Josh D’Amaro just made history — and he did it in Paris.
In his first international trip as Disney CEO, D’Amaro traveled to Disneyland Paris to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron ahead of the grand opening of the World of Frozen land on March 29, 2026. This wasn’t just a ribbon-cutting photo op. It was a signal to the world that Disney is serious about its European presence — and that the relationship between Disney and France is stronger than ever.
If you’ve been following Disney news closely, you know that D’Amaro stepped into the CEO role with a lot of expectations. This visit — and what it represents — tells us exactly where Disney’s global priorities are headed.
Quick Summary
- Josh D’Amaro made his first international visit as Disney CEO to Disneyland Paris
- He met with French President Emmanuel Macron ahead of the World of Frozen opening on March 29, 2026
- Disney has committed to a $2 billion investment in Disneyland Paris as part of a 30-year partnership with France
- The expansion is expected to create 1,000 new jobs at the resort
- World of Frozen is the centerpiece of Disneyland Paris’s biggest expansion in years
Why This Visit Matters
When the CEO of The Walt Disney Company flies internationally for his first major trip in the role, it sends a clear message. D’Amaro didn’t just pop over to Paris for a quick tour of the new Frozen land. He sat down with the President of France.
That kind of meeting speaks to the scale of Disney’s commitment to Disneyland Paris. The resort is backed by a 30-year partnership between Disney and the French government — a relationship that goes far beyond theme parks and into economic policy, tourism infrastructure, and national identity.
France sees Disneyland Paris as a major economic driver, and Disney sees Europe as a growth market it cannot afford to treat as an afterthought. This visit was the handshake that confirms both sides understand what’s at stake.
The $2 Billion Investment Explained
Disney has committed $2 billion to the ongoing expansion of Disneyland Paris. That’s a serious number — and it’s not being spent on minor upgrades.
The investment covers new lands, updated infrastructure, hotel expansions, and guest experience improvements across the resort. The World of Frozen is the most visible piece of this investment right now, but it’s just one part of a larger transformation that’s been unfolding for years and will continue for years to come.
For context: a $2 billion investment in a single resort is the kind of capital commitment that doesn’t happen unless leadership is fully confident in the return. Disney believes in Disneyland Paris. This trip — and this investment — makes that undeniable.
World of Frozen: What’s Opening on March 29
The timing of D’Amaro’s visit is no coincidence. World of Frozen opens at Disneyland Paris on March 29, 2026 — just days after his meeting with Macron.
This new land brings Arendelle to life in a way that’s exclusive to Disneyland Paris. Guests can explore the kingdom from the beloved Frozen films, experience new attractions, and immerse themselves in the world of Elsa, Anna, and Olaf in a setting that feels purpose-built for the characters and the story.
World of Frozen is a major draw. It’s the kind of land that gets people who haven’t visited Disneyland Paris in years — or ever — to put the resort on their travel list. The opening is a cultural moment, not just a theme park debut.
1,000 New Jobs: The Economic Impact
Disney’s expansion at Disneyland Paris isn’t just good for guests — it’s good for the region’s economy. The investment is projected to create 1,000 new jobs at the resort.
Those jobs span everything from operations and entertainment to hospitality and construction. For the local communities around Disneyland Paris, that’s a meaningful economic lift. And for the French government, it’s a concrete result of maintaining the long-term partnership with Disney.
This is partly why Macron himself was involved in the meeting with D’Amaro. These aren’t just theme park conversations — they’re economic policy conversations happening at the highest level of government.
What This Means for Disney’s Global Strategy
D’Amaro’s first international trip as CEO wasn’t to Tokyo, Hong Kong, or Shanghai — all resorts with their own massive scale and fan bases. He went to Paris.
That tells you something. Disneyland Paris has historically been the Disney resort that got the least attention compared to Walt Disney World and Disneyland in the U.S. For a long time, the resort struggled financially and creatively. The turnaround over the last several years has been remarkable, and D’Amaro’s visit is a signal that the new Disney leadership is fully committed to continuing that momentum.
If you’re a Disney fan who has Disneyland Paris on your bucket list — now is the time to start planning. The resort is in arguably the best shape it’s ever been, and what’s coming over the next several years looks even more exciting.
Josh D’Amaro Disney CEO Disneyland Paris: What Fans Should Watch Next
Keep your eyes on Disneyland Paris in the months ahead. With $2 billion committed, a 30-year government partnership in place, and now the CEO personally flying in to kick off the World of Frozen opening, this resort is on an upward trajectory that shows no signs of slowing.
D’Amaro’s visit is a milestone moment — both for Disneyland Paris and for Disney’s global vision under new leadership. And for fans who love seeing Disney invest boldly in its parks, this is exactly the kind of news worth celebrating.
Whether you’re planning a trip to Paris or just following Disney news from home, this opening — and everything that comes with it — is worth paying attention to. The magic is very much alive in Europe, and it’s only getting bigger.
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Meet the Author: Nate Bishop
I’m a die-hard Disney fan with 38 years of visits under my belt, having stepped into Disney World 120+ times. Proud to be a Disney Annual Passholder, a Vacation Club member since ’92, a Castaway Club Member, and a runDisney enthusiast. Oh, and I’ve graduated from the Disney College of Knowledge. Need Disney insights or planning tips? I’m your guy!
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