Eurostar has recorded an 11% jump in passenger numbers on its direct high-speed service from the Netherlands to Marne-la-Vallée–Chessy, the station serving Disneyland Paris, since the opening of Disney Adventure World on 29 March 2026. The growth follows a capacity expansion on the route, which now runs from Amsterdam, Schiphol and Rotterdam to the park's gateway, and reflects a broader trend of families choosing rail for leisure trips.
Capacity expansion and branded train
To capitalise on the surge, Eurostar has deployed a specially liveried train featuring Disney characters such as Elsa, Iron Man and Buzz Lightyear, which will operate until the end of 2026. The inaugural journey included a celebratory event with breakfast, entertainment and surprises for passengers, underscoring the operator's commitment to enhancing the travel experience.
The train, which connects the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Germany, is part of a wider media campaign highlighting the partnership between Eurostar and Disneyland Paris. François Le Doze, Eurostar's Chief Commercial Officer, said: “The growth on this route shows that travellers increasingly choose a comfortable and sustainable way to reach Disneyland Paris.”
The direct journey from Amsterdam, Schiphol and Rotterdam to Marne-la-Vallée–Chessy takes approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes, operating from Friday to Sunday. Families benefit from amenities such as free Wi-Fi, a Eurostar Café and flexible baggage policies, which have helped drive a 10% rise in family bookings.
Disney Adventure World, formerly Walt Disney Studios Park, has undergone a significant transformation, adding new shows and attractions. This development further enhances Disneyland Paris's appeal as a premier European tourist destination, and the rail link is proving a key enabler for visitor growth.
For travel professionals, the route's performance offers a case study in how rail partnerships can drive leisure demand. Eurostar's investment in capacity and branding aligns with a broader industry push towards sustainable travel options, as seen in other initiatives like Eurail's unification under the Interrail brand to target global travellers.
The increase in family travel to Disneyland Paris also mirrors trends in the wider tourism sector, where operators are adapting to shifting consumer preferences. For instance, UK travellers are shifting to off-peak trips as cost pressures persist, a pattern that could influence future rail pricing and scheduling strategies.
Eurostar's success on this route may encourage other operators to explore similar collaborations with theme parks and major attractions. The combination of high-speed rail and family-friendly amenities is proving a potent formula, and the branded train adds a memorable touch that resonates with younger travellers.
As Disney Adventure World continues to draw visitors, Eurostar is well positioned to capture a larger share of the leisure market. The operator's focus on comfort, sustainability and family needs is likely to sustain momentum, and the route's growth is a positive signal for the broader European rail travel sector.
