Disney fans were recently taken aback by a Disneyland Paris Resort decision that removed Walt Disney’s name from the park’s branding. The change comes as part of a rebranding effort for the second park at Disneyland Paris. Walt Disney Studios Park will be rebranded as Disney Adventure World in 2026, signaling a shift in the park’s theme and focus.
This change isn’t just about a name swap—it’s part of a broader initiative to evolve the park from its original concept, which focused on showcasing the movie industry, to one that emphasizes popular Disney intellectual properties (IPs) and franchises. The rebranding of Disneyland Paris Resort’s second theme park follows a similar shift at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where the focus shifted away from the “behind-the-scenes” movie-making concept in favor of more immersive themed areas.
While Disney Adventure World will include several familiar attractions, such as Avengers Campus and World of Pixar, new areas like the World of Frozen and an Up (2009)-themed family ride will also debut. Guests can catch a first look at the reimagined park when its new entrance, World Premiere, opens on May 15, 2025, ahead of the complete rebranding in 2026.
In the concept art for the new World Premiere area, a sign reads “The Disney Studios,” dropping the “Walt.” A Disney fan account, @pixiedust_be, shared the concept art on X (formerly known as Twitter) and questioned Imagineer Michel den Dulk about the omission, but den Dulk reportedly “had no answer.”
On the World Premiere concept art, it says “The Disney Studios” instead of “The WALT Disney Studios,” the official name of the Burbank lot. Imagineer Michel den Dulk had no answer when I asked why. What do you think — should “WALT” be included?
On the World Premiere concept art, it says “The Disney Studios” instead of “The WALT Disney Studios,” the official name of the Burbank lot. Imagineer Michel den Dulk had no answer when I asked why. What do you think — should “WALT” be included? pic.twitter.com/UG0gAI8LuU
— PixieDust.be (@Pixiedust_be) April 30, 2025
This decision has sparked a debate among Disney Parks fans. Some, like @KristofDesmet7, argue that keeping Walt’s name is an important way to honor the park’s history:
Yes the only resort that uses the name walt is now walt disney world ,so underused.
Yes the only resort that uses the name walt is now walt disney world ,so underused.
— Disneyland paris fan (@KristofDesmet7) April 30, 2025
“ABSOLUTELY! Add walt!!” @DsnYmaniac agreed.
ABSOLUTELY! Add walt!!
— Sevi Tate 🎢 (@DsnYmaniac) April 30, 2025
Not everyone shares this view. @couldbebrillig took a more critical stance on the removal of Walt’s name:
No. The romanticization of Walt Disney has to end. He was a homophobic republican who was against unions and tried to squash them many times. And he wasn’t a nice person overall.
No. The romanticization of Walt Disney has to end. He was a homophobic republican who was against unions and tried to squash them many times. And he wasn’t a nice person overall.
— Nikolaus (@couldbebrillig) April 30, 2025
Still, others said that Disneyland Paris Resort might just be trying to avoid confusing guests about the changing park name. From @Neabfi:
To not be confused with the old name of the park?
To not be confused with the old name of the park?
— Neabfi (@Neabfi) April 30, 2025
Currently, there’s no word on whether Walt’s name will be added back to the park’s signage once the World Premiere area opens. The shift in Disneyland Paris Resort’s second park marks a significant moment in Disney’s ongoing evolution, but for some, it’s a step too far in distancing the parks from the legacy of their founder.
Does Walt’s name belong on the Disney Studios sign? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
Keep Walt in Disney! I’m 70 years old and remember the “MAGIC “ when I was young.
It took me to “Magical Places “ when I needed it most!
Walt Disney World in Florida wasn’t always going to be named Walt Disney World. Initially, it was referred to as “The Florida Project” or “Disney World”. After Walt Disney’s death, Roy O. Disney, his brother, insisted on changing the name to Walt Disney World to honor his brother’s vision.
I’m disappointed at this… with Walt, there would be nothing.
I agree leave Walt name there ,It was his dream and ideas.If these morons do this that will believe it or not will affect a lot of people they are already going more to Universal Studio
Walt Disney’s name should NOT BE REMOVED. Without him, there would be no Disney enterprises today. Corporate needs their heads examined. Walt’s dreams, sacrifices, and history should always be a reminder of how far his legacy has come.
Walt should always be there his dream made everything come alive
Without Walt, there is no Disney of any kind!
It is not Disney anything anymore, It’s MoneyWorld or Crybaby-r-us. Walt’s dream is being destroyed by money grubing assholes and crybaby groups. It will always be Walt Disney to me and many others.