Still Disney’s Weakest Park, New & Improved Adventure World Adding Ride & Entertainment in 2026 & 2027

The reimagined Disney Adventure World just opened its doors a couple of weeks ago, and already, several more new & returning additions are being announced for this year and 2027, before the Lion Kings Pride Land. This makes sense. Even though the new & improved parks is a massive leap forward, it’s still the weakest Disney park in the world and needs help before 2028.

In our new review, we explain why Disney’s worst park is finally worthy of the “Disney” name and legacy. It’s not a perfect park, and the reimagining is far from flawless, but Imagineers nevertheless pulled off the impossible in reinventing the second gate into Disney Adventure World.

It’s a triumph in the most important and foundational sense: making it feel like an actual Disney theme park, not just a bunch of disjointed attractions plopped down on what was basically a glorified parking lot, dotted by soundstage-looking buildings in between. Disney Adventure World has a sense of place and purpose, and themed environments that make you want to linger as opposed to getting in, doing a few rides, and getting out as quickly as possible.

The reimagined second gate is a massive win for Disneyland Paris. It’s a massive leap forward in the right direction after years (decades?) of neglect and underinvestment in the European parks, and one that finally makes DLP a bona fide multi-day destination.

My biggest complaint is that the transformation of Disney Adventure World, first announced in 2018, has happened too slowly and with too few attractions. Again, it’s still Disney’s weakest park–what’s been done thus far is a good start, but shouldn’t be viewed as the conclusion of the transformation. Thankfully, more help is on the way in the next couple of years before the opening of the Lion King Pride Lands, presumably in 2028…

Alice and the Queen of Hearts: Back to Wonderland is Back in 2027

Let’s start with the news that Alice and the Queen of Hearts: Back to Wonderland returns to Disney Adventure World in Spring 2027. Hailed for its originality, energy and creativity, this one-of-a-kind production is a modern take on the Disney classic, with a colorful pop rock twist.

Back in Wonderland following an invitation from the Mad Hatter, Alice thinks she’s just going to have a tea party with her friends. But that’s without counting on the fact that the Queen of Hearts has also been invited, and this unexpected reunion will give rise to another colourful confrontation. This time, it’s not croquet – they’ll go head-to-head in a spectacular face-off.

The acrobats, some of whom specialise in ‘trampo-wall’, symbolize the Mome Raths, the small multi-colored creatures that guide Alice through Wonderland. The BMX riders represent the Queen of Hearts’ card guards. They perform on a course of 9 ramps laid out in front of the stage like a skate park. With a 68-metre-long set in urban tones and full of references to the animated film, the tracks and apparatus are laid out to allow acrobats and BMX riders to move to the music.

I’m happy to hear that Alice and the Queen of Hearts: Back to Wonderland is coming back. Not because it’s a personal favorite of mine; to the contrary, I’ve never seen it. But because it’s strikes me as the perfect intersection between ‘Distinctly DLP’ and quintessential ‘Weird Disney.’

I know some friends who love this show, and others who didn’t even make it through the entire thing before walking out. Even if Alice and the Queen of Hearts: Back to Wonderland is the worst production at Disneyland Paris, I want to see it myself. Actually, especially if it’s the worst. I like to see Disney try interesting things, even if they’re trainwrecks. That’s why I appreciated KiteTails (RIP).

The Disney Princess Cavalcade Opens in July 2026

In the nearer term, Disneyland Paris has announced that guests visiting Disney Adventure World will be able to enjoy a brand-new experience, The Disney Princess Cavalcade, starting July 24, 2026. This is a much “safer” piece of entertainment that’ll give life to the back half of the expanded park.

According to DLP, this cavalcade will give guests the opportunity to journey alongside iconic Disney Princesses, celebrated for their courage and adventurous spirit. Four princesses, four worlds, four radically different stories. But they all share the same goal to help their community.

Moana doesn’t hesitate to set sail to save the people of her island of Motunui. Meanwhile, Raya’s quest to reunite the various fragments of the Dragon Stone has no other purpose than to save her people and bring together the different lands of Kumandra.  The creators of this cavalcade have chosen to emphasize the idea of belonging through the different floats that make it up: the village of Motunui for Moana and the Heart Palace for Raya.

As Matteo Borghi, one of the show’s directors, explains, “Françoise Baffioni and I were inspired by the idea of adventure as expressed at Disney Adventure World. There can be no true journey, quest or exploration unless you are firmly rooted in your community and culture. This approach is typical of Disney and that’s the spirit in which we imagined this story.”

The two directors have delved deep into the world of the original animated films and the traditions of the various countries represented to design the floats, outfits and choreography, created in collaboration with renowned choreographer Cécile Chaduteau.

The cavalcade will start at the entrance of the future The Lion King-themed area and will make its way up to The Regal View Restaurant & Lounge before returning to its starting point. During the return, guests will experience an interactive sequence where the Princesses greet with the public.

Moana will teach a number of moves inspired by traditional Pacific Islands dance, while Raya will demonstrate moves inspired by martial arts. “It’s a way of bringing Adventure Way to life as a whole,” explains Françoise Baffioni. “All along the avenue that runs from World Premiere Plaza to The Regal View Restaurant & Lounge, you’ll find all kinds of entertainment.”

In this adventure, music plays an essential role as the narrator. Two original songs were specially produced for the event – one to accompany the cavalcade and another for the stops. They were written by a group of songwriters including Chris Sernel.

For the Disney Princess Cavalcade, the music will offer infectious energy and  inspiring lyrics, peppered with quotations from the Princesses’ musical themes. All the music was recorded last November in Nashville with some of the finest musicians in the city.  On-site rehearsals set to start soon, so the Disney Princess Cavalcade will be ready for this summer.

I don’t have much to say about this. It’s a cavalcade. Disneyland Paris puts a ton of energy and expense into entertainment, so I assume this will be more ambitious than its counterparts in the domestic parks. But at the end of the day, it’s still only a cavalcade, and feels like it’s being oversold here.

My hope is that this is essentially testing the waters to see if there’s guest interest in a fully-fledged daytime parade. On a positive note, the atmospheric acts along Adventure Way give the promenade a lot of energy–Disney Marching Band with Minnie Mouse (pictured above) is fantastic.

Wilderness Explorers Sky Swings Opens in 2027

Located in Adventure Way, just opposite Raiponce Tangled Spin, construction of the future Wilderness Explorers Sky Swings attraction, inspired by the Pixar film Up, is well under way after starting late last year. The name references the Wilderness Explorers, the club of young adventurers to which Russell belongs.

In the attraction’s story, guests are invited to join this adventure and earn the ‘Aviation’ badge, immersing themselves in the world of the animated film Up and its unforgettable soundtrack, all while enjoying elevated views of the surrounding area. Wilderness Explorers Sky Swings will mark a new milestone in the transformation of Disney Adventure World, and will complement the themed gardens of Adventure Way.

Disneyland Paris has now revealed that the planned family attraction called the Wilderness Explorers Sky Swings, is set to open at Disney Adventure World in 2027. This new attraction was first announced one year ago, and was widely expected to open this year or next, so this confirms it’ll be the latter. Honestly, it’s a little disappointing that they didn’t fast-track this; it shouldn’t have been that difficult to get it open in 2026.

Since they’re taking their time, an April 12, 2027 opening date for Wilderness Explorers Sky Swings is probably the odds-on favorite. I hope it’s earlier in the year, as having the attraction debut before Spring Break starts would make sense. (Hence Disney Adventure World as a whole opening last month, as opposed to holding its grand opening until today.)

This family-friendly Wilderness Explorers Sky Swings will offer a new take on the ’flying chair carousel’, an iconic attraction in traditional theme parks for over a century. At Disneyland Paris, the carousel will offer 64 places on 48 chairs, with several ’duo’ chairs inviting guests to ride in pairs.

As it spins, the dome above tilts, intensifying the feeling of flight and bringing dynamic movement to Adventure Way. The attraction’s architecture, and in particular its line, will blend Art Nouveau and industrial touches, such as wrought iron arches evoking characters from the film, as well as balloon and cloud motifs.

Design-wise, Wilderness Explorers Sky Swings will fit seamlessly into the world of Adventure Way. At the top of the attraction, visitors will spy a golden spike representing Carl and Ellie’s famous house, echoing Pascal’s silhouette perched on the roof of Raiponce Tangled Spin.

The Wilderness Explorers Sky Swings will celebrate the adventurous spirit of Russell, Carl, Ellie, and other Up characters. The queue, organised into four zones representing key moments from the film, will feature decorative banners and iconic props, including Carl’s childhood aviator helmet and goggles, as well as Ellie’s adventure book.

The attraction will be at the heart of a new themed garden inspired by Up, where guests can stroll and explore a lush, plant-filled world before discovering the lands of Disney Adventure World.

While I think that Up deserves more than a flying swings ride, I also think that’s true with like 75% of Disney’s franchises since the 1990s. It’s baffling that so many movies from my youth–now modern classics–still don’t have major attractions in the parks. I’m glad that Up is getting anything at all.

After seeing Adventure Way in person, I do question why Imagineering opted for an Up attraction in this particular location as opposed to Mary Poppins or another animated classic. Even Alice in Wonderland or the Aristocats would’ve been more thematically coherent options.

Cloning the Silly Symphony Swings also would’ve made sense, although giving the park an original attraction is probably smart. It’s not a big deal in the grand scheme of things, but given the effort put into placemaking and carving distinct ‘worlds’ into the park, it’s slightly odd to go with Up.

 

Otherwise, I’m fully on board with the idea of a flying swings ride in this spot. Many adult Disney fans will turn their noses up at an amusement park style ride, but not me.

Silly Symphony Swings at Disney California Adventure is a lovely attraction, offering big views and fun, as well as adding kinetic energy to the area for passersby. It’s also dressed-up just enough that it’s an on-theme addition worthy of Disney. The same cannot be said of much (most?) of the circa-2002 Walt Disney Studios Park.

The “problem” with the discourse about flat rides is that it’s largely dominated by Childless Disney Adults. As we’ve demonstrated time and time again, we have no issue with this demo. It’s an important one for Disney, and we used to be those people. At the same time, it’s akin to vegetarians reviewing a steakhouse.

As a young parent who just spent several days at Disneyland Paris with our toddler, I’ve gained extensive experience with flat rides over the last couple of years and appreciate the value they add in rounding out a ride roster. As much as it pains me to admit this, our daughter preferred Disney Adventure World to the castle park.

She loved Toy Story Playland, which offered more for her to do than its (superior) counterpart at Walt Disney World; she enjoyed several of the other flat rides in the park, as well as the stage shows (which actually are excellent). Thankfully, World of Frozen was her favorite land, so she at least got that “right.” While I’d personally (rather strongly) prefer a half-dozen lavishly-done family-friendly dark rides, there’s a limit to how many long lines or lengthier entertainment productions we’re able to tolerate.

While it’s still, without question, the weakest park in Disney’s global portfolio from an objective perspective, Disney Adventure World offered more to fill our family’s day than a few other Disney parks (that shall remain nameless because I’d shudder to list them as a fan of themed design).

The Wilderness Explorers Sky Swings will be a solid addition, bringing life to an area of Adventure Way that’s otherwise a lavish but long corridor of trees and gardens without much of substance to see along the way. This should help break up the pathway adding focal points that draw guests further down the promenade and make that walk more interesting.

I’d love to see a couple of flat rides in the upcoming Pride Lands Lion King area (or an ambitious play area), to help round out the slate around the marquee log flume. This type of attraction can be relatively inexpensive and helps a bit to soak up crowds. Having 3-4 attractions in new lands, with a couple being flat rides, sure beats the current trend of single-attraction lands.

Obviously, appealing to young children isn’t everything, and Disney’s parks are defined by their more immersive attractions. The point is that there’s a place for things like the Wilderness Explorers Sky Swings as filler, just as there’s a place for lounges or more sophisticated offerings for adults. When it comes to flat rides or supporting player attractions, Walt Disney World could certainly stand to take note!

With all of that said, what Disney Adventure World really needs going forward is more E-Tickets.

One of the reasons why the second gate at Disneyland Paris will probably still be the weakest park in the world even after the Lion King Pride Lands opens is because its ride roster still is not sufficiently top-heavy. (Weak themed design in the front half is the other, even after the placemaking project.) Although both are superficially-similar studio parks, it’s essentially the exact opposite of the problem that Disney’s Hollywood Studios has.

We’ve said this before, but diehard Disneyland Paris fans grade this second gate on a curve. Crush’s Coaster is one of the most overrated Disney attractions on earth. It’s certainly good, but it’s sometimes made out to be a top 10 ride worldwide…and I’m not sure it’d crack my top 50. This was reinforced on our most recent trip, when I gave Crush’s Coaster multiple “second chances” to see if I’m being too harsh on it. (I’m not. It’s mediocre.)

Similar sentiment arguably applies to the Marvel and Ratatouille rides. I’ve also heard some fans argue that Frozen Ever After is a D-Ticket as opposed to an E-Ticket. That’s where they lose me. Fans are way too hard on Frozen Ever After, which I suspect is because they still view it as “only” a clone of the Ghost of Maelstrom.

Regardless of where we all come down on each of those individual attractions, the fan consensus is clearly that Disney Adventure World needs more headliners. The Lion King ride will be a good start, but my hope is that another new land will be announced for one of the other expansion pads at Disney Adventure World during the 2026 D23 Expo. Here’s hoping that by the first half of the 2030s, we won’t be able to call this the “worst” or weakest” Disney theme park in the world!

For the basics of planning a visit to Disneyland Paris, check out our Disneyland Paris Trip Planning Guide. Find the best place to stay in Disneyland Paris Hotel Reviews. Check out 101 Disneyland Paris Tips for some (101, to be exact) of our best random tips for doing DLP like a pro. See Disney Park Tickets Tips & Tricks for ways to save on tickets. For where to eat, check out our Disneyland Restaurant Reviews. For unique ideas of things that’ll improve your trip, check out What to Pack for Disney. Finally, for advice beyond Disney, check out our Ultimate Travel Guide to Paris, France.

Your Thoughts

Thoughts on the Wilderness Explorers Sky Swings? Do you view this as a good ‘supporting attraction’ addition to Disney Adventure World? Are you excited for the Lion King Pride Lands or any other upcoming additions to the second gate at Disneyland Paris? Do you agree or disagree with our assessment that flat rides are good for rounding out the ride roster? What about that Disney Adventure World needs a few more headliners? Any questions? Hearing your feedback—even when you disagree with us—is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!