Disneyland Paris Heatwave: What to Know for Your Visit

Extreme heat caused major disruption at Disneyland Paris in recent weeks, with ground temperatures near the castle reaching as high as 51°C. This Disneyland Paris heatwave affected attractions, the daily parade, and even the 14 July fireworks. Below you’ll find exactly what happened and what it means for your visit.

How hot did it really get at Disneyland Paris?

On 25 June, a union measured the ground temperature right in front of the castle: 51°C. That’s not the air temperature, but the temperature of the ground itself. In the days that followed, air temperatures in the region climbed to 37, 38 and even 39°C — the kind of heat where most people stay indoors with the air conditioning on. In a theme park you can’t simply do that, so the park had to make choices.

Which attractions closed temporarily?

Disneyland Paris temporarily closed almost all of its outdoor attractions. Think of well-known names like Big Thunder Mountain, Indiana Jones et le Temple du Péril and the Dumbo attraction, plus around ten other outdoor rides. These aren’t minor attractions: they’re popular rides that guests sometimes visit the park specifically for.

The good news: around 80% of all attractions at Disneyland Paris are indoors. So even on a scorching day there was still plenty to do, even if you had to miss that one favourite outdoor ride.

An adjusted parade and guests seeking relief

Even the daily parade was adjusted. Characters like Mickey and Minnie temporarily walked without their large costume heads, since those suits simply became too hot to wear in the heat. The Frozen float also sat out for a few days: the performer playing Olaf wears a thick, insulated suit, and staff safety always comes first.

Guests found their own ways to cool down. Footage of people wading barefoot into the fountain at World of Frozen went viral on TikTok and was viewed around 100,000 times — a clear sign of just how extreme the heat felt for everyday visitors.

Why were the 14 July fireworks cancelled?

14 July is a national holiday in France (Bastille Day) and normally the moment for Disneyland Paris’s biggest fireworks show of the year. This year is different: due to the ongoing drought, the fire risk had become too high. Local authorities therefore decided that no fireworks may be set off in the region around the park until 15 July. This isn’t a choice made by Disney itself, but a decision by the authorities. Across France, around 30 départements — roughly a quarter of the country — cancelled or adjusted their 14 July fireworks for the same reason.

The show itself still goes ahead, just without fireworks. Hundreds of drones form shapes in the sky, combined with lasers and light projections on the castle. With the fireworks gone, this light spectacle has become the main feature of the evening show.

What does this mean for your visit?

Heading to Disneyland Paris soon? Keep in mind that outdoor attractions may temporarily close on very hot days, and that the evening show may look different without fireworks. How long this will last is impossible to say — a good downpour could change things again at any time. So before you leave, check ktwmagazine.com for the latest updates on opening hours and show times.

Kevin Schrier

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.