Disneyland Paris Travel Guide: Tips, Tricks & What to Know
“To all who come to this happy place, welcome.”
Planning a trip to France? Then there’s a good chance Disneyland Paris has already crossed your mind. Whether you grew up watching Disney movies, love theme parks, or simply want to experience a little bit of that Disney magic yourself, Disneyland Paris has become one of the most iconic places to visit in Europe.
Originally opened in 1992, the resort now welcomes millions of visitors every year with its mix of classic Disney attractions, themed hotels, parades, fireworks, and immersive lands inspired by some of Disney’s most beloved stories. But unlike the American parks, Disneyland Paris also has its own atmosphere. Between the castle, the architecture, and even some of the restaurants and hotels, there’s something about it that feels a little more European and slightly more elegant overall.
At the same time, planning a trip to Disneyland Paris can also feel surprisingly overwhelming, especially if it’s your first visit. Questions like where to stay, how many days you need, whether Premier Access is worth it, and which restaurants you should actually book start adding up pretty quickly.
After visiting Disneyland Paris multiple times myself, I’ve learned that the experience can look completely different depending on when you visit, where you stay, and how well you plan your days. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know before your trip, from the best hotels and restaurants to practical tips, rides worth prioritizing, and other things to keep in mind before you go.
And now, I invite you to relax, let’s pull up a chair... As I proudly present: Everything you need to know about Disneyland Paris before your first visit:
Best Time to Visit Disneyland Paris
The magic of Disneyland Paris is undeniable, no matter when you visit, but certain times of the year bring a little extra Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo. If you ask me, the park is at its absolute most magical during Halloween, especially if you go in the first week (and on a weekday, not the weekend when it tends to get crowded).
The decorations, the atmosphere, and the overall spooky vibe are all part of what makes this time of year so special. Plus, you still have a great chance of enjoying some nice weather before it gets too chilly. Christmas is also a fantastic time to visit, with the park decked out in beautiful holiday décor, but be prepared for colder temperatures, especially during the evenings.
One crucial tip when planning your trip is to check the public holidays, not just in France but in neighboring countries as well. For example, I once visited during King's Day in the Netherlands, and it felt like the entire country had decided to head to Disneyland Paris, so the park was packed, even though it was a Wednesday.
If you don’t mind spending a bit extra, you can opt for a FastPass (Premier Access) to skip some lines for rides — I’ll go into detail about FastPasses more below), but keep in mind that you’ll still likely need to wait for food and other attractions. That said, weekends can still be enjoyable if you don’t mind the crowds, but for the lightest crowds, I highly recommend going during the week. It’s just a lot more relaxed.
How to Get to Disneyland Paris
As much as we’d love to take a magical elevator directly to the Twilight Zone, unfortunately, that’s not on the itinerary. But don’t worry, getting to Disneyland Paris from the heart of Paris is just as easy! If you're taking the train from central Paris stations like Châtelet-Les Halles, Gare de Lyon, or Nation, you can catch the RER A train towards Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy. The journey takes approximately 35 to 40 minutes, with trains running every 10 to 30 minutes. As of early 2025, a one-way ticket costs around €5 to €10. The best part? The stop is directly in front of the entrance, right next to the Disneyland Hotel, so you’ll practically be walking straight into the magic.
If you prefer a private car transfer or driving yourself, Disneyland Paris is about a 40-minute journey from central Paris via the A4 motorway. Standard parking for vehicles under 2 meters high costs €30 per day. However, be prepared for a short walk from the parking area to the park entrance. Alternatively, if you're staying at one of the Disneyland Hotels, you can drive directly to your hotel, where parking is complimentary for guests.
There are also shuttle buses running directly from both central Paris and the airports to Disneyland Paris. The Magical Shuttle service is one of the easiest options if you’re arriving at Charles de Gaulle or Orly Airport and don’t want to deal with changing trains or navigating Paris public transport with luggage. You can easily book the shuttle in advance through the Disneyland Paris website or a tour operator like Get your Guide.
Best Hotels to Stay at in and around Disneyland Paris
When it comes to choosing where to stay for your Disneyland Paris trip, there are plenty of options, each with its own charm and price tag. From the iconic Disneyland Hotel to Newport Bay Club, Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel, Sequoia Lodge, and Hotel Cheyenne, every hotel has a completely different atmosphere depending on the kind of trip you’re looking for. There are also partner hotels and apartments nearby if you’d rather stay outside of the Disney bubble altogether.
But if you want to fully lean into the magic, staying at one of the Disney hotels really does add a lot to the overall experience. For me, one of the biggest advantages was simply the convenience. Being able to pop back to your room whenever you need sounds small, but once you’re actually there, you realise how nice it is.
For example, when I was staying at the Disneyland Hotel, it suddenly started pouring rain for about an hour, and being able to quickly run back, shower, change, and return to the park without any stress was genuinely one of the best parts of staying there. Plus, when you stay at one of the Disney hotels, you also get extra magic time and much easier access to the parks. And if you’re staying in a Club room, there are even more little perks that make the whole experience feel even more special.
During my most recent trip, I stayed at Newport Bay Club and absolutely loved it. It’s a little further away from the parks themselves — yes, I timed the walk, and it took around 17 minutes — but that also comes with a much calmer atmosphere once you leave the parks behind. After spending the entire day surrounded by rides, music, parades, and crowds, coming back to the lake and quieter surroundings was actually really nice.
That being said, I’ve also stayed at the Davy Crockett Ranch. It’s a more budget-friendly option, but honestly, it wasn’t really my vibe. It’s okay, especially if you're traveling with a larger group or family, since you’ll be staying in a cabin. However, you’ll need to drive about 15 minutes to get to the park.
If you're looking for a cheaper option, I also once stayed at an Ibis hotel nearby. It’s about a 20-minute drive from the park. The rooms were clean, breakfast was solid, and at around €100 a night, it was a much more affordable alternative to the Disney hotels. Just keep in mind that if you're not staying at a Disney hotel, you’ll need to pay for parking at the park, so it’s something to factor in.
Where to eat at Disneyland Paris
One thing that really surprised me about Disneyland Paris is how much the dining experience has changed over the years. Alongside the classic Disney snacks and quick-service restaurants, there are now several restaurants that feel much more elevated and immersive, especially inside the Disneyland Hotel itself.
If you’re celebrating something really special, La Forêt Secrète is probably the most upscale dining experience at Disneyland Paris right now. The restaurant has a much calmer and more intimate atmosphere compared to the busier park restaurants, with a menu created by Michelin-starred chef Jean Imbert and interiors inspired by Disney forests and fairytales. You can read my full La Forêt Secrète review here.
La Table de Lumière is another beautiful option inside the Disneyland Hotel, especially if you want to experience princess dining in a more elegant setting. The interior of the restaurant is stunning, with lots of little Beauty and the Beast touches throughout the decor that really make the whole experience stand out. It’s also one of the only dining experiences at Disneyland Paris where you meet the princesses together with their princes. While I personally wasn’t completely blown away by the food itself, the experience definitely made it memorable. You can read my full La Table de Lumière review here.
One of the newest additions is The Regal View Restaurant inside the new Frozen-themed area. This was actually one of my favorite character dining experiences because the food was surprisingly good, and I got to meet characters including Mulan, Jasmine, Merida, and Ariel during the dinner. If you’re looking for a character dining experience that still feels a little more modern and updated, this is definitely one to look into. You can read my full The Regal View Restaurant review here.
If you’re just looking for a quicker meal during the day, I almost always end up at Casa de Coco for a burrito and frozen margarita between rides. The food is actually really decent for a quick-service option, and if the weather is nice, you can also sit outside for a bit before heading back into the parks.
And if you’re looking to celebrate your Disneyland Paris trip with a glass of champagne, there are actually a few spots inside the parks where you can do that too. One of them is at the end of Main Street U.S.A. near the castle — if you’re facing the castle, it’s the last stall on the right-hand side. There’s also another champagne stand in Adventureland near the new walkway toward the Frozen area, across from the Tower of Terror.
Can You Visit Both Disneyland Paris Parks In One Day
There’s no shortage of amazing rides and attractions at Disneyland Paris, with two parks to explore: the classic Disneyland Park and Disney Adventure World, formerly known as Walt Disney Studios Park. No matter your age or thrill level, there’s something for everyone, from family-friendly experiences to bigger roller coasters and thrill rides. But let’s be real, some attractions are much more popular than others and can easily end up with very long wait times. Big Thunder Mountain, Peter Pan’s Flight, Crush’s Coaster, and most recently Frozen Ever After are usually among the busiest rides in the parks.
Whether you can realistically visit both parks in one day really depends on a few things, especially the time of year you’re visiting and whether you’re planning on buying Premier Access or not. During quieter periods, it’s definitely possible to experience most of the major rides in one day if you plan things well and don’t mind moving quickly between the parks.
That said, I personally think Disneyland Paris is much more enjoyable over two days, especially now that Disney Adventure World is continuing to expand. With the new Frozen-themed area being added, you’ll already spend quite a bit of time simply walking between different lands and attractions throughout the day. Having two days also gives you a bit more breathing room to slow down, enjoy the atmosphere, watch the parades or fireworks, and not constantly feel like you’re rushing from one ride to the next.
I’d especially recommend doing two days, especially if you’re visiting with children, during peak season, or if this is your first Disneyland Paris trip.
Is FastPass (Premier Access) Worth It At Disneyland Paris
What I usually do is check the waiting times in the Disneyland Paris app first and then decide whether it’s worth buying Premier Access for the day or just for a few of the busiest rides. During one of my previous visits, most attractions actually had pretty manageable waiting times, but a few rides were sitting at around 100 minutes each. In that case, paying around €10 extra per ride for Premier Access felt completely worth it to me.
In the grand scheme of a Disneyland Paris trip, I was already spending quite a lot anyway, and the extra money honestly gave me much more time to actually enjoy the parks instead of standing in queues all day. If you want Premier Access for multiple rides or unlimited access throughout the day, the prices can add up pretty quickly depending on the season and crowd levels.
During my most recent visit — which was around three weeks after the opening of the new Disney Adventure World expansion — the unlimited Premier Access pass had actually gone up to almost €200 per person, which felt kind of crazy at first. But at the same time, I really didn’t want to wait two hours for the new Frozen ride or spend the entire day stressing about whether we’d still be able to secure an individual Premier Access time slot for it, especially since they were already selling out very early in the morning. We ended up splurging on the Unlimited Premier Access pass, and I have to say, being able to simply walk onto almost every ride without constantly checking the app or planning around time slots made the whole day feel so much more relaxed.
Would I recommend spending €200 on it every single trip? Probably not. But if you’re visiting during a very busy period, only have one day, or simply want the most relaxed experience possible and have the budget for it, I completely understand why people do it.
One thing to keep in mind is that disability access lines are different from the Premier Access lines for many attractions. If you’re eligible for a disability access card, you’ll often enter rides through the exit or a separate accessibility entrance rather than through the Premier Access line.
Pro tip: if you head to some of the bigger thrill rides later in the evening, the waiting times often start dropping quite a bit as the park gets closer to closing time. I’ve noticed this especially with rides like Space Mountain and Tower of Terror.
Must-Do Rides at Disneyland Paris
Now, onto the rides. Space Mountain is definitely a must-do, but fair warning: it can be a little rough on the neck, so maybe save it for later in the day if you’re sensitive to that kind of thing like me. Indiana Jones is also fun, but prepare for your head to be violently tossed around the entire time. Big Thunder Mountain though? Don’t skip it. It’s one of the best rides in the park and absolutely worth the wait. It’s a classic for a reason.
Crush’s Coaster inside Disney Adventure World is another super popular one, and the line there can honestly get brutal throughout the day. I really love the ride itself and think it’s one of the most fun attractions in the parks, but I have to admit it also makes me incredibly motion sick almost every single time. After three attempts, I’ve kind of accepted that I just can’t do it anymore. The spinning combined with the backwards sections is a LOT if you’re sensitive to motion sickness.
Avengers Assemble: Flight Force is also really fun, but it’s FAST. Like… very fast. If you’re visiting with younger children, just keep in mind that it can be a lot more intense than some people expect. I remember seeing a child in front of me crying during almost the entire ride, and honestly… I kind of understood. The Tower of Terror has a similar vibe. Adults usually love it, but it’s definitely not for everyone. I’ve seen quite a few parents bring younger children on there only for them to come out completely terrified afterward. That said, it’s probably still my favorite ride in the entire park, so if you love sudden drops, I highly recommend it.
And of coursseeeee, the new Frozen ride is an absolute must now when visiting Disneyland Paris. It’s maybe not the most thrilling ride in the parks, but it’s beautifully done and the theming is incredible. Disney clearly put a lot of effort into the details there, and you can tell the second you walk into the area.
And of course, as you might have guessed from the name of my website, I absolutely adore Peter Pan, so for me, Peter Pan’s Flight is a must. It’s one of my all-time favorite Disney rides, and it’s almost always packed, which is why I usually try to secure Premier Access for it early in the day. To be honest, I’m still slightly confused about why the wait times get that crazy. It’s definitely more of a slower family ride, but for Disney and Peter Pan fans, it really is beautiful and nostalgic. That said, I personally probably wouldn’t wait 100 minutes for it unless you’re a huge fan.
Practical Tips for Your Visit to Disneyland Paris
Can I do Disneyland Paris in one day: Yes, you can do Disneyland Paris in one day, especially if you have a FastPass for popular rides, but it might be a bit rushed. If you’re traveling with younger kids, it might be better to take your time and spread it out over two days.
How much are the Entrance Tickets: Ticket prices vary depending on the time of year, but typically, a 1-day, 1-park ticket costs around €50-€70, and a 1-day, 2-park ticket costs around €80-€100.
Should I get Fast Passes: Premier Access can be worth it for popular rides, especially if you want to skip long waits for attractions like Big Thunder Mountain or Space Mountain, but it depends on how busy the park is. My advice is to wait till the day you’re actually going, check how busy the park is, and then make your decision.
What to Wear: The weather can be unpredictable, so bring layers and wear comfortable shoes for all the walking. Even if it rains, most rides are indoors or covered, so don’t let a little rain stop you!
Park Hours: Park hours vary depending on the time of year, but they usually open around 10 AM and close between 7 PM and 11 PM, with extended hours during peak seasons. Guests staying at Disneyland Paris hotels can enjoy "Extra Magic Time," which grants early access (usually it’s about an hour before) to the park before the general public.
Ticket and Parking Info: Parking at Disneyland Paris costs around €30 per day for standard parking, but it’s free if you're staying at one of the official Disney hotels. Tickets for the park can be bought online or at the entrance.
Attraction Maintenance: Be sure to check the website for any maintenance schedules and ride closures during your visit. It’s always good to know in advance which rides might be down.
Mobile App: Download the Disneyland app to check ride times, events, and park updates in real-time. This is super helpful for navigating the park smoothly. You can also purchase Fast Passes via the app.
Food & Drink: There are plenty of places to eat, but dining in the park can be pricey. You’re welcome to bring your own snacks, but keep in mind that outside food is not allowed inside the restaurants.
Language: The primary language spoken is French, but English is widely understood, especially in the park. All rides and attractions at Disneyland Paris are offered in both French and English, so you won’t miss out on any of the fun, even if you don’t speak French.
Visiting with a Disability: Disneyland Paris is accessible for visitors with disabilities, offering priority access to rides, special seating areas, and assistance services. Be sure to check their accessibility guide for more information.
I hope this was helpful. If you have any more questions, feel free to reach out here or on Instagram, and I’m more than happy to answer them. I wish you a magical experience at Disneyland Paris!
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