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2024 Disneyland Paris Planning Guide

Our Disneyland Paris vacation planning guide for 2024 covers info & tips for visiting the theme parks in France, plus hotel reviews, restaurant recommendations, ride ratings, and theme park itineraries. It’s current info and advice, with regular revisions based on what’s new & next at DLP and Walt Disney Studios Park. ( Updated December 27, 2023 .)

Disneyland Paris will enter a time of transition in 2024. The 30th Anniversary is over and planned expansion for the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, World of Frozen: The Kingdom of Arendelle, has been delayed until 20225. In the meantime, Christmas is being celebrated until January 7, 2024.

The very next day, Disneyland Paris will gradually begin introducing a series of exciting experiences that will add color to cloudy winter days: Disney Symphony of Colours. This seasonal event includes a new nighttime drone sequence, a new daytime show, and brand-new decorations!

To be sure, Disney Symphony of Colours looks like a nice little off-season offering. In particular, the Disney Electrical Sky Parade–a nighttime drone parade in the sky–looks fantastic! This new nighttime show will combine synchronised drones, video projections, lights and fountains across Sleeping Beauty Castle.

However, this seasonal event won’t be nearly on par with the Disneyland Paris 30th Anniversary. Nor should it be–that was a milestone celebration, and this is a wintertime event. Beyond Disney Symphony of Colours, it’s unknown what Disneyland Paris will do in 2024. Halloween and Christmas celebrations are a given, but those won’t begin until September.

In between, there’s the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics. That will be a  huge  deal for the city, and as the biggest tourist destination in Europe, the games are likely to draw huge crowds to Disneyland Paris. It’s our expectation that the parks will do something to celebrate–and help absorb the crowds–we just don’t know what.

As mentioned above, the new Frozen land in Walt Disney Studios Park (WDSP) was supposed to be done in time for the Olympics. Instead, it looks like WDSP will be a vertiable construction zone, with the front of the park torn up and construction ongoing on the lake, new areas and attractions.

The good news is that Disneyland Paris continues to make progress in expanding and adding new things. The park has brought back “Disney Stars on Parade” and “Disney Illuminations,” and has been rolling out more new entertainment, including “Together: A Pixar Musical Adventure” and more.

The only modification still in place (for now) is that an online reservation system is in use to manage attendance. Guests who purchase dated tickets to Disneyland Paris or Walt Disney Studios Park do not need to register and reserve a date. Likewise, guests with hotel + ticket packages that include park admittance will receive admission for the duration of their stay and do not need to use the new online reservation system.

There’s also been an overhaul of the Annual Pass program, which essentially amounts to a nearly 50% price increase coupled with a reduction of benefits. Suffice to say, diehard fans have been upset, with a petition gaining traction along with threats to protest. But that probably isn’t relevant to the overwhelming majority of people reading this Disneyland Paris planning guide.

Whether you are considering a day at Disneyland Paris–the most popular tourist destination in Europe–as part of a non-Disney trip to France, or are a huge Disney fan planning an international trip for Disneyland Paris, this guide has you covered. We will detail everything from hotels to dining, and answer the important question of when is a good time to visit Disneyland Paris?

First, a bit of a primer about Disneyland Paris. Located in Marne-la-Vallée, which is actually a suburb of Paris, Disneyland Paris is about 45 minutes from the city center by train–and significantly closer to Charles de Gaulle Airport. The entire resort consists of 7 official Disney-themed hotels, several partner hotels, the Disney Village entertainment and shopping district, and the two parks: Parc Disneyland and the Walt Disney Studios Park.

The resort as a whole of Disneyland Paris is larger than Disneyland Resort and smaller than Walt Disney World. While we’d never recommend visiting France and only seeing Disneyland Paris, it is a bona fide vacation destination in itself if you wanted to make it one. Moreover, Parc Disneyland is an absolutely amazing theme park, much like the original Disneyland, albeit with far fewer rides. It does have a treasure trove of beautiful details, seasonal entertainment, and much more.

In fact, in our Best & Worst Disney Theme Parks in the World post, Parc Disneyland ranks #4, ahead of popular parks like Disney California Adventure and Epcot. It mostly scores so high because of its beauty. Before I get ahead of myself gushing over Disneyland Paris’ beauty, let’s cover the question of when you should visit Disneyland Paris…

When to Visit Disneyland Paris?

If you have your choice of dates and seasons for visiting Disneyland Paris, our strong recommendation would be to visit Disneyland Paris during spring, fall, or winter, particularly during shoulder seasons outside of France’s peak tourist seasons. In particular, we love Christmas at Disneyland Paris (see this Info & Tips post) , which is a great time to visit so long as you avoid Christmas week through New Year’s Eve.

We typically recommend avoiding the months of June through August, both because of crowds and recent heat waves that have swept over Europe the last couple summers. The only downside to not visiting during the summer is missing the Lion King Jungle Festival, which draws rave reviews. However, nothing is worth the poor weather and crowds.

Speaking of which, we find the weather to be best in Paris in April and May, and late September through November. These are the most temperate times of the year, and even though it can snow in the winter, it’s usually not too cold in mid-November. (Mid-to late December might be pushing your luck, though.)

Christmas is an excellent time to visit Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney Studios Park for a flurry of additional seasonal entertainment, and for the beautiful decorations all around the park. Plus, you cannot beat the feel of the City of Paris during the holiday months.

If you’re thinking more long-term, there’s also the question of whether to visit in 2024 or to wait. Disneyland Paris has huge long-term plans that as part of a $2.5 billion revitalization to the Walt Disney Studios Park (see concept art above) .

This redevelopment of Walt Disney Studios Park will roll out in phases leading up to the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics through 2025 or 2026. The first component was Avengers Campus, which is now open. The Kingdom of Arendelle is up next after that, and is likely to open in Summer 2025.

Another land should be coming after World of Frozen/Arendelle. It’s unclear whether that’s still the plan, though. Previously, a version of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge was slated to be built as part of the Walt Disney Studios Park expansion, but it seems like that plan was abandoned after Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge underperformed in the United States.

For everything else on the horizon at Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney Studios Park, consult our Guide to What’s New & Next in 2024 at Disneyland Paris . That covers all of the projects slated for the parks and hotels, when you can expect new attractions to debut, resort closures, and refurbishments.

Now that we know nothing is opening in time for the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, we’d recommend visiting Disneyland Paris in the first half of 2024 in order to beat the Olympics crowds. Typically, the host cities of Olympics see bumps in tourism thanks to the marketing value of the games.

It’s not as if Paris needs Olympics coverage to put it on the map, but we’d still expect elevated visitor numbers to France in the second half of 2024 and 2025. Disneyland Paris will likely benefit from that, and see higher crowds as a result.

Of course, there’s a lot to France beyond Disneyland Paris and you should also plan your travel dates around when it’s best to visit other spots on your itinerary. The city of Paris is our second-favorite city in the world, and we highly recommend spending at least several days there.

As for traveling to the rest of France and within Europe, we highly recommend it! We offer extensive travel tips in our Ultimate Guide to Paris, France over on TravelCaffeine.com , our non-Disney travel blog. That’s a good place to start planning the other days of your vacation.

We’ve visited multiple locations in Europe, including Normandy, the Loire Valley, and Côte d’Azur regions of France. Outside of France, we’ve traveled to Norway, Denmark, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

While we love Disney–and Disneyland Paris–many of these other real-world locations have been the highlights of our trips. Europe is full of amazing places that leave an indelible mark on a person. There’s so much beyond the parks at Disneyland Paris, and truly something for everyone. From history to modern culture to shady red light districts (because we’re so sure Disney fans are into that sort of thing! 😉 ), there’s truly something for everyone.

If this has you tempted to travel to Europe to see Disneyland Paris and other lasting cultural experiences, or if you were already planning a visit and want more info and tips, let’s start planning! (All links open in new tabs, so feel free to click away and head down the rabbit hole!)

How Many Days?

Based upon the foregoing, when planning a trip to Disneyland Paris, you should not just plan a quick trip to see Disneyland Resort Paris, but should also plan on visiting at least Paris and another European city or two. On our first trip, we flew into Charles De Gaulle Airport in Paris, then spent equal amounts of time in Disneyland Paris and Paris, before taking the Eurostar to London and then flying out of London’s Heathrow airport.

When it comes to Europe as a whole, you should visit for as many days as you can. The reality of things is that vacation time is finite, and travel is costly, so most people probably are looking at maybe a week or so on the vacation. My strong advice would be to try and stretch the trip to at least 10 days even if that requires saving money and vacation time a bit longer.

How much time you’ll want to spend on each leg of your trip is largely a personal question. If you aren’t a Disney fan and are just going for the sake of your kids or because it’s on your list of highlights near Paris, my recommendation would probably be to just go for 1 day, spending it entirely at Parc Disneyland, experiencing some of the best attractions, and enjoying the ambiance.

If you are a Disney fan, I’d recommend 3 days at Disneyland Paris. There’s a lot to explore in Parc Disneyland, and the park is incredibly detailed, so planning on allocating 2 or 2.5 days for that park is advisable. On our trips to France, we’ve done as few days as 2 and as many as 5. Two felt like too few, and 5 was too many.

Most people can accomplish the Walt Disney Studios park in half a day or a day. There is an assortment of enjoyable attractions there, but the park is mostly ugly. I wouldn’t downright encourage anyone to skip this park, but it’s not going to be the highlight of anyone’s trip. It’s getting better, and should be a park worthy of the “Disney” name by 2024.

The best part of Walt Disney Studios Park is the La Place de Rémy mini-land, which is like a “Streets of Paris” area based upon Ratatouille. If your interest is piqued in this area, check out my Ratatouille: L’Aventure Totalement Toquée de Rémy Review and Bistrot Chez Rémy Review . Avengers Campus is also a nice addition, although the industrial style is more of the same at WDSP. Ultimately, if you only have one day to experience Disneyland Paris, skip the Studios and just do the Disneyland park.

In addition to time for exploring Parc Disneyland and the Walt Disney Studios Park, you will want to set aside a bit of time to explore the hotels and Disney Village, too. The hotels are pretty cool, whereas Disney Village is a mostly dated, sad take on Downtown Disney. The highlights of Disney Village are Earl of Sandwich and Five Guys, which are great late night meals after the parks close.

Depending upon your level of interest and stamina, seeing these areas can probably be accomplished after the parks close, depending upon what time the parks close. During my visits, even on busier days, the latest the parks closed was 10 pm; many nights the parks closed as early as 7 pm.

Most Parisians eat late dinners, so hotel restaurants are frequently open until 11 pm or 12 am (with the bars and lounges open even later), giving us ample time to enjoy the hotels after our days at the park were complete. During the summer months, the parks may be open until 11 pm or midnight, so you may have to find another time to visit the hotels and Disney Village.

Vacation Packages

Once you’ve determined how many days to visit Disneyland Paris, you need to decide whether a vacation package is for you. These work a lot like vacation packages at other Disney Parks in that they can contain a hotel, park tickets, and meal plan, or just a hotel stay.

Many of the best discounts for Disneyland Paris bundle these components together. In fact, to save money on a hotel, you almost always have to purchase park tickets from Disneyland Paris (unless you have an Annual Pass). Sometimes, the discount will be for a percentage off the room, sometimes it will include free a Half Board or Full Board Meal Package (more on this below), sometimes it’ll include free park tickets, and sometimes it will include free nights.

For example, Disneyland Paris promotions often include 30% off a room plus free Half Board dining and buy 2 nights get 2 nights free at a hotel. (Both promos include park tickets.) Alternatively, there are hotel discounts available for Annual Passholders of up to 40% off. All of these discounts are pretty representative of what’s generally offered.

What further complicates matters is that different versions of the Disneyland Paris website (e.g. the United Kingdom version, Belgium, Germany, etc.) offer different prices for the same promotion. I recently priced out a December trip, and it was ~$120 more expensive on the U.S. site than the U.K. site. Since you can book via any of these sites, regardless of where you live, it’s best to comparison shop among the different versions of the site, and book where it’s cheapest.

This can all be pretty challenging if you’re a newbie, particularly given the language barriers and default currencies on the various Disneyland Paris sites. However, it’s worth it because you’ll save the most money this way. Aside from the comparison shopping to get the best price, planning a Disneyland Paris vacation is easy as compared to a Walt Disney World vacation.

Getting There

I’m going to make the assumption that anyone reading this is flying to Europe from overseas, not a European driving to Disneyland Paris for a day trip (if you’re driving and looking for advice…try Google Maps, I guess?). From Charles De Gaulle Airport in Paris there are three main options: TGV, RER, or VEA shuttle.

The TGV is the best of these options, and it drops you off right outside Disneyland Paris’ gates. The process is very simple; head to Terminal 2 and purchase a ticket for the TGV at a kiosk in the airport with a destination of “Marne La Vallee Ches.”

This train takes 10 minutes to get from CDG to Disneyland Paris (it’s literally the first stop). The caveats here are that this train is substantially more expensive (one-way ticket prices vary, but are typically $15-30) and there can be over an hour gap between trains. Moreover, we do not recommend buying a ticket for this in advance due to flight delays, customs, etc.

The Magical Shuttle is the second-best option, but it stops at a number of hotels (think Disney’s Magical Express). However, it’s convenient and pretty easy. Prices for this vary, but it’s generally the most expensive option. You can book tickets here .

The RER is the final option. This can be time consuming, as you have to go from CDG airport to central Paris and switch lines to head back to Marne-la-Vallee. Both CDG and MLV are outside Paris, so doing this essentially means you have to backtrack. It’d be like taking a flight from Chicago to Detroit with a layover in St. Louis. However, if you’re buying a RER pass or your hotel is on the RER line, this may be your best option. It’s relatively straightforward, it just takes about an hour to accomplish.

If you’re coming from somewhere other than CDG airport, consider the Eurostar train, which also drops you off right outside Disneyland Paris’ gates. We traveled the Eurostar (aka the “Chunnel”) and it was an excellent experience. This is a great way to get to Disneyland Paris if you’re primarily visiting another major city in Europe. What’s especially nice is that a Eurostar station is right in MLV. My assumption is that this was built as part of Disney’s agreement to bring a park to Paris…because there’s no other reason why little ‘ole Marne-la-Vallee would have a Eurostar station.

All of this seems complicated and intimidating at first (at least it did to us), but it’s really simple once you understand the basics.

Where to Stay

Disneyland Paris has seven official resorts, with a variety of nearby “off-site” hotels. We have a Disneyland Paris Hotel Comparison post that compares and contrasts the hotels, offering our recommendations on where to stay. We’ll cover some of the same ground below, but if you’re debating which hotel to book, that’s really the post to read.

We’ve stayed in the recently renovated Sequoia Lodge ( click here to read our Sequoia Lodge Review ) and Hotel New York ( click here to read our Hotel New York Review ). We’ve also stayed at Newport Bay Club ( click here to read our Newport Bay Club Review ) and several off-site hotels.

Other hotels include Disneyland Hotel (the flagship Victorian-themed hotel), Hotel Cheyenne (themed to be the ‘streets’ of a Western town), and Hotel Santa Fe (designed with a cold, Southwestern pueblo style). If you were schooled by Count von Count, you probably noticed that I only mention six of the seven resorts. The last, Davy Crockett Ranch, is a campground located a bit further away that I did not visit.

Assuming you don’t have a car for your visit to France, you’ll have a few ways to get to and from Disneyland Paris: your feet, taxi, RER train, or shuttle. The 6 on-site hotels can each by accessed by walking (or shuttle). Disneyland Hotel is about a one minute walk from the turnstiles, Hotel New York is ~10 minute walk, Sequoia Lodge is ~12 minute walk, Newport Bay Club is ~15 minute walk, with Hotels Cheyenne and Santa Fe a tad above the 15 minute mark.

In terms of pricing, Hotel Cheyenne and Santa Fe are on the low end of the scale, with ascending prices for Sequoia Lodge, Newport Bay Club, Hotel New York, and finally, Disneyland Hotel. Nightly rates range from ~$100/night for Hotel Santa Fe to over $1,000/night for Disneyland Hotel. Average rates for each hotels are all over the place depending upon what kind of discount you can score.

These price fluctuations can make booking a Disneyland Paris hotel a bit frustrating. Generally speaking, we far prefer staying on-site rather than off-site. However, we are not paying over $400/night for Newport Bay Club or Sequoia Lodge. Conversely, ~$150/night makes those resorts a no-brainer (we’d even be willing to pay around $200/night).

Hotel New York has reopened after a multi-year closure for a top to bottom redo during which time it was converted to “Disney’s Hotel New York — The Art of Marvel.”

This new-look resort celebrates 80 years of Marvel storytelling in a typical New York setting, with a contemporary Art Deco style. Disney’s Hotel New York — The Art of Marvel is inspired by a New York art gallery, paying tribute to the city that is home to many iconic Marvel characters and the artists who created them.

The next resort to receive a multi-year reimagining is the flagship Disneyland Hotel. This iconic property overlooking Parc Disneyland is currently closed for an ambitious transformation at Disneyland Paris, reopening in Winter 2024 with a royal theme inspired by Disney princesses.

In addition to the room reimagining, the layout of the hotel’s public spaces and equipment in the rooms will also be enhanced. Guests will benefit from a larger pool area, an expanded spa, and updated restaurants & lounges. The totality of which is aimed at earning Disneyland Hotel a five-star rating.

This complete refurbishment is the next step in an ambitious renovation plan for all Disneyland Paris hotels spanning years and more than 5,700 rooms. The ambitious transformation plan demonstrates Disneyland Paris’s ongoing commitment to continually invest in the guest experience and improving the resort. See Reimagined Disneyland Hotel in Paris Opening Date, Concept Art, Room & Restaurant Details  for more info!

Off-Site Lodging

We’ve stayed at several off-site hotels in Val d’Europe, which is the first stop from Disneyland Resort Paris on the RER A line. Combining the time it takes to walk from Disneyland Paris to the RER station (3 minutes), the time it took on the train (5-15 minutes, depending upon the train schedule), and the time it took to walk from the station in Val d’Europe to our hotel (3 minutes), you have about a 25 minute commute, at worst. Several of these hotels are also within walking distance of Disneyland Paris (25-35 minute walks, depending upon the hotel).

The whole town of Val d’Europe is relatively new, having been master-planned in conjunction with Disney. It has a Celebration/suburbia vibe to it, but with traditional French stylization. While it doesn’t have the same historical allure of the quaint villages in France, it has its own modern charm and is not too cookie cutter. All of this is to say that the hotels of Val d’Europe are probably solid options if you don’t want to pay the insane prices of Disneyland Paris hotels.

Generally, these hotels in Val d’Europe can be booked for $75-150/night, which makes them (typically) cheaper than Disneyland Paris on-site hotels. You can also walk from some of the hotels to Disneyland Paris (Hipark Serris is the hotel closest to the parks, for what it’s worth), which is much more convenient than taking the RER, we think.

Another option, particularly if you’re spending time elsewhere in France, is Airbnb…

We have a post that discusses our Tips for Using Airbnb in case you’re unfamiliar with the service. We’ve used it several times in Europe, including a couple of times in Paris. It’s an inexpensive alternative to a hotel, and nice because it also allows you to live like a local, whether that means doing some laundry halfway through your trip or just going to the market to get fresh produce (and cheese…AND WINE!) to prepare you own meals.

Other than that, the biggest upside is price. You can find sometimes find deals on hotels in Val d’Europe, but deals on nice accommodations are less common in Paris (proper) or other cities. The value proposition of renting your own apartment or flat is significantly greater than booking a hotel.

We’ve had some really great Airbnb experiences all around the world, and wouldn’t hesitate to use it again near Disneyland Paris, or anywhere in Europe, for that matter.

Off-Site v. On-Site?

For us, the Disney on-site hotel experience isn’t just about the room. All things considered, the Disney hotels we’ve stayed in at Disneyland Paris are nicer overall than the off-site hotels. Aside from price, the one upside to the Val d’Europe hotels is getting more spacious suites and multi-room villas.

Beyond being immersed in the Disney bubble, there are some perks to staying on-site at Disneyland Paris. The big ones are being within walking distance of the parks, Extra Magic Hours, taking advantage of the Full or Half Board Meal Plans, and exclusive character meets.

By far, the biggest of these is the Extra Magic Hour perk. Guests staying in the Disney-owned hotels are able to enter the parks 2 hours before the general public to experience select attractions every morning. The first hour of Extra Magic Hours is generally pretty dead–it’s easy to get totally empty photos of Main Street, and you can experience attractions like Peter Pan’s Flight with minimal waits.

If you do decide to stay on-site, my unscientific recommendations for hotels would be: Hotel Cheyenne (value), Sequoia Lodge (moderate), or Disneyland Hotel (deluxe). Hotel Cheyenne had a fun feel to it and no pretenses of being artfully designed, likely making it a hotel kids would enjoy. Sequoia Lodge has theming is reminiscent of a National Park lodge, except with Frank Lloyd Wright inspiration oddly found throughout the architecture.

If you’re thinking about booking a Disneyland Paris vacation package, you should know about the various Meal Plans the on-site hotels offer. These are sometimes bundled into packages for “free” or available as an add-on.

This is somewhat like the Disney Dining Plan at Walt Disney World, except it uses pre-paid physical vouchers. Disneyland Paris offers Full and Half Board Meal Plans: the Half Board plan includes 1 meal voucher for lunch or dinner, plus a breakfast voucher. The Full Board plan includes 2 meal vouches for lunch and dinner, plus a breakfast voucher.

There are four different tiers to each of these Meal Plans available, escalating in price and what’s included. At the lowest end of the spectrum is the Hotel plan, which includes breakfast and dinner at your hotel only. Standard gives you a choice of 5+ buffet restaurants. Plus provides access to 15+ buffet and table service restaurants. Premium is available at almost every table service restaurant in Disneyland Paris, including character meals.

The bottom line with these Meal Plans is that they can be a really good value if you do a little research and book expensive restaurants. For example, even though the Premium Plan is $100+ per person, per night, doing daily meals at places like California Grill and Auberge de Cendrillon could amount to a daily value of over $150. Same goes for the lower tiers.

On the other hand, if you choose an expensive plan and end up doing mostly counter service meals, there’s the potential for losing a lot of money each day on the Disneyland Paris Meal Plans.

Our ultimate take is that the Meal Plans are a good option if dining is an important part of your trip and you plan to do your research ahead of time to determine where to eat (and make reservations ~60 days in advance). If dining isn’t so important or you don’t intend upon doing the research, skip the Disneyland Paris Meals. There’s one big reason for this…

The reason is that a lot of the food at Disneyland Paris is not very good. Given that this is France , you’d expect Disneyland Paris to have some stellar dining options. Unfortunately, expectations here don’t comport with reality. Restaurants at Disneyland Paris are not that good and are not that “French.”

The good news is that dining has been improving in the last few years, and we’ve had some good meals at Walt’s – An American Restaurant and Captain Jack’s. Nevertheless, we are still cautious about Disneyland Paris dining, as we’ve had hit or miss success in the ast.

We’ve since tried out many other restaurants at Disneyland Paris, some good, some really bad. The general trend is towards improvement, which is definitely reassuring. For reviews of individual restaurants, read our Disneyland Paris Restaurant Reviews . We also have a Guide to Drinking at Disneyland Paris for those who want to go out after the parks close!

If you want to avoid disappointment, we’d recommend approaching dining at Disneyland Paris from the perspective of experiencing restaurants with cool themes. Our Top 10 Themed Restaurants at Disneyland Paris post should help with this.

This is how we have approached dining there, and it has worked pretty well. The two restaurants at which we ate the first time, Walt’s and Captain Jack’s, were beautiful, and worth the experience, even considering the food. Walt’s has a similar feel to Club 33 at Disneyland, and Captain Jack’s overlooks the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, much like Blue Bayou at Disneyland.

Counter Service meals are generally okay. It’s about what you’d expect from average counter service restaurants at Walt Disney World or Disneyland. In general, the options are not adventurous, but rather, are stereotypical theme park foods. Lots of pizza, burgers, salads, and fried foods.

This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as portion sizes are large and prices are not out of line (by normal Disney standards). In addition, the design of many of these restaurants is truly impressive. Toad Hall features more detail than all of Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride at Disneyland, and serves some pretty good fish & chips, too.

In terms of portions, the only portion size that will be smaller in Disneyland Paris is soda. There are no free refills in any restaurant (this is typical of Europe) and soda sizes in general are much smaller. So, if you’re a Coke addict, a trip to Disneyland Paris might prove costly!

Although not as good as what you’ll find in the city of Paris, Disneyland Paris snacks are solid. We highly recommend the Cable Car Bake Shop on Main Street. Not just for its sweets, but also because it’s a beautifully designed, intimate location.

One thing to mention so that you don’t get too excited while planning specific places to eat is that Disneyland Paris often closes some of its restaurants depending upon crowds. This has been a huge issue in the last few years, and judging by the calendars published thus far, it will remain a huge problem throughout the rest of this year.

This can be very frustrating for planning purposes, and playing the “ what’s open today? ” game while in the park is equally frustrating, as the signs up indicating which restaurants are open differ from spot to spot. You often don’t know what is open until you walk up to a particular restaurant.

To make matters worse, even the limited slate of restaurants that is open often closes before 5 pm. This means that lines for dinner at the 2-3 restaurants that are open into the evening hours are ridiculously long. We’ve heard frequent reports of guests waiting 45 minutes for a (terrible) burger at Cafe Hyperion. Don’t make that mistake.

One of the easiest ways to avoid this issue is to pack snacks and eat dinner in Disney Village. There are several good options there that are all open late, including Earl of Sandwich, McDonald’s, and Five Guys. All of these restaurants are comparable to their U.S. counterparts.

Earl of Sandwich is our favorite pick; it serves most of the same sandwiches as the Earl of Sandwich locations in the United States and is reasonably priced. It’s definitely disappointing to be in one of the world’s greatest food cities and eat at U.S. chains after the park closes, but unfortunately, that’s the sad reality of dining at Disneyland Paris.

Our over-arching recommendation for those with finite travel budgets would be to save your money for dining in the city of Paris and eat on the cheap in Disneyland Paris. You may want to give at least one table service meal a try before adopting this strategy, though.

We’ve found that most people visit Disneyland Paris for 2 days, and if that’s your plan, our 1-Day Disneyland Paris Park Itinerary and 1-Day Walt Disney Studios Park Itinerary provide step-by-step touring plans for “perfect” days in each of the parks. If you have 3 days or more, simply explore at a leisurely pace in those additional days.

Additionally, we have tips for buying Disneyland Paris tickets in our Disneyland Paris Ticket Tips & Info post, which covers where to find discount park tickets, and the pros & cons of getting an Annual Pass versus buying single day tickets (it’s a closer call than you might think!). Remember that if you’re staying on-site at a Disneyland Paris hotel, there’s a good chance your package will include park tickets.

Then there’s the attractions. Chances are you’ve visited a Disney theme park some time in your life, and you have an idea of what attractions are worth experiencing. The biggest differences in Disneyland Paris are park design, layout, and level of detail. Many of the attractions are very similar in general nature to their US counterparts.

If you’re interested in developing a strategy for attractions or figuring out which to do and which to skip, check out our Disneyland Paris Attractions Guide and our Walt Disney Studios Park Attractions Guide . These guides have ratings for every attraction in Parc Disneyland and WDSP, and our recommendations for doing them.

In general, Disneyland Paris excels because it offers a lot to explore and excellent execution on theme. A die-hard Disney fan will notice differences in many attractions from the US versions, making every attraction a worthwhile experience. A casual guest will probably find that many attractions are “exactly the same” as their US counterparts.

Regardless of where you fall in that spectrum, you will enjoy the details and design if you slow down to enjoy them. That’s what we strongly recommend doing, and that’s how we believe Disneyland Paris is best enjoyed. Spend some time in the shops on Main Street, wander through the restaurants, and look for clues about the backstory.

What About Maintenance?

If you’ve done any research into Disneyland Paris, you might’ve already read horror stories about the park’s upkeep. Historically, it has been so bad that we’re dedicating an entire section in this guide to the topic. Thankfully, this is not nearly as big of a problem as it once was. By and large, maintenance at Disneyland Paris is now close to on par with the U.S. Disney Parks.

A dramatic refresh to the entire resort called “Project Sparkle” has revitalized several popular attractions and entire lands. This is finished in the parks and is now continuing with the hotels.

Thankfully, Disneyland Paris has already turned a corner in terms of maintenance and refreshing the park. Now, we are seeing all of the hard work and refurbishments pay off, and Disneyland Paris is sparkling as a result. Let’s just hope it stays that way!

What to Pack

The items on our Unique Disney Packing List will be helpful in any of the Disney theme parks. Specific to Paris, one thing you will need is a voltage converter. We highly recommend this BESTEK Portable Travel Converter with multiple outlets. You can find cheaper ones, but they will be larger, heavier, and take up valuable real estate in your suitcase.

Another thing we recommend, particularly if you plan on traveling internationally beyond France, is purchasing a pocket MiFi unit. For years, we rented these when traveling, until we did a bit of research and discovered they’re fairly cheap to purchase.

I bought this Huawei 4G LTE Mobile Wifi Hotspot and then purchased a cheap (~$40 Orange Holiday) 10 GB SIM card at a Relay store in Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport when we landed. If you have an unlocked phone, you can just put the SIM card directly into that, but we prefer the MiFi unit so that we can connect multiple devices. We find this to be a more efficient strategy when traveling internationally.

If you are going to be staying in multiple hotels during your European vacation, we highly recommend packing cubes or compression bags (I prefer the cubes) for organization. You can read more of our “carry-on philosophy” and which types of bags we use here . Seriously, this is really critical if you’re going to spend time on the rails or walking through Europe. So much easier than dragging around a ton of luggage!

When packing, also keep in mind that the climate of Paris is not the same as that of Orlando or Anaheim. Paris has legitimate winters, complete with snow and all. If you’re visiting any time from October through March, you should pack for cooler weather. Our Packing for Disney in Winter Guide is a start, but during the height of winter, you will want really warm clothes for many days.

Other Wisdom

It should come as no surprise that Europe does not use the US dollar as a currency. You can order euro from your bank prior to your trip, but withdrawing from an ATM is the better and easier route so long as your bank doesn’t charge exorbitant fees. It didn’t used to be the case, but now this is typically the better option.

Ideally, you’ll have a chipped credit card and will use that for the vast majority of your purchases. Chipped cards make international travel a breeze because they largely eliminate the need to deal in cash (besides from street vendors and other “older” retailers that don’t accept cash). We used chipped credit cards throughout our trip and just carried a bit of cash that we almost never used.

Moving on to another important “issue” for many people: smoking. While Disneyland Paris’ website will lead you to believe that smoking is only allowed in designated areas, the reality is that people smoke in every outdoor area. This is part and parcel of European culture, and something to keep in mind if smoke bothers you.

Free wireless internet is now available throughout Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney Studios Park, the Disney Village, and all resort hotels. This is a relatively new development that roughly coincided with the rollout of the official Disneyland Paris app. There’s also free WiFi at the Disney Village McDonald’s and Earl of Sandwich, and most of the off-site hotels.

The toilets at Disneyland Paris are all highly advanced prototype “SMRT-1” devices that feature facial recognition, and will greet you by saying, “How do you do, sir/m’am?” It is customary and appropriate to respond to this by saying, “I’m well, how are you?” It is not considered rude to decline to respond to any of the toilet’s additional conversation.

Just kidding on that last tip…although it is a foreign country, it’s not a foreign universe! If you can navigate the US parks, you’ll be fine in Disneyland Paris!

For the most part, this should cover everything you need for planning for a trip to Disneyland Paris. I update this guide regularly based on changes in Disneyland Paris (and I have a Disneyland Paris Annual Pass burning a hole in my pocket, so I plan on making another return trip soon), so rest assured that the information here is current. With that said, if you have any unresolved questions, please feel free to ask in the comments.

If you need help planning your Disneyland Paris vacation beyond this, we recommend contacting an experienced (no fee), Authorized Disney Vacation Planner , which will also help you find the best deals. Want to see more photos or read about Disneyland Paris in agonizing detail? Check out our “Impressions de Bricker” Disneyland Paris Report , which covers our visit during the inaugural Disneyland Paris Half Marathon, or our Disneyland Paris 20th Anniversary Trip Report , which covers our first visit to Disneyland Paris!

Your Thoughts

Have you been to Disneyland Paris? What did you think? Planning and trip and have questions? Please leave them in the comments! If you’re a Disneyland Paris “regular” and you have tips of your own, please add them in the comments. I might just borrow them for the guide itself.

Written by Tom Bricker

What are your thoughts on traveling April of 2025? Our April break next year ends on Easter Sunday. Thank you!

THANK YOU for all of this insight. We went to DLP in late March 2023 with our 8 year old daughter and this guidance was key.

Staying in Serris in an AirBNB was great and felt almost “on-site”, because the village is so themed. There is a little boulangerie on the Main Street that would not be out of place in the parks.

The 30th Anniversary show with the drones was astonishing – I’ve never heard the sound of that many people gasping in unison.

“Un Monde die S’Illumine”, for parents of an 8 year old who had been in pandemic lockdown since she was 5 – the lyrics “We’re gonna dream a little bigger / Laugh a little harder / Sing a little louder now”, were really cathartic and moving. Like an announcement that the world is coming back.

The restaurant review link is broken, FYI

i have never beem to paris

Thank you for the detail & all of the links to your other articles!! We are planning a very cold early Feb 2024 visit (due to other plans) and when I try to book a hotel package, it won’t let me change the number of ticket days. I need 4 nights and 3 days b ut it will only give my 4 nights and 5 days of tickets. Any experience or tips with this??

DL Paris isn’t one of the US parks where we can customize our packages! DL Paris makes you buy one more day of ticket than nights of hotel stay. We bought a 4 day ticket with 3 nights for next month. We really only wanted a 3 day and 3 night package.

I read somewhere online you can call Disney Land Paris and book hotel and tickets seperately as opposed to a package. Maybe that will work?

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Planning a Trip to Disneyland Paris: Tips & Advice

By: Author Sophie Nadeau

Posted on Last updated: 4th March 2023

Categories France

Last Updated on 4th March 2023 by Sophie Nadeau

If you’re planning a trip to Disneyland Paris then this is the guide for you. Whether you’re wondering the best time of the year to go, what to wear, or indeed some of the best-kept secrets of the Disneyland Park in France, then we have you covered.

I recently visited Disneyland Paris for the first time as a twenty-something year old with two of my good friends. Despite grey clouds overhead, we had an amazing time and I highly recommend a visit to families, couples, and friend groups alike as a trip to Disney is easily one of the best day trips from Paris.

Purchase your Disneyland Paris tickets in advance with GetYourGuide.

Disneyland Park

Walt disney studios park, disney village, purchase your tickets in advance, be prepared to wait, wear comfortable walking shoes, use the disneyland paris app, you aren’t allowed to dress up, visit disneyland park second, decide what rides you want to visit, avoid visiting on national holidays, parking is expensive, bring your own food/ snacks, you don’t need to know french, wear a backpack, if you’re visiting in early spring/ late autumn/ winter, can you visit both parks in one day, is there single rider, is there fastpass, what is disneyland paris like in 2023, is it worth visiting disneyland paris if you don’t like rollercoasters, what else is close to disneyland paris, disneyland paris overview.

Disneyland is a huge sprawling site that comprises of a series of different areas. It is easily walkable over the course of around half an hour and so this section will breakdown the different parts of the park, as well as what there is to do in each section.

Disneyland Park, or Parc Disneyland as it is so-called in French is the larger of the two theme park areas of Disneyland Paris. This is the oldest part of the park and is where iconic attractions such as the ‘pink castle’ can be found.

The pink castle is, of co urse, the Sleeping Beauty Castle (Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant) and is a must-see while in the park. Under renovation, and therefore covered by scaffolding, for part of 2021, as of mid-November 2021, Sleeping Beauty’s Castle is once more available to see.

Disneyland Park is also gorgeous to visit as it is home to Main Street USA. This is the first place you visit once you enter Disneyland Park and is meant to resemble US towns of the early 20th-century. This part of the park is home to restaurants and boutiques.

The entirety of the Disneyland park is centred around the Sleeping Beauty Castle, with lands to the North, East, South, and West.

Main Street USA is where the Parade takes place. The four themed lands are Fantasyland (mainly rides geared towards young children), Frontierland, Discoveryland (named Tomorrowland in California), and Adventureland.

The smaller and newer of the two theme park areas at Disneyland is the Walt Disney Studios Park. This part of the park includes rides related to Walt Disney Studios movies and so it’s here where you’ll find the Toy Stories Rides, Cars rides etc.

Walt Disney Studios Park feels a bit older than the other parts of Disneyland Paris and doesn’t really have the same kind of ‘magical’ feel as the rest of the lands. Of note, there is a Marvel rides section of the park which opened in 2022 and is a new fan favourite.

Outside of the two parks, there is a small shopping area that includes merchandise shops, eateries, and other entertainment venues. This is similar to Disney Springs and Downtown Disney in the USA parks.

If you’re travelling from further away and are in France to see Disneyland as opposed to the city of Paris, then there is a hotel area of the park comprising of six hotels. There are also two newer hotels, though they’re located a little further away from the rest of the Disneyland Park.

Disneyland Paris tips

If it’s your first trip to Disneyland Paris, then there are a number of things to know before visiting. Having recently enjoyed the park for the first time, there were some things that I wish I had known sooner!

If you’re planning a visit to Disneyland, then you should know that my number one travel tip would be to reserve your tickets in advance. This will save you from wasting time waiting in line to purchase tickets. Purchase your Disneyland Paris tickets in advance with GetYourGuide.

If there’s one thing that I had no idea about prior to visiting Disneyland Paris, it’s that you should be prepared for a day of waiting.

Unless you purchase Premier Access (which is on a per ride basis and can easily add up to a small fortune), then you should be prepared to wait between 5 minutes to over 2 hours between rides.

If available and you don’t mind splitting up from your friends and sitting alone on a ride, then Single Rider access to rides can have a much shorter waiting time.

For example, to access the Ratatouille ride it would have taken us 60 minutes as a group. Going as single riders meant that we only had to wait for 25 minutes.

As I just mentioned, you can often be waiting for a long time in order to access certain rides. As such, I would recommend wearing your comfiest trainers and avoid wearing any shoes that might cause discomfort during the day. I also managed to walk over 20,000 steps during my time by simply walking around the site.

One of the most invaluable tips for visiting Disneyland Paris that I received was to download the Disneyland Paris app prior to my visit.

The app gives you a list of all the rides that are currently in operation (rides can often close at short notice throughout the day) and how long the wait times are.

The map available will also show you which rides are currently allowing Single riders (though it unfortunately doesn’t give you the single rider waiting times) and will tell you how long the queue for each ride will take.

Guests over the age of 12 aren’t allowed to wear costumes to visit the park. Luckily, if you’re creative, you can still wear outfits ‘in the vein of’ your favourite characters. This is called ‘Disney Bounding’ and you can read more about it here.

You can also purchase Disney ears at most of the shops throughout the parks (though you might be allowed to take them off for certain rides). People of all ages wear Disney ears.

As well as the classic Minnie ears, there are special releases of Disney ears and I personally love my purple sparkly ones. If you’re looking to purchase a souvenir from your time at Disneyland Paris, I highly suggest making it a pair of ears that you can wear on your next Disney trip, wherever that may be.

If you’re planning on visiting both attraction parks in one day, visit Disneyland Park after visiting Walt Disney Studios Park. Disneyland Park closes much later and has more to see/ do.

If you’re only visiting Disneyland Paris for a day (and especially if you’re planning on visiting both parks over the course of a day) , then you won’t be able to go on all of the rides. This can be disappointing to hear, but of course gives you the excuse to go back to Disneyland Paris in the future!

Get each person in your group to decide which rides they would most like to go on and focus on visiting those ones first so as to ensure that you have time to queue and go on them.

I would also recommend trying to go on the most popular rides (such as Ratatouille and Space Mountain) earlier in the day as these rides tend to have the longest lines.

If you want to visit Disneyland Paris and have the best chance at avoiding long queues to go on each attraction, then I would recommend avoiding French holidays. Since Disneyland Paris is so easy to reach from the UK, then I would also recommend avoiding UK bank holidays too. Avoid weekends too if you can help it!

Parking at Disneyland Paris costs €30 and motorbikes cost €20. As such, if you’re able to visit the park by public transportation, then this is likely a much easier and stress-free option.

The closest train station to Disneyland Paris is Marne-la-Valée-Chessy which is around a two-minute walk away from the entrance to the park. The station is on the RER A and provides a direct connection to central Paris in around 45 minutes.

I won’t be the first to say that the quality of the food at Disneyland Paris is not the best! There are two options when it comes to eating at DLP. The first is that you can sit in a restaurant (book in advance as space can fill up fast) , though this will set you back at least €30 per person.

The other option is to get food to go from one of the many vans/ stalls/ fast food joints from across the park. However, the vast majority of these options are unhealthy and pricey, with a hot dog costing €10. There is at least one vegetarian option at every restaurant.

One of the most overlooked Disneyland travel tips by first timers is that you can bring your own food and drink into the park (alcohol is not allowed) . While picnics are not looked on fondly, you could still bring snacks and sandwiches into the park with you, which is what we opted to do.

As Disneyland is such an international destination, you don’t need to have any knowledge of French. All signs and attractions throughout both parks are bilingual (the information is available in both French and English) . All staff members also speak good English.

Suggested packing/ what to wear at Disneyland Paris

Whether you want to bring an extra sweater in case of cold or if you’re looking to bring snacks, then be sure to bring a backpack. Bring a backpack that’s small enough to fit in the seat at your feet to go on the rides.

One of the most random facts about Disneyland Paris is that the original idea for the Europe site would be that it would be in a warmer climate to match the sites in the USA. However, Paris ultimately won the bid due to its proximity to so many millions of people.

As such, if you visit Paris in the late autumn/ winter/ early spring, then you should be prepared for all seasons. At these times of the year, the weather can change rapidly and you can easily experience rain and blue skies within the space of a single hour.

As such, I highly recommend wearing layers so that you can dress up against the elements as required. Other essentials include an umbrella (a small one to fit in your backpack), a hat, and gloves.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Disneyland Paris

Yes. It is possible to visit both Walt Disney Studios Park and Disneyland Park in one day. They are right next to one another and so just a few minutes walk apart. Both have their own separate entrances that you’ll have to go through in order to access the parks.

With this being said, if I only had the time/ money to visit one park, then I would choose to visit Disneyland Park.

This is the larger of the two parks and also the more traditional as it has a classic ‘Disney’ feel. You could easily spend an entire day exploring just one park, watching all of the shows, and enjoying all of the smaller rides on offer.

Due to ongoing world events, the single rider option for rides at Disneyland Paris was closed. However, as of November 2021, single rider is once again available. When you’re on site, use the app to check whether or not single rider is in operation on the day.

For example, when I visited Disneyland with friends, we didn’t have the option to go into a single rider queue for rides such as Crush’s Coaster in the Walt Disney Studios Park or the Big Thunder Mountain ride in Disneyland Park.

FastPass has been retired and so you can no longer acquire it to reduce your wait times for rides. There is now the option to buy Disney Premier Access. Access can be purchased on a per ride basis and is typically priced from €5- €15 per ride. Find out more information here.

There is currently no mandatory mask wearing in the park, though it remains recommended. As of autumn 2021, parades are once more taking place.

As of April 1st, 2022, character meet and greets are once more happening, meaning that a trip to Disneyland Paris is once more quite similar as to what it was like prior to 2020.

Yes! There’s something for everyone when it comes to Disneyland Paris. From relaxing riverboat rides to rollercoasters with loops, and everything in-between. I am personally got a greatly big fan of scary/ intense rollercoasters and still had an amazing time!

Disneyland Paris is a short walk (or train/ bus ride) away from La Vallée Village , the most successful designer outlet in France. La Vallée Village is a shopping outlet that comprises of over 110 stores, including plenty of designer French brands.

As well as ‘accessible’ designers such as Sandro, Maje, Levi’s, and Guess, there are also high-end designers such as Gucci, Balenciaga, Prada, and Burberry. La Vallée Village is part of The Bicester Village Shopping Collection Villages.

Enjoyed reading this Disneyland Paris planning guide? Pin this article now, read it again later:

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Tuesday 10th of January 2023

Wow! Great article! Very comprehensive and spot on! I'm a big French fan and especially a Disneyland Paris specialist, holding an annual pass for over 6 years!

Corinne Stevenson

Thursday 28th of April 2022

Do you happen to know if there's a COVID testing site in the Disney Village or at any of the on-site hotels for travelers who need a negative test to return the their home country?

Sophie Nadeau

Thursday 12th of May 2022

There was one in the Village but I did a quick Google search and when I went on the testing service website (through the link), it said it had been closed down: https://disneylandparis-news.com/en/how-do-i-get-a-pcr-test-during-your-visit-to-disneyland-paris/

Sunday 6th of February 2022

Thank you for this. This will help me and my family to plan our trip hopefully in Paris Disney. Well done

Saturday 19th of February 2022

Thank you! :)

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Coach trips to Disneyland® Paris including hopper ticket and hotel

Language: French Currency:  Euro Time Zone: GMT +1 hour Tipping: You will always find a 15% service charge added to your bill in cafes and restaurants. This is included in advertised prices so there is no surprise when you come to pay your bill. This is not the same as a tip for good service and is appreciated by the staff.

For anyone who has never been to Disneyland® Paris before, the resort is open all year round and provides a huge variety of attractions to suit the whole family:

Disneyland® Park Four amazing lands can be discovered when you visit Disneyland Park. Fairytales really do exist in Fantasyland . Transport back in time to the Wild West in Frontierland . Travel from Africa to Asia, the South Pacific and Caribbean in Adventureland . It's all about the wonders of space and science in Discoveryland . Main Street USA will take you back to 1900s America.

Walt Disney Studios Park Celebrating all things related to cinema, television and entertainment. Take a look behind the scenes in The Production Courtyard . Learn the tricks of the trade in The Animation Courtyard . Experience special effects in the Backlot and be transported back to 1930s movie-making in the Front Lot .

Disney Village This is located between Disneyland Park, Walt Disney Studios Park and the onsite Disney Hotels. Further attractions can be found here including a cinema, IMAX, theatres, golf courses, restaurants, bars and so much more. You can buy souvenirs in one of the 40 unique shops here and remember to use the free shopping service where you can shop early in the day and pick up your goods after 6pm. Lake Disney should be visited too where you can ride pedalos, rowing boats and canoes in the summer.

You can treat the family to memorable experiences such as Character Breakfasts where the Disney characters will meet and greet the children, pose for photographs and give that all important autograph. There's a host of other special seasoned events such as Mickey's Bonfire and Firework Spectacular , Hallowe'en and of course, Christmas and New Year celebrations. Bear in mind that as France experiences similar weather to the UK, it can get quite cold if you're visiting the Parks during winter as the majority of the Disneyland® Paris rides are outside.

As with all holiday resorts, Disneyland Paris experiences a high and low season with Christmas being extremely popular with families. Weekends tend to be the busiest and prices can be more expensive compared to visiting the resort during midweek. However, with that being said, there are usually some great special offers on coach trips to Disneyland Paris where KIDS GO FREE .

If you're on a budget, but wish to stay in an onsite hotel, Disney's Santa Fe should tick all the boxes as it is basic but clean and has everything you could need during your stay. Please note that this hotel is the furthest from the park but it will only take a 15 minute walk along the river to get there. Unfortunately, this hotel does not have a pool but there could be an option on some tour packages to stay at Sequoia Lodge which does have swimming facilities. There is a bonus for choosing to stay in an onsite hotel as you will get 'Extra Magic Hours' which allows hotel guests to enter the Disneyland Park a couple of hours before the gates are open to the general public. However, not all of the rides and attractions will be open during ' Magic Hours ' so best to check first.

Disneyland Paris Resort caters for all tastes especially when it comes to food with a variety of restaurants to choose from, including fast food, pizza, all-you-can-eat buffets, table-service restaurants, ice-cream parlours, steakhouses and of course, McDonalds. It's best to time when you are going to eat as during peak times the catering facilities can fill up quite quickly. There are lots of water fountains located around the Disney Parks should any of you become thirsty, perhaps take an empty bottle and fill up? You're allowed to take your own picnics and there is a special area for them which can be found to the side entrance walkway from the main car park.

As with all major theme parks, Disneyland® Paris does get quite busy especially during peak times so you should plan in advance the attractions you wish to see and the rides you desperately want to go on. Some of the attractions that should feature high on your list should be:

It's A Small World – perfect for little ones Dumbo the Flying Elephant – perfect for little ones Pirates of the Caribbean – perfect for the whole family Big Thunder Mountain – perfect for older members of the family Mad Hatter's Tea Cups – perfect for the whole family Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain – perfect for older members of the family

Thinking of travelling to South Paris? Check out the average temperatures for when you plan to visit courtesy of  BBC Weather

More information about Coach trips to Disneyland Paris?

Here are some things to know before you go on  coach trips to Disneyland Paris :

Fastpass Service Disabled Access Entrance Getting the Little Ones Around Disney Parades The Weather Meet and Greets Visiting at Christmas Fancy a Brew? Security Prohibited Items Queue Lines Ride Restrictions Filming and Photography

Fastpass Service When you arrive at either of the Disneyland Paris Parks, consider using the Fastpass service. This is a free service that helps you cut down on attraction waiting times. You will be allocated a time to go on the ride and when you come back, you can board the ride in a matter of minutes instead of queuing.

Disney PhotoPass+ Make sure those holiday moments last a lifetime. The Disney PhotoPass+ TM  allows you to acquire a digital album of all your photos taken during your break to Disneyland Paris, including those taken on rides or by Disney's own Photographers. Capture even more memories!

Disabled Access Entrance If anyone in your party is disabled, ask about an Easy Access Card on arrival at the Park. This allows you to get into certain rides and attractions via the Disabled Access Entrance. You can hire wheelchairs at the resort but these are issued on a first come, first served basis. If you can, bring your own collapsible wheelchair.

Getting the Little Ones Around  If you're travelling with little ones, take a pushchair or perhaps hire one at the Park. Disneyland Paris is huge and it's surprising how many miles you will walk in a day. It's worth noting though that the buggies available to hire in either of the Parks can be bulky and do not recline.

Disney Parades  The Disney Parades are one of the major highlights and are of course the most popular attraction at the resort. Allow plenty of time to find a good spot so your family can see the Characters and Floats on display.

The Weather The majority of the rides and attractions at Disneyland Paris are undercover but you should take a lightweight waterproof or a poncho just in case the weather decides to turn. If you are travelling in the summer months, you should take some sun cream.

Meet and Greets The 'Character Breakfasts' can be quite busy so if you'd rather experience a gentler 'Meet and Greet', some of the Disney Characters will be in the hotel lobby if you are staying onsite.

Visiting at Christmas Visiting Disneyland Paris at Christmas time is a truly magical experience. The decorations are put up and fake snow is scattered across the Park in the early part of December. Please note it does get busy during the festive season so consider visiting the Park earlier in the year.

Fancy a brew?  Not all rooms at the onsite Disney hotels will have tea or coffee-making facilities. Should you wish to have a hot drink, take a travel kettle or you can hire one from the hotel reception, you will need to pay a deposit though.

Entering The Park:

Security All visitors who go on coach trips to Disneyland Paris will have to pass through a baggage security checkpoint. A member of security personnel will want to take a quick look inside your belongings so please have your bags ready. On some dates there will be an x-ray machine in operation.

Prohibited items You will not be allowed to take any of the following into either Disneyland Park or Walt Disney Studios Park:

• Items with wheels
• Weapons of any kind
• Folding chairs
• Glass containers (bottles, jars or perfumes)
• Pets (unless Guide Dogs or service animals)

Queue Lines Prepare yourself for an element of queuing especially during peak times. When in the queue you must stick to the marked path and on no account must you queue-jump. Disney Cast Members have the right to refuse queue-jumpers entry to the Parks attractions and rides. Smoking, eating and drinking is prohibited whilst waiting in the queue.

Ride Restrictions Some of the rides and attractions will have height restrictions that will need to be observed. To find out how intense the ride or attraction will be and whether there are any other restrictions, take a look at the information signs located before each ride.

Filming and Photography Flash photography is not allowed in any of the indoor attractions and for most indoor shows so please turn your flash off or do not use your camera at all. Video photography is not allowed for the indoor ride and show-based attractions.

To help you have an enjoyable holiday in France, take a look at these useful tips and advice provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO):

Health and Travel Insurance Local Laws and Customs Entry Requirements Tourist Office

Health and Travel Insurance When visiting France you should always ensure you have a free  UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)  before travelling. The GHIC isn't a substitute for travel and medical insurance, however it does entitle you to state-provided medical treatment should it become necessary during your trip. Any treatment is on the same terms as the French nationals. You should always make sure you have adequate travel insurance in addition to the GHIC and also access to funds which can cover the cost of any medical treatments and also repatriation.

Local Laws and Customs You must be able to prove your identity either by providing documents when asked or within 4 hours at a police station. Identity documents can be a passport, a photo driving licence or other documentation provided by a government body.

In France concealing your face in public places is illegal, which includes full veils, balaclavas or any other mask or garment that conceals the face. Failure to comply with this ban can incur a maximum fine of €150. The law doesn't provide any exemption for tourists and visitors.

Entry Requirements

If you are planning to visit France, you must meet the following passport requirements.

Your passport must be: - Issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’) - Valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

Please note: If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. These extra months do not count towards your passport validity.

Visas You can travel to France for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. Please note that any previous visits you have made to the Schengen countries within the last 180 days will count towards your 90-day limit.

Passport stamping Your passport will be stamped if you enter or exit the Schengen area through France as a visitor. These passport stamps are used to check you’re complying with the 90-day visa-free limit in the Schengen area.

Any other nationality looking to visit France must contact the local embassy to check visa requirements.

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Departing from London St Pancras

To start your journey, get to London St Pancras International at our recommended arrival time to allow plenty of time to go through border controls and security. Before you jump on one of our Eurostar trains you can indulge in some boutique shopping, experience fine dining at a world-class brasserie or enjoy a glass of bubbly at the longest champagne bar in Europe.

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On our London to Lille train you can bring two bags and one piece of hand luggage for no extra charge. There are no weight limits, but please ensure you can carry all items of luggage safely. Find out more about our luggage allowances . Wherever you sit, you can email, tweet and post all the way with our free onboard wi-fi. You’ll find power sockets at your seat, so you can stay charged up while you relax. If you find yourself feeling peckish, you can enjoy a range of hot and cold drinks and sweet and savoury snacks at Eurostar Café . And if you’re travelling in Standard Premier or Business Premier , you’ll be served a three-course meal at your seat. Find out more about our food on board .

Connecting in Lille Europe

When you get to Lille Europe, head up to the main floor and check the departures board. When you’ve found your platform, head back down to platform level and hop on your connecting TGV train to Marne-la Vallée - Chessy (which is the station opposite the Disneyland® Paris park gates). On your way home, just do the trip in reverse. But be sure to jump on your TGV train from Marne-la-Vallée - Chessy at least 2 minutes before departure. You’ll then need to go through border control and security before you board your Eurostar train at Lille Europe. Fancy a city escape before heading to Disneyland® Paris? Take Eurostar to Paris Gare du Nord and then grab a local train to the park. If you need more info, just take a look at our handy FAQ section .

Frequently asked questions

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var(--grid-columns));-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;min-width:0;box-sizing:border-box;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:wrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:wrap;-ms-flex-wrap:wrap;flex-wrap:wrap;margin:calc(var(--grid-rowspacing) / -2) calc(var(--grid-columnspacing) / -2);-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;}@media (min-width:37.5rem){.css-2pnwxm{-webkit-box-flex:0;-webkit-flex-grow:0;-ms-flex-positive:0;flex-grow:0;-webkit-flex-basis:auto;-ms-flex-preferred-size:auto;flex-basis:auto;width:calc(100% * 10 / var(--grid-columns));}} .css-11yytic{font-family:'abc social bold','arial','sans-serif';font-weight:normal;color:#00286a;text-align:left;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:1rem;-webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased;font-size:1.25rem;line-height:1.5rem;color:#00286aimportant;margin:0remimportant;display:blockimportant;}@media (min-width: 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Unlike airlines, there are no hidden costs when travelling by Eurostar. Once you have picked your train tickets ( Standard , Standard Premier or Business Premier ), there will be no additional fees for seat selection, advanced booking, or luggage allowance .

How long is the Eurostar journey from London to Disneyland® Paris?

The fastest train journey time between London and Disneyland® Paris is 2 hours and 59 minutes. Take a direct Eurostar London to Lille train in 1 hour 22 minutes and change onto a local TGV train for the rest of the journey to Disneyland® Paris which takes just over an hour.

How far in advance can you book your Eurostar train ticket for Disneyland® Paris?

Eurostar tickets from London to Disneyland® Paris can be booked up to 180 days before your return travel date, however, there are a few exceptions depending on engineering work or when you book. Have a look at our booking calendar and available days will show in black while the greyed-out dates are not available for sale just yet.

Can you take liquids on the Eurostar London to the Disneyland® Paris trains?

You can take liquids on the Eurostar and there is no volume limit, so you can bring all your toiletries and even a bottle of bubbly!

How fast does the Eurostar go between London and Disneyland® Paris?

Between London and Disneyland® Paris, the high-speed lines allow our trains to drive at a maximum speed of 186 miles per hour (300 km/h).

How much luggage can I bring with me on the Eurostar?

Standard adult tickets allow you to bring two pieces of luggage that are up to 85cm long, and one small piece of hand luggage such as a handbag or briefcase. Find out more information about luggage allowances.

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Visiting Disneyland Paris on a Solo Trip: Is it worth it?

Disneyland Paris is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

A visit to Disneyland is a must for many families, but is it worth it to visit Disneyland Paris on a solo trip?

We’ll take a look at some of the pros and cons of visiting Disney without company.

Whether you’re undecided or just looking for some extra advice, hopefully this post can help you make the right decision for your next vacation!

Spoiler alert: YES, it is absolutely worth visiting Disneyland Paris on a solo trip!

So if you’re thinking of booking a trip to Disneyland Paris solo, read on for our top tips.

Table of Contents

How to visit Disneyland Paris on a Solo Trip

Take the train.

If you’re coming from London, the Eurostar is a great option for getting to Disneyland Paris.

You can book your tickets in advance online, and the journey takes just over two hours.

Once you arrive at Disneyland Paris, there are regular shuttle buses that run between the resort and the train station.

If you’re coming from Paris, you can take the RER A which will take around 45 minutes to and hour

Purchase your train tickets here

Buy tickets in advance

You can buy your tickets in advance online, and this is definitely recommended if you’re visiting during peak season.

There are different ticket options available, so it’s worth doing some research to find the best deal for you.

Some ticket types include unlimited access to the parks for a certain number of days, while others allow you to visit for one day only.

There are also different prices for adults, children, and seniors.

If you’re flexible with your dates, it’s worth checking the website in advance as sometimes there are special offers and discounts available.

Purchase your tickets for Disneyland Paris online here

Download the App

The Disneyland Paris app is a great way to make the most of your solo trip.

You can use the app to check wait times for rides, see what events are happening, and find out where the nearest restrooms are.

You can also use the app to book FastPass tickets for rides.

This is a great way to avoid queues, and means you can make the most of your time at Disneyland Paris.

The app is available for both iOS and Android devices.

Find out more and download the Disneyland Paris app here.

Buy a meal plan

If you’re staying at a Disneyland Paris hotel it’s worth considering buying a meal plan.

There are different meal plans available, and they can be a great way to save money.

From breakfast to full board you can choose from 1, 2 or 3 meals a day, or add extra treats. There are options for all tastes and budgets!

Find out more about the different meal plans available at Disneyland Paris here .

Make the most of the single rider

If you’re visiting Disneyland Paris on a solo trip, make the most of the single rider queues.

This is a great way to avoid long wait times for rides at several attraction by accessing a special entrance.

Squeeze as much of the magic as possible into your stay by reducing the waiting time with the SINGLE RIDER service.

Please note: the single rider service does not give immediate boarding or a choice of seat or vehicle

Treat yourself

One of the best things about taking a solo trip is that you can do exactly what YOU want to do.

If you want to go on all the rides, great! If you want to spend all day in the shops, that’s fine too.

You don’t have to worry about pleasing anyone else, so make sure you treat yourself during your trip.

Whether it’s buying a souvenir, grabbing a bite to eat, or getting a massage at one of the Disney hotels , do whatever makes you happy.

You’re on vacation after all!

Stay in a hotel at the Park

If you’re visiting Disneyland Paris solo, it’s worth considering staying in a hotel at the park.

There are several hotels to choose from, and they all have their own unique theme.

Staying in a hotel at the park has its perks too.

You can take advantage of extra magic hours, which means you can enjoy the park for longer.

You also have the option of adding a meal plan to your stay, which can be a great way to save money.

To find out more about the hotels at Disneyland Paris, and to book your stay, click here.

Whether you’re visiting Disneyland Paris for the rides, the shows, or the magical atmosphere, there’s something for everyone.

Enjoy the extra hour of magic

If you are staying at one of the Disney hotels, you gain access to part of the Parks and meet up with Disney characters long before other members of the public are able to enter the Park.

An added bonus is enjoying some attractions before Disneyland Paris officially opens.

How to buy tickets to Disneyland Paris?

You can buy tickets to Disneyland Paris online in advance , or at the ticket booth when you arrive.

If you’re visiting during a busy time, we recommend buying your tickets online in advance to avoid long queues at the ticket booth.

You can also take advantage of some great deals and discounts that are often available online.

It also recommended to book in advance if booking online as you are not able to purchase tickets online the day you would like to go.

Book your tickets with Get Your Guide for one day or 2 – 4 days

How to get to Disneyland Paris from Paris?

Disneyland paris by train from paris.

The easiest and most effective way to get to Disneyland Paris from the main city hub is to take the RER A train from Paris.

From Gare du Nord, take the RER B Sud (south bound) to Les Halles. When you get off at this stop look for the RER A train that is heading towards Marnee-la-Vallee.

Disneyland is the last stop on the line at Marnee-la-Vallee.

A one way ticket to Disneyland Paris will cost €7.60.

Trains for Disneyland depart every 15 minutes from Paris. The trip will take around 45 minutes to one hour.

Once you arrive, follow the signs (or the crowds) for the 2 minute walk to the Disney Parks.

Disneyland Paris by Car from Paris

If you are driving to Disneyland Paris the journey will take around 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on traffic.

There are two main ways to get there by car:

Take the A4 motorway from Paris. This is the quickest route but also the most likely to have traffic delays.

Take the N104 national road. This road goes through some smaller towns so the journey will take a bit longer, but it is less likely to have traffic problems.

There are several large car parks at Disneyland Paris. The prices range from €8-€35 per day depending on how close you want to park to the Parks.

Hire your car here

If you are unsure about travelling to Disneyland on your own from Paris you can also take an organised transfer from Paris by bus , which will include your entry to the park.

Food at Disneyland Paris

Food at Disneyland Paris is not cheap! You have been warned.

When dining at Disneyland Paris you have three options:

• You can dine in at restaurant. It is recommended to book a table in advance as the spaces do fill up very quickly. It is also quite expensive, a mean will cost you at least €30.
• Pick up a meal or a snack from the food vans, fast food eateries or food stalls around the park. These offer your standard ‘carnival food’ options and will cost on average €10 for food such as hotdogs
• The cheapest option for dining at Disney is to bring your own food and drink, you cannot bring your own alcoholic beverages . You are welcome to bring your own meals and snacks to the park but sitting and enjoying a picnic is not recommended. There are several different supermarkets near Disneyland where you can stock up on food.

Accommodation at Disneyland Paris

There are many accommodation options available near Disneyland Paris. Below are some of the most popular:

Disney’s Davy Crockett Ranch which is a 15 minute drive from the Disney parks and features self catering Bungalows (takeaway breakfast is available for an additional charge). You will also be able to enjoy a heated indoor pool and hot tub.

Please note that Disneyland entry tickets are not included in the nightly rate.

Check availability here

Sequoia Lodge is a 14 minute walk from the Disney parks. Each room includes a private bathroom and free toiletries. An American style breakfast is available each morning for an addition charge.

Guests can meet Disney characters in this hotel from 08:00 to 11:00 each morning.

Disneyland Hotel is the most expensive hotel onsite and is located just a 5 minute walk from the main gates of Disneyland Park.

The hotel offers luxury rooms and suites, many with views over the park. Guests can enjoy an outdoor heated pool, spa and fitness centre during their stay.

A buffet breakfast is served each morning

Please note: Disneyland hotel is currently under renovations

Check out the Disney Hotel here

Rides at Disneyland Paris

One of the main attractions at Disneyland Paris are the rides. Some of the best rides include:

• Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain
• Big Thunder Mountain
• Pirates of the Caribbean
• Star Tours: The Adventures Continue
• The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

For a full list of rides and attractions that are open check out the Disneyland Paris website.

Disney shows at Disneyland Paris

There are also some great Disney shows that you can watch on a solo trip.

These include:

-Frozen: A Musical Invitation

-The Lion King: Rhythms of the Pride Land Shows

-Mickey and the Magician

-Disney Stars on Parade

For a full list of entertainment and shows that are on check out the Disneyland Paris website

Pros and Cons of Visiting Disneyland Paris alone

As with any trip there are many pros and cons to visiting Disneyland Paris as a solo traveller:

Pros of visiting Disneyland Paris alone

• You can do what you want, when you want
• No need to compromise on attractions or rides
• Fantastic opportunity to meet new people
• You can go at your own pace
• You can make use of the single rider

Cons of visiting Disneyland Paris alone

• There is no one to hold your place in the line while you head to the bathroom
• Some attractions may be designed for groups or couples
• You may feel lonely at times after all, it is the most magical place on earth

Overall, we think the pros definitely outweigh the cons when it comes to solo travel at Disneyland Paris!

If you’re thinking of going solo, we say go for it! You’ll have an amazing time.

Is it worth visiting Disneyland Paris alone?

Yes, visiting Disneyland Paris on a solo trip is definitely worth it! There are plenty of pros to visiting the park alone, from being able to go at your own pace and not having to compromise on the rides you go on.

You’ll also find that you save money by not having to buy tickets for two people, and you can take advantage of the single rider queues for rides.

There are a few things to keep in mind when visiting Disneyland Paris alone, such as making sure you’re prepared for the crowds and being aware of your belongings at all times.

But overall, solo travellers will love Disneyland Paris just as much as couples or families!

FAQs: Disneyland Paris Solo Trip

Can you go to disneyland paris alone.

Yes! You can absolutely go to Disneyland Paris on a solo trip. In fact, we think it’s a great idea! You’ll be able to go at your own pace and do everything you want to do without having to compromise.

Is it weird to go to Disney by yourself?

No, it’s not weird to go to Disney by yourself! In fact, every day thousands of adult solo travellers head to Disneyland in Paris to experience all the magic the park has to offer.

How much does it cost for 1 person to go to Disneyland Paris?

The cost of a solo trip to Disneyland Paris will depend on your travel style and how long you want to stay at the park. If you’re looking to save money, we recommend staying in a hotel outside of the park and taking advantage of the single rider queues for rides. You can also buy a 1 day ticket which starts from €60.

Is 1 day enough for Disneyland Paris?

Yes, one full day at Disneyland Paris is enough.

However, if you’re only visiting Disneyland Paris for 1 day, we recommend buying a ticket in advance and downloading the Disneyland app. This will help you make the most of your time at the park.

Keep in mind that some of the rides have long queues, so it’s worth checking the wait times before you go on them.

Wrap Up: Disneyland Paris Solo Trip

So, there you have it! Our tips for visiting Disneyland Paris on a solo trip.

We hope you found this post helpful and that it has inspired you to visit the happiest place on Earth (in Paris!).

If you have any questions or would like more information, please let us know in the comments below.

And don’t forget to share your experiences from Disneyland Paris with us – we can’t wait to hear about your trip.

I'm Fiona, the Australian blogger behind Travelling Thirties. Travel has always been my passion since 2007. I created this site to help inspire you to travel the world. In 2010 I moved from Australia to Scotland with $500 and a one way ticket, no one thought I'd last 5 minutes but I lasted 5 years. I share everything from one day itineraries to travel tips and tricks from Australia to Europe that will inspire you to get out and travel. Some of my favourite countries I have been to are France, Finland, Denmark, and England.

Travel Expertise: Europe Travel, France Travel, Christmas Markets, travel planning, itineraries and travel tips

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How to plan a memorable day trip to Paris from Disneyland

Holly Walsh • Last Updated: 27 Mar 2024 • mins

Are you ready to add a touch of magic to your Disneyland Paris vacation ? Exploring the enchanting city of Paris is easier than you think! Disneyland Paris, nestled just thirty kilometres east of the heart of Paris, offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich history and iconic landmarks of the French capital. In this guide, we’ll show you how to plan an unforgettable day trip to Paris from Disneyland.

Getting to Paris from Disneyland Paris

When it comes to travelling between Disneyland Paris and the city centre, the RER commuter train is your best friend. Marne-la-Vallée station, situated right next to the theme parks and Disney Village, serves as the gateway to your Parisian adventure. It’s the last stop on the RER Line A, ensuring a hassle-free journey from Disney’s doorstep to Paris’s heart.

Must-visit places near Disneyland Paris

Here, we’ve curated a list of Parisian gems that are not to be missed during your day trip. Whether you’re starting from the Disneyland theme parks or your Disney hotel, we’ve got you covered with easy-to-follow directions.

1. Eiffel Tower adventure

The iconic Eiffel Tower is the quintessential symbol of Paris and a must-visit attraction. Travelling from Disneyland Paris to the Eiffel Tower can be done by various modes of transportation, and the choice depends on your preferences and schedule. Here are a few options:

• Take the RER A directly from Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy train station (this is the only option at this station).
• Disembark at Nation and transfer to Metro Line 6 towards Bir Hakeim.
• Your journey will take approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.
• Some shuttle services and tour companies offer direct transportation from Disneyland Paris to the Eiffel Tower. These services can provide a more comfortable and direct journey, but they may come at a higher cost.
• Taxis and ride-sharing services are available in the area. You can use apps like Uber or local taxi services to get a ride directly to the Eiffel Tower.
• There are also bus services that operate between Disneyland Paris and central Paris. You can check the schedules and routes to find a bus that suits your needs.

2. Stroll along the Champs Élysées

The Champs Élysées, celebrated as one of the world’s most beautiful avenues, stretches majestically from the iconic Arc de Triomphe to the elegant Place de la Concorde. This tree-lined boulevard is home to luxury boutiques like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Gucci.

To reach the Champs Élysées from Disneyland:

• Take the RER A towards Paris and head to Charles de Gaulle – Étoile Station. This is a direct service, and trains run every 12 minutes.
• The journey takes just 50 minutes.

3. Explore Montmartre’s charm

Montmartre, nestled in Paris’s 18th arrondissement, offers a picturesque escape with its cobblestone streets, the stunning Basilica of the Sacré-Coeur, cosy bistros, and a vibrant art scene.

To venture from Disneyland Paris to Montmartre:

• Hop on the RER A at Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy train station.
• Disembark at Nation and proceed to the Metro station Porte Dauphine (Maréchal de Lattre de Tassigny).
• Take Line 2 (blue) towards Anvers.

4. Discover the Louvre Museum

Home to thousands of priceless works of art, the Louvre Museum is a cultural treasure trove.

To visit the Louvre from Disneyland Paris:

• Take the RER A from Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy to Châtelet – Les Halles.
• From there, it’s a short walk to the museum.

5. Visit Notre Dame Cathedral (under reconstruction)

This Gothic masterpiece, Notre Dame Cathedral, while tragically damaged by a fire in April 2019, remains a symbol of Paris’s rich history and resilience. Extensive efforts are underway to meticulously reconstruct and restore this iconic historical landmark to its former glory. While access to the interior might be limited during the reconstruction, the exterior still offers a remarkable view.

To reach Notre Dame from Disneyland Paris:

• A leisurely stroll along the Seine River will bring you to the cathedral.

Please check the latest updates on access and visiting conditions before planning your trip to Notre Dame Cathedral.

6. Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the epitome of French grandeur. Once the royal residence of the Sun King, Louis XIV, it boasts opulent architecture, magnificent gardens, and the Hall of Mirrors, where historic treaties were signed.

To visit this opulent palace from Disneyland Paris:

• Take the RER A from Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy to Saint-Michel – Notre-Dame.
• Transfer to the RER C line towards Versailles Rive Gauche.
• The journey will take you to the enchanting Palace of Versailles.

7. Seine River Cruise

Embark on a picturesque Seine River cruise to see Paris from a unique perspective. You can join a cruise from various points along the Seine, including near the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral.

8. Museums of Paris

Paris is a treasure trove of art and culture, with world-class museums to explore. The Musée d’Orsay, housed in a stunning Beaux-Arts railway station, is renowned for its collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces by artists like Monet, Van Gogh, and Degas. Meanwhile, the Centre Pompidou showcases contemporary and modern art in a strikingly avant-garde building.

These cultural treasures are easily accessible from Disneyland Paris via the RER train network and via the TGV INOUI network.

9. Luxembourg Gardens

The Luxembourg Gardens, or Jardin du Luxembourg, is a serene oasis in the heart of Paris. Designed in the French formal garden style, it features meticulously manicured lawns, tree-lined promenades, and elegant fountains. You can relax by the large pond, watch children sail model boats, or explore the palace, which now houses the French Senate.

• Take the RER A to Luxembourg station for easy access.

10. Panthéon

Panthéon is a neoclassical masterpiece that houses the remains of notable French figures, including Voltaire, Rousseau, and Marie Curie. Its stunning dome and interior are architectural marvels. Climb to the top of the dome for panoramic views of Paris. The Panthéon also frequently hosts exhibitions and events related to French history and culture.

To reach the Panthéon from Disneyland Paris:

• Take the RER A from Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy to Luxembourg station.
• A short walk will lead you to this historic monument.

These attractions offer a diverse range of experiences, from indulging in royal history at Versailles to admiring contemporary art at the Centre Pompidou or simply relaxing in the tranquil Luxembourg Gardens. Plan your day trip wisely to make the most of your time exploring these remarkable facets of Paris’s culture and history from Disneyland Paris.

Disneyland Paris and Paris packages

If you prefer a hassle-free excursion from Disneyland Paris to the city, consider Disneyland Paris’s guided tours of the most popular Parisian attractions. These tours include transport and expert guides, allowing you to savour the City of Light at your own pace.

Please note that these tours are not included in your hotel booking or park entrance ticket and can be booked directly on the Disneyland Paris website.

For more information about train prices and tickets, visit the RATP website .

Start planning your magical journey from Disneyland Paris to the heart of Paris today, and create memories that will last a lifetime!

*Train price and information: RATP  –  Ticket information

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Plan Your Dream Trip To Disney!

How To Easily Get From Paris To Disneyland Paris

May 23, 2020 //  by  Jessie Wolf //   Leave a Comment

If your trip to Paris includes more than just Disneyland Paris then figuring out how to get from Paris to Disneyland Paris can be a bit of a worry. But that doesn’t need to be the case.

This handy guide will tell you everything you need to know about easily getting from Paris to Disneyland. It includes different routes, including the train, the bus and driving, as well as routes from the Paris airports.

How ever you intend to travel between Paris and Disneyland, it is important you feel comfortable doing so, so we have included helpful tips and tricks for navigating the different systems in Paris. For the more complicated systems (particularly the RER train) we have produced a step by step guide so you can move around almost as though you are a Parisian.

It is important to make the most out of your Disneyland Paris Itinerary and being stressed before you’ve even arrived at the parks is not ideal for anyone.

Get a FREE printable 30/60/90 day Disney countdown by joining our private  Disney Facebook Group  and share your photos and ask for tips and tricks!

Where Is Disneyland Paris

Despite the name, Disneyland Paris is actually around 20 miles outside of Paris city centre. Paris is a busy and crowded city so it makes sense that the sprawling Disneyland Paris parks would need a bit more space. But Disney, and Paris, are aware that you might want to spend some time in Paris whilst you are visiting, so they have made it super easy to travel from Paris to Disneyland Paris.

How Long Does It Take To Get From Paris To Disneyland Paris?

This depends on where you are staying in Paris, but from the city centre it takes roughly 45 minutes using the RER train, 1 hour and 30 minutes getting the Disney shuttle bus and 40 minutes to drive. Taking the bus or driving yourself to the parks is dependent on traffic conditions so bear that in mind when you’re planning your journey, especially if you are travelling during rush hour (Monday- Friday, between 7:30-9:00am and 5:00-6:00pm).

If you are going straight to the parks from the airport, it takes around 1 hour by shuttle bus from either Charles de Gaulle or Orly airports. Alternatively, you can take the express train from Charles de Gaulle and be at Disneyland Paris in around 15 minutes, although there are some issues with using this method as we’ll explain.

Transportation Options For Getting From Paris To Disneyland Paris

Paris has a pretty comprehensive train and metro system that allows locals and tourists to travel conveniently to various destinations by public transport. The RER is slightly different from the Paris Metro as it links Paris with other destinations rather than inside Paris city centre.

The RER has lettered lines, rather than the numbered lines of the Metro, and these have a corresponding colour on the train map, which can be found in stations, on the trains and on various apps and websites as well as paper copies being available. To get from Paris to Disneyland Paris you need to take the RER A line, the red line, east ( ost ) to Marne-la-Vallee–Chessy. In most stations, although not all of them, the sign for this route will feature a prominent Mickey head so you know it’s heading to Disneyland.

The RER A splits into two paths so make sure you board the train going to Marne-la-Vallee. The platforms at the station will tell you the destination the next train is going to, and the train itself will display its final destination. Again, most of these signs will feature a Mickey head, but not all so pay attention to the trains destination before you board.

Using the system is very similar to any metro/train system that uses automated turnstiles, which means you need to have your ticket available at the start, and the end, of your journey. You will need to scan your ticket to exit the station at Disneyland, so make sure you don’t lose it on your journey and keep it somewhere easy to access so you can move through the station with ease.

Parisians use the metro a lot and there are a number of unwritten rules that they tend to abide by. These will likely be lesser on the RER A line as it is often filled with tourists heading to Disneyland Paris but it is good to be aware of them nonetheless. For one, it is considered rude to eat on the train so try not to plan on eating your breakfast on the train on the way there. It is also considered rude to talk on the phone or have loud conversations whilst you’re on the train, as well as to sit on the foldable chairs whilst other people are standing.

You will need to get to a station that is serviced by the RER A line but once you’re on it, it’s a straight shot to Disneyland and the station is right at the gates to the park so this is one of the simplest ways to get to the parks from Paris city centre.

How To Buy Train Tickets From Paris To Disneyland Paris

There are a number of ways to purchase train tickets to travel from Paris to Disneyland Paris. The system works on a zone system so the ticket price depends on your starting destination and your final destination. However, you buy your tickets you will need to specify where you are travelling to so that you can buy the right type of ticket.

The easiest way is probably to buy a ticket from an attendant at the station. There are automated machines in the stations to purchase tickets but they can be a little funny about taking card payments, especially if you have a card without a chip and pin option, and some machines can only take cash payments.

The attendants are able to take different payments much easier but there can be longer queues to purchase tickets this way.

A lot of locals who use the trains use a Navigo Pass which they can add season tickets to or top up with money so they don’t have to worry about buying tickets every day or for specific destinations. For tourists, or for people who use the metro infrequently, there is the Navigo Easy Pass which can be purchased for an additional 2€ and topped up whenever you need to.

This can be a more convenient way of having tickets if you’re making a number of trips as you don’t need to keep track of a bunch of paper tickets.

The Paris metro is attempting to become paperless so in 2019 they rolled out the ViaNavigo app which allows users to purchase tickets through the app and use their phones as their tickets.

This is a super convenient way to travel as the app can be used in a number of different languages however currently it is only available to Samsung users. The app is available on Apple devices but does not allow for ticket purchase within the app.

Paris does run public buses but if you are looking for a public transport option to get from Paris to Disneyland Paris then the RER is a lot cheaper and much simpler. Disneyland Paris do offer a shuttle bus service, however, that services the city centre.

It is called the Disneyland Paris Express and can be added on when you are purchasing park tickets. You cannot buy this service on its own, it can only be purchased with park tickets, so if you already have tickets then this is not the best option for you.

Disneyland Paris Express offers 2 shuttle services. One has pickups/drop-offs at Gare du Nord , Opéra and Châtelet and the other is from the Eiffel Tower area. Shuttle 1 has pickups at Gard du Nord at 8:20am, Opéra at 8:30am and Châtelet at 8:45am. Shuttle 2 picks up at the Eiffel Tower at 8:10am.

Both shuttles arrive at the parks by 10am but this is dependent on traffic so could be earlier. The shuttle then departs the park at either 8 or 9pm depending on the seasonal opening hours. It is advised that you arrive at the pickup points at least 15 minutes before the departure time to make sure everyone has enough time to get on board.

It is possible to drive from Paris to Disneyland Paris and Disneyland has a large area devoted to carparks but driving in Paris can be a bit of a pain. If your trip to France includes more than Paris then hiring a car can be a good way to save money. Some areas of France are quite remote and offer beautiful driving routes so having a car can be an advantage.

However Paris itself is not particularly car-friendly due to narrow streets, lots of roundabouts and angry Parisian drivers. If your only excursion outside of Paris is Disneyland then hiring a car may not be the best idea.

It’s a 40 minute drive from Paris to Disneyland Paris and involves driving for roughly 34 miles on the A4 motorway. The route features signs to Disneyland and once you exit the motorway it is a 2-minute drive to the parks.

If you do hire a car in Paris there are a number of things you need to know. It is a legal requirement in France that your car has an emergency stop sign, a reflecting jacket for every passenger, and a single-use breathalyzer.

Your hire company should provide all of these items but make sure you check and know where they are in case you are asked. If you are driving your own car in Paris then you will need to pack these items for yourself.

All cars driving in Paris are also required to display a clean air sticker which shows how much pollution the car produces. These will already be on a rental car if you hire it in France but you would need to have one produced for your own car if you choose to drive that to Paris.

Children under the age of 10 are not allowed by law to ride in the front seat and no hands-free or Bluetooth devices can be used in the car at all. Cars are also not permitted to carry speed camera detectors or use Satnavs with a speed camera function.

It is also worth noting that gazole in French is diesel, whilst petrol is essence . So make sure you’re filling up your car with the correct fuel type to avoid any breakdowns.

Getting to Disneyland Paris from Paris Airports

If you are travelling to Paris exclusively to visit Disneyland Paris then there are transport options that will take you straight from the airports to the parks. Disney run a Magical Shuttle airport bus which picks you up from either Charles de Gaulle or Orly Airport and takes you straight to the various Disneyland Paris hotels. This takes roughly an hour and can be added when you are buying your holiday package or added separately later.

There are also commercial shuttle bus options which follow a similar route and may be cheaper than the official Disney option. Some airlines offer this service as an additional extra when booking your flights.

Charles de Gaulle also has an express train service which connects the airport with Marne-la-Vallee. The TGV train is a highspeed train that travels between the different cities of France. Due to its speed, it only takes 9 minutes from Charles de Gaulle airport to the Marne-la-Vallee station at the entrance to Disneyland Paris.

If you are flying into CDG airport, make sure to check out our post about how to get from Charles De Gaulle to Disneyland Paris!

However, the trains run at odd times throughout the day and there can sometimes be up to a 2 hour gap between trains, so if you miss your train you could be in for a long wait at the station. It therefore depends when your flight arrives if this is a feasible option for you, but if you can get one of these then it is by far the quickest option.

Disneyland Paris is such a magical place and it’s important that you are able to make the most of your time there, so having a worry-free journey is the best way to start. This guide should provide you with everything you need to know to travel smoothly between Paris and Disneyland Paris so your entire trip is as wonderful as possible.

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‘I took the kids to Disneyland Paris and walked 20,000 steps a day’

It's a physical and emotional work out...

I was raised by (lovely) parents who spent holidays hiking the Pembrokeshire coast path while staying in an off-grid cottage way before a digital detox was even a thing, so a trip to somewhere like Disneyland was never on the cards growing up.

Fast-forward to my own parenting years (two sons aged 8 and 12) and I have a more open outlook when it comes to family travel, in that I'll go pretty much anywhere with them - the best being a trip to Petra in Jordan, the worst being a choppy ferry journey to Ireland during which they vomited on me so I arrived on the Emerald Isle covered in sick. Happy days.

So when the kids said their dream holiday was Disneyland, it wasn't an initial 'no way', though Orlando was instantly ruled out due to cost. But Disneyland Paris? The French capital's cheaper and easier to reach in a weekend and, after some excellent campaigning from the kids outlining the charms of its exciting rides, restaurants styled like Ratatouille and Sleeping Beauty’s iconic pink castle (ok the last one was me), I booked.

How do you get there?

The journey was equally as efficient, particularly the meal served at our table, aeroplane-style, with a hostess serving a choice of two meals from a trolley - I opted for beetroot salad and a glass of wine. How civilised.

A couple of hours later we glided into Gard du Nord in the heart of Paris, from where we took a 30-minute transfer to Hotel L’Elysée Val d’Europe, our base for two nights and just a (free) ten-minute shuttle ride from Disneyland Paris.

First impressions of the parks?

First surprise? it’s two parks: Disneyland Paris and the smaller (though size doesn’t matter, right?) Walt Disney Studios Park. Second surprise? It's SO. BIG.

The moment you step through the gates (there are two sets, security and then each park has its own entrance), you’re transported to another world, one where you can chat to Cinderella, have an Avenger’s burger for lunch and get lost in an Alice in Wonderland’s labyrinth.

Everywhere you look people of all ages are wearing Mickey and Minnie headbands – we even saw some excited punters dressed in head-to-toe Disney merch (yes, they were adults). When we arrived a parade along Main Street USA had just started, so we were instantly immersed in a carnival atmosphere complete with colourful floats carrying characters from Frozen, Peter Pan etc .

Okay tell me about the rides...

I’m starting with the rides my sons BOTH voted the best. Number one – the shiny new Spider-Man W.E.B Adventure in the Marvel-themed Avengers Campus (Walt Disney Studios), where we climbed aboard a W.E.B slinger vehicle and shot spider-bots with web from OUR HANDS *Spidey web hands gesture*. It’s fast, furious and, even though I caught the least bots, I get why this one was such a hit.

The rest of the Avengers Campus went down a storm, including Flight Force (warning, this twisty, turney coaster isn’t for the faint-hearted). Meeting Spider-Man in the Hero Training Centre was a great photo opp, though we left feeling like we probably didn’t have enough training to rid a city of criminals. Sadly, I couldn’t drag them into the Pixar Musical Adventure , ‘a journey through Toy Story, Monsters and Finding Nemo ‘ (too babyish, apparently),

Over in Disneyland Paris, the kids’ favourite ride was Star Tours: The Adventures Continue found in the Discoveryland area. We put on a pair of 3D specs, stepped aboard a Starspeeder 1000 and sped through a galaxy far, far away, with thrilling glimpses of the Death Star, C-3PO and underwater realms. It’s incredibly realistic and everyone wanted to go on it again (me included!).

We gave Stars Wars Hyperspace Mountain a swerve, though it did look thrilling, and headed instead for another white-knuckle coaster: Temple of Peril , a slightly terrifying Indiana Jones-style coaster where putting your hands in the air and screaming is obligatory. You can get more adrenaline rushes on Big Thunder Mountain plus Crush’s Coaster and The Twighlight Zone Tower of Terror in Walt Disney Studios.

Rides aside, the shows are not to be missed. Frozen fans will want to make a beeline for Elsa and crew at Frozen: A Musical Invitation (Walt Disney Studios) where you can belt out Let It Go . The Lion King’s equally enticing and apparently Alice in Wonderland is due to take the stage in Walt Disney Studios this spring.

All three of us thought Adventureland was excellent, a lush land of towering bamboo, spooky caves, wobbly rope bridges, an enormous (fake) tree housing the Swiss Family Robinson’s cabin, souks from Aladdin and a massive pirate galleon. Think the best play park you’ve been to on steroids.

Got younger kids? There’s loads for little ones, particularly in Fantasyland, where we saw Peter Pan’s flight (you get to fly through a virtual Never Land) and tots can spin around in the Mad Hatter’s Tea Cups, fly in Dumbo and ride on the gentle Le Petit Train Du Cirque .

And is the food any good?

It’s a good job you easily walk more than five miles exploring the parks, because the restaurant offering at Disney’s off the scale. Seriously, I’d be happy to just do a food tour. If your main aim is to meet Disney characters, you’re going to want to book a table at fancy French restaurant Auberge de Cendrillon in Disneyland Park, where Cinderella, Elsa and co make an appearance. Or Plaza Gardens pavilion for a chance to meet Mickey over the all you can eat buffet.

For an authentic Ratatouille vibe, it has to be Bistrot Chez Rémy – think over-sized cocktail umbrellas, cookbooks and cutlery. While Marvel fans will want to refuel at PYM Kitchen in the Avenger Camp for the novelty value – the food, zapped by PYM particles (see Ant-Man and the Wasp ) is fun-sized, from mini burgers to massive pretzels.

For snacks/pit stops, March Hare in Fantasyland is very sweet (literally, it sells lots of ice cream), and we couldn’t resist a round of Nutella-loaded waffles from one of the many food trucks. See more dining options here .

Where's the best place to stay?

We slept 10 mins (by complimentary shuttle bus) from the parks at super four-star Hotel L’Elysée Val d’Europe . If you're not a die-hard Disney fan, believe me you'll appreciate arriving back in the real world after 10 hours of fantasy.

Our spotless family room had two enormous squishy double beds, WiFi faster than a Disney ‘coaster and a tub, the perfect place to wallow in bubbles (the foamy kind) and ease tired legs. If there are more than four in your clan, book an XL Family Room which can fit up to eight people.

Although the food at Disneyland Paris is great, our favourite meal of the weekend was at Le George, the hotel’s swish restaurant. Starters of light tuna tempura and duck, followed by succulent steak frites (the kids menu is simply smaller portions of the adults, so French). Even the wine, a glass (ok two) of recommended Cote-Rotie (€12), was superb.

The boys left the table between courses to explore ‘the jungle’, a mini Kew-like double-storey glass room filled with trees, tropical ferns, banana plants and flowers. There’s a long dining table in the middle of all the foliage which you can book if you’re in a bigger party.

L’Diplomat Bar’s a cosy spot for a post-Disney cocktail - it looked like that’s exactly what many of guests were doing, though most had removed their Minnie ears - and it also serves a rich hot chocolate for kids.

Try and carve out a little free time to visit huge shopping centre Val d’Europe opposite the hotel, which is like adult Disneyland – upstairs dedicated to fashion and beauty and a lower floor full of French food. I picked up a tube of French beauty editors’ must-have secret potion A313 Pommade from the pharmacy and a pair of black ankle boots, not bad for a 25-minute dash.

Want to stay in-park? Disneyland Hotel (themed around Disney royalty) has just reopened its doors (after a two-year, multi-million pound reno) and it’s gone down a storm with reviewers. The upsides? Reception resembling Sleeping Beauty’s castle, getting to eat breakfast with Disney characters, pillow menus, five-star Clarins spa and a private entrance to the park. The downside? It’s £1,501 per night in April, though this is for a family of four and does include two-day park passes.

Download the Disneyland Paris app: BEFORE you go. Seriously, everything you could possibly ever need is on the app , from interactive maps, to opening times and the ability to book lunch. And take a phone charger, because if your phone shuts down, the magic will too.

Don’t try and cram in too much : These parks are BIG. Better to go for two days and spread it out, if you can.

Pack like you’re going on a hike: You’ll walk for miles (I’m talking 20,000 steps a day), so it’s important to be prepared. Trainers, tick. Comfy clothes, tick. Waterbottles (there are plenty of drinking fountains), tick. Snacks, tick.

Beat the queues for rides with Disney Premier Access Ultimate : If you’re not prepared to wait for up to 45 mins to get on some of the more popular rides and attractions, you can snap up premier access on the app (around €90pp per day for up to 16 rides low seasons, up to €190pp per day in peak) then simply scan the QR code at the entrance to the ride and, voila , you’re in the fast lane.

Arrive early, but not too early: The parks open at 9.30am and the queues were pretty lengthy even in low season (Feb), however by 10.30am they appeared to have eased off a little.

Take rain gear : You’re in FRANCE not FLORIDA. Rain happens, and you don’t want to spend extra money on see-through ponchos you’ll never wear again.

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• Relive your youth on a family weekend away at Camp Bestival

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Big Changes at Disneyland Paris: Walt Disney Studios Park Transformation

E xciting news for Disney enthusiasts! Disneyland Paris is set to transform one of its iconic parks into a thrilling new adventure.

Walt Disney Studios Park is being rebranded as Disney Adventure World , marking a significant evolution in the park’s history and setting the stage for a future filled with immersive storytelling and interactive experiences.

A New Chapter Begins

The announcement came as part of the celebrations marking the 32nd anniversary of Disneyland Paris. This change is not just a new name but a whole new concept that reflects a shift from the park’s original cinematic focus to a broader, adventure-themed offering.

The park’s transformation is designed to create a more engaging visitor experience that complements the classic Disneyland Park, aiming to captivate guests with the magic of Disney storytelling in entirely new ways.

What’s Changing?

Disney Adventure World will feature new themed areas like the “World of Frozen,” which will be one of the first new experiences to debut under the park’s new identity.

This transition is not merely cosmetic. The park is undergoing an extensive overhaul of its facilities and attractions.

This includes expanding the park’s footprint and introducing a variety of new experiences that promise to blend the enchantment of Disney characters and stories with groundbreaking, immersive design.

A Focus on Immersive Worlds

The reimagined park will invite guests to explore these worlds, diving deeper into their favorite stories and engaging with them in ways previously unimagined at Walt Disney Studios Park.

Each area within Disney Adventure World is being designed as a realm of its own, offering unique adventures and experiences that showcase the creativity and innovation Disney parks are known for.

Vision and Inspiration

The transformation reflects Disney’s commitment to innovation and the desire to make every visit to their parks a memorable adventure.

“Today, we are changing the story of Walt Disney Studios Park, evolving from ‘how it’s done’ soundstages to celebratory theaters and adventures that come to life in immersive worlds,” said Tom Fitzgerald, Walt Disney Imagineering Chief Storytelling Executive.

This change aims to offer guests a dynamic and interactive park experience that highlights the magic and emotion of Disney storytelling.

Looking Ahead

The name change and new thematic focus are expected to enhance the park’s appeal and draw even more visitors to Disneyland Paris. With more than 90% of the park being revamped, Disney Adventure World is poised to set a new standard for theme park experiences worldwide .

Natacha Rafalski, the president of Disneyland Paris, expressed excitement about the park’s future, emphasizing that these enhancements will “resonate more than ever with our guests.”

As Disney Adventure World prepares to open its doors with new lands and experiences, the excitement among Disney fans is palpable. This transformation is not just a renewal of a park but a redefinition of what a Disney park can be, promising to bring new adventures and cherished memories to all who visit.

Stay tuned for more updates as we follow the transformation of Walt Disney Studios Park into the enchanting Disney Adventure World, a place where every visit is an adventure and every story is brought to life with the magic of Disney.

The post Big Changes at Disneyland Paris: Walt Disney Studios Park Transformation appeared first on Treasured Family Travels .

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A Parisian Adventure: Planning the Perfect Day Trip From Paris

Craving a taste of French countryside, medieval history, or artistic inspiration? A day trip from Paris unlocks a world of possibilities

Camilla Amadi • Apr 29, 2024

Beyond the Eiffel Tower lies a treasure trove of destinations waiting to be discovered. Craving a taste of French countryside, medieval history or artistic inspiration? A day trip from Paris unlocks a world of possibilities and you can return to the City of Lights with renewed energy and unforgettable memories.

5 Day Trips From Paris

If you have some extra time, there are many charming towns and villages waiting to be explored. We’ve compiled five enticing escapes, all perfect for a single-day adventure from Paris. Here are a few of our favorites:

Home to the iconic Palace of Versailles, Versailles is a must-see for any history buff. The palace was the seat of French royal power for over a century, and its opulent gardens and staterooms are a testament to the grandeur of the French monarchy.

Things to do: Visit the Palace of Versailles, explore the Hall of Mirrors, stroll through the meticulously manicured gardens, rent a rowboat on the Grand Canal, visit the Marie-Antoinette’s Estate, and attend the famous Musical Fountain Shows (seasonal).

Best time to travel: The best time to visit Versailles is during the spring (April to June) or fall (September to October) when the weather is mild, and the gardens are in full bloom, avoiding the peak summer crowds.

Where to stay : Experience luxury at its finest by staying at the Trianon Palace Versailles, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel, offering elegant rooms and impeccable service just steps away from the Palace of Versailles.

This small village in Normandy is best known as the home of Claude Monet, the founder of Impressionism. Monet’s home and gardens, which he immortalized in many of his paintings, are now a popular tourist destination.

Things to do: Explore Claude Monet’s House and Gardens, wander through the flower garden and water garden, visit the Museum of Impressionisms, and take a leisurely walk around the picturesque village.

Best time to travel: The best time to visit Giverny is from April to October, especially during late spring to early summer when the flowers are in full bloom, and the gardens are at their most colorful.

Where to stay : Enjoy a peaceful countryside retreat at the Le Jardin des Plumes , a charming boutique hotel located close to Monet’s gardens, featuring stylish rooms and a gourmet restaurant with garden views.

Mont Saint-Michel

Mont Saint-Michel is famous for its dramatic tidal variations, with the surrounding bay experiencing some of the highest tides in Europe. During high tide, the island is completely surrounded by water, creating a magical and isolated atmosphere.

Things to do: Explore the Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel, walk along the ramparts for panoramic views, visit the historic village, wander through narrow streets lined with shops and restaurants, and take a guided tour to learn about the island’s fascinating history.

Best time to travel: The best time to visit Mont Saint-Michel is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to June) or fall (September to October) to avoid the large crowds of summer while still enjoying pleasant weather.

Where to stay : Immerse yourself in the magic of Mont Saint-Michel by staying at the La Mère Poulard , an iconic hotel and restaurant within the medieval walls, offering cozy rooms and panoramic views of the bay.

The city of Chartres is famous for its magnificent cathedral, Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cathedral is considered one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in France, and its stained glass windows are some of the most beautiful in the world.

Things To Do: Visit the Maison Picassiette, a unique mosaic-covered house created by local artist Raymond Isidore, using broken glass and pottery. You may also walk the labyrinth located inside Chartres Cathedral, a symbolic journey representing the spiritual pilgrimage to Jerusalem.

Best time to travel: The best time to visit Chartres is during the spring (April to June) or fall (September to October) when the weather is mild, and the city is less crowded. 

Where to stay : Indulge in the historic ambiance of Chartres by booking a stay at the Best Western Plus Hotel Le Grand Monarque , ideally situated near the cathedral and featuring comfortable rooms and a traditional French brasserie.

This medieval town is located in Seine-et-Marne, about an hour east of Paris. Provins is known for its well-preserved city walls, its underground passages, and its annual Rose Festival, which takes place in September.

Things to do: Explore the medieval ramparts and gates, visit the Underground Galleries of Provins, attend a medieval festival or reenactment, explore the Grange aux Dîmes, and visit the Saint-Quiriace Collegiate Church.

Best time to travel : The best time to visit Provins is during the summer months (June to August) when the weather is pleasant for exploring outdoor attractions and when various festivals and events take place, celebrating the town’s medieval heritage.

Where to stay : Step back in time at the Maison d’Hôtes Stella Cadente , a unique boutique hotel located within the medieval walls of Provins, offering themed rooms inspired by fairy tales and a whimsical atmosphere that transports guests to another era.

Plan Your Itinerary

Crafting a well-rounded itinerary ensures you make the most of your time away from Paris. Consider the following tips:

Early Start: Begin your day trip early to maximize exploration time and avoid crowds, especially at popular attractions like Versailles or Mont Saint-Michel.

Transportation : Research transportation options, whether by train, bus, or organized tours, and book tickets in advance for a seamless journey.

Highlight Attractions: Prioritize must-see attractions while allowing flexibility for unexpected discoveries and leisurely moments.

Local Cuisine: Sample regional delicacies at quaint cafes or charming bistros, savoring the flavors of each destination.

Pack Essentials: Prepare for a day of adventure by packing essentials tailored to your chosen destination.

Comfortable Attire : Dress appropriately for the weather and activities, whether exploring palace grounds, hiking nature trails, or wandering cobblestone streets.

Map and Guidebook : Arm yourself with maps and guidebooks to navigate unfamiliar terrain and gain insights into local history and culture.

Camera : Capture the beauty and memories of your day trip with a camera or smartphone to immortalize scenic vistas and cherished moments.

Snacks and Water: Stay energized and hydrated throughout the day with snacks and water, especially if venturing to remote areas.

Embrace the Experience

Venturing beyond Paris’s borders unveils a world of wonders waiting to be explored. Whether you seek history, art, nature, or gastronomy, a day trip from Paris promises an enriching experience. Whichever destination you choose, you’re sure to have a memorable day trip from Paris. As you embark on your day trip from Paris, embrace the sense of adventure, engage with the locals and soak in the sights and sounds that comes with exploration. Bon voyage!

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