The Best Tips for Visiting Disneyland Paris
Planning a trip to Disneyland Paris? It is a great place to take the whole family especially those who love Disney Magic. We have all the best Disneyland Paris tips to make the most of your trip and help you with your planning. If you are planning your Disney Paris trip, these tips for Visiting Disneyland Paris with kids will make your trip even better.
Tips for Visiting Disneyland Paris with Kids
After our one day in Paris City, we headed to the Disney Paris Parks for 2 days of Disney fun.
You can check out my post on our trip about visiting Disneyland Paris and all the fun we had. We had a ton of fun during our 2 days in Disneyland Paris. Riding rides, eating tasty Disney snacks, and enjoying all the things that you expect when you are visiting Disney Parks. However, things are a bit different when you are at Disneyland Paris after being at the Walt Disney World Parks.
Am I a Disneyland Paris expert? No, I am not. But I am someone who loves Disney and all things Disney. Along with being a mom of 4 kids who took their kids to Disneyland Paris and learned a few things along the way. I also had Disneyland Paris tips from a very good friend of mine who has been to Disneyland Paris multiple times and was on the trip with us.
If you are looking for a place to stay that is great for families, we loved our stay at the Radisson Blu Marne la Vallée Hotel. The hotel was family friendly and offered a free shuttle to and from the Disney Paris Parcs.
I hope these tips for Visiting Disneyland Paris help you with planning your trip and making memories with your kids.
About Disneyland Paris
Disneyland Paris is located in Chessy, France. It is situated approximately 32 kilometers (20 miles) east of the city center of Paris. The original name for the parks was Euro Disney. Over the years the parks, along with the rides and the experiences have grown drastically.
The Disneyland Paris complex encompasses the Disney Village, the Disney hotels area, and two distinct theme parks—Disneyland Park (Parc Disneyland) and Walt Disney Studios Park. These two parks offer contrasting experiences, akin to night and day, catering to different themes and attractions.
If you are visiting Paris getting to Disney Paris from the city or from the Charles de Gaulle airport is easy to do. You can take the train from Paris to the Chessy train station and you will be right in the Disney Paris area. I have included more in-depth info on this below my tips for Visiting Disneyland Paris.
What Theme Parks are at Disney Paris?
There are two different parks to visit during your trip. You will want to visit each one. These tips for Visiting Disneyland Paris will help you make the most out of seeing both parks on your trip.
Disneyland Park revolves around the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle and extends into four themed lands, each catering to different experiences. These lands include Fantasyland, designed with younger children in mind, Discoveryland, Adventureland, and Frontierland. The park operates year-round, offering extended operating hours to maximize the Disney magic.
Similar to Disney World, Disneyland Park features a Main Street U.S.A. area that greets visitors with a nostalgic charm. It also offers beloved attractions that Disney fans adore, such as Big Thunder Mountain in Frontierland, Peter Pan’s Flight in Fantasyland, and Pirates of the Caribbean in Adventureland. In Discoveryland, guests can enjoy thrilling experiences like Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain and Star Tours: The Adventure Continues, blending the magic of Disney with the epic world of Star Wars.
Walt Disney Studios Park, the latest addition to Disneyland Paris, is a smaller park that focuses on bringing the world of Disney movies to life. It offers attractions inspired by beloved films such as Cars and Toy Story. The park’s theme primarily revolves around the magic of movies, akin to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Walt Disney Studios Park recently introduced the Marvel Avengers Campus. This new section of the park immerses visitors in the thrilling world of Avengers superheroes. All the rides within this dedicated area are themed around the iconic characters and stories from the Marvel universe, providing an immersive and action-packed experience for guests.
Disneyland Paris Tips
As you plan your trip to the Disneyland Paris parks, there are a few things you should know to make your visit even more enjoyable, especially if you’re visiting Disneyland Paris for the first time. These Disneyland Paris tips are based on our personal experience at the parks.
Know the Different types of Disneyland Paris Park Tickets
One of the most important tips for visiting Disneyland Paris is knowing about the park tickets. There are a few different ways to buy Disneyland Paris tickets and a few different options to pick from.
You can purchase some of the tickets online directly from Disney online or in the Disneyland Paris app, some of the ticket options are available at the entrance gate and others are available thru Get Your Guide.
Disneyland Paris Dated Tickets. This is the cheapest option for Disney Park tickets. You pick the dates that you want to visit at the time of purchase.
Disneyland Paris Undated Tickets. You can purchase these tickets online and they are not date specific and are valid for 1 year from the date of purchase. When you are going to use your ticket you will need to register your visit date in advance online. You can pick between the one-park or a two-park ticket option.
1-Day Park Ticket. This ticket allows you to visit either Disneyland Park or Walt Disney Studios Park for one day. You can purchase them here and here.
Disneyland Paris 1-Day Flexible Ticket. This ticket allows you to visit both Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park for one day. You can purchase them here and here.
Multi-Day Tickets. These tickets provide access to both parks for multiple days, ranging from 2 to 5 days. You have the flexibility to visit the parks on non-consecutive days within a specified time frame. You can purchase them here and here.
Disneyland Paris Military tickets. These are 2-day park tickets that include visiting both parks on the same day. If you are a member of the military you will get special pricing on Disneyland Paris Tickets. You can buy them online and are allowed to purchase 6 per military ID. A government-issued military card from the UK, the US or France will be accepted as proof of military service at the time of entrance to the parks. You can purchase them here.
Buy Your Tickets in Advanced
While talking about tickets it is best to purchase them in advance. Not only will they be cheaper than if you were to buy them at the gate. You will also save time when you get to the parks and be able to have more park time when you already have them.
Another thing to keep in mind is that it’s not often you find discounts on park tickets but there are some ways that you can save money on them. If you are military there is a military discount.
If you are not military then you can look to see if purchasing from different country websites will make the tickets cheaper. Prior to purchasing your tickets online, it is advisable to visit the official Disneyland Paris website and explore the available versions in English (US and UK), French, German, and Italian. By doing so, you can compare prices and promotions offered in different countries, potentially saving money on your ticket purchase.
Disney Gift Cards are not Valid in Disney Paris
If you are used to visiting US Disney Parks then you know one of the tips for saving money at Disney World is to buy discounted gift cards. The gift cards you buy in the US are not valid in Paris Disney.
Skip Going at Peak Times
Going during the slower times will not only give you fewer crowds but it will also be cheaper. Non-peak times at Disneyland Paris typically refer to periods when the parks are less crowded, allowing for shorter wait times and a more relaxed experience.
Typically, weekdays outside of school holidays and major public holidays like Christmas tend to be less crowded. This includes weekdays during the off-peak seasons such as late January to early February, late February to mid-March, mid-April to late June (excluding school holidays), and mid-September to early December with the exception of Thanksgiving week.
You also want to keep in mind the French school schedules and breaks. Winter holidays usually occur during the final week of December and the initial week of January. Spring holidays typically take place in the last week of March and the first week of April. Summer holidays are typically observed in July and August. Lastly, autumn holidays are typically scheduled for the last week of October (even though Halloween is not a big thing in France) and the first week of November.
We went on a weekend in November and the crowds were low compared to what I was expecting. If you are wanting to have fewer crowds and fewer wait times then this is the best tip of all the tips for Visiting Disneyland Paris to use.
Plan to spend most of your time at Disneyland Park
The majority of the rides and attractions are in Disneyland Park. Walt Disney Studios Park is a much smaller park. We hit just about every ride in Walt Disney Studios Park in half a day on the second day so we headed back over to Disneyland Park to get on the rides we had missed while there the previous day.
Minimal Planning Needed
Unlike going to Disney World in Florida when you visit Disneyland Paris in France you do not need to plan anywhere near as much. To be completely honest the only planning I did before our trip was booking the hotel, buying the park tickets online, and I booked one meal for in the parks. This was not because I did not want to plan, but because I had simply run out of time. In the end, it actually ended up being perfect.
On our, first day in the parks, we used the app to find rides with a short wait time. On the second day in the parks, we bought Disney Premier access. I didn’t plan on buying the premier access originally but we wanted to test it out and it was easy to purchase right on the Disneyland Paris app while I was standing in the middle of the park.
If you are wanting to do character meals or sit-down meals then you will want to book those in advance as they can sell out.
Plan the Rides and attractions that you want to do and see
While you do not need to plan like you do when going to other Disney Parks you will want to make a list of the rides and attractions that are on your must-do and-see list. You will want to make a list so that you can aim to hit those rides and attractions first and then fill in the rest of your time with others that are not as important to you.
Things to Bring with You to the Park
While you do not need to do much planning for visiting the parks there are things you want to plan to bring with you. A phone charger is a must, you will want to take tons of photos of your adventure at Disney Paris. You will also want to bring a backpack to carry your things. Water is free in the parks and you can bring a water bottle to be refilled. Sunscreen is also a must.
Wear Layers
The weather can change quickly in this area of France. You will want to bring a sweatshirt with you just in case it gets chilly. When we visited in November we were good in pants and a sweatshirt in the morning and at night but during the daytime, it got warm enough that we did not need to wear the sweatshirts.
Skip Going at Peak Times
Going during the slower times will not only give you fewer crowds but it will also be cheaper. Non-peak times at Disneyland Paris typically refer to periods when the parks are less crowded, allowing for shorter wait times and a more relaxed experience.
Typically, weekdays outside of school holidays and major public holidays tend to be less crowded. This includes weekdays during the off-peak seasons such as late January to early February, late February to mid-March, mid-April to late June (excluding school holidays), and mid-September to early December with the exception of Thanksgiving week.
We went on a weekend in November and the crowds were low compared to what I was expecting.
Know that European Attitude is Different Then United States Attitude
This tip is mainly for anyone who is going to Disneyland Paris and lives in the United States. European attitudes differ from those in North America. Rather than perceiving Europeans as rude, it is important to understand that they have different cultural norms. For instance, French people, in particular, may appear aloof or distant, but it simply reflects their unique way of interacting.
Walt Disney World offers a distinct kind of magic that sets it apart and you will not find that when you are visiting Disney in Paris. While at the park, you may notice that Europeans have less patience for entitled or complaint-driven guest behaviors, such as focusing on personal problems or emphasizing the cost of the vacation. Embracing different cultural perspectives is an integral part of the Disney experience worldwide.
You don’t need to know French when Visiting the Parks
One thing I worried about before going was if not speaking French was going to be an issue. However, there was never a time in the parks that my not speaking French was an issue.
English is widely spoken in the park, and you will find many signs and attractions with English translations. The park staff, known as Cast Members, are typically multilingual and can assist you in English.
When visiting a foreign country, it is always helpful to familiarize yourself with a few basic phrases in the local language. Learning how to say “hello,” “goodbye,” and “thank you” can go a long way in showing respect and making connections with the locals.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
When visiting Disneyland Paris, it’s essential to wear comfortable shoes that provide support and can withstand a full day of walking and standing.
If you purchase new shoes for your visit, make sure to break them in before your trip. Wearing them for a few days or weeks prior to your visit will help soften the shoes and minimize the risk of blisters or discomfort. You Will Be Fine Not Knowing Any French
While you are in France the majority of the cast members at Disneyland Paris speak English. Not once did we encounter a time when there was a language barrier in the parks. I did stress a bit about this before our trip but I really shouldn’t have. If not speaking any French is holding you back from taking a trip to Disneyland Paris don’t let it.
Visit Both Parks
You will want to visit both parks. I suggest getting the park hopper ticket this way you can go between the parks as you want to.
There are 2 parks Disneyland Park (Parc Disneyland) and Walt Disney Studios Park (Parc Walt Disney Studios). It is a quick walk to each park from the Disney Village and from each other. Getting from the entrance of one park to the entrance of the other was about a 5 minute walk each time while walking with small children.
The parks are smaller than the ones in Florida and while we were there in November the crowds were much less as well. We went on a weekend and I expected Disney crowds like I am used to in the Florida theme parks and they were not like that at all.
Use the Disneyland Paris App
The Disneyland Paris app makes life much easier at the parks. You are able to have your park tickets on the app and scan them at the entrance to the parks. I highly suggest downloading it before you arrive at the parks so you can check it out ahead of time.
The app is great for seeing wait times so you can avoid having to stand in long lines for the attractions.
From the app, you are also able to make dining reservations, order food, see the times for the parades, and get personalized recommendations for rides throughout the day.
Use Meal Times to go on Rides
Between noon and 2 pm, most people are eating lunch and the restaurants get crowded. Using this time to go on rides instead of joining the crowds for food will make for shorter lines at the rides.
Lines can get long, especially for the most popular rides like Big Thunder Mountain, Ratatouille, Crush’s Coaster, and Peter Pan’s flight.
Don’t Expect Amazing Food
We are used to Disney World Food. Where everything is amazing and the food is a part of the experience. At Disneyland Paris, you will be totally underwhelmed if you go with the expectation that the food is going to be amazing.
We ate breakfast each morning at the hotel. Our plan for during the day was to just enjoy random Disney Park snacks and treats instead of lunch which worked out well.
We enjoyed Mickey Meringue Cookies, Mickey Marshmallows, Popcorn, Disney Ice Cream Bars, meat and cheese cups, and Mickey Chocolate Chip Cookies. They were all great and the kids loved them.
We ate one sit-down meal at the Disney Parks and it was just “ok”. I wanted to go to one themed dining while on our trip “just for the experience” and booked a reservation at the Agrabah Cafe Restaurant.
The restaurant was beautiful. It is fully themed and we all loved the theming. The restaurant is a buffet of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine and then Disney-themed desserts. The food was good but if you are going to go in with the Walt Disney World mindset for food then you will be disappointed.
If You Want Extra Magic Time Stay on Disney Property
We did not stay on the property but if you want extra time in the parks then you will want to stay at a Disney Hotel. Disneyland Paris offers a variety of hotels to suit different preferences and budgets. Here are some of the hotels that offer extra magic hours:
- Disneyland Hotel. This is the flagship hotel of Disneyland Paris and is located right at the entrance of Disneyland Park.
- Disney’s Hotel New York– The Art of Marvel. This hotel celebrates the world of Marvel superheroes.
- Disney’s Newport Bay Club. Inspired by the elegance of New England seaside resorts, this hotel offers a nautical-themed experience.
- Disney’s Sequoia Lodge. Set in a rustic and cozy atmosphere, this hotel is themed after the American national parks.
- Disney’s Hotel Cheyenne. This hotel captures the essence of the Wild West, with a Western-themed setting reminiscent of a frontier town.
- Disney’s Hotel Santa Fe. Inspired by the classic Route 66 motels, this hotel brings the Southwest American theme to life.
- Disney’s Davy Crockett Ranch. Located a short drive from the parks, this resort offers self-catering cabins surrounded by nature.
Stay Late for shorter lines
Many people head out of the parks in the afternoon because they arrived early in the morning. We used our Disney World strategy of getting to the parks a little bit later and staying until closing and it worked out great at Disney Paris.
Staying late gave us lines that were shorter than during the day and we got to see the fireworks show at the end of the night without any children being tired and grumpy.
Use Single Rider Lines
If you do not care about going on a ride with your group and want to avoid the line going thru the single-rider queues will get you on the rides without having to wait in the normal line. This is not something that works for everyone but it is a way to get on more rides.
Not all rides offer a single-rider line, but these are the rides that do:
- Hyperspace Mountain (Disneyland Park)
- Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril (Disneyland Park)
- RC Racer (Walt Disney Studios)
- Toy Soldiers Parachute Drop (Walt Disney Studios)
- Crush’s Coaster (Walt Disney Studios)
- Ratatouille (Walt Disney Studios)
Get Celebration Buttons
If you are celebrating your first time visiting the parks, a birthday or any other special occasion head to guest services and let them know. They have many special celebration buttons they give free of charge.
Smoking Areas
In the US Disney Parks have gone smoke-free. In France, there are still many smoking areas. Disneyland Paris has designated smoking areas within the parks and the Disney Village. Smoking is not permitted outside of these designated areas. The specific locations of smoking areas may vary, so it’s advisable to check the park maps. If you do not want to be around the smoking areas then it is important to be aware of where they are. If you are a smoker then you will not have any issues finding a place to smoke at while in the parks.
Save Money Staying off Disney Property
The Disney Paris hotels are expensive. If you are wanting to save money there are many hotels in the surrounding area that are nice while being budget friendly. Many of them also provide free transportation to and from the Disney Parks.
Bring Your Own Snacks
You can save money on dining expenses by bringing your own food into the park! While Disneyland Paris offers a variety of excellent restaurants, packing your own lunch can significantly reduce costs. The good news is that Disneyland Paris allows visitors to bring their own food and drinks, so it’s a great idea to plan ahead and pack your meals for the day.
FAQ
Along with the Tips for Visiting Disneyland Paris here are some frequently asked questions answered to help you with planning your Disneyland Paris trip. I hope that my Tips for Visiting Disneyland Paris help you make amazing memories with your kids while visiting Disneyland Paris.
How much time should I plan for the parks?
We did 2 days at the parks. On our first day, we spent all day in Disneyland Paris, and then on the second day we did the morning at Walt Disney Studios Park and then went back to Disneyland Paris until closing. This was ample time for us and we were able to do everything we wanted to.
How Long Does It Take From Charles De Gaulle To Disneyland Paris?
There are two available routes to travel from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Disneyland Paris, each with varying durations of approximately 10 minutes and 70 minutes.
You have the option of taking the shorter route, which typically takes around 10 minutes to reach Disneyland Paris from the airport. Alternatively, there is a longer route that spans approximately 70 minutes to complete the journey from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Disneyland Paris.
How do I get to Disney Paris from Charles De Gaulle Airport?
There are a few different options for getting to Disney Parks from the Charles Ge Gaulle Airport.
Take the RER Train.
To travel from Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to Disneyland Paris, you can take the RER B train into Paris, transfer to the RER A line, and continue towards Disneyland Paris. The total train journey typically takes around 70 minutes, and the wait time for these trains is usually minimal. Start by boarding the RER B train at Charles de Gaulle Airport, which will take you towards Paris.
Once you arrive at your desired transfer station, you can switch to the RER A line. From there, you can board a train heading to Marne-la-Vallée—Chessy, the station directly serving Disneyland Paris.
The RER B and RER A trains run at frequent intervals, so you should only have to wait a few minutes for each connection. By following this route, you can reach Disneyland Paris conveniently and enjoy your visit without significant delays.
Take the TGV Train.
The TGV is the preferred mode of transportation for traveling between Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and Disneyland Paris. This is because, under ideal circumstances, you can purchase a ticket for 17.50 Euro per person, experience a short wait for the train, and enjoy a direct, nonstop journey of approximately ten minutes to Disneyland Paris. Paying an additional 0.20 Euro per person for this option saves about an hour of travel time and eliminates the need for stops or transfers.
However, there are a couple of challenges associated with the TGV. Firstly, the TGV trains operate on a more limited schedule, which means you may have to wait for up to 30 minutes or even longer for the next available train. Secondly, the 17.50 Euro tickets often sell out in advance, necessitating higher-priced options. In some cases, individuals may have to pay 30 Euro per person for a train departing within the hour, as was the case during a previous trip where fatigue made taking the RER less feasible.
Therefore, while the TGV offers a quicker and more convenient journey, it is essential to consider the potential limitations of its schedule and ticket availability when planning your travel between CDG and Disneyland Paris.
Take a Taxi
You can take a taxi to the Disney Parks from the airport. We did not use any taxis while we were in Paris or while we were in Disneyland Paris but that is an option.
