A trip to Disneyland Paris is magical and makes the perfect day trip while visiting France. For many, a trip to Disneyland Paris is a once in a lifetime experience. Discover the perfect Disneyland Paris tips, hints and hacks to make the most of your time, stretch your budget, and ensure you pack the essentials for Disneyland Paris.

From the moment you glimpse the Sleeping Beauty Castle, meet your favorite Disney princesses, and discover your favorite ride, visiting Disneyland Paris is filled with one magical moment after another!

If you are planning your first trip, discover 40 Disneyland Paris hacks, tips and hints to help you have an amazing trip!

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Surprise! A Disneyland Paris Day Trip

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Waiting to enter Disneyland Paris before it opens

Chris and I visited Paris in 2022 with our three girls and managed to keep our plans for a Disneyland Paris day trip a secret until two days before our scheduled visit. 

Talk about the ultimate way to surprise your kids with an adventure!

Let’s just say, there was much rejoicing. If you think that Disneyland Paris is just for young kids, just tell your twenty-somethings that you are going and watch their reaction.

Our girls would enthusiastically give two thumbs up if Chris and I were to plan Disneyland Paris again!

How Many Disney Castles Are There?

When you think of a visit to a Disney park, what is the first think you envision? 99 out of 100 people immediately think of the Castle! (Okay, I made that statistic up, but I bet it is close!) The Castle is THE icon of the Disney franchise.

Did you know that there are six Disney castles around the world—one at each of the theme parks?

Cinderella Castle in Segovia Spain
Castle in Segovia

The Alcazar of Segovia in Spain is rumored to have been the creative inspiration for the iconic Disney castle. Would you agree there are some similarities?

Disneyland Paris’ Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant translates to “the castle of the beauty in the sleeping woods”.

Are There Two Disneyland Paris Parks?

Yes. Disneyland Paris has two parks—Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park. You can purchase individual passes to each park separately or buy a combined pass to visit both.

Here are a few places to enjoy when visiting the Disneyland Park:

  • Adventureland
  • Discoveryland
  • Fantasyland
  • Frontierland
  • Meet n’ Greets
  • Main Street Parades
  • Shops & Boutiques
  • Main Street, USA
Disneyland Paris

Walt Disney Studios Park features:

  • The “New” Avengers Campus
  • The art of filmmaking on the Front Lot
  • Production Courtyard
  • Toon Studio
  • Worlds of Pixar
  • Shows and Attractions
  • Meet n’ Greets
  • Shops

You would want to allow more than one day if you planned to visit both parks.

If you have the time and the budget, book the ultimate Disney experience and stay in one of the amazing on-site hotels. You get the benefit of more character visits, meal options, and early access to the park during your stay.

Interested in more Disney theme parks around the world? Check out the 5 easy steps for planning if you are visiting Disney in Tokyo.

Are There Hotels Near Disneyland Paris?

Disneyland Paris has five hotels on the property close to the parks (plus one more off-site hotel). Unlike the Disney-themed resorts in the US, these hotels are single buildings.

  • Disneyland Hotel
  • Disney Newport Bay Club
  • Disney Hotel New York-The Art of Marvel
  • Disney Sequoia Lodge 
  • Disney Hotel Santa Fe
  • Disney Davy Crockett Ranch

Check out the incredible deals for Disneyland Paris available on Booking.com (try searching for Chessy). Whether you book through a travel agent or another site, as long as you are staying in a Disney hotel, you receive the same top-notch Disney experience as all other guests. Why not save a little bit of “moolah” in the process?

Book Disneyland Paris Hotels

The benefit to staying in an Disney Hotel and enjoying the full immersive Disney experience includes:

  • Early entrance to the parks
  • Character greets at your hotel
  • Access to both parks
  • Being close to the parks to maximize your Disney time
  • Free parking close to your accommodations and the Disney entrance

How to Get to Disneyland Paris from Paris?

If you are wondering how to get to Disneyland Paris from Paris, you will want to take the RER (Regional Express Network) Train outside the Gare de Lyon to Parc Disneyland for the 45-minute train ride. Choose Line A with a termination at Marne-la-Vallee Station; it drops you off right next to Disneyland Paris in Chessy, France.

20220602 DisneyParis 104

Line A can also be boarded at Chatelet Les Halles or Charles de Gualle Etoile. Purchase tickets at the station via an automated vending machine or through any office in the station.

Need directions? Use this metro map as a reference on how to get to Disneyland Paris.

How to Get to Disneyland Paris from the Airport

The closest airport to Disneyland Paris is Charles de Gaulle (CDG). To get from Charles de Gaulle to Disneyland Paris, your transit options include: taxi, shuttle bus, and train.

Taking the TGV Train from the airport is the cheapest and most popular transfer option. 

TGV Tickets and Time:  ~17.50€ and 45 minutes

Taxi Cost and Time: ~76€ – 90€ depending on the time of day and 40 minutes

Disney’s Magical Shuttle Bus Cost and Time: ~23€ and 60-90 minutes to reach Disneyland Paris hotels. You can book up to two days before the departure date. Disney’s Davy Crockett Ranch is excluded from this transfer option.

But, What if I Don’t Speak French?

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Not to worry. All employees at Disneyland Paris speak English; there’s no need for you to be fluent in French.

Is There a Disneyland Paris Map?

If you would like to have a Disneyland Paris map, your best bet is to download the Disneyland Paris app or visit the website here and print the most up-to-date map.

disneyparisapp
Image courtesy of Google Play

What are The Opening Times for Disneyland Paris?

Entrance to Disneyland Paris

The opening times for Disneyland Paris are 9:30 am, or if you are a guest at the Disneyland Hotels, you are able to enter the park as early as 8:30 am.

Note * Opening times for Disneyland Paris are subject to change. Be sure to check the website for updates before your visit.

I would recommend arriving 30 minutes before opening times for Disneyland Paris to get in line or queue for your day of fun. Besides the Disney hotel guests, you will be some of the first people in the park and be able to pick your favorite rides to start the day.

>> Related: My Favorite Crossbody Bag for Travel

40 Magical Disneyland Paris Tips for Your Visit 

1. Download the FREE Disneyland Paris Mobile App Before You Arrive at the Park

Download the FREE Disneyland Paris Mobile App before you arrive at the park. Among other things, the app shows a Disneyland Paris map of the park, displays your current location in the park, indicates which rides are open or closed, identifies times and locations to meet characters, and PSST this is one of the handy Disneyland Paris hacks for displaying the current wait times for rides!

2. Bring Your Phone & Portable Charger

Your phone will be useful for taking pictures, using the Disneyland Paris App, or texting your family to find out where they are in the park.

I recommend that you always travel with a portable charger wherever your vacation takes you. You will be using your phone for pictures, directions, texting, etc., throughout the day. Your phone will need a recharge before the day is through. 

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3. Wear Comfortable Shoes

Wear comfortable shoes. Shoes are some of the essentials for Disneyland Paris as it is possible to walk or run over 10 miles just within the park as you race from one ride to another and back again.

4. Bring a Water Bottle

Disneyland Paris Tips for First Timers: Refill your water bottle as necessary at the water fountains throughout the park to not only keep you hydrated but also to save you money.

5. Bring a Small Backpack or Crossbody Bag

Bring something to hold your water bottle and valuables throughout the day. The Travelon Heritage Crossbody Bag is my favorite crossbody bag and is perfect with plenty of pockets and two zippered pouches for water bottles—another one of the essentials for Disneyland Paris.

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6. Book Your Dinner Reservations for Character Dinners or Restaurants in Advance

If you are traveling with children, they will absolutely love the chance to meet many of their favorite Disney characters.

Disneyland Paris Tips for First Timers: Be sure to book your dinner reservations as soon as possible.

7. Try the Park Restaurants During Off-peak Hours

If you didn’t get a chance to make a dinner reservation in advance, try Disneyland Paris hacks and visit the restaurants during off-peak hours. You will have a much better chance of securing a table at less busy times.

8. Bring a Stroller

If you are visiting the park with babies or young children, bring a stroller as well as a baby sling or carrier. You will need to park your strollers outside the ride.

This is one of the Disneyland Paris tips that applies even if your kids are a little older and think they are too big for a stroller. After ten hours in the park, you and their tiny feet will be grateful for a bit of respite from walking. It is great for an afternoon nap or a little bit of shade.

9. Mark Your Stroller so That it is Easily Identifiable

Disneyland Paris Tips for First Timers: Be sure to mark your stroller so that it is easily identifiable. We took a stroller to Disney World in Florida and someone took it mistaking it for their stroller. Add a bow to the handle or something that singles it out from other similar strollers.

10. Bring Snacks and Your Lunch Into The Park

When so many destinations will not allow you to bring food or drink onsite, Disneyland Paris allows you to bring snacks into the park as well as a picnic lunch if you wish. This is one of my best Disneyland Paris tips! And KUDOS to Disney for being so generous.

Having a stroller sure does make this convenient for being able to carry the food, snacks and drink for you. There are lockers outside the entrance where you could also store items.

11. Check the Disneyland Paris Weather

Depending on the forecast, you may wish to bring a rain jacket (or poncho) or a light jacket. It is always a good idea to begin checking the Disneyland Paris weather a couple of days before your visit. Dress in layers and be prepared with the essentials for Disneyland Paris.

12. Use the Lockers at Disneyland Paris

Want to know one of the best Disneyland Paris tips? You can leave bags in lockers outside the entrance of the park if you are coming with luggage from the airport, or if you don’t want to carry snacks, your lunch or a backpack with you all day long.

13. Take Advantage of the Disneyland Paris “Paid Premier Access”

You may not be able to book in advance, but that doesn’t mean you can’t plan your day and rides strategically.

14. Disneyland Paris Hacks: Eat Lunch Outside the Park to Save Money

Girl holding a McDonald's cup outside Disneyland Paris

There is a McDonald’s outside the entrance to Disneyland Paris in the Disney Village (you can also find the Earl of Sandwich and Five Guys as additional options). It is a short 5-10 minute walk and one of the Disneyland Paris hacks that will save you money.

15. Tour the Princess Castle

Stained glass windows in Cinderella's castle at Disneyland Paris
Disneyland Paris

You can walk through the castle and up onto the parapet for a great view of the the park. If you have the chance to visit as the sun begins to set, you’ll get some great pictures with the stained glass windows all lit up.

16. Find the Disneyland Paris Dragon Under the Castle: La Tanière du Dragon

For first timers, here’s one of the Disneyland Paris tips you’ll want to take note of: Disneyland Paris is the only Disney castle with a dragon. Be sure and stop to visit the dragon for good luck!

17. Be Willing to Ride as Single Riders

Single rider line at Disneyland Paris

I wouldn’t necessarily suggest this if you are enjoying the park with younger children, but with a teenager and two twenty somethings, we were able to get onto rides much quicker when we went as single riders. When other groups have uneven numbers in their party and don’t quite fill up a row, the Disney employees will have a single rider fill in the extra spaces.

The Single Rider option is one of the Disneyland Paris hacks that is available at Hyperspace Mountain, Crush’s Coaster, Ratatouille: L’Aventure Totalement Toqué de Rémy, Toy Soldiers Parachute Drop, and RC Racer.

18. Enjoy the Main Street Parade

The Main Street Parade is a music and singing and dancing production with Disney characters. Again, this is fun for all ages. We all can identify with the catchy tunes and music from Disney movies.

Disneyland Paris street parade

The parade is held a number of times a day with floats, Disney characters, singing and dancing.

Check the Disneyland Paris App for Parade shows and times.

19. Meet Your Favorite Disney Princess

Fifteen years ago, my girls would have been anxious to meet Disney Princesses. If your children are still in this group, find the Princess Pavilion at Disneyland Paris to meet some of your favorite princesses and get their autographs and pictures.

20. Have Fun on All The Rides

The Tea Cup ride isn’t just for kids ten and under. Enjoy all that Disney has to offer whatever your age.

The teacup ride at Disneyland Paris

21. Allow for Some Downtime

Disneyland Paris tips for first timers: Allow some much-needed downtime in your busy day. Rides such as the Thunder Mesa Riverboat and the Disneyland Train offer a leisurely ride in the park.

Wander down Main Street, USA and through the shops for a little retail therapy and to get your own personalized Mickey or Minnie Mouse ears.

Three girls wearing Minnie Mouse ears at Disneyland

22. Prepare to be Surrounded by Crowds

People start assembling for the Disney Illuminations about an hour before its start time. If you want to stake out your “spot”, just know that everyone else is trying to do the same. You’ll be crowded with people meandering over and around you through the crowd trying to squeeze in.

Disneyland Paris spectacular at the end of the day

23. Plan to Stay at the Park until Closing

If you are one of the first ones in the park for the opening times for Disneyland Paris and then stay until closing, you will be at Disneyland Paris from approximately 9 am until midnight. Believe me, though, you want to stay.

The Disney Illuminations light show on the castle is simply Spectacular. Think synchronized drones, lights, music. It is all spectacular. And you will want to stay until the end.

One of the “Secret” Disneyland Paris Tips: View Disney Illuminations next to the rockwork by the entrance to Discoveryland. Select a spot along the handrail where you’ll have a clear view of Le Chateau de la Belle au Bois Dormant aka The Castle.

24. Search for Hidden Mickeys

For a little extra fun throughout your day, one of the fun essentials for Disneyland Paris is searching for hundreds of hidden Mickeys throughout the park.

25. Be Quick in Getting Back to the Train at Night

Hundreds of people will be taking the train from Disneyland to Paris (and various stops along the way) once the park closes. There will be room for many to ride, but you may end up standing or sitting on stairs. If you would like a seat after a long day of having fun, one of my best Disneyland Paris tips is to quickly make your way back to the train for the 45 minute ride back to Paris.

Disneyland Paris Hacks & Holidays

26. A la Carte Entrees

Many of the counter service restaurants offer menus that include an entree, side and a drink. Even if it is not listed, you can order the entree only. This helps to stretch your budget a little further.

27. Stay Off Site

While staying onsite at the Disneyland Paris hotels is thrilling and offers a lot of perks, here’s one of the Disneyland Paris tips that can also save you a little money: Look for hotels and vacation rentals in Val d’Europe. You’re still close as this is the RER train stop before Disneyland Paris.

28. Need Caffeine?

If you need a little pick me up during the day, bring a Zipfizz individual serving packet (or similar item) and add it to your refillable bottled water. Remember your Disneyland Paris tips! There are water fountains all over the park.

29. Staying for More than One Day?

If you are in Paris and plan to visit Disneyland Paris for more than one day, try splitting your hotel stays to enjoy the Disneyland Paris themed hotels for a night or two and then find more reasonably priced accommodations in Paris.

30. Consider the Annual Disneyland Paris Pass for 3 or 4+ Days

If you’re planning to visit Disneyland Paris for 4 or more days, consider purchasing an annual Disneyland Paris Pass. This is one of the Disneyland Paris hacks that makes sense from a cost perspective. Even on a 3 day trip, you may still benefit from the discounts and perks.

31. Christmas at Disneyland Paris

Holidays are a special time. Christmas at Disneyland Paris is a favorite time for many to visit. Be sure to check the schedule for opening times for Disneyland Paris during the holiday season.

32. Pack Extra Patience

I am a big proponent of being a courteous tourist and human. Even at the happiest place on earth, people’s manners (or lack thereof) get the best of them. Be sure to pack a healthy dose of patience.

33. The TGV May Be More Expensive…

One of the tips on how to get to Disneyland Paris includes taking a TGV train from Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport instead of the RER of shuttle buses. While it may be more expensive, it is ten times more convenient if your schedule matches up. Plus the TGV gets you there in under 12 minutes!

34. Visit During the Week

Whether you are visiting RMNP in Colorado, the Louvre in Paris, the Colosseum in Rome, or Disneyland Paris, weekends are typically the busiest days of the week with tourists and locals.

35. Special Occasions

Disneyland Paris Tips for First Timers: If you are celebrating a special occasion during your visit, be sure to pick up a button reflecting the celebration at your resort hotel or in the parks from Guest Services.

36. Visit Disney Village

Walking outside the park to the Disney Village offers a respite from crowds, additional meal options, and more tourists shops. You may save a little moolah ordering lunch at Five Guys or McDonald’s, and your kids might appreciate a little familiarity in the menu offerings.

37. Shopping

If you still need to pick up a memento, here’s another one of the Disneyland Paris tips: Shops on Main Street stay open after the park closes. Do your shopping once the rides are done for the day, Disney Illuminations is finished, and most of the tourists are already on the train home.

38. Bastille Day

Another important and fun holiday at Disneyland Paris is on July 14—Bastille Day. Disneyland Paris treats its guests to an extra special fireworks show at the end of the day. Crowds may be heavy, but the Instagram reels say it is worth it.

39. Chipped Credit Cards

Don’t forget to bring your “chipped” credit card with you. It is one of the essentials for Disneyland Paris.

40. Disneyland Paris Halloween Festival

Dress up with friendly ghosts for Disney’s Halloween Festival. In addition to a bunch of fun photo-op decorations, there is a Halloween-themed parade and a Villains spooky stage show.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the “New” Disneyland Paris Avengers Campus?

On July 20, 2022, Disneyland Paris completed it’s expansion of the Walt Disney Studios Park with the opening of the first ever Marvel-themed Universe—Marvel Avengers Campus.

Avengers Campus wants to recruit and train you to become part of the next generation of superheroes. You’ll enjoy live-action stunts, encounters of the heroic kind with Marvel super heroes, themed restaurants, a boutique, and two action-packed attractions.

Should I Plan My Rides?

To maximize your day at Disneyland Paris in France, planning your day is a good idea. Some rides such as Star Wars: Hyperspace Mountain and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril are popular rides and will typically have longer wait times throughout the day.

What are Disneyland Paris Ticket Prices?

Ticket prices vary depending on your length of stay. If you know in advance which day you will be visiting the park, I would recommend buying a dated ticket. 

For one adult in 2022, the price for a dated ticket started at $74.40. (If you plan to stay for a longer visit, the price will be cheaper for each day.) If you purchase an undated ticket, the price jumps to ~$126.00. Obviously, a dated ticket is the way to go.

Check the current ticket prices.

Can you buy an Annual Disneyland Paris Pass?

Yes. And the annual Disneyland Paris Pass might just be your best option if you are visiting the park for 3, 4 or more days in a row.

Does it ever snow at Disneyland Paris?

Yes. If you visit the park between October and March, it can get cold and may even snow! Pack some winter essentials for Disneyland Paris to stay warm.

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Disneyland Paris tips for first timers

Final Thoughts on 40 Magical Disneyland Paris Tips and Hints

Did You Know…

  • Only one Mickey Mouse character is present in the entire park at any given time.
  • Disneyland Paris was originally called Euro Disney when the park opened in 1992. The name was changed to Disneyland Paris in 1994.
  • Disney’s second park, Walt Disney Studios Park, opened in 2002. This park features more attractions that focus on show business and the classic Disney movies, production secrets, and behind-the-scenes work.
  • In order to keep the park clean and pristine, Disneyland Paris stores do not sell chewing gum.
  • The stained glass windows in the Disney castle were created by master glassmakers over many months. 12th Century glass-making techniques were used.
  • All Disney Park Castles face south.
  • Main Street, U.S.A. is inspired by Walt Disney’s hometown of Marceline, Missouri.
  • You can enjoy crepes in Disneyland Paris! There are many crepe cart vendors throughout the park.
  • “Pixar: We Belong Together” unveiled at D23 Expo 2022 came to the Walt Disney Studios Park in 2023.

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Jolayne

I’m a Colorado-based travel blogger with a passion for exploring the world, enjoying family time, and taking fantastic photographs. I am also a book writing, creative thinking, detail loving, frequent flying, comfort loving mom of three girls and wife to an amazing guy. Discover More.

36 Comments

  1. Really enjoyed reading your post ?… Although I have been to Paris twice, but never really spent much time in DisneyLand. But after reading this piece, my inner child is looking forward to the rides next time I visit Paris ?

    Reply

  2. Wow what a great post, we usually avoid theme parks except when with the grandkids…but I love the look of this park and am an avid Disney Princess Fan…so I know this will be on our Paris DO list…thank you for such helpful information

    Reply

      1. Ha Ha I couldn’t have said it better myself…isn’t it “always time to plan a trip” and it’s now on the DO list, though the granddaughters wish to join us…

        Reply

  3. So great to hear that I will be able to manage the park with my lack of French-speaking skills. I have always thought it would be so cool to hit all of the Walt Disney parks around the world.

    Reply

  4. We have been to Paris many times and really never thought about visiting Disneyland Paris. But we are both big kids so I am sure we would have a fun day too. Good tip about getting the App in advance to help plan your day. We would probably want to look at the Fast Pass to make the best use of our time at the park. A fun thing for a return visit to Paris. 

    Reply

  5. Great tips for visiting Disneyland Paris. I went a few years ago and we are planning another trip in 2024. Can’t wait!

    Reply

  7. I went to Disneyland as a kid a long time ago but never went back since. Thanks for the useful info, be sure to use it when I go back!

    Reply

  8. I had no idea how big the Disneyland Paris park was! Both the app and riding as single riders are great tips, definitely saving this post if I ever make my way to Paris! Thanks 🙂

    Reply

  9. The day trip looks like a Disney dream! I’ve been to the parks in California and Florida and will add Paris to my bucket list. Thanks for all the great info!

    Reply

  10. I’ve been to Paris a couple of times now and never considered a visit to Disneyland Paris; though, it looks like a ton of fun! I may need to look into this during my next visit. I love that you were able to keep this a secret from your girls – I bet they were so excited when they finally found out! Such a wonderful and thoughtful surprise. Xx Sara

    Reply

  11. I love all things Disney and Paris! On my next visit to Paris, I plan on going to Disneyland. I didn’t have enough time to go the first time I was there. This is such a great informative post.

    Reply

  13. So fun to surprise the girls with this trip! We surprised our grandkids with the Florida Disney but I’m sure they’ll love visiting Disneyland Paris someday.

    Reply

  15. So interesting that all the employees speak English – I never would’ve guessed that they’d be so focused on providing a bilingual experience. Looks like just as fun of a Disney experience as you can get in the States.

    Reply

  22. This is so helpful. We did the day trip 5 years ago and I was not prepared at all for what it would be like. This post would have been great. I think the thing that surprised me most was the food (or lack thereof). Saving this in case I make it back again. Thanks!

    Reply

  23. This was SO educational! I wouldn’t have thought you can’t bring strollers in the attraction area, so I’d definitely need a baby carrier as I have three kids under 4! Thanks so much for the recommendation – updating my packing list now!

    Reply

  24. I have yet to explore Dsineyland Paris and this post is pushing me to visit when I head to Paris in the summer. Thanks for all the tips!

    Reply

  26. I need to go to Disneyland Paris. I’ve been to 2 others and loved them. I agree the Alcazar of Segovia in Spain looks a lot like the Disney castle.

    Reply

  27. You have such a beautiful family! Love how your 20-somethings enjoyed Disneyland Paris so much. These comprehensive tips are perfect for anyone visiting the park, and I’ll be pinning the post in case I get the chance to visit!

    Reply

  29. It has been years since I visited Disneyland and so much has changed since then so this refresher is super helpful! I especially love the tip about getting the best lighting for photos of the stained glass – that’s super helpful to know!

    Reply

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