priority access to the headline rides. If you’re staying in a Disney hotel, Extra Magic Time lets you into the park before official opening, and it’s the best time to ride the popular attractions back to back without queuing. Finally, heading to the most popular rides during a parade or a big show empties the queues considerably.
02 Are the queue times shown in the park reliable?
Yes, the queue times shown in the app or on the screens around the park are generally reliable. They’re often the same as, or slightly longer than, the real wait, which helps you plan your day better.
03 How can I find out if a ride will be closed for refurbishment during my trip?
Disneyland Paris publishes the list of rides closed for refurbishment on its official website, several weeks in advance. Because the parks are open all year round, the maintenance teams sometimes work on days when the parks are open, which leads to temporary closures. My advice: check this calendar (or the one on my blog) before booking, especially if there’s one particular ride you really care about.
04 Which rides might scare young children?
Several rides at Disneyland Paris can frighten young children even without a height restriction. Blanche-Neige et les Sept Nains, in Fantasyland, has dark scenes with the witch that can catch them off guard. Les Voyages de Pinocchio also has some unsettling scenes. La Tanière du Dragon, under Sleeping Beauty Castle, is home to a very impressive animatronic dragon. Phantom Manor, in Frontierland, plays on a ghostly atmosphere and is really intense for toddlers. Pirates of the Caribbean switches between cheerful moments and darker scenes. I’d suggest watching how your child reacts before you get on.
05 How far in advance does Disneyland Paris announce ride closures?
Disneyland Paris publishes the list of ride closures around 2 to 3 months in advance. For major rides, the park tells visitors about planned construction work at least two months before it starts. I recommend checking the official calendar (or my dedicated page) a few weeks before your visit, as dates can change. That way you avoid the nasty surprise of finding out on the day that your favourite ride is being refurbished.
