Disneyland Paris is cancelling its traditional fireworks on 14 July this year, and the reason has everything to do with the ongoing heatwave in France. Extreme drought made the fire risk too high, forcing local authorities across the region to step in. Curious what you can expect instead during your visit? Read on below.
Extreme Heat Puts Disneyland Paris on High Alert
On 25 June, a labour union measured the ground temperature right in front of Disneyland Paris’s castle: 51°C. Not the air temperature, but the temperature of the pavement itself. In the days that followed, air temperatures in the region climbed to 37, 38 and even 39°C. For a theme park where thousands of visitors queue outdoors, that’s not just a heatwave — it’s a situation the park had to respond to.
Which Attractions Temporarily Closed?
Disneyland Paris decided to temporarily close almost all of its outdoor attractions. Think Big Thunder Mountain, Indiana Jones et le Temple du Péril, Autopia and the Dumbo ride, plus around ten other outdoor rides. These aren’t minor attractions — they’re crowd favourites that some visitors plan their whole trip around.
Still, you don’t need to write off a visit during a heatwave. Around 80% of all attractions at Disneyland Paris are indoors, so there’s still plenty to do, even if your favourite outdoor ride is closed for the day.
Adjusted Parades and Shows
The daily parade was affected by the heat too. Characters like Mickey and Minnie temporarily performed without their large, oversized heads, since the costumes combined with the heat simply became too hot to wear. The Frozen float sat out a few days, because the actor playing Olaf wears a thick, insulated suit. Understandable, since staff safety always comes first.
The 14 July Fireworks Cancelled: Here’s Why
14 July is a national holiday in France, Bastille Day, and normally the moment when Disneyland Paris sets off its biggest fireworks show of the summer. This year is different. Because of the ongoing drought, the fire risk became too high, so local authorities decided that no fireworks may be set off in the region around the park through 15 July. That’s not a decision made by Disney itself, but a government order due to fire danger. Across France, around 30 départements, roughly a quarter of the country, cancelled or adjusted their 14 July fireworks for the same reason.
The good news: the show itself still goes ahead, just without fireworks. The hundreds of drones that form aerial shapes together, combined with lasers and light projections on the castle, now become the main feature of the evening show.
What Does This Mean for Your Visit?
Planning a visit to Disneyland Paris soon? Keep in mind that attractions and shows can change at short notice during extreme heat. Check the current opening hours and any adjustments just before your visit, so you’re not caught off guard.
Kevin’s tip
Visiting during a heatwave? Start early with indoor attractions like Ratatouille and Phantom Manor, and save the outdoor rides for late afternoon or evening once it’s cooled down. That way you’ll miss as little as possible, even if an outdoor ride is temporarily closed.
Summary
What Does This Mean for Your Visit to Disneyland Paris?
- Extreme heat (up to 39°C, ground temperature as high as 51°C) led to the temporary closure of nearly all outdoor attractions in late June.
- About 80% of attractions are indoors, so there’s still plenty to do during a heatwave.
- The 14 July fireworks were cancelled due to fire risk, a decision made by local authorities, not Disney.
- The evening show still goes ahead with drones, lasers and light projections on the castle instead of fireworks.
- Check ktwmagazine.com just before your visit for the latest on attractions and shows.
Believe in your own magic, and never let anyone tell you your dreams are too big.
Whether it’s fireworks or a drone show, the magic of Disneyland Paris isn’t in the spectacle alone. It’s in the moment you stand with your family beneath that castle. Plan your visit well, stay flexible, and enjoy every moment, heat or no heat.
Read also: World of Frozen Guide →KTW Magazine — the fastest way to DLP
Welcome to KTW Magazine! I’m Kevin Schrier, the founder of this platform. My passion for Disney began in the opening year of Disneyland Paris, in 1992, when I visited the park with my whole family – my parents and my brother. I was only three years old at the time.
After that first trip, the park quickly became the setting for a very special tradition between my mother and me. Our exclusive trips together created a magical bond that makes this place extra special to me.
With KTW Magazine I combine my years of experience with the latest news and practical tips and tricks. I love sharing my knowledge and inspiring other visitors for a carefree and unforgettable trip to Disneyland Paris.
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