“Having a fantastic time with my family” - Raymond van Barneveld swaps darts turmoil for Disneyland break after stepping back from PDC circuit

Raymond van Barneveld has swapped the pressure of the PDC circuit for Disneyland Paris after confirming he is taking a step back from darts.

The five-time world champion shared an Instagram update from the French theme park, posting a photo of himself in a Netherlands shirt and blue cap. “Having a fantastic time with my family in Disneyland Paris,” Van Barneveld wrote, alongside the hashtags “Disney”, “familytime”, “bettertogether” and “Paris”.

It comes after a difficult spell for one of darts’ biggest names. Van Barneveld has endured a miserable run of form in 2026, with early exits and low averages leaving fans increasingly concerned about where his career is heading.

The 59-year-old has now decided to reduce his tournament schedule over the coming months. He has stressed that he is not retiring, but he will be more selective with the events he plays as he looks to step away from the full grind of the professional circuit.

Van Barneveld’s Disneyland post offered a relaxed update after days of speculation around his future. The Dutchman had already made clear that his break is not a final farewell, but his comments on scaling back his schedule underlined how tough recent months have become.

The former world champion has struggled to produce the level that once made him one of the defining figures in darts. His recent defeats have often come early in tournaments, with the performances themselves adding to the concern around his form.

Van Barneveld is also not in position to qualify for the World Matchplay, the next major on the PDC calendar. That absence adds to the sense of a player currently trying to reset rather than push through another packed run of events.

Supporters responded warmly to his latest update, with many backing Van Barneveld’s decision to spend time with family away from the oche.

For a player whose career has included five world titles, a famous PDC World Darts Championship final win over Phil Taylor, a Premier League crown and a transformative role in Dutch darts, this latest period has been a painful contrast to the heights of his career.

For now, though, Van Barneveld’s immediate focus appears to be away from ranking points, ProTour draws and qualification pressure. After a turbulent spell in darts, Barney is spending his break at Disneyland with his family.