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For nearly a decade, one of Disney’s most recognizable theme park icons existed only in old photos.
The Earffel Tower — once synonymous with Disney’s Hollywood Studios — disappeared from Walt Disney World in 2016. Its demolition marked the end of an era as Disney reshaped the park into a destination focused on immersive lands like Toy Story Land and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Credit: Inside The Magic
Now, however, the spirit of that landmark has quietly returned.
Not in Florida — but in Paris.
At Disneyland Paris, the resort’s own version of the Earffel Tower has received a major visual upgrade ahead of the official debut of Disney Adventure World, the reimagined successor to Walt Disney Studios Park.
The change effectively recreates one of the most recognizable features of the demolished Hollywood Studios structure.
The Earffel Tower Returns — In a Different Form
Disney has debuted another take on its iconic Earffel Tower.
The original structure first appeared in 1989 at Disney-MGM Studios at Walt Disney World. Designed as a playful parody of the Eiffel Tower, it featured a water tower topped with enormous Mickey Mouse ears.
Its name blended “Eiffel” and “ear,” giving rise to the now-famous “Earffel Tower.”
The landmark quickly became the defining visual icon of the park during its early years. Positioned near the backlot area, it reinforced the park’s original identity as a Hollywood studio environment.
Guests visiting Disney-MGM Studios once walked past soundstages, production buildings, and working sets beneath the towering structure.
That version of the tower eventually disappeared.
Goodbye, Earfell Tower
Goodbye, Earfell Tower – https://t.co/Q2S5VdQjMk pic.twitter.com/ZWrP2FzAQ9
— BlogMickey.com (@Blog_Mickey) April 29, 2016
In 2016, Disney removed the Earffel Tower to make room for the construction of Toy Story Land, part of a wider transformation that dramatically reshaped Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
For many fans, the removal felt like the closing chapter of the park’s original studio-era theme.
Yet the tower’s design lived on elsewhere.
When Walt Disney Studios Park opened at Disneyland Paris in 2002, the park debuted its own version of the Earffel Tower near the entrance area. Like its Florida counterpart, it featured oversized Mickey ears perched above the structure.
For years, it served as a quiet homage to the original.
Now, it has taken on a new role.
According to DLP Report, the Paris tower has received a lighting package that traces the outline of Mickey’s ears — closely matching the illuminated effect once seen at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
💡Tonight, the Earfell Tower debuts its new lighting package for the opening of Disney Adventure World:
💡Tonight, the Earfell Tower debuts its new lighting package for the opening of Disney Adventure World: pic.twitter.com/O8XjeiYUYW
— DLP Report (@DLPReport) March 27, 2026
Fans immediately recognized the visual callback.
“Looks stunning,” said one X, formerly known as Twitter, user.
Another wrote, “Oh, it’s 94 again. (Complimentary).”
Disney Adventure World Begins a New Chapter
The lighting update arrives as Disneyland Paris prepares to officially relaunch Walt Disney Studios Park as Disney Adventure World tomorrow.
The transformation marks one of the most ambitious redevelopment projects in the resort’s history.
With the rain coming down, my day at Disneyland Paris comes to an end. Join me tomorrow for the opening of Disney Adventure World!
In the meantime, the new lighting on the Earfell Tower looks great!
With the rain coming down, my day at Disneyland Paris comes to an end. Join me tomorrow for the opening of Disney Adventure World!
In the meantime, the new lighting on the Earfell Tower looks great! pic.twitter.com/Ljyl3uHGJ9
— TheMainStreetNews (@TMainStreetNews) March 28, 2026
For years, Walt Disney Studios Park faced criticism from guests who felt it lacked the scale and immersion of other Disney parks. Many areas relied heavily on soundstage-style buildings and minimal theming.
Disney Adventure World is intended to change that.
The redesigned park will introduce Adventure Way, a landscaped promenade guiding guests toward Adventure Bay — a large lagoon that will anchor the park’s new layout.
Beyond the promenade, guests will soon encounter World of Frozen, one of the park’s most anticipated expansions. The land will recreate the kingdom of Arendelle with themed environments and attractions inspired by Frozen.
Credit: Disney
A Tangled (2010)-inspired ride is also on the way.
Entertainment will play a major role in the park’s new identity. The nighttime spectacular Disney Cascade of Lights will debut over Adventure Bay, offering a large-scale evening show designed specifically for the new central lagoon.
More additions are already planned.
Disney has announced a future swings attraction inspired by Up (2009), alongside an entire themed land based on The Lion King (1994). Fan speculation has also pointed to the possibility of an Avatar-themed area arriving later.
Credit: Disney
Against that backdrop of sweeping changes, some fans feared the Earffel Tower might disappear along with the park’s old studio identity.
Instead, Disney has invested in refreshing it.
The tower’s tank previously read “Walt Disney Studios Park.” That wording will soon disappear when the structure’s covering is removed, revealing the park’s new branding.
“I love it! (But the logo, I’m not going to love it, I refuse),” said one X user.
For many Disneyland Paris fans, however, the most important detail is that the structure remains.
What do you think of the changes to the Earffel Tower?
