Castle Club vs Regular Rooms at Disneyland Hotel Paris: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
“Not in death, but just in sleep, the fateful prophecy you’ll keep. And from this slumber you shall wake, when true love’s kiss, the spell shall break”
Have you always dreamed of staying at the pink fairytale hotel in Disneyland Paris? I remember visiting as a kid and always wondering what it would be like to actually stay there. Fast forward to today, and after the hotel’s beautiful renovation, that childhood dream finally came true. I spent a night at the hotel last year and then returned this year for my birthday to experience the Castle Club rooms. I was so incredibly excited both times — and while I’d recommend staying at the hotel in general, you’re probably wondering the same thing I did: is the Castle Club really worth the upgrade, and if so, why?
While I’ve shared full reviews of both stays (you can read my detailed Disneyland Hotel Paris review and my Castle Club review here), this post is all about comparing the two. From the rooms and service to the perks, atmosphere, and price, I’ll go over everything that sets them apart — so you can decide which stay fits you best and whether the Castle Club upgrade is truly worth it.
Let’s take a closer look at how the stays compare, from the rooms and service to the overall perks, and see what really sets the Castle Club apart from the regular rooms at Disneyland Hotel Paris. Ready?
The Location
When it comes to location, the Castle Club easily takes the spotlight. That’s really what you’re paying for — and honestly, it’s the main event. The views are jaw-dropping, especially from the balcony. Watching the fireworks, the evening light show, or even the daytime parade from your room feels completely surreal.
I’ll never forget standing on the balcony at night, wrapped in a blanket, watching the show with a glass of wine in hand. It’s one of those rare moments that truly feels magical, no matter how old you are. And yes, I absolutely sobbed during the Lion King part of the show (when you read my Castle Club review you’ll understand why. Yes, there’s video of the show).
Anyway, moving on to the arrival. You’ll arrive at the same area, the hotel’s main lobby, whether you’re staying in a superior room or the Castle Club. But from there, things start to feel a little different.
Let’s go over the pros and cons of the location of the superior rooms versus the Castle Club rooms:
Superior Rooms
Pros:
Check-in takes place at the main reception, right in the heart of the hotel.
Rooms located above the lobby are very convenient. They don’t offer park views, but you’re close to everything.
The design and theming throughout the hotel are beautiful, so even the superior rooms feel special.
Cons:
The check-in area can get crowded. We had to wait quite a while to check in.
The hotel is very large, and many rooms are spread out. It can take 10 to 15 minutes just to reach the park entrance.
Rooms near the lobby rarely have a view of the park.
If your room is further away, make sure to plan extra time in the morning to reach the entrance.
My tip: If you’re booking a superior room, try to request one near the main lobby. You’ll skip the long walks, even if it means missing the view.
Castle Club Rooms
Pros:
Views, views, views, period.
You’re escorted to a private check-in area, separate from the main reception, so there’s no waiting and everything feels very personal.
A dedicated elevator connects the Castle Club directly to the park entrance, making it extremely convenient.
The atmosphere is calm and exclusive. It feels like your own quiet corner within the hotel.
Cons:
If I had to name a con, it would be that you’ll need to go out of your way to visit the main lobby again, which is a bit of a shame. It’s a beautiful space, and it's often where the Disney cast members host mini shows and activities. Staying in the Castle Club can make you feel slightly removed from that lively part of the hotel.
My take: The private check-in and direct elevator to the park are huge advantages. If you’re planning a special trip (or simply value your time and comfort), the Castle Club wins this round easily.
The Rooms
If we leave the views out of the equation, the superior rooms and the Castle Club rooms at Disneyland Hotel Paris are surprisingly similar. The design, bathroom layout, and most of the in-room extras are identical. The Castle Club rooms do include a few small details that set them apart, like branded slippers and robes, but other than that, the difference isn’t huge. The beds are extremely comfortable, and if you’re traveling with two people, you’ll appreciate having your own separate bed.
One thing I did notice is that the Castle Club rooms have a slightly larger tea and coffee station, and the mini-bar was fully stocked with soft drinks and juices. In our superior room, the mini-bar was completely empty — I’m not sure if that was intentional or just an oversight. The only other distinction is that in the evening, Castle Club guests receive a small “story of the day” and some sweets as a turndown treat, which is a nice touch. Still, when it comes to the room interiors themselves, the difference isn’t significant enough to justify the price gap on that basis alone.
Superior Rooms
Pros:
(Almost) same design and bathroom setup as the Castle Club rooms.
Comfortable beds with plenty of space.
Feels classic and newly renovated throughout.
Cons:
Mini-bar was empty during our stay (possibly not restocked).
Castle Club Rooms
Pros:
Same design as the superior rooms
Branded items like robes, slippers, pens, eyeglass spray, and cloth.
Fully stocked mini-bar with soft drinks and juices.
Evening service with a story card and sweets.
Cons:
Aside from the branded touches and evening treat, the room itself is almost identical to the regular one.
My take: If you’re expecting a completely different room experience at the Castle Club, you might be a little underwhelmed. The differences room-wise are mostly in the details, such as the branding, the evening service, and the mini-bar.
The Pool & Spa
Both regular guests and Castle Club guests have access to the same pool and wellness area at the Disneyland Hotel Paris. There aren’t any extra perks or private sections for Castle Club guests, so it’s exactly the same experience no matter which room type you book.
If you’re staying in the Castle Club, it’s also good to know that the pool is quite a walk from the rooms. As I mentioned before, the hotel is huge, and it can take a while to get there, so plan a bit of extra time if you’re heading down for a swim. When we stayed in the superior room, we did check out the pool, but honestly, the water wasn’t very warm, not even in the jacuzzi, and it got pretty crowded.
Another thing to note: the sauna is located inside the changing rooms, which means you’ll have to go separately if you’re visiting with a partner of the opposite gender. It’s a small detail, but still worth mentioning in my opinion. This year, we decided to skip the pool altogether, and honestly, I didn’t feel like I was missing much.
My take: The pool and wellness area are nice to have, but definitely not a reason to book (or upgrade to) the Castle Club. It’s a good option if you want to unwind for a bit between park days, but otherwise, you can skip it.
The Food & Drinks
Want to have dinner with a side of Disney magic? You can book a table at the Disneyland Hotel Paris restaurants even if you’re not staying there, which is great if you just want to get a little taste of the hotel’s atmosphere. That being said, there are a few food and drink perks that come with staying at the hotel, especially if you’re in the Castle Club.
When we stayed in the superior room, we decided to order room service after a long day in the park. We were tired, hungry, and it felt so nice to just eat in our pajamas and call it a night. During our Castle Club stay, we went to La Forêt Secrète, the hotel’s newest restaurant, located right across from the Castle Club reception area. It was absolutely magical, and I share more about the experience in my Castle Club review. Still, if you’re staying in the Castle Club, ordering room service and watching the fireworks from your balcony is a lovely idea if you’d rather not head out to a restaurant.
One of the biggest perks of the Castle Club is the complimentary afternoon tea in the lounge, with drinks and sweet or savory snacks — it’s only accessible to Castle Club guests. Breakfast is also included and served in the same lounge overlooking the castle. The food selection is great, the setting is calm, and the Disney princesses stop by each table, which is such a nice touch.
When we stayed in the superior rooms, we skipped breakfast since it was around €45 per person, and I don’t usually eat much in the morning. Instead, we made coffee in the room and grabbed a croissant in the park.
But if you’re deciding which option fits your trip best, here’s a quick look at the pros and cons for each:
Superior Rooms
Pros:
You can order room service, which is a nice option after a long day in the park.
Access to all hotel restaurants, even if you’re not staying in the Castle Club.
Cons:
Breakfast isn’t included and costs around €45 per person.
Princess visits during breakfast are not included and require a separate paid booking.
No access to the Castle Club lounge for afternoon tea or breakfast.
Castle Club Rooms
Pros:
Complimentary breakfast in the Castle Club lounge with a beautiful view of the castle.
Afternoon tea included with snacks and drinks.
Princesses visit each table during breakfast
Access to the exclusive lounge, which is calm and never crowded.
Still have the option to order room service or dine at the hotel’s restaurants.
Can enjoy fireworks and the evening show from your balcony if your room faces the park.
Cons:
None of the hotel restaurants are exclusive to Castle Club guests, so the food itself isn’t different.
If you don’t usually eat much in the morning, the included breakfast might not feel like a big added value.
My take: The Castle Club definitely wins when it comes to food and drinks. The breakfast and afternoon tea add a lot of comfort (and value) to the experience, and the ability to enjoy it all with a view of the castle makes it even more special. But if you’d rather stay in the park longer or enjoy one of the hotel’s other restaurants or bars, the regular rooms are still a great choice, especially if you won’t be using the Castle Club extras.
The Extra Perks
No matter which room type you book at the Disneyland Hotel Paris, you’ll still get plenty of Disney magic. Both the superior rooms and the Castle Club come with a few of the same perks, like Extra Magic Time, which lets you enter the parks before they officially open. It’s a great way to fit in a few rides before the crowds arrive.
We didn’t end up using it this time — we may or may not have had a little too much wine while watching the fireworks, so the extra sleep was needed. But if you do plan to make the most of it, I’d recommend heading straight to Peter Pan’s Flight. It’s one of the rides with the longest lines in the entire park, and doing it early makes a huge difference.
You also get access to all the main areas of the hotel, including the pool and wellness space, fitness room, bars and restaurants, and the hotel boutique, which sells exclusive Disneyland Hotel merchandise. And now that access to the hotel is limited to hotel guests only (plus those who have a restaurant reservation), the atmosphere feels even calmer. The lobby shows and character appearances will also be a lot less crowded, which makes the experience even nicer if you’re staying there.
If you’re comparing the two, here’s a breakdown of what’s included:
Perks for All Room Types
Park entry for both days (check-in day and check-out day) to both Disney parks.
Extra Magic Time, giving you early park access before opening hours.
Access to all restaurants, bars, the pool, fitness area, and the hotel boutique
Valet parking
Free luggage and concierge service
A private entrance directly into Disneyland Park.
Just a short walk to both Disney Parks — no need for shuttles.
Free parking is included for hotel guests.
Shopping Service, which lets you have your park purchases delivered to the hotel.
Perks for the Castle Club Room Types
Private check-in and check-out in the Castle Club area, without waiting in line.
A dedicated elevator that takes you straight from the Castle Club to the park entrance.
Access to the Castle Club Lounge, where you can enjoy breakfast and afternoon tea.
Evening service each evening with a story card and sweets.
Complimentary soft drinks and snacks in the lounge throughout the day.
The Price & Value for Money
The price of the rooms at the Disneyland Hotel Paris really depends on when you book and whether it’s peak or off-season. That being said, the Superior and Deluxe rooms will usually set you back between €1,200 and €1,500 per night, depending on whether you’re traveling with children. When we stayed in the Superior rooms (last week of September), we paid €1,200 for one night.
For the Castle Club rooms, the prices vary even more, especially between off-season and peak-season dates, and whether you want a room with or without a park view. Personally, I don’t think the non-view rooms are worth it since the main difference between the Castle Club and the regular rooms really comes down to the view and the added perks. If you’re considering the Castle Club, I’d definitely recommend booking a castle view room.
Prices for those range roughly between €1,800 and €3,000 per night, which is quite a wide range. If you’re flexible, I’d really recommend calling the hotel directly to ask about the best timing and rates, since you can sometimes find better deals depending on the season or weekday.
When we stayed at the Castle Club, my partner booked it as a birthday surprise. And yes, I completely ruined the surprise because I needed to know the details to write this review (sorry, but research comes first). For one night, we paid €2,250.
It’s definitely a crazy amount of money, but I also think it’s one of those things you do once in your life. It’s a special treat, not something you splurge on every trip. You’re not necessarily staying at a traditional luxury hotel. It’s a very nice hotel, but it’s still a theme park hotel, and that comes with its own kind of magic and chaos.
One thing to keep in mind when comparing prices is that park tickets are included with your stay, usually for two days, even if you only stay one night. Since park tickets can easily cost around €80 per person per day, that’s a nice chunk of value to factor in.
As for the view, the moment I saw it from our Castle Club balcony, I sobbed ( again). Watching the park from above with the castle right in front of you really does feel surreal. So, for me, it was absolutely worth it, but definitely as a special occasion kind of stay.
The Verdict: Which Option is Best For You?
If you’re wondering whether the Castle Club is worth it, my honest answer is yes — but only for a special occasion. The views, the calm atmosphere, and the personalized service really make it feel like something out of a dream, and it’s hard not to get emotional watching the fireworks from your balcony. Still, it’s a big splurge, so if you’re visiting Disneyland Paris for the first time or planning a longer stay, the Superior or Deluxe rooms are already a great choice.
That said, I really recommend staying at the Disneyland Hotel in general, no matter which room you choose. The convenience of being right at the park entrance makes all the difference, especially if the weather turns or you just want to change outfits or freshen up during the day. I’ve heard enough horror stories about the shuttle buses to know I’d rather walk two minutes than fight for a seat after a long day in the park.
So, if you’re celebrating something special, go for the Castle Club — it’s an experience you’ll never forget. But if you simply want the comfort and convenience of staying in the heart of the magic, the regular rooms are more than enough to make your trip feel just as enchanting.
And if you’re planning your first trip to Disneyland Paris, make sure to read my Disneyland Paris Travel Guide. Packed with all my best tips and tricks, from the best time to visit to which attractions you shouldn’t miss and how to make the most of your time in the parks.
I hope this was helpful. If you have any more questions, you can always reach out here or on Instagram, and I’m more than happy to answer any of your questions. Happy Travels!
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