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28 Disneyland Paris Tips for First Timers!

Last Updated on June 20, 2023

Disneyland Paris for First-Timers it can be hard going, with children even more so, looking after young children can be stressful at the best of times. If it is your first time in France experiencing French culture is another new experience to be had.

We love Disneyland Paris and have had the opportunity to visit many times. That said Mouse Travel Matter presents 28 Disneyland Paris Tips for First Timers!  These are our first-hand tips from our days exploring Disneyland Paris as Disneyland Paris First Timers.

28 Tips to Make Your Day Brighter

• If you haven’t booked yet and can afford it, book at least 3 days as you can’t get much done in a day, it takes time to get your bearings, and it doesn’t give you room for a rainy day .
• Plan plan plan your day! You will do so much walking and the wait times for things can be extremely long so know where you’re going and what you’re doing, otherwise, you’ll spend ages just walking about doing nothing.
• Take comfortable shoes or several pairs to alternate as you will walk a lot. After tracking our steps we were covering over 12 Km a day pushing a buggy.
• Take water bottles and concentrated juice and fill up at the fountains around the park. You’ll save a fortune.

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• Make your reservations for dinner early as otherwise, you’ll end up just eating burgers and fries.
• Book advanced dinner reservations for character dinners if you can, it’s fantastic. We saved this for our last night and our kids met so many characters in such a short space of time included Mickey whom we refused to queue for the day before (just too long and too hot to even try)
• If you have a non-walking baby or even just a small child, take a baby sling or carrier. You can’t take strollers into the queue and when you’re waiting over an hour for a ride, your arms will start to hurt holding them the entire time.
• Take some snacks from home. We didn’t need as much as I packed as we were so full from breakfast, but it was handy to have them if needed (especially when trying to keep little ones happy in queues)
• Ensure you get to see Mickey and the Magician, the Disney Stars on Parade and the Disney Illuminations Fireworks show. Find your spot about an hour before these events start as many guests start waiting quite early! These definitely helped make our holiday and I’d highly recommend not missing them.
• Take layers and waterproofs.

• Download the free   Disneyland Paris Mobile App , which can show you your current location in the park and is handy to see quickly where things.  It also displays current wait times for rides!
• We recommend dining at  Bistrot Chez Rémy . This sit down restaurants decor is fantastic and the food is lovely. Ratatouille: The Adventure  next door is brilliant! You shrink down to the size of Remy and duck, dive, dodge and scurry to safety in a dazzling chase across a gigantic kitchen.
• Allow lots of time for meals in restaurants. 1.5 hrs for a 2-course meal minimum.
• For those travelling to Disneyland Paris with Kids , be sure to tie something unique such as a ribbon to your buggy if taking one. You wouldn’t want to walk off with someone else’s after a ride or lose yours in a sea of strollers.
• As Disneyland Paris First Timers we planned to spend all day in the park, as it can be a good 20 min walk back to the hotel so we avoid the trek back until evening. Little ones can sleep in the stroller and parents can use Rider Swap.
• If riding the Magical Shuttle between Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle airport and Disneyland Paris. It’s really not obvious at all where to catch the bus. Follow the signs for generic buses from Terminal 2E and then look out the window for yellow coaches. There is no Disney sign.
• Be prepared for bag checks and x-ray machines when entering Disney Parks and Hotels.
• Seasoned Disney Fans use ID holders around their necks to hold their tickets, fast passes, photo pass etc. It will save you the bag shuffling.
• Prepare yourself for lots of queues. Even when visiting off-peak it can be very busy and quite warm waiting in the queues without shade or covers. Hats and water are a must to prevent dehydration .
• If staying on-site at a Disney Hotel, every morning at breakfast there is a character outside the restaurant (you don’t need to be having breakfast for this) with an official photographer for the meet and greet, in some of the hotels. Call to see if your hotel has this option. The wait is never long and you are only competing with fellow hotel guests, not the whole park
• If you aren’t watching the parade, use that time to explore Walt Disney Studios Park around 4 pm. It’s much quieter for rides at that time.
• If renting a stroller, it is best to rent on the day you want to catch Illuminations, as it’s not till 11 pm in the summer months. T his way your kids can sit back and chill out whilst you wait.

• If you have purchased your Disneyland Paris package with Free Half Board Plus like us on occasion, and it is a good thing it was free because paying for it wouldn’t have been worth it. Princess lunch at Auberge de Cendrillon took 2 vouchers and we only had 1 left so we still ended up paying for half the meal. Bistrot Chez Rémy  required the extra addition of dessert and drinks, and Plaza Gardens was only half off since the breakfast voucher doesn’t cover the whole cost, just a lunch voucher – to be used during actual lunchtime. Full Board Premium or nothing for us.
• During Extra Magic Time, there are meet and greets for Minnie, Donald and Chip & Dale.
• If you plan on taking any Photopass+ pictures, it is worth buying in advance since it is cheaper and a lot more trouble to buy it after you arrive.

• Yes! There’s is a Dragon under the castle; “La Tanière du Dragon”. For Disneyland Paris First Timers, it is not to be missed.
• Don’t worry if you don’t speak French, the majority of the Continent doesn’t either. You will be fine.
• European attitudes are a bit different from North America. They’re Not Rude, They’re Just French. They may appear rude or indifferent, that’s not it – they just do it differently. Walt Disney World has different magic all its own. You may find that Europeans don’t have much tolerance for “personal problems” or “do you know how much I paid for this vacation?” type attitudes. It’s part of the Disney experience worldwide to explore cultures.

• Bring a portable charger . Taking all those pictures are going to kill your battery and you can’t rely on public outlets when you are on the proverbial clock.
• Take advantage of FastPasses. You may not be able to book in advance, but that doesn’t mean you can’t think about it strategically. Plan which attractions you want to FP and in which order.
• Never pay for water. All quick service locations, plus the water fountains at all restrooms, have free drinking water.
• Take a picture of your parking spot. Cause let’s be honest, when you are that tired, you will not remember where you parked.
• Buy your tickets online. It’s cheaper!
• Get a special occasion button. Considering it’s your first time, you will want to celebrate with a fancy new Disney pin. And they are free!
• Have your shopping sent to your hotel room. No need to carry anything around with you, just have the store send everything to your hotel gift shop, and collect it tomorrow.
• Use the single rider line. If you have zero intention of riding those scary attractions with your partner, send them through the single rider line and watch as they sore to the front of the line and fill in those empty seats.
• Or the Rider switch system. If your little ones can’t or won’t ride a certain attraction, no one has to choose to stay away. The rider switch system allows everyone a chance to ride while the other parent watches the children.
• Eat at weird times. Most people like to eat at noon and 5 pm. If you can muster the strength to eat well before or after these times, you will have much better success in securing a table, and the kitchen staff won’t be as busy.
• Use a Stroller . You may not think your littles ones require a stroller anymore but this is Disneyland Paris! The number of Miles you and your family will walk in a single day is incredible. Add that to the heat, less of sleep and overwhelming nature of Disney, and you have a recipe for disaster. Even if you park it in the morning and only grab it after lunch, you will thank yourself for it later.

Are you ready for a European adventure including Disneyland Paris? We hope this gives Disneyland Paris First Timers the info needed for a great time at DLP.

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Where to Get First Visit Button at Disneyland

If you’re planning your first trip to Disneyland, you’re in for a magical experience! One of the ways Disneyland makes your visit extra special is by offering a complimentary “First Visit” button. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about this fun tradition, including where to find the button, how to use it, and what other perks you can enjoy on your first visit to Disneyland.

You can get your First Visit Button at Disneyland from City Hall on Main Street in Disneyland Park or at the Chamber of Commerce on Buena Vista Street in California Adventure. You can also ask for one at park gift shops or at the front desk of the official park hotels. Simply ask a cast member for a First Visit button.

What is the First Visit Button at Disneyland?

The First Visit Button at Disneyland is a free button given to guests who are visiting the park for the first time. It’s an orange button emblazoned with the words “1st Visit.” While wearing this button won’t grant you any special privileges like skipping lines, it might get you some special attention from cast members and fellow park-goers.

Where to Get Your First Visit Button

The easiest place to get a First Visit Button is at City Hall on Main Street in Disneyland Park. After entering the main gate, go through the left tunnel under the train station. City Hall is the first building on the left after the tunnel. Simply walk up to the counter and ask a cast member for a First Visit button.

If you’re visiting California Adventure before Disneyland, you can get a First Visit button at the Chamber of Commerce on Buena Vista Street. After passing through the main gates, head to the left and find the Chamber of Commerce just past Oswald’s, a small shop designed to look like an old-fashioned gas station.

In addition to these locations, you can sometimes get First Visit Buttons from cast members working in park gift shops, such as The Emporium at Disneyland or Elias & Company on Buena Vista Street in California Adventure. The front desk of the official park hotels (the Grand Californian, Paradise Pier, or the Disneyland Hotel) can also provide buttons outside of check-out and check-in times.

Making the Most of Your First Visit Button

While the First Visit Button doesn’t come with any guaranteed perks, it does open the door for potential magical moments. Many Disney fans have reported receiving extra attention or small gestures of kindness from cast members when wearing the button.

You can also personalize your button with your name, which can lead to even more special interactions. For instance, a character might address you by name during a meet-and-greet, or a cast member might wish you a happy first visit personally.

Other Perks for Disneyland Visitors

First Visit Buttons aren’t the only freebies you can enjoy on your Disneyland trip. Here are a few more:

• Celebration Buttons : If you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or other special occasion, you can pick up a free celebration button at City Hall or the Chamber of Commerce.
• Free Water : Counter service restaurants throughout the park will give you a free cup of water.
• Free Entertainment : Disneyland offers free entertainment throughout the day, from parades to fireworks shows.
• Free Souvenirs : You can collect free souvenirs like park maps and FastPasses. After taking the Jungle Cruise, you can ask for a map of the attraction as a free souvenir.

Remember, while these perks can certainly enhance your Disneyland experience, they are subject to availability and can change without notice. Always check with a Cast Member if you have any questions.

Your first visit to Disneyland is sure to be a magical experience. With your First Visit Button in hand, you’ll be ready to make the most of your trip!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i get a first visit button if it’s not my first visit, but it’s my first visit in a long time.

Yes, you can! The First Visit Button is more about celebrating your experience, so if it feels like a first visit to you, don’t hesitate to pick up a button.

Can I get a First Visit Button at a Disneyland Resort outside of the United States?

Yes, the First Visit Button tradition is followed at all Disneyland Resorts worldwide. However, the availability and locations may vary, so it’s best to ask a cast member when you arrive.

Do I have to pay for the First Visit Button?

No, the First Visit Button is completely free of charge. It’s a fun way Disneyland welcomes its first-time guests.

Can I get multiple First Visit Buttons for my family or group?

Absolutely! If it’s the first visit for multiple people in your party, each person can receive their own button.

Can I request a First Visit Button before I arrive at Disneyland?

No, unfortunately, you can’t request a First Visit Button in advance. They are only available in the park on the day of your visit.

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Ashley is a true theme park veteran, with insights gleaned from multiple visits to every park in the US. Her goal is to provide an insider's guide to making the most of your visit to any theme park.

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17 Clever Disneyland Paris Tips For First-Timers (Number 11 Will Surprise You!)

I’m a crier. I admit it. When I first saw that pale-pink Victorian hotel towering over the park entrance, I got a lump in my throat. This is it, I thought. We’re in Disneyland Paris.

I grew up in America, not far from Disneyland in California. I moved to London over 20 years ago. And although Disney has always been an intoxicating cocktail of nostalgia and fantasy for me, Disneyland Paris holds an even more special mystique. So be warned. Glimpsing the castle for the first time casts a spell that will last a lifetime ! Here are my best Disneyland Paris tips for first-timers, including several that might surprise you.  

*Crepes and Castles is supported by lovely readers like you. Some links are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission that helps this free website at no cost to you.  Learn more

TIP #1: Disneyland Paris is More Like ‘Plan a Little Bit, Then Wing It’

Are you used to military-style planning for your Walt Disney World Florida holiday? Making extensive park plans, losing out on restaurants 6 months before your trip, and watching Genie+ tutorials like you’re back in school again?

You won’t be doing that for Disneyland Paris.

3 Surprising Things First-Timers Learn Are Different in Disneyland Paris

1. genie+ and fastpass.

Like Walt Disney World in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California, Disneyland Paris replaced their free paper FastPass system with paid options.

In Disneyland Paris, you can buy a Premier Pass One for an individual ride OR a Premier Access Ultimate which allows you into the fast lane for almost all the rides.

However, unlike Genie+, it is uncommon for Disney park guests to buy a Premier Access Ultimate. It can cost around £130 per person, per day, which makes it almost prohibitively expensive. On the plus side, you can use your Premier Ultimate Pass to ride the 16 most popular attractions anytime you want to, in any order (but only once per day). Whereas Genie+ is more complicated and confusing with available time slots which can sell out.

The less expensive Premier Pass One allows you to ride an individual ride, one time. Priced £8-13 it is similar to the Lightning Lane at Walt Disney World.

Learn more or buy a Premier Pass One or Premier Access Ultimate here

?! FAQ Is it worth it to buy a Premier Pass or Premier Access Ultimate?

I like to think of Premier Access Ultimate as a luxury more than a necessity . Unless you are visting in peak season for only one day (and have the money to spend), you won’t need it to do the main attractions.

On the other hand, if you strongly dislike queuing, and the weather is bad, you might see it as a good investment for an action-packed day.

Premier Pass One is worth it if you are short on time and only want to do a few popular rides. Crush’s Coaster or Peter Pan are good attractions to consider buying a Premier Pass One, as waits rarely go below 90 minutes.

2. Booking Character Meets

Marvel characters such as Spider-Man in Walt Disney Studios operate with a virtual queue. Log in to the Disneyland Paris app once you are inside Walt Disney Studios and it will be indicated what time you can try for the next superhero.

But, for everyone else, you just need to queue up! Mickey Mouse and the Disney Princesses are permanent meet-and-greet attractions in designated buildings. Other characters like Stitch, Winnie the Pooh, Alice in Wonderland, and Western Minnie Mouse and Friends are mainly dotted around Disneyland Park.

✏️ PRO TIP Check the Disneyland Paris App for character location and wait times, and turn up about 30 minutes before .

If you don’t want to wait in a queue to meet characters, consider booking a meal at Plaza Gardens or Cendrillon de Auberge – Cinderella’s Inn.

3. Making Restaurant Reservations

Remember when we had to reserve tables up to 180 days before our Florida trips? Disneyland Paris works a bit differently.

If you are staying at a Disney hotel, you can book a restaurant up to 12 months in advance using the Disneyland Paris app. Staying offsite means you can book a table 60 days in advance.

Are all the tables sold out? Try asking at your preferred restaurant for a booking on the day. They often have cancellations. I also recommend using DLP Tables to get Disneyland Paris dining alerts .

9 foolproof ways to get your next Disneyland Paris Restaurant booking (even when the dining reservations are sold out!)

In general, for Disneyland Paris, you will not be tied to your computer making loads of reservations and detailed plans before your trip.

It is much smaller than Walt Disney World and easier to get around. Better yet, you won’t be frantically checking your phone all day long to find your next activity. In France, you can live in the moment – let your feet take you to whatever you fancy next!

TIP #2: You Won’t Need a 2-Week Itinerary

Along the same lines as not having to extensively plan restaurants and rides before your trip, you won’t need a 2-week park itinerary when you’re here. You can experience all the magic of the Disneyland Paris parks in 2-3 days. Or you can have an exciting taster in just one day .

There is so much to compare and contrast between Walt Disney World and Disneyland Paris. But one of the main advantages for first-timers going to Disneyland Paris is that it’s a much smaller investment of time and money.

📒 PLANNING TIP If you want some help planning your itinerary, check out my one-day touring guide of Disneyland Paris and my printable one-day perfect plan for both parks.

TIP #3: Of Course They Speak French! But You Don’t Have To

Cast members won’t always be completely fluent in English, but they know enough to tell you where attractions are or where to go if you have a problem.

Language Tips for Disneyland Paris First-Timers

• The Disneyland Paris app is in English and at your fingertips to guide you around the park
• All the signage is in English
• Food menus are printed in English and French
• The narrative on the attractions is generally understandable. Even if some of the dialogue is French, you can easily follow the visuals
• The shows and parades have a pleasant mix of French and English. I thoroughly enjoy Elsa singing ‘Let It Go’ in French. Let’s face it, we all know the words to that song!

TIP #4: There Are More Smokers in Europe

One of the things that surprised me as a first-time visitor to Disneyland Paris was the number of smokers. While the park doesn’t allow smoking except in designated areas, some people sneak cheeky cigarettes throughout the park.

Thankfully, I have noticed this problem less and less over the years, but it’s one to be aware of.

TIP #5: Cast Members Are… Different

English and American tourists are sometimes disappointed that cast members are, well, more French?

Perhaps it’s that the French are a bit more cool. You won’t hear the slightly cringey ‘Have a Magical Day, Princess!’ But don’t be put off. The cast members are genuinely passionate about Disney, and I’ve met loads of very friendly people there, too.

If they seem a little abrupt, just remember that English is not their first language and there are cultural differences. In France, they value more genuine interaction, while in America, they value extreme customer service because their jobs depend on it.

✏️ PRO TIP Your smile and even a badly pronounced ‘Bonjour’ will go a long way to connecting with cast members and making your first-time experience of the parks even more wonderful.  

?! FAQ What if I Have a Complaint?

With all that said, Disney is not 100% perfect all of the time. If you are unhappy with the way you were treated by a cast member, if a restaurant falls below your expectations, or if more than one or two rides break down during your day, you have a right to be disappointed.

At the first instance, when things go wrong, be sure to speak to the nearest cast member . For example, if your character meal does not go as well as you would expect, then ask to speak to a manager or go to the front desk. If multiple rides break down, causing you to miss out on a big portion of your park day, go to City Hall and let them know. If your hotel room is not as tidy as it should be or if anything goes missing, be sure to speak to the hotel front desk right away.

If things are still not put right or you are not offered a suitable replacement or a token of appropriate compensation, then the next thing to do is to make a formal complaint. Send an email to [email protected] . In some cases, they can offer things like park tickets to use for a future visit. It’s always worth sending them an email if you are really unhappy about your visit because they want you to come back and you deserve to be treated fairly.

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TIP #6: Disneyland Paris Isn’t in Paris

Say what? That’s right. Disneyland is not in Paris. It is located just outside the city centre. The good news is, if you arrive by Eurostar or RER (local) train to Marne-la-Vallee/Chessy station, Disneyland Paris is just a few steps outside!

🚗➡️ If you are planning a last-minute trip to Disneyland Paris by car, check out my tips for using the Eurotunnel .

🚄➡️ Using the Eurostar for the first time? Check out these best tips on taking the Eurostar to Disneyland Paris .

First-timer’s guide for taking the Eurostar to Disneyland Paris – everything you need to know door-to-door (so you can relax!)

TIP #7: France Is Romantic. Disneyland Paris Is No Different

Disneyland in Paris has style, beauty and an enchanting story to discover in every land.

Of course, you might have visited the France Pavilion in Epcot, but it is not the same as actually being in Europe . Plus! You can drink champagne by the castle! (And it’s delicious.)

15 Attractions Unique to Disneyland Paris

• Hyperspace Mountain is a Star Wars-themed high-speed roller coaster with inversions.
• Pirate Galleon, Davy Jones Locker and Skull Rock extend the Pirates of the Caribbean area beautifully in Adventure Isle, which was created exclusively for Disneyland Paris. Perfect for little and big pirates alike! Check out all these Secrets of Adventureland .
• Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril is a roller coaster that goes upside down.
• Phantom Manor has a story completely different to the Haunted Mansion and includes a haunted Frontierland section. Don’t miss the graveyard at the back.
• Big Thunder Mountain has a track that tunnels under the water to the island across. It’s arguably the best version of this ride in the world, and you must try it in the day and night.
• Crush’s Coaster in Walt Disney Studios is a thrilling, high-speed unique spin on Finding Nemo.
• Frozen: A Musical Invitation is a unique story for our favourite Frozen characters that centres on Elsa’s birthday. You will travel through 3 separate theatre scenes in this very popular musical, hearing songs not only from Anna and Elsa, but Kristoff, Sven and Olaf, too.
• Avengers Assemble Flight Force is another inversion roller coaster only in Paris.
• Alice’s Curious Labyrinth is made up of 2,500 cypress trees. Inside, you can visit the Queen of Hearts castle and take pictures with her playing card guards.
• Les Mystères du Nautilus , based on 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, is a walk-through experience of Capt Nemo’s steampunk submarine.
• One of my personal favourites: La Tanière du Dragon . Check out Sleeping Beauty Castle’s dragon, La Tanière du Dragon, in the dungeon.
• Then, go upstairs for the stunning Sleeping Beauty walk-through you won’t see in any other park. (Listen out for the snoring guard!)
• The show everyone raves about: Mickey and the Magician . Exclusively in Walt Disney Studios, this is an enchanting tale of Mickey who calls on some familiar friends to harness the power of magic.
• Disney Dreams! and Disney Electrical Sky Parade . The drone show is spectacular – the first of its kind and is expected to eventually be modelled in the other Disney parks. Disney Dreams! is a fan-favourite nighttime projection extravaganza which draws hoards of crowds by the castle every night.

✏️ PRO TIP A stroll through Adventureland is particularly picturesque at night.

TIP #8: Your Feet Will Fall Off

Do not be deceived when I tell you that Disneyland Paris is much smaller than Walt Disney World. There is STILL a lot of walking to do. You will probably do 20,000 steps in a day.

But not between the parks! Walt Disney Studios sits right next to Disneyland Park. This is a wonderful advantage that Disneyland Paris has over Disney World in Florida.

🤓 GOOD TO KNOW You will need a park hopper ticket to visit both parks on the same day.

TIP #9: One of the Parks Is Better Than the Other

I’m looking at you Walt Disney Studios. (I still love you, though!) A lot of exciting things are on the horizon for Walt Disney Studios, including a spectacular Frozen Land, Tangled attraction and Alice in Wonderland show (coming in 2025).

But for now, dipping in and out of Walt Disney Studios or spending no more than ¾ of a day here is plenty. Budget the rest of your time for Disneyland Park as there is much more to do there.

And while it might not take an entire day, Walt Disney Studios is full of exceptional shows and a few must-do attractions. To make the most of your time, check out my perfect 1-day plan for Walt Disney Studios .

✏️ PRO TIP Starting your day at Walt Disney Studios is smart because it closes earlier than the main park.

TIP #10: The On-Site Hotels Are Really On-Site

First-timers might be surprised that you do not need a car to get from your hotel to the parks.

The Disney hotels are only about a 10-minute walk. In fact, one of the hotels sits above the entrance to the main park! The Disneyland Hotel was completely refurbished and reopened in 2024 with majestic rooms themed around the Princesses (and Queen!) in Cinderella, Tangled, Beauty and the Beast, and Frozen.

As you would expect for such convenience, the Disneyland Paris hotels are on the pricey side.

✏️ PRO TIP One of the best Disneyland Paris tips for first-timers is that several off-site hotels are also walkable or within one stop on the RER (commuter rail train). Check out Residhome Val d’Europe for mini suites on a budget.

➡️ I cover potential savings for booking an off-site hotel in my guide to estimating your budget for Disneyland Paris .

➡️ And I compare the two cheapest Disneyland Paris hotels in Cheyenne vs Santa Fe – which is better? .

TIP #11: You Can’t Meet More Than One Royal at a Time

Something that really surprises first-time visitors to Disneyland Paris is that you can only meet one princess in the Princess Pavilion (unless you join the queue again). The wait at Disneyland Paris is longer than you would expect, too, averaging about 2 hours.

To the disappointment of many fans, you cannot choose who you will meet in the Princess Pavilion – it’s random whether you are seen by Princess Cinderella, Ariel, Aurora or Belle.

On the plus side, the inside part of the queue is beautifully done with interesting displays for all the princesses, and it has interactive elements that are fun to play with.

Not keen on waiting that long to meet only one Princess? Consider making a reservation at Auberge de Cendrillon , where you will meet Cinderella, her two mice friends and two other Disney Princesses.

TIP #12: Europeans Aren’t Big on Snacking

At least, not in the American sense. You won’t find cupcakes piled high with icing, obscenely-sized turkey legs, or refreshment carts every 50 feet.

But don’t get me wrong. Disneyland Paris still has plenty of wonderful treats.

My Favourite (and Unique) Snacks at Disneyland Paris

• The Mickey waffles and chocolate at Cool Post, Adventureland
• Up, Simba and Minnie Mouse-themed Magnums in Walt Disney Studios (pictured below)
• Nutella crepes (obviously, given the name of my blog!)
• Enormous Wonderland ice creams from March Hare
• Champagne by the glass in front of the castle
• Minnie or Mickey Cake bars from Boardwalk Candy Palace on Main Street

For savoury lovers, the Gourmand food carts by Ratatouille are unmissable (I love the goat cheese honey crepes paired with a glass of wine). Also check out the mini food festival area near Tower of Terror, usually in the summertime.

Got kids? The pic and mix sweets are pricey but always a big hit with my boys. You can find a large selection at Boardwalk Candy Palace in Disneyland Park or Chez Marianne Souvenirs of Paris near Ratatouille in Walt Disney Studios.

TIP #13: The Selection of Merchandise Leaves Much To Be Desired

I am constantly surprised that Disney’s European shops don’t have the same diversity as their global counterparts.

However, if you keep your eyes peeled, there are still some unique and memorable souvenirs to be had. Just don’t expect to return home with another suitcase full of trinkets (that might be a good thing for some people 🙋🏼‍♀️).

6 Best Tips for the Most Exclusive Disneyland Paris Souvenirs

• There is a small selection of exclusive Disneyland Paris Pandora charms (try Hollywood Jewel Box in Walt Disney Studios)
• Dotted throughout the two parks, you’ll find a few variations of the classic Disney Spirit Jersey printed with Disneyland Paris on the back.
• Food carts typically have special souvenir drink cups. Some carts, like March Hare Refreshments, will offer a popcorn bucket. Unique to Disneyland Paris is a pretty Cinderella carriage popcorn bucket .
• Unsurprisingly, you’ll find a modest selection of Disneyland Paris fridge magnets, pins, pens and t-shirts. But the best place to find stationary and rare books is in The Storybook Store (to the left before you get to Main Street in Disneyland Park). They even have a poster-sized vintage Disneyland Paris map.
• By far my favourite souvenir is in Merlin l’Enchanteur, inside the castle. Here you can get a custom wand made by a skilled glass-maker.
• Two restaurants, Auberge de Cendrillon and Bistrot Chez Rémy offer limited edition spoons you can purchase with your meal.
• If you have time for Disney Village, check out The Disney Gallery’s Art on Demand where you can create a unique Disney print and even have it shipped home.

TIP #14: Not Everyone Is on Board With British-Style Queuing

There’s always that one annoying guest who squeezes nine people in front of you (after you’ve been waiting an hour in line). But for the most part, ride queues at Disneyland Paris are pretty civilised.

It descends into mayhem at the fireworks and when boarding hotel shuttles at the end of the night. I’ve seen grown men push small children out of the way. I have been shoved quite hard by a woman on a mission on Main Street. And I’ve even been rammed by a buggy from behind (and not by accident).

A top Disneyland Paris tip for first-timers is to try to leave the park before the fireworks (if you’re not planning on seeing them). Or hang back for at least 15 minutes afterwards. Take the arcade exits and avoid Main Street. Shops will stay open for about an hour after closing, so you don’t need to rush out.

At the parade, people may try to shove in if you at the front. The best you can do is look after your children and either hold your ground or just let them get on with it. As unsettling as it is, try not to let a stranger’s bad manners spoil your Disney experience.

TIP #15: Look Out Where You Put Your Rubbish!

Disneyland Paris is striving to be greener. In France, disposable plates and cutlery are being phased out.

Expect to find eco-friendly washable bamboo bowls, forks, spoons, knives and cups. Cold drinks don’t have lids, and the straws are made of paper.

When you are finished, you will see separate bins for normal waste and reusable items.

TIP #16: Restaurants Close Earlier Than You’d Expect

I’ll never forget visiting in February and wanting dinner for our hungry family at 6 pm. It was a mission impossible! All the quick service restaurants bar Colonel Hathi’s Pizza in Adventureland were closed.

If this happens to you, try Casey’s Corner on Main Street for hotdogs (they have vegan and meat options). Or consider getting a meal in Disney Village or at the Disneyland Paris hotels.

I have a full guide to Disneyland Paris Dining including the best hacks for their table reservation system.

TIP #17: The Paper Maps Are Hidden

For quite a long time, Disneyland Paris stopped printing paper maps.

Fortunately, printed maps are back – but they are difficult to find, unless you know how!

After you come through the entrance, go to the Stroller and Wheelchair Rental shop on the right. If you ask there, they will give you a paper Disneyland Paris map in your preferred language. Be prepared: these maps are not as nice as the ones in Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort. They are smaller, simpler and a bit harder to use in my opinion.

If you want a more beautiful map to take home, there is a wall-sized retro paper map available to purchase from The Storybook Store in the main park. Ask at the till if you don’t see it.

💫 Bonus Disneyland Paris Tip for First-Timers: If You Do Nothing Else, Do This

Lastly, my best tip for Disneyland Paris first-timers is try not to stress .

Even the experts have trips that go a bit haywire, kids that go rogue, and the thing you wanted more than anything else is sold out. It is important to appreciate Disneyland Paris as a new experience and a temporary time in your life.

Embrace the cultural differences, let your kids eat ice cream for dinner, really listen to the music, and cheer for your favourite characters in the parade. Remember what it was like to be a kid again.

That is the best magic of all. 

If You Enjoyed Disneyland Paris Tips for First-timers, You Will Love These, Too

🩷 Don’t be overwhelmed by making your Disneyland Paris Itinerary. Here’s your FREE Custom Printable Itinerary

💛 Start making a list. This is EXACTLY what to take for Your Kid’s First Time to Disneyland Paris

🧡 Save money on absolutely everything. This is how to do Disneyland Paris On a Strict Budget  

❤️ Is there anything you’ve forgotten to do? Check with this full guide to Planning Disneyland Paris (with FREE checklist)

Your FREE Custom Disneyland Paris Itinerary Template (for ANY number of days)

📌 Pin and save Disneyland Paris Tips for First-Timers to read later

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First Timer’s Guide to Disneyland Paris: Tips for American Visitors

By: Author Leslie Harvey

Posted on Published: November 28, 2022

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Like a lot of American families, our family has spent a fair amount of vacation time at Disney World and Disneyland. But we like to spread our wings and travel to a lot more than just Disney destinations. This summer, we spent two weeks in the United Kingdom and France on the kids’ first trip to Europe. While the bulk of our trip was focused on exploring cultural and historical sites, we knew we all needed some fun mixed in with the museums and churches. Naturally, we had to make a stop at Disneyland Paris part of our travel plans.

As a frequent visitor to the United States Disney parks, I suspected our experience and knowledge would translate into success at Disneyland Paris as well. But I also knew we had a lot to learn. Disney has very different rules and systems in place in its international parks. We discovered that we needed to do our research when we visited Hong Kong Disneyland years ago with our oldest, and the same was true for Disneyland Paris.

With tourism to China still essentially impossible for the foreseeable future and Japan only starting to open up, Disneyland Paris has been the only international Disney resort that many travelers have been able to visit easily in recent months. As a result (and also because of the resort’s ongoing 30th anniversary in 2022-2023), there has been a lot of recent interest in Disneyland Paris among Americans and Canadians. There will likely be even more as the 2024 Summer Olympics head to Paris.

If you are a visitor familiar with the United States parks considering a trip to Disneyland Paris, here is everything you need to know about and plan for – from hotels to line cutting strategies to transportation tips.

(Trips With Tykes uses affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through links in this post. See our full disclosure policy linked in the menu at the bottom of this site.)

Disneyland Paris Resort Overview

Many Americans, even those who are Disney fans, know very little about Disneyland Paris. So let’s start with the most basic of details. Disneyland Paris opened as the Euro Disney Resort in 1992. It is located in Chessy France, about 20 miles from the Paris city center.

The resort is made up of two parks – Disneyland Park (Parc Disneyland) and Walt Disney Studios Park (Parc Walt Disney Studios). The two parks are just a couple of minutes walk apart from one another, much like the layout found at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California.

Adjacent to the two parks is Disney Village, a shopping, dining, and entertainment district similar to Downtown Disney in Anaheim or Disney Springs in Orlando.

There are 7 on-property Disney-owned hotels in the area as well. All but two of these hotels are located just beyond Disney Village within about a 15-25 minute walk from the gates of Disneyland park (more on hotels below). The resort offers shuttles that go to these hotels just outside the esplanade between the parks.

Also adjacent to the esplanade near the entrance to the two parks is the Marne-la-Vallée–Chessy train station. This station provides commuter train service to downtown Paris via the RER, high speed train service on the TGV to Charles de Gaulle Airport, and high speed rail service to a number of other destinations in France and Europe (via TGV and Eurostar).

How to Get to Disneyland Paris from Paris

For guests coming from or going to the Paris city center, the best way to get to the parks is via train. The RER (Regional Express Network) line A goes out to the Marne-la-Vallée–Chessy station adjacent to the parks. Look for the red colored line on maps. Be aware that line A splits so you have to make sure that you are boarding the correct train on the correct platform. Thankfully, the station signs are well marked with cute Mickey heads making it easy to navigate. (See more Paris travel tips .)

We happened to be staying in Paris right by the Châtelet Les Halles station which is on line A. This starting point made for a very easy journey to Disneyland Paris. The ride is about 40 minutes and costs just €5 for adults (children under 4 travel free and children 4-10 pay half fare). Be sure to hang onto your ticket as you will need it to exit the station upon arrival.

Alternatively, you can take a taxi or Uber from the city center, but they are far more expensive and can take longer with traffic.

Which Airports are Best for Disneyland Paris

For travelers coming in or leaving by air, Disneyland Paris is closest to Paris’s Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) . We went straight from the parks to catch a flight there onward to our next European destination in Scotland (see more about our experience flying easyJet out of CDG). We just took Uber from our hotel to CDG, since we had several larger bags to carry. We ordered a larger van and paid €77 total for the ride, which took about 35-40 minutes.

Other ways to travel to Charles de Gaulle:

• TGV Train : Mousehacking has this excellent guide with more details. The high speed train is only a 10 minute ride to CDG, but runs infrequently and can be confusing and pricey.
• Magical Shuttle : Disneyland Paris offers motorcoach transport for an additional fee (can be booked as part of your vacation package). Transfers can take about 60 minutes, but this is an easy option for guests who don’t want to figure it out all on their own.

The other major airport guests might use to fly to Disneyland Paris is Paris-Orly (ORY) . ORY is about a 45 minute drive to the parks. The Magical Shuttle is available there as well, but taking a train from Orly to Disneyland Paris requires traveling through the Paris city center.

How Best to Book a Disneyland Paris Vacation

Americans planning a visit to Disneyland Paris have a number of options for booking a vacation. We found them pretty confusing and hard to do a true cost comparison. Roughly speaking, here are the options:

• Booking a hotel + ticket package through Disneyland Paris’s website for US visitors
• Booking a hotel + ticket package through Disneyland Paris’s website for other country visitors
• Booking a hotel + ticket package through a traditional travel agency
• Booking a hotel + ticket package through an online travel agency (OTA) website (like Expedia)
• Booking an off-property hotel on your own and purchasing tickets only through Disneyland Paris’s website

Booking a Hotel + Tickets Package

We ultimately booked our vacation through Trips with Tykes travel agency partner Get Away Today, whom I also use for much of our Disneyland and Walt Disney World travel too. While I usually am pretty DIY when it comes to booking my own travel (and we booked everything else on our Europe vacation ourselves!), I really valued using a travel agency for this booking. I had some hard questions about minor details like bed and room types in the on-property hotels. My travel agent was able to get on the phone with representatives at Disneyland Paris and get those questions answered for me. ( Request a Disneyland Paris vacation quote from Get Away Today here !)

And best of all, booking a package meant that we didn’t have to worry with park reservations. Disneyland Paris doesn’t require park reservations like Disney World and Disneyland if you have an on-property hotel booked with a package. Your tickets are simply valid for any and all of the days of your hotel booking, including on both your arrival and departure days!

One Disneyland Paris idiosyncrasy to be aware of is that package bookings aren’t quite as customizable as you’ll find in the US parks. If you plan to book a package that includes 2 nights of hotel, it automatically is bundled with a 3 day ticket (and 3 nights = 4 day ticket, etc.). This is true regardless of whether you are booking through the Disneyland Paris website, a brick and mortar travel agency, or an OTA.

This makes split stays (where you stay at more than one hotel) tricky. It also means that an on-property hotel may not be the best place to establish as your home base if you plan to go into the city of Paris some days as well. We ultimately decided to stay 2 nights at Disneyland Paris and one night in Paris city center as a result of this package structure. This way, we didn’t overbuy ticket days and also could find cheaper accommodations for one night in Paris.

Ticket Only Purchases

If you plan to stay off-site or maybe just take the train from the city center for a single day in the parks, you’ll want to make a ticket only purchase. Disneyland Paris sells dated tickets with a length of 1-4 days. Single day tickets are available for just a single park or for both parks. All tickets of 2 days or longer, however, automatically include the park hopper option. Note that Disneyland Paris has child discounts for kids ages 3-11 – two years longer than the US parks.

Disneyland Paris also sells one day undated tickets (both single park and park hopper). These tickets are more expensive and ultimately still also require guests to make a theme park reservation. As a result, they really don’t make sense unless your plans are very volatile.

Ticket prices at Disneyland Paris are pretty reasonable compared to the US parks. There are single park one day tickets as low as $67 on non-peak days. A 3 day adult park hopper during the most expensive dates of the holiday 2022 season is just $375 (compare that to $420 at Disneyland in Anaheim and $552 at Walt Disney World in Orlando).

Disneyland Paris Hotel Options

On-property disneyland paris hotels.

There are seven Disney-owned hotel properties that are part of the Disneyland Paris Resort. Those include (in rough order of most expensive to least expensive):

• The Disneyland Paris Hotel
• Hotel New York – Art of Marvel
• Newport Bay Club
• Sequoia Lodge
• Hotel Santa Fe
• Hotel Cheyenne
• Davy Crockett Ranch (campground)

No matter where you choose to stay, American families are probably going to need to adjust their Disney hotel expectations, both in terms of price and in terms of service/amenities. We are accustomed to what Disneyland and Disney World offer, and we thought the hotel situation was definitely the weakest link of our Disneyland Paris vacation experience.

The Disneyland Paris Hotel is the flagship hotel in the similar style of the Grand Floridian or Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel . It’s situated right above the gates to Disneyland Park so it has by far the best location of the bunch. It’s unfortunately closed for renovations in 2022. Its reopening date – some time in 2024 -was just announced. This closure is putting a squeeze on the other hotels in the meantime. This is likely where we would have stayed regardless of price had it been open. It’s a gorgeous property with a substantial location advantage over all the alternatives.

The Art of Marvel reimagining of Hotel New York was just finished in 2021. I’ve heard from sources I trust that it is quite well-themed and sleek. But it still can be as much as $800-900 a night for a smallish room that ultimately has two double (not queen!) beds. That was a no go for our family. And it’s still a 15-ish minute walk from this hotel all the way through Disney Village to the parks (farther than the Disneyland Hotel is from the Anaheim theme parks).

Our family seriously considered both Newport Bay Club and Sequoia Lodge for our stay – both of which are just a couple of minutes walking distance beyond Hotel New York. Newport Bay Club is quite similar to the pre-renovation Yacht and Beach Club in Orlando which we stay in often so we decided to save a little bit more and stay in Sequoia Lodge. (We decided that the additional savings of Hotel Santa Fe or Hotel Cheyenne weren’t worth it though due to the longer walk to the parks.)

Sequoia Lodge is themed to look like a historic national park lodge, similar to Wilderness Lodge in Orlando or the Grand Californian in Anaheim. But it is very much not a deluxe property like those hotels. Price-wise, it is a moderate hotel at Disneyland Paris. We, however, found the rooms to be very dated and tired and certainly not even as nice as many of the recently-renovated value resorts at Walt Disney World. Again, standard rooms have only two double beds, so we decided we needed to book two rooms for our family of four to be able to sleep comfortably. The common areas of the hotel were somewhat nicer, but overall Sequoia Lodge was pretty disappointing for the price.

Off-Property Hotels Near Disneyland Paris

If these Disney hotels don’t sound like your cup of tea given their limitations, there are plenty of off-property hotel options. Many are located in surrounding Marne-la-Vallée.

Some of these are centered around the Val d’ Europe shopping center and others are not much farther. Disney partners with some of these hotels with packages available for booking on the Disneyland Paris website.

For more luxury accommodations at a less expensive price, either the Radisson Blu Hotel Paris, Marne-la-Vallée or Marriott’s Village d’ile-de-France are excellent options as well.

If you stay off-site, however, be aware that you’ll miss out on the major perk of on-property stays which is early entry (more on that below). But you’ll probably save a fair amount of money and have nicer accommodations and/or more space.

Lines & Touring Strategies for Disneyland Paris

If you have read my other Disney parks content on Trips With Tykes, you likely already know about my aversion to theme park lines. Probably my favorite part about visiting Disney destinations is finding all the tricks and loopholes available. My aim is to skip the long lines that everyone else seems to get stuck in and devise the perfect touring plan. Naturally, I approached Disneyland Paris with this same goal in mind.

Since we were first timers at Disneyland Paris, we certainly made some mistakes along the way. Overall, however, we did quite well in our three day visit, even though we were visiting during peak summer season when United Kingdom schools were on an August holiday break. And other first timers certainly can too! Here are the hacks that worked for us for dealing with lines:

1. Early Entry (“Extra Magic Time”)

At all Disney destinations, starting early is the key to shorter lines. Not everyone can get up and out the door to a theme park at the crack of dawn. So if you can get up early (for one morning of your trip at the very least), you can beat the crowds.

Like the US Disney parks, Disneyland Paris offers early entry to on-property hotel guests – Extra Magic Time . Ordinarily, both parks open a full hour before regular park opening time (although when we visited, Disney temporarily suspended this benefit for the Walt Disney Studios park due to the recent opening of Avengers Campus. It has since brought it back.).

It’s definitely possible to squeeze in at least a handful of rides during this hour before lines get long. That said, we didn’t find Extra Magic Time to be as robust as it is in Disneyland and Disney World, so adjust expectations accordingly. Only a very limited number of rides are open at this hour. At least on the day we used it, a number of the rides that were supposed to be open were down for technical troubles.

Additionally, park gates don’t open until exactly an hour before park opening time. We found the ticket scanning process to pretty pretty inefficient, wasting a quarter of an hour before we could even enter the park and start moving towards rides. If you don’t arrive super early to be the first at the scanners, you’ll lose a fair chunk of the hour to this bottleneck.

Nevertheless, if you are staying on-property, use this benefit. And if not, be sure to at least be at the very front of the regular rope drop crowds.

2. Single Rider Lines

Like the US Disney parks, Disneyland Paris has single rider lines to fill in extra empty seats on popular rides. If you have older kids who are okay riding alone, this is a great way to skip long lines for coasters.

The rides offering Single Rider can and do change, but here are the currently-available attractions at Disneyland Paris offering it:

• Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain
• Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril
• Crush’s Coaster
• Ratatouille: The Adventure
• Spider-Man W.E.B. Adventure
• Avengers Assemble: Flight Force
• Toy Soldiers Parachute Drop

At Disneyland Paris, most attractions actually have a sign at the Single Rider line entrance where the wait time is posted along with the regular standby wait time. No need to ask cast member for their estimate to gauge whether the time savings will be worth it.

Generally, more guests use Single Rider during the busiest parts of the day, so the lines will be longer in the afternoon and may not have significant time savings over the standby line. Using Single Rider lines mid-morning or later in the evening is often a better strategy.

3. Premier Access Ultimate & Premier Access One

Disneyland Paris has two fairly new paid offerings to help guests shortcut long standby lines. So whether you are familiar with Fastpass of old in US parks or the newer Genie+ and Lightning Lane, you’ll need to learn something different at Disneyland Paris. If you are serious about avoiding lines, these are the way to do it. But of course, these options come at a cost.

Related : Disneyland Genie+ and Lightning Lane Questions Answered

Related : Tips for Maximizing Genie+ at Walt Disney World

Premier Access Ultimate

The first and most expensive is Premier Access Ultimate . It starts at €90 per person per day. On the days of our visit, the cost was €140! Premier Access Ultimate permits guests to access a fast lane for up to 14 attractions (limited to one ride on each attraction per day). No ride reservations or time slots are required. If you are familiar with Express Pass at Universal Orlando or Universal Hollywood, Premier Access Ultimate is a close cousin.

Rides included are:

• Big Thunder Mountain
• Peter Pan’s Flight
• Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast
• Star Tours: The Adventure Continues
• Phantom Manor
• The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
• CARS: Road Trip

Obviously, Premier Access Ultimate is pretty cost prohibitive for most visitors. And it really isn’t necessary given that Disneyland Paris’s standby lines tend to be shorter than at the US parks. But if you only have a single day in the parks, a very generous budget, and a desire to ride everything, it could be worth the cost.

Premier Access One

More accessible price-wise is Premier Access One . It’s most akin to paid Lightning Lane at the US parks. Guests pay a price and are given the next available 1 hour time slot to return to a specific ride via a fast lane. The per attraction cost ranges from €9-18 per person per ride. Guests are limited to 3 Premier Access One purchases per day. Guests can only make a reservation for their next ride once the time slot for a ride previously booked has at least started. The list of rides available is the same 14 available with Premier Access Ultimate, but also includes one additional attraction – Orbitron.

Our family ultimately purchased just three of the Premier Access One passes during our three day visit. The three we purchased were: Crush’s Coaster which historically has the longest line at Disneyland Paris, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure which is my son’s favorite ride after experiencing it in Orlando earlier in the year, and Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast – a last minute selection when we had limited time to squeeze in one last ride before heading to the airport. The total cost for our family of 4 for these 3 attractions was €176. Certainly not cheap but far cheaper than 4 of us purchasing Premier Access Ultimate for a single day.

If you are serious about shortcutting a few longer waits, I highly recommend budgeting to purchase a couple of these passes. The one ride I absolutely recommend paying for is Crush’s Coaster. This is the best ride in Disneyland Paris, and it has the long lines to back that up.

As with paid Lightning Lane, just don’t pay to cut the line at times when standby lines for the attraction are short (like first thing in the morning or late at night). To maximize overall time savings, save Premier Access One purchases for mid-day when nearly every attraction in the park has its longest lines.

4. Rider Switch

Like its US counterparts, Disneyland Paris has a program that allows adults to trade off caring for young kids too short or too scared to ride thrill rides. Rider Switch allows the second group of riding guests to skip the line via a fast lane so they aren’t penalized by requiring their party to wait twice.

While we don’t use Rider Switch much in the US parks anymore now that our kids are older, we found it especially helpful at Disneyland Paris. Its more intense coasters and thrill rides included a few my 9 year old wasn’t quite ready to brave.

Rider Switch is a more potent time-saving offering at Disneyland Paris than it is at Walt Disney World and Disneyland. So if you are traveling with younger kids who won’t do all the thrill rides, you absolutely should use it!

How is Rider Switch better than at the US parks? It’s much more like the offering used to be at Disneyland and Disney World a decade ago. The two most valuable features are:

• It’s not time limited: guests are given a paper pass they can use to return any time later in the day. Save it for use when lines are longest! Or use it when part of your party goes back to the hotel for a mid-day nap or calls it a night early.
• You request it from a cast member after riding the attraction (not before getting in line): this means you can get a Rider Switch pass even if you’ve ridden the attraction via Premier Access or via the single rider line for more time savings overall for your group (Note: on very popular rides like Crush’s Coaster, the non-riding child may need to be present by the exit to prove eligibility).

As with Rider Switch at Walt Disney World, the adult riding second with the Rider Switch pass can take one additional rider along, so big siblings get to ride twice (Disneyland in Anaheim allows two additional riders).

5. Late Night

Last but certainly not least, another way to save time in line at Disneyland Paris is to stay late. Because the parks are a day trip for a lot of locals and there are a lot of families with little ones who can’t stay out too late, the parks empty out substantially by the dinner hour. You’ll find much shorter waits for most rides the longer you can stay until park closing.

Our first night in the park, we hit a lot of rides between 9-10:30pm. We found the following rides to be a walk on: Mad Hatter Tea Cups, Pinocchio, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Phantom Manor. We waited maybe 15 minutes for Snow White.

Note however that some rides at Disneyland Paris close before park closing time. So you need to check ride descriptions carefully for operating hours so you don’t miss out. We found that quite a few attractions in Fantasyland closed early (Snow White closed at 9:30pm on the days we were there when the park was open until 11pm). Most thrill rides, however, stay open until closing.

Disneyland Paris also has shorter park hours in winter months, so this late night strategy works best in the summer when the parks are open later.

Best Disneyland Paris Rides

If you have limited ride time during your Disneyland Paris vacation, what attractions should you prioritize? Disneyland Paris has a few unique rides of its own, but most of its attractions may seem at first glance to be carbon copies of ones in the United States parks. Don’t be fooled – Disneyland Paris does these rides differently and they are absolutely worth prioritizing. Here are our family’s five favorite attractions at Disneyland Paris.

• Crush’s Coaster : This Finding Nemo themed coaster seats guests in a turtle shell that pivots as the vehicle goes along the track to position riders to view movie scenes. It’s a smooth ride with no inversions, but it’s in the dark so can be pretty intense. Definitely some worthy comparisons to Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at Walt Disney World to be seen here.
• Big Thunder Mountain : Big Thunder Mountain is a step up in terms of both intensity and ambiance from the versions of this attraction in Disneyland and Disney World.
• Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain : Space Mountain on steroids, complete with inversions (this is a real coaster, baby!) and a Star Wars theme.
• Phantom Manor : This is a French take on the Haunted Mansion that has a completely different story line. Much creepier and more macabre.
• Pirates of the Caribbean : Pirates at Disneyland Paris is an epic attraction with an immersive queue and several new scenes. We couldn’t decide if we liked this version a little better than Disneyland’s original – it was too close to call. But it’s definitely several steps up from the pared down version of Pirates at Walt Disney World.

Food and Dining at Disneyland Paris

Disney parks usually have some pretty amazing food offerings and the entire country of France is filled with culinary delights. So a lot of visitors to Disneyland Paris expect the combination of those two to yield some amazing food results. Alas, Disneyland Paris completely fails to deliver on the food front. American visitors need to be prepared so that food is not be a focus of your time, energy, or money!

The word is out – at least in the Disney fan community – that the food in Disneyland Paris is just not great. So our family was warned, and we planned accordingly in how we approached dining.

We were pleasantly surprised though to find that counter service meals were entirely adequate. The food wasn’t really substantially any better or worse than at counter service restaurants in Disneyland or Walt Disney World. We had some solid sausages and fries at Au Chalet de la Marionnette, some decent pizza and pasta at Stark Factory in Avengers Campus, and were actually fairly pleased with the lunch buffet at Plaza Gardens.

Table service meals were where the reputation for bad food held most true. Just to test for ourselves, my husband and daughter ate at Captain Jack’s – a restaurant overlooking Pirates of the Caribbean that seemed similar to Blue Bayou at Disneyland. It was very expensive and they both said the food was darn near inedible – overcooked and flavorless. We were glad we didn’t spring for all four of us to eat there!

American guests should also be prepared to find only pretty limited snack options at Disneyland Paris. The trend of churning out new Instagrammable treats every other week apparently hasn’t hit there. Instead, you’ll likely find a few pretty pedestrian ice cream bars and basic snacks like popcorn and chips.

Key Dining Takeaways & Tips

Here are some more essential tips American visitors need to know to navigate food and dining:

• Make plans 60 days in advance : If you must do a table service meal or two (including character dining), reservations open 60 days in advance at Disneyland Paris. Set a calendar reminder for yourself (and watch out for time zone changes), as these do book up quickly.
• Try walkups : If you don’t have a reservation for a table service or buffet restaurant, arrive several minutes before the restaurant opens for the day and see if they can accommodate you as a walkup. This worked for us both times we tried.
• Check restaurant hours : Strangely, a lot of counter service restaurants close even before the dinner hour at Disneyland Paris! Check hours carefully so you don’t miss a chance to eat where you’d most prefer.
• Head outside the parks to dine : Disney Village has more dining options than the parks – especially for dinner. So when all else fails, dine there (ideally early or late as lines can be long).

How Many Days Should You Plan to Visit Disneyland Paris?

If Disneyland Paris piques your interest, how much time do you need to plan to spend there? Our family visited the parks for three days, but the first and third days were only half days because of our other travel plans.

Here’s one rule of thumb to help decide. I consider Disneyland Paris to be roughly equivalent to the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California in size and scope. It has fewer rides (and a weaker second park) but it has a pretty equivalent Downtown Disney space in Disney Village and more on-property hotels than Disneyland has. So if you are the kind of guest who would take a three day vacation to Disneyland, three days is probably also what you need to do Disneyland Paris justice.

That said, if you aren’t a Disney super-fan and just want to get a taste of the resort while you are on a European vacation focused more on non-theme park sights, a single day is absolutely doable. In that case, I’d probably skip Walt Disney Studios Park entirely (or hop over just to do Crush’s Coaster with Premier Access and hop back). If you already visit other Disney parks in the United States or elsewhere, focus on just what’s unique to Disneyland Paris with the time you have. I’d certainly plan to make it a very full day, starting at park opening and lasting as late as you and your kids can.

Ultimately, I felt like I was able to accomplish about 90% of what I had hoped to see and do in three days. We visited during a very hot time of the year, which made us have to slow down a bit more than we would have if the weather had been milder. And we did Disneyland Paris during the middle of a pretty ambitious and jam-packed European tour.

Additional Tips & Tricks for Disneyland Paris

Not overwhelmed by all the advice yet? I have more! A few additional parting thoughts and tips for Americans visiting Disneyland Paris:

• Get the Disneyland Paris app before your trip. Study the map (it’s just different enough that I promise you’ll get lost a few times!) and check out the app’s features so you can save time in the parks.
• If you are purchasing dated tickets, they are fully refundable up until 3 days before their valid dates.
• There are no time restrictions on park hopping at Disneyland Paris like the US parks currently have.
• If you visit Disneyland regularly, you can skip Avengers Campus in Walt Disney Studios park. The land is pretty similar to Avengers Campus in Anaheim . The re-themed Rock N Roller Coaster (now an Iron Man and Captain Marvel attraction called Flight Force) is pretty “meh” as far as coasters go and not a must-do.
• If you visit Disney World in Orlando regularly, you can skip Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. It’s a lovely ride (and it’s the original in Paris of course), but it’s exactly the same.
• Even if you’ve ridden Space Mountain and Thunder Mountain in Orlando or Anaheim a dozen times, don’t miss these versions of the ride in Disneyland Paris. They are very different in Paris and absolutely worth your time (or even a paid Premier Access One purchase for shorter lines).
• Make time for non-ride attractions including play areas like Alice’s Curious Labyrinth, the Swiss Family Treehouse and Skull Rock on Adventure Isle, and various shows. Disneyland Paris doesn’t have quite the ride density of Disneyland in California but it makes up for it in ambiance and other offerings.
• Speaking of shows, Disneyland Paris has several stage shows. You may see that you can purchase “guaranteed access” to these shows in the app in advance of your visit but there’s no need to – they are free once you get to the park!
• But also don’t expect to show up minutes before a stage show and get in. The shows at Disneyland Paris regularly fill up – especially Mickey and the Magician. Arrive about a half hour early to maximize your chances.
• Don’t miss the arcades that pass behind the shops on Main Street USA on either side. They are beautifully detailed as well as a great shortcut with shade to escape the crowds entering or exiting the parks.
• Go beneath the castle! This was the one essential thing we wanted to do that we missed and I’ve been regretting it for months. There’s an awesome Audioanimatronic dragon who resides there worth seeing.
• Disneyland Paris is currently running a drone show as precursor to its evening fireworks for the 30th anniversary. It’s amazing and worth staying up late for if at all possible.

Where to Book Your Disneyland Paris Vacation

Considering a trip to Disneyland Paris? Fill out this quote request form to get a detailed quote from Trips with Tykes partner Get Away Today.

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Monday 4th of March 2024

Thanks Leslie, this is so helpful! I can't find lots of good DLP content, and I've been searching for a podcast to listen to! Disney Deciphered helped me so much planning and strategizing for WDW! Your article helps a lot to get a sense of DLP! =)

Monday 14th of August 2023

Thank you for the information! There is not much information on DLP. I'm finding it hard to schedule meals because I don't know when the fireworks/night time shows will happen. Do you know when fireworks will show in November?

Disneyland Paris Tips and Observations From a First Time Visitor

Hi I’m Guy Selga , the Disneyland writer for TouringPlans. I spend multiple days a week in the Anaheim Disney parks , along with visits to Walt Disney World and Tokyo Disneyland every year, but I never made it out to Disneyland Paris. That changed last week when I made my first visit. In this post I’ll share some tips and observations from the point of view as a first time visitor to Disney’s Parisian paradise. Also included in this post is what it’s like staying on site (I stayed in Disney Sequoia Lodge ), food recommendations, and some loose touring strategies.

#1. My first tip is for when you are in the planning phase of your trip. Disneyland Paris doesn’t offer an option to only book a hotel stay on their website . You can only book a hotel plus theme park tickets package. This is obviously a problem if you’ve obtained your tickets some other way, or have an annual pass (more on annual passes later). This means you’ll need to call Disneyland Paris to check prices and make a hotel reservation over the phone. Save yourself a long distance international call and call the Walt Disney World phone number, (407) 939-3476. An automated system will answer. When it askes what you’re calling about, say “Disneyland Paris hotel reservations” or simply “Disneyland Paris” and Disney’s phone system will automatically connect you.

Another option to save yourself some time is to book through a travel agent. Our TouringPlans travel agents are ready and waiting to help you book your trip to Disneyland Paris, or anywhere else you may want to go in France and beyond. Click the link to get a quote .

#2. Be ready to explore everything . Especially the Main Street, U.S.A. arcades, any walkthrough attractions, and especially in, around, and under Sleeping Beauty Castle. Set aside more time than you expect to explore this beautiful park. My girlfriend and I spent hours on Main Street, U.S.A. alone. There is so much to see and it’s all a treat for the eyes. You will with out a doubt be visually rewarded for your efforts. The most famous example of this is the dragon underneath Sleeping Beauty Castle. It moves around, blinks, and you can even see it breathing.

4. Speaking of Fantasyland, you’ll find the typical assortment of Disneyland-style castle park attractions here, such as classic dark rides (Peter Pan’s Flight, “it’s a small world,” and Snow White’s Scary Adventures, to name a few), and flat rides, such as Mad Hatter’s Tea Cups. But in Disneyland Paris the rides exterior décor is rendered in the expected level quality and beauty as seen in the rest of the park.

6. Eat at Walt’s – An American Restaurant! The restaurant is a love letter to Walt Disney and contains a trove pictures and artifacts chronicling Walt’s life and legacy. The food is also fantastic. It was without a doubt the best food we had during our multiday visit to Disneyland Paris.

8. I do not drink alcohol but there is occasionally a cart on Main Street, U.S.A. that sells champagne. This is obviously unusual for a Disneyland-style castle park, yet it’s culturally appropriate.

My girlfriend,  @JLap64, was really REALLY in to it.

9. Real quick, lets hop over to Disneyland Paris’ other theme park. Walt Disney Studios park is as bad as anything you’ve ever heard about it. We thought the Mickey and the Magician stage show was really good. The less time spent in and thinking about the Studios park the better.

Avengers Flight Force (a re-themed Rock ‘n Roller Coaster) is also fun. But wow what a depressing park!

10. Now let’s talk about Disneyland Paris’ unique headliner attractions. Hyperspace Mountain, previously known as Space Mountain, features a uphill launch that takes you from outside the mountain to inside, loops, and a very eye-catching design that is different than the other iterations of the ride. It’s thrilling and a lot of fun. If you’re unaware, Tomorrowland is known as Discoveryland in Disneyland Paris. The land uses a retro futuristic aesthetic instead of the spacesport theme the other Tomorrowlands have. Unfortunately Space Mountain received a permanent Star Wars retheme a few years back that deleted the previous Jules Verne. This new theme clashes horribly with the land and the ride’s own exterior, but it’s still a fantastic ride overall.

Disneyland Paris Barbosa animatronic appreciation tweet 😍 pic.twitter.com/WOEZ41G3Jm — Guy Selga (@guyselga) August 17, 2022

Pirates of the Caribbean is another fantastic rendition of a classic ride with many elements that you’ll recognize from the American parks, but also several new ones, such as sword fighting pirates, another pirate swinging from a rope, and an encounter with Barbosa. Check out the video I posted on Twitter which is embedded above.

11. As I mentioned earlier, this is my first visit to Disneyland Paris so I don’t have any experience staying on site at Disneyland Paris beyond this one visit. But I will try to touch on some of the advantages and disadvantages of staying in one of Disney’s official hotels. We stayed at Disney Sequoia Lodge, which is thematically equivalent to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge in Walt Disney World. We would have splurged on Disneyland Hotel, which is at the entrance to the park, and has rooms that look out in to Disneyland Paris, but this hotel is closed for a multi-year refurbishment.

Sequoia Lodge’s exterior. It’s not as rustic or natural looking as Wilderness Lodge, but it’s still nice.

• Discovery: $229
• Magic Flex: $319
• Magic Plus: $369
• Infinity: $499

(Single day tickets range from $78 to $106, depending on the date)

Note: all these prices are using the current exchange rate from August, 2022.

The pass with no blockout dates during our visit was the Magic Plus pass so we went with that. With the pass 10% off every dining and merchandise purchase, and saved hundreds of dollars on our hotel room. This made the pass a no brainer. Also, annual passholders get in to the park 30 minutes early every day!

If you do decide to get an annual pass make sure you make you purchase with plenty of time in advance of your trip. Disney sends the annual passes in the mail, and there is no option to pick them up when you get to the park.

Whether you’re buying a ticket or annual pass, purchase it as soon as your travel dates are locked in so you can make park reservations.

The Disneyland Paris drone show thing is very cool. Throw drones in every Disney nighttime show. It’ll never get old. pic.twitter.com/KSUJJOMrp8 — Guy Selga (@guyselga) August 17, 2022

Follow me on Twitter: @GuySelga

Again I wanted to link to our fabulous TouringPlans travel agents who can help you book your trip to Disneyland Paris, Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line or almost anywhere else in the world. Click the link to get a quote .

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Guy Selga Jr.

Disneyland writer for TouringPlans.com and co-author of the Unofficial Guide to Disneyland. Also a Disneyland local and appreciator of Disney theme park history. Twitter and Instagram: @guyselga

16 thoughts on “ Disneyland Paris Tips and Observations From a First Time Visitor ”

Thanks for this post. We’ll potentially have only one afternoon and evening at the Park. I’ve got to investigate the best way to arrive from downtown Paris. Any suggestions? Trip is part of group tour July2024, we’re sneaking away for DLP.

The easiest way to get from central Paris to DLP is by train; the station is literally outside the front gate of the park and it’ll take you about 40-45 minutes from central Paris to get there. Trains are frequent and run late into the evening. You’re looking to travel to Marne la Vallee for the park. Have a great trip! 🙂

What are the best times of year to visit DLP?

Fun post. Totally agree about the shopping being underwhelming. Wanted to say that you can book hotel only reservations through multiple booking engines, a suggestion we got by calling the USA number for DLP reservations, (a $10 phone call btw). We used Hotels.com, and booked using a “double stamps” promo code, a nice bonus. We were there in June 2022 and paid only $160 per night to stay at Newport Bay. Rates ranged from $112 for Cheyenne and up to $360 for Art of Marvel. But June is considered the off season so that’s probably why prices were so good.

Chez Remy was a trip highlight and Tower of Terror was the best version of any we’ve tried.

Thank you for the great tips, and yes you can use those booking sites, but not if you have an annual pass.

I have been to all the Disney parks around the world (more than once) but Disneyland Paris is my ‘local’ Park (4 hour drive). I have been there 20+ times since the year 2000 and stayed at all the resort hotels (and offsife once). Disney studios park is not perfect but it does have the best ride (crush’s coaster is amazing) and a wonderful sit down restuarant (Chez Remy ‘ try it!). They are also expanding the park. The champagne in Disneyland Park is new and Walts is sadly only open at peak times (this is my fave in the whole resort). Of the hotels, I would recommend the Art of Marvel. The bar and sit down restuarant there are something very special. Being able to walk to the parks from the hotels is a great perk plus there are free shuttles (and the fact the parks are very close together). Phantom Manor Is wonderful especially the final scene and exterior. Thunder and Pirates are also great versions. The castle is very beautiful and the dragon is cool. The merch in the whole resort has really gone down hill lately-it used to be more varied. The steakhouse in Disney village is a great option for food. I think the perks of staying at a DLP hotel currently are better than the parks of staying at a WDW hotel (almost none right now).

Good comment. Thank you. You’re lucky to have such a beautiful park be your local Disney park.

We just got back from our first trip to DLP as well! Couldn’t agree more with all of your thoughts and adventures! Great bucket list item! Thanks for sharing.

Nice! I hope you had a great trip. Thanks for commenting.

There’s some excellent food at Disneyland Paris, but you have to know where to find it. Bistrot Chez Remy, over in the studios park, is very nice and worth the time. There’s even some decent quick service options but you have to know where to go and sometimes you’re just looking for the one nice option amongst a sea of meh. Cowboy Cookout is nice. There are some great options at the Gourmand food chalets in the studios park too; not cheap, but nice.

Things on the food and merchandise front have come on a great deal in the last few years, so I’m hopeful it will continue to improve as time goes on.

Hotel-wise, the Hotel New York Art of Marvel is absolutely stunning and worth every penny. Newport Bay is also good, but not as good as Marvel is (which makes sense since it has recently reopened after its own refurbishment).

I love Disneyland Paris; as a Brit it’s my home park so I’m a bit biased, but even though it’s not WDW it’s still a wonderful place to be.

Good tips about dining. Thank you!

Thanks for this post. I also experienced the weird lack of food at the park. Our first night in France we ate Doritos and Diet Coke for dinner. I think on another day the middle eastern buffet was actually open but the wait was 90 minutes and they couldn’t say if anything was vegetarian or not and my friend didn’t want to pay a million euro for green salad. I had a nice crepe from a cart once and a hilarious cheese salad that was a huge block of a cheese and a couple of very anemic-looking pieces of lettuce. This was a few years ago so maybe that’s easier now. I also agree about the other park being a sad place. Being spoiled Disneyland people we were taken aback by how surly the cast members were to the point where it was comical. Waiting an hour for the train was so bizarre to us. (Spoiled Disneyland people). It’s a really interesting experience and the castle dragon and Alice in Wonderland maze were really special.

Thanks for the comments!

I will be in Paris for another reason in December.

Can I do DLP in one day? I have about 5 days in France and don’t want to spend more than one day at DLP.

Is one day worth it?

I just got back from there and we did a one day park hopper pass and we got through just about everything in both parks. You have to have a good plan to do it but we did. Highly recommend eating at a restaurant as quick service food is very limited in the Disneyland park and carts serve repetitive and boring options.

In my opinion you’re not really seeing Disneyland Paris if you rush through it all in one day. You may ride all the rides but that park is so much more than rides. The walk throughs and shops and exploring all the details is very worth it. If you do only have one day I recommend skipping the Studios park entirely.

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Disneyland Paris: 12 Must-Read Tips For First Timers

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.

If you are planning a trip to Disneyland Paris with your family, you are probably soaking up many tips and itinerary options for your vacation. That’s why I’m here to narrow it down a bit and offer 12 things to know for your first Disneyland Paris visit. These Disneyland Paris Tips will help you have an amazing visit.

From hotels to attractions and entertainment to which Disneyland Paris tickets to purchase, there is a lot to decide on. These simple tips will help you make the most of your Disneyland Paris vacation!

What We Will Cover

Disneyland Paris: What To Know For Your First Visit

Disneyland Paris is made up of two theme parks: Disneyland Paris and WALT DISNEY Studios Park. They have a handful of on-site Disney hotels and includes Disney Village, the shopping and entertainment district of Disneyland Paris.

• Disneyland Paris is located outside of the city center. You can arrive by private car, taxi or public transportation. In fact, the  Paris  RER  train  (Réseau Express Régional) can take you from Paris right to Disneyland’s front gates. The train station is even closer than most of the Disney-owned hotels. 
• If you’re visiting on your departure or arrival day, Disneyland Paris will  store your luggage  at the park entrance. The security screening is airport-style so your luggage will fit just fine without the need for an interior search in most cases. 
• Park tickets and theme park reservations  are best secured in advance. Our partners at Get Away Today can secure those for you at the best price available. (Be sure you mention that Becca from This Crazy Adventure Called Life sent you!)

Bonus Disneyland Paris Tip:  Disneyland Paris (current at the time of publishing in 2022) still allows flexible park hopping. You can use early entry at one park and immediately hop to the other if you’d like. 

Disneyland Paris Hotels

• Onsite hotels save time and money. Compared to onsite hotel offerings at Disneyland California and Walt Disney World Florida, you might find the price point of  Disneyland Paris Hotels are very affordabl e. A quick email or call with our partners at Get Away Today can help navigate cost comparisons. Plus, they also offer free price monitoring after you book with refunds directly to you should the prices drop.
• We loved the  family suite at Newport Bay Club . The walk to and from the parks each day was minimal. The functionality of the room was superb. We had 2 double beds and 2 twin beds for our family of 5. It’s not at all unusual to find double beds rather than queen or kings in Paris. The layout and space worked better than I anticipated and we loved being inside the Disney magic 24/7.
• Club Level was an easy and cost-effective upgrade. I am used to prices at Disneyland California and  upgrading to Club Level   was still less expensive  than a regular night’s stay at the Grand Californian. We stayed for multiple nights and made good use out of our exclusive check-in area, private breakfast buffet dining, snacks, drinks, and tea time hours. We easily saved a good amount of money just by utilizing these perks.

Bonus Disneyland Paris Tip:  Staying onsite gives you access to early entry each day of your ticketed stay. We found it so beneficial for riding popular attractions like Crush’s Coaster. 

Disneyland Paris App

• Download the Disneyland Paris app and  use the directions feature to navigate the park . This resort has many winding pathways, playgrounds, and alternate routes that make Disneyland Paris so much fun to explore. Think Tom Sawyer Island, but almost everywhere. Instead of taking the main path, you can wander through caves or tunnels and end up at the same destination. This makes the app’s direction feature especially helpful in a new-to-you Disney park. 
• Wait times, including single rider wait times and skip-the-line features, are all available via the Disneyland Paris app. You can often use single rider on Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril several times over before the stand-by queue cycles. 
• Skip mobile order for now . In 2022 the mobile order system is in dire need of a tech overhaul. Besides only offering mobile orders for a handful of quick service locations, the process is difficult and faulty. It relies on unreliable wifi and cell signals and directs you through several steps via the app, a website, your email, and more. It’s clunky at best and takes more time than ordering in a regular line at times. 

Bonus Disneyland Paris Tip:  Each attraction also lists operating hours in the Disneyland Paris app. Some attractions close permanently earlier in the day than others. Don’t miss your favorites, keep an eye on those times. 

The Magic Of A Disneyland Paris Vacation

• Explore Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Paris  on your first trip! There is so much more to this castle than meets the eye. For one, picture-perfect spots surround this beauty. Don’t settle for the crowds and people in the background of your photos. Keep exploring and you will certainly find a place just for you! Don’t forget to go inside and beneath the castle to Dragon’s Lair.
• Hate the busy crowds of Main Street? The  Arcades of Disneyland Paris  are the best! We’re not talking video game arcades here. These are the covered pathways on both sides of Main Street. They’re often uncrowded and still give you access to Main Street shopping. These areas give you quicker walking access to other lands in Disneyland Paris.
• Break up your busy ride schedule with  The Lion King: Rhythms of the Pride Lands  at the Frontierland Theater. This show was a highlight of our family trip. It was unlike any other shows I’ve seen at Disneyland California. It completely entertained with 30 minutes of singing, dancing acrobatics, and stunts. I was blown away and so grateful we made time for this show in our itinerary. Don’t miss it!

Bonus Disneyland Paris Tip:  Use the Liberty Arcade on the left side of Main Street. Then take a slight left through another tunnel at the end of the arcade. This will lead you directly to the queue for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. It’s one of the most popular rides at Disneyland Paris, and this direct route gets you there fast!

Last thoughts on our first trip to Disneyland Paris . . . 

Our family of five spent 4 nights at Newport Bay Club Hotel. While my top choice was the Disneyland Hotel, it was undergoing extensive renovations while we visited during the 30th anniversary celebration.

Our park tickets included 4 days of parkhopping at Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney Studios Park. We upgraded to Club Level and had a half meal plan. The half meal plan allowed us to enjoy one sit-down meal each night of our stay.

We especially loved Bistrot Chez Rémy and Captain Jack’s. We also used our meal plan for character dining at Plaza Gardens which was phenomenal in both cuisine and character interaction. 

Disneyland Paris is an adorable, beautiful, and magical resort. We really enjoyed having that familiarity at the end of our 2 weeks in Paris. I highly recommend a visit to Disneyland Paris for any Disney fan coming to Europe. 

Guest Author: Jessica Sanders , The Happiest Blog On Earth

Jessica Sanders (@DisneylandPlan) writes at  The Happiest Blog on Earth  and is co-founder of “Disneyland with Kids” Facebook group . She loves being with family, sipping a Coke Zero, watching Dodger baseball and lounging on the beach.

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Get ready for your trip to Disneyland Paris... everything you need to know!

Whether you're staying in one of our Disney Hotels or simply coming for the day, we've got you covered with all the essential pre-arrival tips and information you need.

Works planned at Walt Disney Studios Park

Starting from October 2023, the entrance to Walt Disney Studios Park will go through several phases of works, including the closure of Studio 1.

Book a table at our themed restaurants

Buy Disney Premier Access in advance

Buy yourself peace of mind for our incredible shows

Our official app: your essential companion

Book restaurant tables, create your Wishlist, see show times and attraction wait times in real time on the day, and more! Download the official Disneyland Paris mobile app to start planning your visit today.​

Don’t forget to register your visit dates in advance!

If you have an undated Ticket or Pass, you must register your visit dates in advance to enter the Disney Parks.

Practical tips for a hassle-free trip

Guest Parking

Travelling from Paris?

Disney Park opening hours

Staying in a Disney Hotel? Here's what you need to know

Begin your Hotel check-in

Save time by beginning your check-in before you arrive for more time in the Disney Parks!

Discover your MagicPass

Your Disney Park Tickets, Meal Vouchers (if applicable) and more... on one handy card or QR code.

Add a Meal Plan

Plan your Disneylicious moments ahead of time by choosing a Meal Plan, exclusively for Hotel Guests.

Access your booking

Go to your Disney Account to manage your bookings and add extra options anytime.

Disney Hotel Guests: Book your table as soon as you receive your booking confirmation!

Our table service and all-you-can-eat restaurants are very popular, so get ahead and book your tables in advance on our website or official mobile app!

Prepare your trip and don’t miss a minute of the magic with our mobile app!

From the moment you book and throughout your stay, the official Disneyland Paris mobile app is your essential travel companion.

Your booking at a glance

Find practical information about your Disney Hotel, your upcoming table bookings, and even your digital MagicPass* (Disney Park Tickets, Meal Vouchers (if applicable), Guest Parking access and more)!

Mobile check-in

Check in from 7 days before, up to the day before, and simplify your arrival on the day. You’ll spend more time enjoying your Disney Hotel and the magic of the Disney Parks!

*If you book your stay 3 days or less before arrival, these services will not be available before your stay. You will need to go to your Disney Hotel’s Reception Desk to activate them on the day and pick up your Disney Park Tickets and Meal Vouchers (if applicable).

Luggage transfer to/from your Disney Hotel

Save time when you arrive: leave your luggage with us at Marne-La-Vallée/Chessy train station, just a few minutes’ walk from the entrance to the Disney Parks, collect your Park Tickets, then head straight to the heart of the magic!

Your questions... answered!

How does Extra Magic Time for Hotel Guests work?

When you stay in a Disney Hotel or Les Villages Nature Paris, you can enter the Disney Parks before the official opening time every day of your stay. Depending on the date of your visit, the duration of Extra Magic Time may vary, as may the number of Disney Parks for which it applies. You can check Extra Magic Time details for your specific visit date up to 3 months before on this page.

When can I check in to my Disney Hotel?

You can check in at all Disney Hotels any time on the day you arrive (except for Les Villages Nature Paris where check-in begins at 10am.) Reception is open 24 hours a day. Your room will be available from 3pm* onwards. If you arrive before your room is ready, you can collect your Disney Park Tickets from Reception, then head to the Disney Parks. *Except Disney Davy Crockett Ranch and Les Villages Nature Paris where rooms will be available from 4pm. Staying at a Partner Hotel? Find detailed information about your accommodation on this page.

When can I access my hotel room?

Your room will be available from 3pm*. If you arrive before your room is ready, you can collect your Disney Park Tickets from Reception and head to the Disney Parks. *Except for Disney Davy Crockett Ranch and Les Villages Nature Paris where rooms will be available from 4pm. Staying at a Partner Hotel? Find detailed information about your accommodation on this page.

What time do I need to check out?

For Disney Hotels, after 11am your key will be deactivated and you will no longer be able to access your room. You don't need to physically check out at Reception. The Hotel will take any remaining payments automatically and close your account. You can review your bill in your room, directly on your television. Staying at Les Villages Nature Paris or a Partner Hotel? Find detailed information about your accommodation on this page.

What can I do with my luggage?

You have a few options for your luggage. Leave your bags at the Hotel You can leave your bags at your Disney Hotel's Left Luggage room (open 24 hours). Please note: Disney Davy Crockett Ranch and Les Villages Nature Paris do not offer this service. Use the Hotel Luggage Service In certain Disney Hotels there is a luggage service, please ask at Reception for more information. Coming by car? In order to reduce wait times and avoid over-crowding at the Left Luggage room, we recommend you leave your suitcases in the boot of your car at your Disney Hotel.

Can I cancel or change my Disney Hotel+Tickets package?

At the moment, you can change or cancel your Disney Hotel+Tickets package without fees (excluding insurance if applicable) anytime up to 7 days before your arrival date. See our dedicated page for more details.

(1) Paid service, subject to availability. With guaranteed access, you can attend the show at the selected time, unless for any reason the show is cancelled, for example due to poor weather conditions.

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9 things to know about visiting Disneyland Paris if you've only been to US Disney parks

In between touring the Louvre, strolling the banks of the Seine and ascending the Eiffel Tower, many visitors to the City of Light also pay a visit to Disneyland Paris. Situated to the east of the city, the resort is home to Europe's largest (and most visited) theme park.

With China still closed to tourism and Japan only starting to reopen, Disneyland Paris is the international Disney resort that is currently the most accessible to the traveling world. Combine this with the fact that Paris is set to host the Summer Olympics in 2024 and it's safe to say that many visitors will likely soon pass through the theme park's gates.

While Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, is my family's home park, we frequently visit Disney destinations around the world. So, when we had the chance to spend several weeks in France and the United Kingdom this summer, we knew we had to set aside a little time to see what France's version of Mickey Mouse had to deliver.

Not surprisingly, we found that Disneyland Paris does a lot of things in a slightly different way. However, one detail remains a constant across all the parks, Disneyland Paris included: Guests who pre-plan, know what to expect and understand the rules will surely have a magical vacation.

Disneyland Paris basics

Before delving into all you need to know about experiencing Disneyland Paris, it's important to have a lay of the land and understand the logistics of getting to the property.

Located about 25 miles east of Paris ' city center in Chessy, France, Disneyland Paris is easy to reach by train. The Marne-la-Vallée–Chessy train station sits a few steps away from the park's entrance and is accessible via Réseau Express Régional routes departing from downtown Paris and Trains à Grande Vitesse routes that leave Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and other destinations in France.

Once at the property, you'll notice that Disneyland Paris has a similar layout to Disneyland Resort. Two theme parks — Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park — comprise the resort, with each within walking distance of the other. There is also an adjacent shopping and entertainment district known as Disney Village, as well as multiple themed hotels with additional services and dining locations.

Like all the Disney parks, Disneyland Paris is a bucket list experience for Disney fans, regardless of when you visit. However, now is an especially magical time to check out the resort, as it's celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2022, with celebrations set to continue until Sept. 30, 2023.

Related: How to do the sold-out 'Disney Parks Around the World' trip on points and miles

Essential Disneyland Paris tips

If you are considering or planning a visit to Disneyland Paris, it's vital to know about the resort's unique rules and tricks. Even as a seasoned Disneyland and Walt Disney World visitor, I had to learn a lot of new things while at Disneyland Paris. Fortunately for us, the pieces ultimately fell into place once we identified the major differences. Here's what you need to know:

Related: How to use miles to fly to Paris

Logistics are easier

Recently, Disneyland and Disney World have received a lot of negative press for their complicated post-pandemic rules and procedures. While Disneyland Paris did implement a few changes after its reopening that have stuck, nearly everything is much easier to navigate for the casual visitor.

For example, Disneyland Paris does require park reservations for some guests, but if you are booking a Disneyland vacation package for a stay at an on-property hotel, then no park reservations are required.

Ticketing options are simpler, more flexible and overall less expensive as well. Guests who purchase park tickets as part of a vacation package will find ticketing to be as easy as showing up and entering. If you are not purchasing a ticket as part of a package, it's still a fairly straightforward process. Once you know how many days you'll be visiting, all that's left to decide is whether you want a dated or an undated ticket. (Dated tickets are cheaper but require picking your entry dates when you book, whereas undated tickets are pricier but let you choose your park dates after booking.) If you pick a dated ticket, you can then opt for a park hopper or one-park option. That's about it. Should your plans change, tickets are fully refundable up until three days prior to their valid date.

Thankfully, tickets are cheaper than in the U.S. with one-day, one-park tickets starting around $70-$80, depending on the date. In the U.S., they can be roughly double that price.

Disneyland Paris also doesn't have arbitrary time limits on its park hopping hours. If you've purchased a park hopper ticket, you are free to go back and forth between the two parks at any time of day.

In short, there are fewer opportunities at Disneyland Paris to make a mistake and find that you've run afoul of some obscure new rule. We found that assurance comforting, especially when dealing with the greater logistical challenges already inherent in an international trip.

Related: The best credit cards for a theme park vacation

Ride lines are mostly manageable

The most common complaints about theme parks around the world are the crowds and long lines. Disneyland Paris certainly has its fair share of both, but we were pleasantly surprised to find that standby queues for attractions were not as painfully long as guests might fear.

My family visited during a peak time of year (the U.K.'s summer recess from school), so we experienced ride lines at close to their worst. Lines were a little longer than I like to stand in but were by no means as terrible as lines you'll find at Disneyland or Disney World on a very busy day. If you can time your visit for a weekday when kids are not on break, you'll likely have an even more manageable time at Disneyland Paris.

Of course, there are tricks to finding shorter lines, including arriving early for rope drop or staying late after many guests retire for the evening. Disneyland Paris also has single-rider lines for a number of popular attractions that can save you time. We used all of these tricks to great effect.

Additionally, Disneyland Paris has a skip-the-line FastPass-style program of its own for select rides, with two paid options available: Disney Premier Access One and Disney Premier Access Ultimate.

With the more affordable Premier Access One program, you pay between 9 and 18 euros (roughly $9-$18) per ride for expedited access at a particular time via the attraction's fast lane. Meanwhile, the Premier Access Ultimate program automatically gives you access to each ride's fast lane whenever you want for a higher price (usually well above 100 euros, or $100, per person, per day).

Since fewer guests use these pay-to-play options at Disneyland Paris, they don't have as great of an impact on standby lines for non-paying guests. As a result, my family decided to skip the high cost of the upgraded Premier Access option and instead purchase three regular Premier Access One passes during our three-day visit. We found them to be far less complex than Disney's confusing paid Genie+ and Lightning Lane systems currently in operation at Walt Disney World and Disneyland. Our most valuable purchase was for Crush's Coaster, which historically has the longest line at either park.

The second park is weak

Disneyland Paris includes two parks, but guests should know before deciding how to divide their time that the parks are far from equal. Disneyland Park is the property's main draw and where most guests spend the bulk of their time. There's also Walt Disney Studios Park, which only has a couple of major attractions mixed in with a lot you can skip, making it the much weaker of the two parks.

Recognizing this lack of star power at the latter, Disney has started making incremental changes to Walt Disney Studios Park. Earlier this summer, a brand new land called Marvel Avengers Campus debuted in the park.

Like its counterpart in Anaheim, the land has a new "Spider-Man"-themed attraction and a lot of new characters and dining locations. Avengers Campus delivers a solid product just like it does in Anaheim, but it's not enough to redeem the park as a whole. Walt Disney Studios Park still has a long way to go.

Thankfully, there is more coming, with a "Frozen" land set to debut in 2024. Still, until that area opens, Walt Disney Studios Park remains a half-day park at best. If you're a frequent Disneyland visitor like me and my family, odds are you'll want to allot even less time for the park, as Paris' Avengers Campus isn't that different from what you'll find in Anaheim.

It can be done as a day trip

With so many other can't-miss attractions in the City of Light, it's understandably hard to justify spending too many days at a theme park. So, a lot of travelers visit Disneyland Paris as a day trip from the city, as it's only about a 40-minute train ride away from the city center.

If your time will be limited when you visit, know that it's still possible to get a solid overview of the parks in a single day. You'll be able to ride quite a few of the headliner attractions in that time, especially if you budget for a couple of Premier Access One passes. Since Walt Disney Studios Park lacks the same wow factor as Disneyland Park, you can easily get by with a single-park ticket instead of the park hopper upgrade.

That said, Disney fans would be remiss if they didn't set aside a little more time for the parks.

Disneyland Paris is nearly as large as Disneyland Resort, so you'll need more than a day to truly see it all, especially if you want to ride every unique attraction available. We allotted a full day and two half days (an evening on our arrival and a morning before flying elsewhere in Europe) for our Disneyland Paris visit and found it was just about the right amount of time for a family of Disney fans.

Related: Where to stay in Paris

The food is not on par with the US parks

Travelers come from around the world to experience France's magnificent food scene. Unfortunately, there is very little of that fine cuisine at Disneyland Paris.

I had heard from friends and fellow Disney experts for many years that the food in Disneyland Paris was terrible, so my family had low expectations when it was time for our visit. Much to my surprise, everything wasn't inedible slop: Every quick-service meal and buffet we had was entirely adequate. In fact, the food was pretty similar in quality to an average quick-service meal you'll get at Disneyland or Disney World. Prices weren't excessively high, either.

Where the food faltered most was in the sit-down establishments. For example, my husband and daughter ate at Captain Jack's, a fine dining restaurant overlooking the Pirates of the Caribbean ride that reminded them of Disneyland Resort's Blue Bayou. They found the meal was quite expensive, especially since both of their dishes were extremely overcooked. I've heard similar complaints from friends who've dined at Bistrot Chez Rémy in recent years as well.

We found some other food inadequacies at Disneyland Paris, too. The parks simply don't have a lot of snack options or variety, a strange state of affairs given how the U.S. parks churn out new, Instagrammable treats for every holiday or special event under the sun.

Disneyland Paris also doesn't keep all its in-park restaurants open full-time. A number of quick-service options close before the dinner hour, leaving pretty slim pickings for guests who haven't made reservations at pricier sit-down restaurants.

To avoid being disappointed during your visit, do as we did and make food as little of a focus of your trip as possible. Skip the expensive table-service restaurants and instead plan in advance to eat some utilitarian theme park basics like chicken fingers, pizza and burgers at quick-service establishments. As long as you check in advance so you know which options are open, particularly later in the day, you'll have no trouble filling empty stomachs.

Service isn't quite up to Disney standards

While I hate to be a stereotypical American complaining about French service, the reality is that there are subjective cultural differences that many visitors to Disneyland Paris will probably perceive when it comes to service. France just doesn't have the same tradition of effusive, overly friendly customer service that guests who frequent the American (or even the Asian) Disney parks are used to.

That's not to say that the customer service in Disneyland Paris is poor. We found most cast members quite courteous and even had a couple of magical moments with a select few. We were also impressed by the fact that every cast member we encountered spoke English, which we found helpful since none of us speak French.

Still, cast members were noticeably more blunt in tone and less visible everywhere in the parks. I got the distinct impression that there were fewer cast members per capita in the Paris parks than in other Disney parks I have visited. This was especially evident at the park entrances, where cast members were in short supply for morning rope drop. Clueless guests were trying to scan their tickets and passes at the turnstiles only to encounter errors and slow down the lines considerably at a pivotal time.

Ultimately, park operations felt a little more like a regional theme park in America than the gold standard of Disney efficiency and warmth.

The parks' beauty is its own attraction

What Disneyland Paris lacks in customer service it more than makes up for in beauty.

Disneyland Park is easily the most beautiful theme park I've visited. It feels like a microcosm of the well-designed city of Paris itself, with wide pathways surrounded by colorful, meticulously maintained landscaping. Many of the ride buildings have bold theming that commands your attention, such as the Jules Verne-inspired Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain.

This unique atmosphere means that guests should approach a visit to the resort a little differently. Disneyland Paris is a park that is meant to be savored. If you run from ride to ride all day, you'll miss a major part of what makes the property so special.

We slowed down during parts of our trip and made time to explore some of the non-ride attractions and specially themed play areas (which are far more ubiquitous than in the U.S. parks). We found these areas sparked the curiosity of our kids, who enjoyed wandering the meandering pathways and playing in spaces like Alice's Curious Labyrinth and Skull Rock.

Another visual delight was the arcades — enclosed pathways that run behind the shops of Main Street U.S.A. These pathways serve the practical purpose of moving big crowds but in a visually stunning setting. Of course, the awe-inspiring Disneyland Paris castle is another gorgeous feature that no guest should miss.

Many attractions are familiar — but uniquely different

A quick glance at the map of Disneyland Paris may give the impression that the park is largely a clone of the Magic Kingdom in Florida or Disneyland Park in California . Sure, quite a few attractions, such as Peter Pan's Flight and Mad Hatter's Tea Cups, are similar to what you'll find in the U.S., but a number of rides at Disneyland Paris actually have unique twists all their own despite looking like carbon copies of their American counterparts.

For example, two thrill rides, Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain, are far more intense than those in the U.S. As such, roller coaster lovers should make a beeline for them. Parents, on the other hand, will probably need to pause and consider whether more cautious kids in the family are ready for the more intense experience.

Additionally, spooky rides like Phantom Manor (similar to the Haunted Mansion) and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror have very different storylines than the ones in the U.S. Both have an edgier and more morbid vibe thanks to the French influence.

Even some children's rides have new angles. Casey Jr., for example, is actually a mild kiddie coaster rather than the slow-moving train that sits in Anaheim. Storybook Land Canal Boats brings guests through different fairy-tale scenes than the ones that appear at Disneyland Resort, too.

Given how many rides vary here despite their similar theming, you should err on the side of riding as much as possible while at Disneyland Paris. Though you may think you've experienced a ride before in Florida or California, chances are it will offer a very new experience.

Related: I've visited every Disney park. Here's the best of the best

On-property hotels fall short

For guests who plan to visit for more than a day trip, there are seven on-property hotels to choose from.

As you may expect, Disneyland Paris is no exception to the price premium you'll pay to stay on property when visiting Disney. Still, there are a couple of key benefits, including the proximity to the parks and the early entry benefit (known here as Extra Magic Hours), that swayed our family to stay at the on-site Disney Sequoia Lodge.

A moderately-priced hotel with national park lodge theming, the Disney Sequoia Lodge's rooms and common areas felt extremely tired and dated. In fact, the hotel was nowhere near as nice as the newly renovated value resorts at Walt Disney World such as Disney's Pop Century Resort , despite being more expensive. As a result, it didn't seem to offer as much value as what we're used to getting when staying at American Disney properties.

Other properties like the flagship Disneyland Hotel, which sits right above the Disneyland Paris park gates, may provide more value but are currently unavailable due to an extensive renovation expected to wrap up in 2024.

In the meantime, the most luxurious option is the newly renovated Disney Hotel New York — The Art of Marvel. While it is visually stunning, my family couldn't justify paying peak summer prices of more than $800 a night to stay in a small hotel room that had two double beds and was a 15-minute walk from the gates.

Given the shortcomings of these hotels, you may find it hard to stomach spending hundreds of dollars on a room that's officially on property. So, if you're on a tighter budget, you may be better served by staying off-property, especially if you wouldn't use the early entry benefit.

Bottom line

While there were a couple of ways in which the French parks underdelivered, Disneyland Paris is mostly a positive and enjoyable experience.

Disneyland Paris has a number of surprising and delightful differences that Disney fans will enjoy, from its beautiful grounds to unique attraction variations. Visiting Disneyland Paris also requires less preparation and touring the parks there feels less stressful.

In a way, we found our trip replicated the experience of visiting the U.S. parks a decade or more ago when the costs and the stakes of taking a theme park vacation weren't quite so high. Because of this, Disneyland Paris is well worth a Paris detour.

Planning a Disneyland Paris vacation? Read more about visiting Paris:

• 11 things I learned during my trip to Paris
• 15 things to see and do on your first trip to Paris
• Paris on points is possible — here's where to stay
• 8 mistakes travelers often make during their first trip to Paris
• Paris Charles de Gaulle vs. Orly: Which airport should you fly into?

Planning Away

Planning Disneyland Paris – The Best Disneyland Paris Tips For First-Timers

Are you planning Disneyland Paris for your next vacation?  Need some Disneyland Paris tips for first-timers? 

Awesome, you are going to have a blast! Disney in Paris is a dream! This Disneyland Paris guide will answer many of your questions. 

Planning a Disneyland Paris trip was difficult for me the first time.  I wasn't sure if it involved as much planning as Disney World or not as much planning as  Disneyland California .  There wasn't very much information online to help me navigate what the best hotels are, the best food, or rides.  As a planner, I felt like the information I wanted was not available.  Now that I have been I hope to give you lots of great information so you can plan a trip to Disneyland Paris.   

In this post, we will talk about the basics for planning a Disneyland Paris trip. From tickets, accommodations, attractions, and helpful Disneyland Paris tips for first-timers! 

Let's start planning Disneyland Paris! 

If you want to save this information for later be sure to pin this to Pinterest. 

This post may contain affiliate links that will give me a commission at no additional charge to you. 

Plan Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris is located Marne-la-Valle'e, which is about 45 minutes from the center of Paris.  So keep this in mind when planning Disneyland Paris logistics. 

Disneyland Paris 

Disneyland Paris consists of two parks: Parc Disneyland and Walt Disney Studios Park.  There are on-site Disney hotels, restaurants, and the Disney Village entertainment and shopping district.  

Knowing what to expect will help you plan EuroDisney

Picking A Date for Disneyland Paris

I think most Americans going to Disneyland Paris will coincide with a European vacation .  Disneyland Paris may be an “in addition” to our Paris trip.  That is totally fine.  If you already have a date in mind to visit Paris then you know what dates you will want for Disneyland Paris.

If you are wanting to know the best time to go to Disneyland Paris, there are a few factors to consider when planning Disneyland Paris:

• Low/High Season
• Crowd Levels
• Day of the week

High Season at Disneyland Paris

The high season is from April 1st to October 31st.  High season is great because the weather is very nice, the days are longer, and there are more shows and attractions open.  The downside is that it is more crowded.  

My Experience

We went in the middle of October and there weren't many lines.  The weather was nice.  It was wonderful! We thought this was a great time to visit Disneyland Paris.

Low Season at Disneyland Paris

Low season is from November 1st to March 31st.   Typically, the crowd levels are going to be lower (minus Christmas) and the ticket prices go down.

Some of the disadvantages of going in the low season are that some of the shows and attractions may be closed.  The weather is also not ideal.  

Crowd Levels and Holidays at Disneyland Paris

Usually, during holidays the park becomes very crowded.  Avoid these holidays:

• New Year’s Day
• Easter Sunday
• Easter Monday:
• Victory in Europe Day
• Ascension Day
• Whit Monday
• National Day
• Assumption of Mary
• All Saints’ Day
• Armistice Day
• Christmas Day
• School Holidays

Disneyland Paris Tip for First-Timers

There is a reason that the holidays are crowded and may be a reason you would want to go during that time.  Christmas at Disneyland Paris is magical. 

There are beautiful decorations and special shows and overlays.   Summer will be more crowded but the weather is perfect. Keep this in mind when planning Disneyland Paris! 

If you want to avoid crowds stick to the low season! 

Weather at Disneyland Paris

In low season November – March the average temperatures are in the high 40's and low 50's.  That is too cold for me!!!!!

In the high season, April – November the highs are in the low 60's and high 70's.  I went to Paris in August and thought it was chilly and needed a jacket.  

May is the rainiest month so if you do go during the rainy season make sure you bring a poncho or umbrella . 

Best Day of the Week to Visit Disneyland Paris

Typically, Tuesday – Thursday the crowd levels are lower. The ticket prices are lower during the week as well. Weekends tend to be busier.  This makes this the best time to go to Disneyland Paris. 

How Many Days Do I Need At Disneyland Paris?

I think you need 2-3 days at Disneyland Paris. Two days will give you a taste of both parks. A third day would allow you to do everything you missed and re-visit some of your favorite attractions.

How to Get to Disneyland Paris?

When planning Disneyland Paris, transportation is key. There are a few ways to get to Disneyland Paris.  

Airports Near Disneyland Paris

• Charles de Gaulle CDG

Both airports are located about 1 hour from Disneyland Paris.  If you fly into Paris you will want to rent a car or take a third-party Disney transportation bus.  

Driving to Disneyland Paris

One nice thing about driving to Disneyland Paris is that in France they drive on the same side of the road as Americans.  The drive to Disneyland Paris is remote and country land.  

If you want to stay off-site you will probably want a car (unless the hotel offers a shuttle service).  

Renting a Car

Renting a car is easy in Europe.  You can go through Priceline or Auto Europe Rental Cars .  I think it is better to book ahead of time so you don't run into any problems when you arrive.  

Bus Transportation

It was very easy to book a Disneyland Paris bus .  There is a Disney counter at the CDG airport.  You could buy transportation and tickets.  We decided to take the bus so from experience,  I can tell you it  was nice and comfortable.  

Tips on Flying to Disneyland Paris

We found that flying from London to Disneyland Paris didn't save us too much time compared to taking the train from London to Disneyland Paris. (We did both.)  We had to get to the airport early, go through security, and when we arrived in Paris we had to wait in a very long customs line.  (It took us an hour.)

The benefit was that on Air France they give croissants.  That may have made it worth it.   

My Experience with Flying

We were hoping that we could get to the park when it opened but we did not realize how far of a drive it was from the airport to the park.  Plus, we had to drop off our bags at the hotel.  We arrived about an hour and a half after the park opened.  

Taking a Train to Disneyland Paris

There is a train station at the entrance of Disneyland Paris.  It is so easy to take the train.  If you are coming from Paris, there is a direct line.  

Eurostar: London to Disneyland Paris

If you are coming from London the Eurostar is a great option.  Also, known as “the Chunnel” because it actually goes beneath the English Channel for 31 miles.  This might be a little more expensive than flying but is considered a luxury train and offers great amenities.  We rode the Eurostar from Paris to London after our Disneyland Paris trip.

Planning Disneyland Paris

There are a few things while planning Disneyland Paris to consider.  Getting your tickets, accommodations, dining, and reservations are the most important steps.  Let's break them down.

Ticket's To Disneyland Paris

Ticket prices vary depending on what time of year you go.  They can be as low as $63 during the off-season and around $110 during peak times. 

Ticket with Shuttle Service

Disneyland Paris also offers a ticket that will include a transfer fare to/from Paris.  (the train station is at the entrance of Disneyland)

Park Hopping at Disneyland Paris

1-2 park ticket.

Disneyland Paris has two parks.  Walt Disney Studios Park and Disneyland Park.  You can get a park hopper ticket that allows you to go to both parks on the same day.  

You also have the option to play in just one park per day .  

Park hopping is really easy to do at Disneyland Paris.  The parks are right next to each other. It makes planning Disneyland Paris easy when you know that you do not have to travel far to park-hop.   

Disneyland Paris Reservation

Disneyland Paris has dated tickets, which means that you pick a date and park when you purchase your ticket.  You do not have to do a separate reservation after you purchase tickets (like Disneyland California or Disney World)

Exception to the Rule  

You can purchase a non-dated ticket that will need to be registered when you decide which date you would like to go on.  These tickets are good for 1 year.  Non-dated tickets are more expensive.  

Accommodations at Disneyland Paris

Accommodations at Disneyland Paris.  Disney has done a great job with providing accommodations near Disneyland Paris (Remember it is in the country.) 

There are 8 Disneyland Paris Hotels. These hotels are categorized similarly as Disney Worlds (deluxe, moderate,…) However, keep your expectations low.  The deluxe hotel we stayed at at Disneyland Paris felt more like a moderate resort at Disney World.

Disneyland Hotel

The Disneyland Hotel is the nicest hotel at Disneyland Paris.  It has direct access to the parks.  It offers more perks and benefits compared to staying at any of the other resorts.  It is designed with an American victorian feel.   

Disney's Newport Bay Club

The Newport Bay Club is where we stayed when we went to Disneyland Paris.  The main reason we booked it was because we love the Beach Club Resort at Disney World.  We love the New England design as well. 

Newport does not compare to Beach Club.  I just want to throw that out there.  It was nice but not nearly as nice as the deluxe resorts at Disney World.  

Disney's Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel

I am kind of excited about this hotel.  It just opened in 2021.  It looks nice and is completely themed off of the Marvel Universe.  

It is not as expensive as the new Star Wars Hotel at Disney World but it is up there.  

Moderate and Value Resorts 

The following three resorts are in the moderate/value category:

• Disney's Sequoia Resort
• Disney's Cheyenne Resort 
• Disney's Hotel Santa Fe

All of these resorts are themed after American areas. The Sequoia Resort (moderate) represents the national parks such as Yosemite and Yellowstone.  The pool is really nice.  Cheyenne Resort (value) replicates the wild wild west. The Santa Fe Resort(Value) has a Pixar Cars theme.

Nature Resorts 

There are two nature resorts.  These resorts are not located close to the parks.  They are:

• Disney Davy Crockett Ranch
• Villages Nature Paris

Disney Davy Crockett Ranch is in the midst of a large forest with cozy cabins to sleep in.  It offers swimming and sports activities. 

Villages Nature Paris is an experience all of its own.  It is not located close to Disneyland Paris but does offer a shuttle service.  You can easily spend all your time at this hotel and enjoy the amenities without having to go to a park.  

My Opinion 

We stayed at Disney's Newport Bay.  I feel like it was a very similar price as Beach Club yet it didn't offer the luxury that I experienced at Disney World. 

The check-in process was not as smooth as at Disney World.  However, I am still glad I stayed there.  I will probably try the New York Hotel or the Disneyland Hotel to see if it can compete with the Disney World resorts next time.  

Value Resorts

We were able to check out the Cheyenne Resort on our last trip.  ( I needed to do laundry)  It does have a fun wild west feel.  I had the opportunity to check out the rooms and the amenities and I was a little shocked.  It felt like a Motel 6.  The dryer didn't work.  Let's just say I was so glad that I didn't book a night there (Spoiled American) 

Staying Off-Site

We decided to stay one night off-site to save a little money.  The hotel rooms are a lot less expensive and most will offer a free shuttle service to Disneyland Paris.  

We stayed at the Dream Castle Marne La Vallee. It was okay. I would say a three-star hotel is equivalent to a 2 star in the US. ( as a reference) 

Disneyland Paris Tips for First-Timers

All Disney hotels have a shuttle to the park.  Most of the off-site locations offer the same service.  The pick-up/drop-off area is conveniently located near the entrance of the parks and by the train station. 

Dining at Disneyland Paris

When planning Disneyland Paris dining is an important factor.  Disneyland Paris offers 3 dining plan options:

• Breakfast Only
• Half Board 

Half board is breakfast at your hotel and 1 restaurant of your choice while in the park.

Full Board 

The full board offers 3 meals per day.  

Standard vs. Plus Option

There are two additional options you can add to your dining plan. Standard includes all-you-can-eat-buffets and counter service.  The plus option allows for a table service experience. 

Disneyland Tips for First-Timers

Make reservations for table service locations ahead of time.  

Rides, Shows, and Attractions at Disneyland Paris

I will not go into too much detail in this planning guide with ride plans and itineraries.  But some of the rides to look forward to that are only at Disneyland Paris and no other Disney Park in the World are:

• Phantom Manor
• Toy Story Land (not like Disney World)
• Different Space Mountain
• Crush's Coaster
• Cinemagique
• Armageddon 
• Alice's Curious Labyrinth
• Indiana Jones el Temple of Peril

Free fast passes are gone at Disneyland Paris.  Premier Access is the new program to gain a front-of-the-line ticket.  You can purchase your pass on the Disneyland App.  It is expensive…..It is not a flat fee but over 9 Euros per ride!!! 

Hopefully, planning Disneyland Paris just got a little easier with this guide.  Whether you are spending a day at Disneyland Paris or a week, I would love to answer any more questions you might have regarding one of the best theme parks in Europe !  

 I know I had so many questions when we planned our trip.  If you have additional questions just ask! 

Have More Questions

Join the   Families Who Love Disney Facebook Group .  This is a great group that can help you answer your questions. 

Also, the latest and coolest Disney news, products, and vacation tips are posted here weekly! If you have any questions about  Disneyland Tickets , star wars land , the best age to go to Disneyland , Disneyland Itinerary help , Disneyland Souvenirs,   or the Disney Halloween Parties or special events this is the place to ask! 

Facebook Community

If you have any questions be sure to join my   Facebook Travel Community.    This great community can help answer any questions you may have about your upcoming trips. Plus, I try to add any great deals or promotions that companies send me!

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46 Comments

Great blog. My friends are going to Paris in September and were having difficulty finding information on Disneyland Paris. You have provided so many great tips and we are thankful for all of your info.

Oh good, yes, we found it hard to plan when we went!

I’ve been to Disneyland Paris once – YEARS ago and now that we’ve been to Disney World so many times, I’d love to go again and do another comparison!

It doesn’t compare to Disney World but it is fun to have Disney in Europe!

I am definitely a planner and Disneyland Paris is high in my bucket list. I really appreciate all the tips and resources that you shared here. Saving this for later.

Oh good. We loved going!

Love all these great tips! Really helps to manage expectations and make the most out of your first time visiting Disneyland.

Yes, for sure!

Oooh! I love this post! I’ve always wanted to go to Disneyland Paris. I think my mom and I are going to try and go next year, this is so helpful!

How interesting to see the differences and the choices!

There are some fun differences.

Thank you for the high season dates. We like to avoid lots of people.

It would be so fun to go to Disneyland Paris!

I plan on another visit!

Great tips! I would have “assumed” that it would be very much like visiting the Disney parks in the U.S., but it sounds like there are definitely some extra considerations to think about. I appreciate the honest reviews of accommodations.

Yes, that is what I observed!

I’m so glad you included a list of things you can’t find at other Disney locations!

That is what I wanted to know when I went!

I had no idea Disneyland Paris was a thing!

Totally a thing!

This is so much great information. Thank you so much for sharing. I will be saving this for I plan my family’s trip to Disneyland Paris.

I’ve never been to Disneyland Paris. Appreciate this comprehensive guide for first-time visitors.

It is a fun place!

I’m a planner and these are thorough and concise recommendations for planning that Disneyland in Paris trip! Thank you for sharing them.

Yes, I learned a lot!

Disneyland Paris is high on our bucket list. Our daughter did an extended French program at school, and would love to see Paris. Of course, we can’t go to Paris without seeing Disney.

Exactly, yes you have to go!

Great tips! I wondered how overseas Disney properties would differ from the ones here in the States.

Yes, it was different still fun!

Until recently, I didn’t even know Disney existed outside of the United States. I’d love to visit Disneyland Paris over Christmas to see the magic, even if I’d have to fight the crowds.

They say it is magical but I think Paris would be freezing in December but maybe worth it!

Wait, there’s a Disneyland in Paris? How did I not know this? Thanks for the great tips!

Yes, and also in 2 in China and 1 in Japan.

What a great review. We have been looking at visiting – Paris was cancelled two years ago….. Love all the wonderful information.

I hope you can go soon!

Now this would be my dream vacation. Paris + Disney = Heaven on earth. Thanks for all this great information. Hopefully I will be able to put this to good use in the near future.

Yes! Sign me up too! I want to go back!

I’ve never been to Disneyland Paris but I’d love to visit other Disney parks besides the one in Anaheim. If I ever get to Paris though, as you said, Disneyland would be an “in addition to” part of our vacation! But it sounds like a great time!

I agree 100%. It is in addition to a europe trip!

Great tips! I’ve not gotten there yet, but one day!!

It is a fun place to spend a day if you are already in Paris!

Lots of great information for people planning this trip. While we frequented theme parks a lot when the kids were young and enjoyed them, nowadays we tend to gravitate toward more nature-oriented trips.

I love the combination of both! Theme parks are my favorite but I really love national Parks

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101 Disneyland Paris Tips

For many people, a trip to Disneyland Paris is their first exposure to an international park. For others, their first exposure to a Disney park. Either way, there are a lot of things that can save you time and money, or improve the quality of your vacation. Here are 101 random tips based upon our experiences in visiting Disneyland Paris.

With Disneyland Paris, it’s almost as important to know what not to do as it is what to do. Our goal with these Disneyland Paris tips is making sure everyone has a good time. You get hungry at 7 p.m. and expect to find a convenient place to eat? You’re gonna have a bad time. You expect bubbly ‘have a magical day’ encounters with Cast Members? You’re gonna have a bad time. You head to Walt Disney Studios Park after visiting Parc Disneyland expecting a similarly-themed masterpiece? You’re gonna have a bad time.

This list could go on and on. While this may seem like it’s in jest, it really is not. We think that one of the main reasons Disneyland Paris is so divisive is because a lot of guests go in with expectations created via experiences at Walt Disney World, and Disneyland Paris is totally different than that. In our estimation, it’s not different in a worse way, rather different in a way that requires adjusting expectations…

By the way, if you have some good tips–particularly from a French, British, or other European perspective–be sure to add them to the comments. We’re approaching this as Americans, so our experiences might very well differ from other Disneyland Paris regulars.

With that said, let’s dig into our 101 best Disneyland Paris tips…

• If you’re booking a vacation package, comparison shop pricing on the U.S., U.K., German, and other European versions of the Disneyland Paris sites. Disney (controversially) offers different pricing and promos to different regions, so you could get a better deal by booking through a different version of the site.
• While all counter service restaurants offer set menus including an entree, side(s), and drink, you can save money by purchasing entrees alone. Although only listed on some menu boards, a la carte entrees are available at nearly all restaurants (and are more frequently listed on the printed menus distributed to guests).
• Two things you absolutely need to pack for a trip to France are ponchos (rain is not an uncommon thing) and external battery chargers for your phone . These are just two of the unorthodox things on our Unique Disney Packing List post.
• Our favorite on-site Disneyland Paris hotel is Sequoia Lodge . Think of it as the Parisian version of Wilderness Lodge. We cover the other hotels in our Disneyland Paris Hotel Comparison post.
• The Half and Full Board Meal Packages can offer savings on dining at Disneyland Paris if you choose pricier restaurants (such as Auberge de Cendrillon, Bistrot Chez Remy, and California Grill). Here’s a good run-down on what’s included with the various packages.
• Due to a relatively new French law, restaurants cannot offer refills on sugary drinks. Even prior to this law, few restaurants at Disneyland Paris offered refills, but now even the Coke Freestyle machines being added at places like Five Guys will only fill one cup.
• Staying on-site at a Disneyland Paris hotel adds to the experience, but the hotels are inexplicably expensive for their quality. We recommend staying off-site in nearby Val d’Europe (the RER train stop before Disneyland Paris).
• Our top pick for off-site hotels in Val d’Europe is Hipark Serris, a budget apartment-style hotel, which is actually within walking distance (~15 minutes) of the parks.
• Many restaurants in Disneyland Paris close at or around 5 p.m., making dinner lines for popular locations very long. Waits of 30-45 minutes just to order are not uncommon. If you’re not a senior, we recommend holding off on dinner until after the park closes in Disney Village (Earl of Sandwich, Five Guys, and even McDonald’s are suitable options).
• If you’re caffeine addicts like us, we recommend bringing your own “fix” in light of the above law. We’ve used packets from Starbucks and Trader Joe’s in the past, and liked both. Sarah ordered these Mount Hagen Organic Instant Regular Coffee sticks before our last trip and we found them to be a cost-effective and strong option. Highly recommended!
• Do a split stay: one hotel near Disneyland Paris for that portion of your trip, and one hotel in downtown Paris for that portion of your trip. It will take almost an hour to get to Disneyland Paris from the city center (and vice-a-versa) by the RER line; commuting back and forth is not practical.
• Purchase a Disneyland Paris Annual Pass. If you’re visiting for 4 days, it makes sense from a cost perspective. Even on a 3 day trip, it can make sense due to the discounts and perks.
• There’s no positive way to put this: Walt Disney Studios Park is not very good . While the park has a few strong attractions , we rarely spend more than a half-day here.
• Buy your child a character dress in the park, not before your visit. I know this is contra our advice in other posts, but that applies to the U.S. parks where princess dresses are pricey but cheaply made. The ones in Disneyland Paris are similarly expensive, but beautiful. Sarah would love to buy one of these dresses “for safekeeping” until we have kids. I’m not even kidding.
• You’ll need to pack a voltage converter no matter where you stay in France. We recommend something simple and cheap like this grounded 2 in 1 plug adapter . Consider pairing that with this compact 6-port USB charging station ; if you’re like us, most of your devices charge via USB these days.
• Most attractions are not open for morning Extra Magic Hours, and the ones that are can develop long waits by the second hour of EMH. We recommend starting with Peter Pan’s Flight and doing that a couple of times.
• Download the official Disneyland Paris app before your trip. It’s useful not only for wait times, but also restaurant hours, which can be unpredictable at times.
• Christmas at Disneyland Paris is my favorite time to visit . The decorations are beautiful, and it’s excellent Christmas ambiance.
• Valuable perks of Disneyland Paris Annual Passes are access to Extra Magic Hours, which is huge if you’re staying off-site. The Infinity Annual Pass also includes VIP reserved seating for Disney Illuminations and the parade, which can be a huge time-saver.
• Pack your patience. Disneyland Paris is a melting pot of different European cultures, and due to that plus myriad other factors, “guests behaving badly” seems to be a more pronounced issue at Disneyland Paris than the U.S. parks. Smoking is also much more common in Europe, and you’ll encounter smokers outside of smoking areas with regularity.
• Speaking of which, Disneyland Paris is located in France. Obviously. As such, it is an extension of French and European culture, not American culture. If you’re American, go in expecting a culture that’s different from your own. This should be patently obvious, but the most common complaints about Disneyland Paris stem from its underlying culture.
• There are plenty of drinking fountains around the parks and restaurants will provide free tap water (upon request); we recommend bringing your own bottle and filling up. (Also great for DIY coffee.)
• From Charles de Gaulle airport, take the TGV train instead of the RER or shuttles. The TGV is a 10 minute ride, whereas the RER will require going to downtown Paris and transferring (for a total transit time of over an hour). TGV is more expensive and less frequent, but worth it in terms of convenience.
• It can get cold (and even snow!) at Disneyland Paris. If you’re visiting from October through March, be sure to consult our What to Pack for Winter at Disney post.
• For a guaranteed clear view of Disney Illuminations, the nighttime spectacular, we highly recommend staking out a spot on the backside of a flower planter in the Central Plaza (hub). This will ensure that no one is standing in front of you, which is important because ‘shoulder kids’ are especially prevalent at Disneyland Paris. Nothing like having your otherwise perfect view ruined at the last minute!
• Weekends are the busiest days of the week at Disneyland Paris; in addition to out of town tourists, you have Parisian locals who flock to the parks on their off days.
• Pin trading is less popular at Disneyland Paris (or at least that’s our impression), but it’s still a thing there. Read our Disney Pin Trading 101 post for money-saving tips on getting started in this hobby–and how to have fun with it in the parks.
• Disneyland Paris has some amazing themed restaurants . We actually recommend planning some of your dining choices around restaurant theme.
• Luggage storage outside of the parks is free for Annual Passholders. This is a great convenience on arrival and departure day (or, if you bring a tripod and don’t want to carry it around all day).
• Phantom Manor is the Disneyland Paris twist on Haunted Mansion, and it’s a mix of bizarre and brilliant. Read our Phantom Manor Info & Review post after your first ride on the attraction but before your second for greater appreciation of the attraction.
• If you’d prefer to take the RER train to Disneyland Paris (rather than walk), the two off-site hotels we recommend are Relais Spa and Hotel L’Elysée Val d’Europe. With that said, as Val d’Europe is a very new development, you’re unlikely to find a bad or dated hotel in the area. You might also use Airbnb, which often has several properties in this area. Read our Tips for Using Airbnb post for our recommendations for booking an Airbnb for a Disney trip.
• If you are celebrating a special occasion, make sure to pick up a button reflecting the celebration at your resort hotel or in the parks from Guest Services.
• Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant, or Sleeping Beauty Castle, in Disneyland Paris is the most beautiful Disney castle in the world. Read our photo tips post about Paris’ Sleeping Beauty Castle for capturing this stunning castle in its full glory.
• Walt Disney Studios Park is expanding dramatically between 2021 and 2024. The park will be reimagined, and 3 new lands added. Avengers Campus will be first to debut, followed by the Frozen Land, and finally, a version of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
• If you’re doing breakfast without vouchers, our first recommendation would be to pack protein bars or grab groceries and make something yourself. If that doesn’t sound appealing, grab something at McDonald’s or Starbucks in Disney Village on your way into the park. In-park restaurants such as Cafe Hyperion and Cable Car Bake Shop can be very busy with guests redeeming vouchers, and the food is nothing special–better to focus that valuable early morning time on doing attractions before the waits get long!
• During summer and other school holidays, Disneyland Paris can be busy. No matter when you visit, consulting our 1-Day Disneyland Paris Itinerary for an efficient strategy is recommended.
• While we do not have a 1-Day Itinerary for Walt Disney Studios Park, we recommend rope dropping Crush’s Coaster, and then doing Ratatouille: The Adventure via Single Rider. We typically only spend 2-3 hours in the Walt Disney Studios Park per trip (and usually 3 days at Disneyland Paris total).
• Near the Val d’Europe RER station, there is a Auchan Supermarket Val d’Europe, with every food you could possibly need. Since many of the hotels in Val d’Europe have kitchens and due to the food quality at Disneyland Paris, this can be a savvy, money-saving spot.
• The Disney Gallery in Disney Village has a variety of beautiful art, including attraction posters on demand. We have purchased a set of 12 posters here (like the calendar sold in the U.S., but without the calendar component) and a matted print of the Phantom Manor poster.
• Be sure to pay your respects to the dragon who sleeps under the castle… every single day of your trip!
• Disney’s Newport Bay Club Hotel recently finished a top-to-bottom refurbishment that resulted in it receiving an additional star in its rating. The hotel has improved dramatically, and it would currently be our higher-end pick for an on-site hotel. (We love Sequoia Lodge, but Newport’s updated rooms look nicer.)
• During Mickey’s Kiss Goodnight, Mickey Mouse appears on the Main Street U.S.A. Train Station and waves guests goodnight and recites a few lines. This occurs approximately 10 minutes after Disney Illuminations finishes, and recurs sporadically thereafter in about 10-15 minute intervals.
• If using Eurostar to/from Disneyland Paris, comparison shop prices out of both the Marne-la-Vallee station (at Disneyland Paris) and Gare du Nord (downtown Paris). When we went from Paris to London, we found prices were better out of Gare du Nord.
• Dress nicely. This applies far less to Disneyland Paris than it does the rest of Paris, but is something to note here since you’ll presumably be visiting both. We recommend avoiding athletic wear and skimpy clothing, neither of which are common in France. Even if you “don’t care” how you look, there are two compelling reasons for dressing nicely: you’ll receive better service and won’t be an easy mark for pickpockets. Consult Sarah’s What to Wear to Disney post for ideas of practical and nice-looking options.
• Due to the nighttime spectacular, Fantasyland attractions often close early. We recommend doing these early in the morning, ideally during Extra Magic Hours (particularly for Peter Pan’s Flight).
• For a good “secret” Disney Illuminations viewing spot, head to the rockwork at the entrance to Discoveryland and choose a spot along the handrail with a clear view of Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant.
• Disneyland Paris is known for its rare characters, and meet & greets in these parks are incredibly popular, in general. If characters are a priority, making them a first stop during Extra Magic Hours is a good idea.
• Bars and lounges in the Disneyland Paris hotels are typically open late, and many offer exceptional ambiance for a nightcap after the park closes. Consult our Guide to Drinking at Disneyland Paris for specific recommendations.
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad breaks down a lot. On our recent trip, it did not open with the park on multiple locations, leading to gridlock and confusion from rope drop crowds. Due to this, we recommend rope dropping Big Thunder, and doing so via Adventureland (to bypass the potential gridlock).
• Five Guys, located on the “back” side of Disney Village, serves the best counter service burger at Disneyland Paris. Don’t feel too badly about ordering a distinctly American meal in France–counter service food in the parks leaves much to be desired.
• I ran the Disneyland Paris Half Marathon and Disneyland Paris 5K , and found it to be the best runDisney event offered. It also coincides with Halloween at Disneyland Paris, which is a great time to visit!
• Earl of Sandwich in Disney Village is a great dining value, and it serves many more options (like BBQ ribs!) than their U.S. locations. As an added bonus, you can get free WiFi here.
• Fantasia Gelati serves excellent Italian ice cream. Our order hack for 2: order a cup with 3 scoops plus 2 crepes. Take two of the scoops out of the cup and put them on top of the crepes, eating the third scoop individually. The Fantasia flavor tastes like a cross between birthday cake and cotton candy, and is exceptional (but not so good on a crepe!).
• Walt Disney Studios Park will celebrate ‘Legends of the Force’, a Star Wars event. Some of entertainment for Season of the Force is now available year-round, but some components (like the flagship Star Wars: A Galactic Celebration nighttime spectacular) will only be offered during the limited time celebration.
• Walt’s – An American Restaurant is our pick for the must-do table service restaurant if you’re a Disney fan. The food is significantly better since the menu was overhauled, and the interior design (themed to Walt Disney and the lands of Disneyland Paris) is incredible. This setting is now better than Club 33.
• Single Rider is available at Hyperspace Mountain, Crush’s Coaster, Ratatouille: L’Aventure Totalement Toqué de Rémy, Toy Soldiers Parachute Drop, and RC Racer.
• If you do get stuck eating dinner at Disneyland Paris, our recommendation is Cowboy Cookout BBQ . It’s one of the counter service restaurants that is usually open later, and with much shorter lines (and better food) than other locations.
• Queue up for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad ~5 minutes before park closing for a perfect ending to the day. Not only will you experience Disneyland Paris’ best attraction with minimal wait, but you’ll do so with the fireworks from Disney Illuminations exploding overhead.
• If you’re into characters, book the Sunday Brunch at Inventions in Disneyland Hotel. The food is good, the setting and view are delightful, and random (and sometimes rare) characters appear at the meal.
• Agrabah Cafe Restaurant is an excellent buffet, and exquisitely-themed. In terms of value, it is the best dining option at Disneyland Paris.
• Guided tours of both parks are available in French, English, and Spanish. These delve into the history, details, hidden secrets, architecture, etc., of the parks. There is an additional charge for these tours and they do not include priority access to attractions. Visit City Hall in Disneyland Paris or Studio Services in Walt Disney Studios Park for tour times and availability during your visit.
• Shops on Main Street are open up to an hour after the park closes. Do your shopping once you can’t do rides.
• Dole Whips have a reputation that precedes them, and are now available at Disneyland Paris. We think the hype level has gotten a tad too high for this snack, but people seem to love them, so…
• The Fantasyland Disneyland Railroad Station tends to have the shortest wait times; oddly, this is an attraction that can see pretty lengthy waits on even moderately busy days.
• Disneyland Hotel is closed completely for a year-plus refurbishment–and for good reason! It is currently scheduled to reopen in 2024, following a top-to-bottom reimagining. In the meantime, Disney’s Hotel New York — The Art of Marvel is the “newest” and freshest hotel at Disneyland Paris.
• Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril is nothing like the Disneyland Indiana Jones attraction; the Paris Indiana Jones attraction is a bare-bones coaster that is very forgettable
• Unless you hate yourself, avoid Cafe Hyperion at all costs . Even if it’s the only restaurant open at night, skip it. Starving is a preferable option.
• Figaro is a Cat. (But unfortunately, there’s no sign indicating as much at Disneyland Paris. Big “fail,” Imagineers.)
• We’re hard on the Walt Disney Studios Park, but Mickey and the Magician is one of the best Disney stage shows anywhere. Save this for when the weather isn’t so good–you might even end up doing it more than once!
• Colonel Hathi’s Pizza Outpost used to be the Explorer’s Club, and there are a lot of cool remnants of this past incarnation of the restaurant throughout the seating area.
• The best viewing location for Disney Stars on Parade is along the curve of the sidewalk in the Central Plaza just outside of Frontierland. This will give you a direct view of the floats coming towards you with the castle in the background (perfect for photos!).
• There’s a volcano at Hotel Santa Fe. It’s not nearly as cool as it might sound, but it’s the kind of thing that is worth the walk from one of the nearby resorts to see/photograph.
• Bistro Chez Remy is by far the best restaurant in Walt Disney Studios Park , and the steak on the higher tier of the set menus is fantastic. (The cheaper steak, not so much.)
• Hyperspace Mountain is much more intense in Paris and includes inversions.
• A variety of restaurants at Disneyland Paris serve foie gras, which is a common (and controversial) French delicacy.
• July 14 is Bastille Day in France, and Disneyland Paris offers a special fireworks show at park closing each year on this date in celebration. Crowds are heavy, but if videos are any indication, it’s worth it.
• Alice’s Curious Labyrinth is worth doing for the view alone from the top of Queen of Hearts Castle alone, which offers a stunning view of Fantasyland and Sleeping Beauty Castle, particularly at sunset. On days that aren’t busy, you can enter the maze through the exit for direct access to the castle lookout.
• You will need a chipped credit card at Disneyland Paris. Chip and pin credit cards are the standard in Europe, but chip and signature cards (the new standard in the United States) also work.
• Don’t miss the Nautilus, Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant Walk-through, Le Passage Enchanté d’Aladdin, Adventure Isle, or the Swiss Family Treehouse. These are all walkthroughs, but all are excellent.
• Take some time to explore both Main Street Arcades; these exist for practical purposes (shielding guests from rain or snow), but they have beautiful details that make them worth exploring.
• While Cast Members at Disneyland Paris are pretty forgiving of guests who do not speak French, a good practice ( throughout France!) is to begin any conversation in French by saying, “ Je ne parle pas français . Parlez – vous anglais ?” (“I do not speak French. Do you speak English?”) You will typically receive a warmer reception simply by using these easy-to-memorize lines.
• Hotel Cheyenne has an outdoor fire pit near the Red Garter Saloon and Sequoia Lodge has a fireplace in Redwood Bar & Lounge; both perfect for cooler evenings.
• Villages Nature is a new, sustainable tourism endeavor being co-developed by Disney (including involvement from high profile Imagineers, such as Joe Rohde). While we’ve yet to stay there, it looks like a fascinating and unique place to stay during a Disneyland Paris vacation.
• Disneyland Paris has the best, working barber shop of any Disney park. The elaborate theming inside is sourced from a barbershop in Chicago.
• A variety of unique vehicles run on Main Street, but our pick for the coolest/most unique is the Paddy Wagon. Look for its stop on the right side of Town Square.
• The potato wedges at Cowboy Cookout BBQ are the perfect afternoon snack. We highly recommend going at an off-hour, grabbing a side of these, and sitting by the fire pit.
• Character breakfast is now held at Plaza Gardens Restaurant; reservations for this should be booked in advance.
• Club level at the Disney hotel provides access to an exclusive lounge with refreshments throughout the day, plus a buffet breakfast in the hotel.
• Don’t stand in the grass for parades or Disney Illuminations. It doesn’t matter if other guests are doing it–just don’t.
• Disneyland Paris has a number of sound effects and conversations among its “inhabitants” throughout the park. Many of these, including a dentist drilling and piano lessons can be heard on Main Street. During the day, crowd sounds can drown them out, but they are easy to hear at night.
• Chewing gum is not sold in Disneyland Paris or the Walt Disney Studios Park.
• Disneyland Paris is the only castle park that sells beer and wine at counter service restaurants. This was a change made shortly after the park opened to bring it into line with French cultural norms. Public drunkenness is not an issue at Disneyland Paris.
• Boot Hill Cemetery outside Phantom Manor contains a number of Easter Eggs and references to Imagineers who worked on the project.
• If you’re staying at a Disney hotel, inquire about the character meet & greet schedule in your hotel. These are exclusive experiences for hotel guests, and have shorter lines than the in-park meet & greets.
• Hotel Cheyenne now has a Starbucks location. If you need your morning fix and are staying at Hotel Cheyenne or Hotel Santa Fe, this Starbucks location will be more convenient (read: shorter lines) than the Disney Village Starbucks.
• Disneyland Paris currently does not have a night parade. Its last night parade was Fantillusion .
• For Disney’s Halloween Festival, dozens of friendly ghosts and “pumpkin people” invade Main Street and Frontierland. In addition to these fun photo-op decorations, there is a Halloween parade and a Villains-centric stage show.
• The background story of Thunder Mesa is one of my favorites for any land, anywhere. Reading it will help you enjoy the details of Frontierland more.
• A greater understanding of the detail and history of Disneyland Paris will give you a greater appreciation for the park. For this, there’s no better book than Disneyland Paris: Sketch to Reality. Unfortunately, that out of print title is seriously expensive. A good alternative is Disneyland Paris: A to Z . This guided tour with Imagineer Tony Baxter is a great video to watch, too.
• Policies change…but so do Cast Member interpretations of them. If told something by a Cast Member that does not seem right, be polite, but consider inquiring with a second Cast Member for accuracy.
• Disneyland Paris celebrates Frozen Celebration in winter/spring and Lion King Jungle Festival in summer. See our What’s New & Next at Disneyland Paris in 2023 to see all seasonal events and everything else coming soon.

Okay, so I have to admit that I ran out of steam here towards the end, and had to flesh out the list with a few fun facts and secrets about Disneyland Paris that I find interesting. I’d love to replace some of these with actual tips (a separate “Disneyland Paris Secrets” post would probably be a good idea, since there are way more interesting details I didn’t include here). If you have any useful tips about Disneyland Paris that I’ve missed, please share in the comments and I’ll revise this list with some of them!

For the basics of planning a visit to Disneyland Paris, check out our Disneyland Paris Trip Planning Guide . Want to see more photos or read about Disneyland Paris in agonizing detail? Check out our Disneyland Paris 20th Anniversary Trip Report or our Disneyland Paris 25th Anniversary Trip Recap !

YOUR THOUGHTS…

What do you think of the tips we’ve shared for best-experiencing Disneyland Paris? Anything with which you disagree? Any of your own tips to add to improve others’ experience in France’s Disney parks? Any questions about these Disneyland Paris tips? Hearing from you is half the fun, so please share your questions and thoughts in the comments!

Written by Tom Bricker

Great tips! One thing that is also worth knowing is when queuing for Big Thunder Mountain there are 2 separate lines, and sometimes one is much longer due to operational reasons so people don’t realise. Choose the queue with nobody in it and you’ll save some time and feel like you’re using FastPass!

A tip that we have/love, is that when things are getting stressed in a busy park, go into Disneyland hotel (since it is so close to park entrance/exit), for some relaxing fragrances, and a chillout. Upstairs in cafe fantasia (including amazing theming) is a beautiful serence calm amongst the storm. In the evenings from about 5pm? I think, there is a piano player, who plays disnsey classics in a swing theme. Cafe Fantasia, offers some free headspace, for a quite drink before going back into the parks again.

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Where in Disneyland Can I Get a First Visit Button? Magic Key Holder Tips

by Kathryn Walsh

Published on 31 May 2023

Claiming a First Visit Button in Disneyland

Claiming a first visit button in california adventure, best places to get first time buttons.

Brush up on the intricacies of the FastPass system, study the park map and prepare to be forever changed by the deliciousness of Dole Whip. Those are just a few of the items that belong on the to-do list when you're preparing for your first visit to Disneyland.

One rite of passage for new Disneyland visitors is securing a free button to mark the occasion. Cast members (the Disney name for employees) hand out buttons to guests who are celebrating their birthdays, honeymoons and other special milestones – including their first visit.

Wearing the orange "1st Visit" button won't let you jump to the front of any lines, but this memento might get you a little special attention from cast members and your fellow park-goers.

Stop at City Hall on the way into the park to request a first visit button. Inside the main Disneyland gate, two tunnels under the train station lead onto Main Street.

‌ Take the tunnel on the left. ‌ City Hall is the first building on the left after the tunnel. Getting a button there is as simple as walking up to the counter and asking a cast member for the type you want.

The building tends to get crowded at the beginning of the day when many guests need help, so aim to get to the park before the main gates open to be one of the first visitors to City Hall.

While at City Hall, consider whether anyone in your party requires assistance with anything. It's the guest relations hub, and the cast members working there are equipped to answer questions on a wide range of topics. In addition to handing out buttons, City Hall cast members offer services like helping disabled guests get the accessibility accommodations they need and helping guests who don't speak English find maps and translation services.

Visiting California Adventure before Disneyland? Grab a first visit button at the Chamber of Commerce. It's the park's equivalent to City Hall, and the cast members working there offer the same services available at City Hall.

Find the Chamber of Commerce on Buena Vista Street, California Adventure's version of Main Street. After passing through the main gates, ‌ head to the left and find the Chamber of Commerce just past Oswald's, a small shop that's designed to look like an old-fashioned gas station ‌.

Visiting City Hall or the Chamber of Commerce is a surefire way to get those special buttons, but not necessarily the only way.

When we regularly visit Disneyland we see people getting their buttons from cast members working in park gift shops:

‌ The Emporium: ‌ Go towards the back location where there are pin trading boards. The cast member working the board can provide you pins.

On Buena Vista Street (like Elias & Company), which is more likely to have a stash of buttons than smaller kiosks.

‌ Pro tip: ‌ The front desk of the official park hotels can provide buttons. Outside of check-out and check-in times, the official park hotels – the Grand Californian, Paradise Pier or the Disneyland Hotel – are the most convenient places to ask for a first time at Disneyland pin.