Space Mountain returns to De la Terre à la Lune
The biggest announcement for the park: Space Mountain is getting back its original theme, "De la Terre à la Lune," inspired by the Jules Verne novel and its retro-futuristic look. The current version, Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain, will close at the end of 2027, followed by several months of construction (no reopening date has been announced yet). On the list: a new creative direction from Walt Disney Imagineering Paris, a remastered score by Steve Bramson, new sets, and new effects. You’ll find all the practical details on my Space Mountain page.
A Lion King ride coming to Disney Adventure World
Disney Adventure World (the second park, formerly Walt Disney Studios) will get a ride inspired by The Lion King. It will be a water ride with three drops, including a 16-meter plunge from Pride Rock. The headline feature: the world’s very first Audio-Animatronics figure of Scar (the movie’s villain had never had an animated figure like this before).
The ride will sit near Adventure Bay and World of Frozen, along with a store, a place to eat, and character meet and greets. The foundations are already in place and construction is underway.
A new ride inspired by Up
Disney Adventure World has another new addition coming during 2027: Wilderness Explorers Sky Swings, a swing ride inspired by the movie Up, set along Adventure Way. The seats spin above a themed garden and give you a panoramic view of the park.
A new daytime parade in 2028
Disneyland Park will welcome a new daytime parade in 2028, the first since Disney Stars on Parade debuted in 2017. Mickey and his friends will lead the way, followed by worlds like Aladdin (Jasmine), The Princess and the Frog (Tiana), Tangled (Rapunzel), and Coco (Miguel), on new floats that combine polished design with the latest technology. Disney says it took over 10,000 hours of preparation and around 225 costume sketches.
What is D23, and why Disney+?
D23 is Disney’s big official fan event. It takes place every two years in Anaheim, California, and brings together news from the movies, TV series, and parks. New in 2026: for the first time, the parks panel (the "Disney Experiences Showcase") streamed live on Disney+. These announcements were made during that presentation, overnight from August 15 to 16.
What’s next
I’m keeping a close eye on all of this. Whenever Disney releases new details (dates, official names, concept art), I’ll write them up in their own articles and pages.
Frequently asked questions
01 What did Disney announce for Disneyland Paris at D23 2026?
Three major projects: bringing Space Mountain back to its first concept, "De la Terre à la Lune," a ride based on The Lion King coming to Disney Adventure World (featuring Scar’s first-ever Audio-Animatronics figure), and a brand-new daytime parade in 2028.
02 When is Space Mountain closing at Disneyland Paris?
The current version, Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain, closes at the end of 2027. After several months of construction, it will reopen as Space Mountain De la Terre à la Lune. No reopening date has been announced yet.
03 Which new parade is on its way to Disneyland Paris?
Disneyland Park plans to launch a new daytime parade in 2028. It will be the park’s first new one since Disney Stars on Parade premiered in 2017.
