At a glance
This spot is a covered gallery that runs alongside the park’s main avenue. Unlike traditional rides, it’s a walk-through sheltered by an iron and glass structure. The setting takes its cue from the covered arcades of Paris and the world’s fairs, showcasing inventions that made history or that people dreamed up at the time.
Along the walls, display cases show models and patents for inventions, some real, some purely conceptual. You’ll spot scale models of steam engines, airships, and old mechanical contraptions. The soundtrack is quiet and lets you step into a vision of the future as people pictured it more than a hundred years ago.
It’s an ideal route to reach the castle away from the crowds or the bad weather. Discovery Arcade is a peaceful alternative to the noisier attractions and a chance to take in carefully crafted architectural details, like the vintage posters and the glowing globe lamps that decorate the passage.
Main Street’s secret shortcut. A covered gallery running along Main Street, with display cases of nineteenth-century inventions and vintage posters. Very handy when it rains or when the main street is jammed, and often overlooked by guests in a hurry.
History
Discovery Arcade opened on April 12, 1992 along with the park and is one of the two covered galleries running alongside Main Street, U.S.A. These arcades are exclusive to Disneyland Paris. Built to keep guests out of the rain and wind, they don’t exist in any other Disney park.
Technical specs
- Opened
- 1992
- Type Walk-through
- Opening date April 12, 1992
- Average time 5 to 15 min depending on how much you explore
Theme & world
Levels & accessibility
- Fear level none
- Thrill level low
- Emotional impact low
- Perceived wait none
- Height requirement None (open to everyone)
- Recommended age all ages
- Wheelchair access fully accessible
- Pregnant visitors OK to ride
Premier Access, Single Rider, PhotoPass
Not offered on this ride.
This ride has no Single Rider line. If you want to cut your wait, rely on Premier Access or get there at park opening.
No PhotoPass on this ride.
This ride stays closed during Extra Magic Time and only opens when the park does.
Who it’s made for
Pros and cons
The highlights
- You stay dry and out of the wind the whole way
- A way around the packed main street when a parade is on
- No other Disney park has an arcade like it
The downsides
- No thrills or action
- Can get very packed when a sudden downpour hits
My verdict
Discovery Arcade is one of the two covered galleries running alongside Main Street. They exist only at Disneyland Paris and were designed to shelter guests from the Paris weather. Inside, you’ll find models, imaginary patents, and nineteenth-century inventions, in a setting inspired by the covered shopping arcades of Paris. Access is free, with no line.
It’s one of my favorite little gems, partly because it’s also a great shortcut around the crowds on the main street. My real insider tip: use the arcades mainly during the parade or right after the nighttime show, and you’ll skip the packed crush. A fun fact for fans: Discovery Arcade gets its name because it links the park entrance to Discoveryland. And the detail that steals the show is the Vitruvian Man featured on every arch of the gallery.
Julie’s tip
Map & getting there
On the right as you come in, Discovery Arcade runs through the Main Street U.S.A. land of Disneyland Park.
Your questions about this ride
01 How can you avoid long lines for the most popular rides?
To skip long lines at Disneyland Paris, I mix several strategies. 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 don’t mind boarding apart from your group. Next, Disney Premier Access is a paid service that guarantees you priority entry on the headline rides. If you’re staying at a Disney hotel, Extra Magic Time lets you into the park before official opening, and that’s the best time to ride the popular attractions back to back without waiting. Last, heading to the busiest rides during a parade or a big show empties the lines dramatically.
02 Are the wait times posted in the park accurate?
Yes, the wait times shown in the app or on the park’s screens are generally accurate. They’re often equal to 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 under refurbishment during my vacation?
Disneyland Paris posts the list of rides closed for refurbishment on its official website several weeks ahead of time. Since the parks are open year-round, maintenance crews sometimes work on days the park is open, which leads to temporary closures. My tip: check this calendar (or the one on my blog) before you book, especially if there’s one particular ride you really care about.
04 Which rides might scare young kids?
Several rides at Disneyland Paris can be a bit much for young kids, even with no height requirement. 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 moments. La Tanière du Dragon, beneath Sleeping Beauty Castle, is home to a very impressive animatronic dragon. Phantom Manor, in Frontierland, leans into its ghostly mood and stays pretty intense for little ones. Pirates of the Caribbean switches between cheerful scenes and darker ones. I recommend watching how your child reacts before you board.
05 How far ahead does Disneyland Paris announce ride closures?
Disneyland Paris shares its list of ride closures about 2 to 3 months ahead. For major rides, the park lets guests know about planned construction at least two months before it starts. I recommend checking the official calendar (or my dedicated page) a few weeks before your visit, since dates can change. That way you won’t get the nasty surprise of finding out on the spot that your favorite ride is closed for refurbishment.
