Visiting Disneyland Paris: Everything You Need to Know
Disneyland Paris, the European cousin of the iconic Disneyland parks, is a place where magic comes to life. Located just outside Paris, in Marne-la-Vallée, it’s a dream destination for families, couples, and Disney fans of all ages. Whether you’re planning your first visit or contemplating a return trip, this guide will help you navigate the enchanting world of Disneyland Paris with ease. We’ll cover everything from essential pre-trip planning to top tips for making the most of your magical adventure.
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Is it worth visiting Disneyland Paris?
If we have to convince you on this one, you might not be reading the right blog post. We love Disneyland and have visited the parks in North America a number of times. While we didn’t plan our trip to Paris around our visit to Disneyland, we knew we wanted to set aside a day to visit and we are so glad that we did. Our full 7-day Paris Itinerary can be found in this blog post.
Paris Disneyland is a smaller more compact version of its North American counterparts. You can get from end to end in about 20 minutes and it has all of the classics plus a few amazing extras.
How many days do I need to visit Disneyland Paris?
Due to the size of Disneyland Paris, you can certainly see it in a single day. If you only have a day to spend at Disneyland like we did, you won’t be able to see everything, but you can hit all the highlights. Be sure to make a list of all of the rides and attractions that are important to your family so you can prioritize them.
If you are seeing the parks in a single day, I suggest a park hopper pass that lets you see both parks. It will be a long day, plan to be there early and stay late. Knowing this was likely to be our busiest day in Paris we had a quiet night before and didn’t make any plans for the following morning so we could sleep in.
If you have more time, younger children, or want to see it all I would suggest a two-day visit to Disneyland Paris. You can save a little money on park tickets and buy single park tickets for each day.
Pre-Trip Planning
What is the best time to visit Disneyland Paris?
The best time to visit Disneyland Paris depends on your priorities:
- Peak Seasons: These include school holidays, summer (July and August), Halloween, and Christmas. Expect larger crowds, but these times also feature special events and extended park hours.
- Off-Peak Seasons: Late winter (January to mid-March), spring (April to May), and autumn (September to early October) offer fewer crowds and often lower prices. However, some attractions might be closed for refurbishment.
We visited in August and while the park was busy it felt much easier to navigate, with shorter lines than our experiences in the North American Disney parks. Anytime is a great time to visit, we lucked out with overcast weather in the morning and sun in the afternoon but plan for anything.
What is the best way to buy tickets to Disneyland Paris?
- Buy Online in Advance: Purchasing tickets online before you go can save you money and time. Disneyland Paris offers various types of tickets, from one-day, single-park tickets to multi-day, park hopper options. Compare prices and choose the one that best fits your plans. Buy a dated ticket to ensure your entry to the park on the day you want. You can cancel up to three days before arrival.
- Special Offers: Keep an eye out for promotions on the official Disneyland Paris website or trusted travel sites. Deals often include package discounts on tickets and hotels.
We booked a dated ticket in advance. With only seven days to see Paris, we chose to spend a single day at Disneyland Paris and purchased the park hopper option.
Accommodation Options
- On-Site Hotels: Staying in a Disney hotel keeps you immersed in the magic and often includes perks like early park entry. Options range from budget-friendly hotels like Disney’s Hotel Santa Fe to luxury stays at Disneyland Hotel.
- Partner Hotels: Nearby hotels offer more affordable accommodations with shuttle services to the park. Examples include Vienna House Magic Circus and B&B Hotel Disneyland Paris.
- Paris City Accommodation: If you wish to explore Paris as well, consider staying in the city and commuting to the park. The RER-Line A train connects central Paris to Disneyland Paris in about 40 minutes.
We chose to stay in central Paris and take the train to Disneyland. With construction and delays, this took us about 90 minutes each way. If I were to do this again with a single-day visit, I would book a transfer with Welcome Pickups.
Travel and Transportation
- By Plane: The nearest airport is Charles de Gaulle (CDG), about 35 minutes from the park by car or train. There are shuttle services directly to Disneyland Paris.
- By Train: The RER-Line A ends at Marne-la-Vallee station, which is next door to the main gates of Disney Village. It will take you about 40-60 minutes from central Paris.
- By Car: If you prefer driving, ample parking is available at the park, though it’s typically more expensive than using public transportation. It is about 30 km from central Paris.
Preparing for the Park
Park Basics
Disneyland Paris is comprised of two main parks:
- Disneyland Park: The classic park with themed lands like Adventureland, Fantasyland, and Main Street. It’s where you’ll find iconic attractions like Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Space Mountain.
- Walt Disney Studios Park: This park focuses on the magic of movies, animation, and television. Highlights include Ratatouille: The Adventure, Tower of Terror, and the new Avengers Campus.
What is unique to Disneyland Paris?
- The only place you can ride Crush’s Coaster.
- A fire-breathing dragon lives in sleeping beauty’s castle. Take a walk through La Tanière du Dragon.
- The New Avengers Campus is home to an Iron-Man audio-animatronic and Avengers Assemble: Flight Force.
- French snacks can be found around the park like crepes and macarons.
- I’ve never seen a champagne cart along Main Street before, this cart usually arrives just in time to toast the evening fireworks.
- They have a Marvel-themed resort -The Hotel New York -The Art of Marvel.
Planning Your Day
- Prepare Your Kids: Watch your favourite Disney movie or read books as you get ready for your visit.
- Download the Disneyland Paris App: This official app is a lifesaver. It provides real-time information on wait times, show schedules, dining options, and maps.
- Make a Plan: Prioritize your must-see attractions and shows. Each park has its own layout and peak times, so a bit of planning can help you avoid long waits and unnecessary walking.
- Arrive Early: Getting to the park before opening time can give you a head start on popular attractions and a chance to enjoy the park with fewer crowds.
Essential Packing List
- Comfortable Clothing and Footwear: You’ll be walking a lot. Dress in layers and wear sturdy, comfortable shoes.
- Weather Gear: Check the forecast and bring rain gear and a poncho as needed. Don’t forget your hat and sunscreen.
- Backpack: A backpack can carry your essentials like snacks, water bottles, a phone charger, and any purchases you make during the day. Or hold all the layers everyone ends up taking off during the day.
- Portable Phone Charger: You’ll use your phone a lot for photos, the app, and checking times. A portable charger ensures you stay powered up.
Can I take food with me to Disneyland Paris?
The park allows for outside food, we brought baguettes and snacks for lunch and ate dinner in the park. There are lots of benches and spots to eat lunch or have it on the go while waiting for your next ride.
Top Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit
- Start with the Popular Rides: Head to high-demand attractions like Big Thunder Mountain, Peter Pan’s Flight, and Ratatouille first to minimize wait times.
- Use Single Rider Lines: If you’re willing to ride alone, single rider lines can significantly cut down your wait time for certain attractions.
- Use Rider Swap: If you have small children who can’t go on certain rides, take advantage of the Rider Swap option, which allows parents to take turns without waiting in line twice.
- Take Advantage of Extra Magic Hours: Guests staying at Disney hotels can enter the park an hour earlier on select days. Use this time to enjoy popular rides with shorter lines.
Our group’s favourite rides were:
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Star Tours
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
- Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast
- Ratatouille
- Disneyland Railroad
Dining at Disneyland Paris
- Make Reservations: Table-service restaurants like Chez Remy and Auberge de Cendrillon require reservations, which can be made 60 days in advance through the app or website.
- Try the Snacks: Disneyland Paris offers unique treats like Mickey-shaped waffles, crepes, and beignets. Don’t miss the themed snacks in each land.
We brought a picnic lunch with us to the park and tried lots of Disneyland snacks. We had a surprisingly good dinner at Café Hyperion. The line was long, however, so you might want to opt for the click-and-collect option on the app.
Experiencing the Magic
- Don’t Miss the Shows and Parades: Parades like Disney Stars on Parade and nighttime spectaculars like Disney Illuminations are highlights of the Disneyland experience. Find a spot early for the best view.
- Meet the Characters: Character meet-and-greets are a must-do. Look for scheduled times and locations in the app. If you have young kids, character dining experiences are a magical way to meet your favorite Disney friends.
- Explore the Details: Disneyland Paris is rich in storytelling and details. Take time to explore the parks, from the enchanting castle walkthrough to hidden Mickeys scattered throughout.
Shopping for Souvenirs
- Unique Merchandise: Disneyland Paris offers exclusive merchandise that you won’t find in other Disney parks. Look for items unique to the French park, like Ratatouille-themed goods or Parisian Minnie Mouse ears.
- Shop Smart: Consider shopping later in the day to avoid carrying purchases around. Use the “Shop Disney” service to have items delivered to the front of the park or your hotel.
Practical Tips
Language
While Disneyland Paris is in France, you’ll find that English is widely spoken throughout the park. Most signs and menus are bilingual, and many cast members are multilingual.
Currency and Payment
- Currency: The official currency is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s a good idea to carry some cash for smaller purchases or places that may not accept cards.
- Payment Options: Many restaurants and shops accept contactless payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Safety and Accessibility
- Lost and Found: If you lose something, head to City Hall in Disneyland Park or Studio Services in Walt Disney Studios Park.
- Accessibility: Disneyland Paris is designed to be accessible to guests with disabilities.
