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Disneyland Paris
The Complete Guide to Disneyland Paris
If you are planning your trip to Disneyland Paris, you will be guaranteed to have the absolute best time. But if you are visiting for the first time, there is so much to consider and think about.
We have visited Disneyland Paris more times than we can remember, and we have discovered every park from top to bottom, stayed at every resort, shopped at every store, had every possible snack, and seen every inch of it. This guide is everything we've learned, discovered, and our best tips for you to have a magical time. We hope you get to love Disneyland Paris as much as we do!
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Table of contents
An introduction to Disneyland Paris
Disneyland Park
Disney Adventure World
Disney Village
Disneyland Paris App
French language & Cultural Differences
How to pay
Internet & Wifi
An introduction to Disneyland Paris
Disneyland Paris is the first and only Disney Resort in Europe. Situated just outside the city of Paris, the resort offers two unique theme parks: Disneyland Park and Disney Adventure World (previously known as Walt Disney Studios Park), alongside Disney Village, a shopping & dining district and 7 themed Disney Hotels. The Walt Disney Company fully owns and operates Disneyland Paris.
Disneyland Park
Disneyland Park was the second park The Walt Disney Company opened outside the U.S and offers the classic rides and attractions you will find in every Magic Kingdom-style park. The park is divided into 5 distinct themed lands: Main Street U.S.A, Frontierland, Adventureland, Fantasyland, and Discoveryland. The biggest differences when comparing to the U.S parks are the sheer uniqueness and different takes on well-known attractions.
At Disneyland Park you will find fan-favourite attractions like Big Thunder Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, It's A Small World and Phantom Manor. As previously described, Disneyland Paris has a few surprises that always seem to leave first-time visitors in awe. Phantom Manor is a unique take on the classic Haunted Mansion. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril is a fast-paced rollercoaster entirely in the theme of Indiana Jones, and you can wander through the maze of Alice in Wonderland.
Disney Adventure World
Situated just steps away from Disneyland Park, Disney Adventure World opened in 2002 originally as Walt Disney Studios Park but has undergone a complete transformation in the last couple of years and officially reopened in March 2026 as Disney Adventure World. A park where you step into your favourite adventure and get to live your own story. The park is divided into 5 themed lands: World Premiere Plaza, Worlds of Pixar, Avengers Campus, Adventure Way and the recently opened and highly anticipated World of Frozen.
At Disney Adventure World, you will find a scale of unique Disney attractions that you cannot find in other Disney Parks. Crush Coaster is a unique spinner rollercoaster themed to Finding Nemo. Go see the lantern festival with Rapunzel in the newly opened Raiponce Tangled Spin and fight the Kree together with Iron Man and Captain Marvel in Avengers Assemble: Flight Force.
Disney Village
If you fancy having dinner, getting your Disney goods or having a lovely stroll, Disney Village is the place for you. In Disney Village, you will find numerous restaurants, shops and experiences for the whole family to enjoy. Besides restaurants, you can find an assortment of fast food locations like McDonald's, Five Guys and Vapiano. Disney Village is right next to Disney Adventure World and across Disneyland Park and is also entrance-free.
Best time to visit
Alright, now on to the important stuff. The most important question we get asked ALL the time, and I'm not kidding, like it's genuinely all the time: When should we visit? In general, there are a few things to consider. Disneyland Paris is located in Europe with A LOT of countries in proximity to the resort. That means different rosters, school holidays, national holidays, vacations, etc. Besides France, Disneyland Paris' main markets are the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Spain. The Resort has implemented dynamic pricing in the last couple of years, meaning it has spread crowds a lot more during the year. You will sadly not find extremely quiet days at Disneyland Paris anymore.
The main things to consider:
Try to avoid weekends. Especially Friday and Saturday are generally busier than other days. Sunday is a check-out day and overall a quieter day during the weekend.
The busy seasons overall are summer (July & August), Halloween (September & October) and Christmas (End of December)
The quieter times we have experienced are: Mid to end of January, February, March, June and November.
Disneyland Paris organises special events/days like, for example, anniversaries, May the 4th and special seasons. It tends to be busier when new events launch, and these events last only a certain amount of time.
Please check the upcoming ride closures before you visit! If you are keen to get on a certain ride and it's closed during your visit, we do not wish that to anyone. You can find the ride closures on the calendar of the official Disneyland Paris website.
How many days should you spend at Disneyland Paris
Disneyland Paris is home to two theme parks that offer a variety of experiences such as attractions, shows, entertainment, meet & greets, dining, and shopping. To experience the overall feeling, atmosphere, and most of its offerings, we always recommend two full days. Each park is definitely a full-day park.
If you have a family or are a massive Disney Parks fan, we would recommend three full days. It takes the pressure off, and you get to enjoy the park at a slower pace. You can see all the shows, enjoy all the attractions, and spend some more time in restaurants, shops, and try all the snacks.
One of the unique aspects of Disneyland Paris is the proximity to Paris itself. If your main reason to visit is Paris or France and you have a day to spare, definitely treat yourself to one day at one or both parks to get a glimpse of the Resort. It's worth it, we promise :)
How to get to Disneyland Paris
Just like the Disney Parks in Anaheim and Orlando, Disneyland Paris has multiple ways of getting to the resort.
By plane. Two main airports are in proximity to Disneyland Paris. Charles de Gaulle is the biggest airport in France and serves as a hub for connecting flights. From Charles de Gaulle, there is a direct train to Disneyland Paris, or you can take public transportation to almost all destinations. The other option is to fly into Paris Orly Airport. The airport is on the other side of Paris and has the same options to get to Disneyland Paris.
By train. There is a direct train leading you straight to the Disneyland Paris station (Yes, they have their very own train station) called the RER A. Depending on where you are coming from, you can take this train from the Châtalet Station (or any other station on the RER A Line), which is in central Paris, and travel directly to Disneyland Paris. A one-way ticket is around €2,50 ($3, £2,20).
By taxi. Because of its close proximity to Disneyland Paris, depending on your situation or preferences, a taxi might be the best option for you. There are numerous taxi services available at major train stations, airports, or bus terminals. Uber is also available in France. Taking a taxi is usually the more expensive form of transportation and could cost up to €150 ($175, £130).
By car. Disneyland Paris has one of the biggest parking lots we have ever seen. The infrastructure is well managed and can operate at huge capacity. Bear in mind that if you stay on-site, parking is included and you get to park your car at your hotel. Don't park at the main parking if you are staying on-site! Parking is pretty expensive and starts at €30 ($35, £25)
Where to stay
Disneyland Paris is one of the most unique resorts in Europe, with many amazing and unique resort hotels. Every resort offers a unique theme, different amenities, different price points, and most importantly: there is something for everyone!
One of the main things that is extremely convenient is the walkability from (most of) the resorts to the Disney Parks. Within a max 20-minute walk, you are at the gates of both theme parks. Now, Disney Hotels ain't cheap, and if you are only there for a day, it may not be the best match for you. Our recommendations for non-Disney hotels near the resort you can find underneath. The biggest perk of staying on-site is having Extra Magic Time - You get into the Disney Parks an hour before the regular day guests, and you're able to enjoy most attractions.
Disneyland Paris has 7 official Disney hotels:
Disneyland Hotel - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - $$$$$
The flagship 5-star hotel right at the entrance of Disneyland Park. This hotel is entirely themed to the Disney princesses and their stories.
Disney Hotel New York - The Art of Marvel - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - $$$$
If you love all things Marvel and hotel fanciness, this hotel is just for you. Just a 10-minute walk from the Disney Parks (or take a shuttle), this amazing hotel drops you straight into the Marvel stories and the city of New York.
Disney Newport Bay Club - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - $$$$
The biggest resort onsite and just a 15-minute walk from the Parks (or take a shuttle), Newport Bay Club offers you a nautical hotel experience with Mickey & Friends.
Disney Sequoia Lodge - ⭐⭐⭐ - $$$$
Wander around in beautiful nature with Disney Friends from the forest. Within a 10-minute walk (or a shuttle), this hotel offers a lush and cozy stay where you feel like you've been dropped in a national park in the United States of America.
Disney Hotel Cheyenne - ⭐⭐⭐ - $$$
Ever had the dream of staying on a ranch? Together with your Friends from Toy Story, Hotel Cheyenne offers a unique stay in a little town themed to the Southern West of the United States of America. Hotel Cheyenne is approximately a 20-minute walk to the Parks, or you can take a shuttle bus.
Disney Hotel Santa Fe - ⭐⭐ - $$$
Themed to the state of New Mexico, this resort is the cheapest option if you want to walk to the parks. Enjoy these motel-style rooms themed to the Cars franchise. Hotel Santa Fe is approximately a 20-minute walk to the Parks, or you can take a shuttle bus.
Disney Davy Crockett Ranch - $$
The most affordable option Disney offers but isn't walkable since it's a vacation park, not a hotel. You need to have a car to drive to the parks. Enjoy these cabins, similar to Center Parcs, themed to the Junior Woodchucks.
Our non-Disney hotel recommendations:
Aparthotel Adagio Val d'Europe - ⭐⭐⭐ - $$
Just a 15 min walk from Disneyland Paris, and you are right in the centre of Serris, a cute little town with Val d'Europe, a very big shopping centre, a stone's throw away. If you are staying there, don't forget to grab a fresh Pain Au Chocolate at the boulangerie across the street, DELICIOUS.
Campanile Marne-La-Vallée - ⭐⭐⭐ - $$
Just a 10-minute drive, this easy, clean, and modern hotel does the job. Very affordable if you are coming by car and want to spend most of your days at the parks.
Center Parcs Villages Nature -⭐⭐⭐⭐ - $$$
If you are planning on having an actual vacation and need some relaxation, we would definitely recommend staying at this vacation park. A modern and luxurious version of the Center Parcs formula, this resort offers cabins for all family sizes. This Center Parcs also includes an amazing water park. Please note that you need to buy your tickets to the parks separately.
How to buy park tickets
One of the easiest things to do is buy tickets. No, don't believe all those influencers and TikTokkers who make you believe that this is a hard thing to do. It is super easy. We will walk you through the options step by step:
Book a Resort Package. If you are spending a few days at Disneyland Paris and want to stay onsite, this is the best option for you. Book directly through disneylandparis.com. You can choose a hotel you want to stay at, and it includes access to both parks for the entirety of your stay.
Get your tickets via Get Your Guide. If you are coming for a day or two and are not staying on-site, this is a good option. It usually is a bit cheaper and is an easy and trustworthy option to book your tickets.
Get your tickets directly via Disneyland Paris itself. You can also just book tickets on the website. Make sure to know when you're going since booking a flexible ticket is much more expensive than buying a dated ticket.
What to bring
We said it before, and we will say it again. Disneyland Paris is big. Whether you are walking from attraction to attraction, land to land, park to park, or from the parks to your hotel. It will take some time. Just like the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Disneyland Paris has profited from its size. The lands are widely spread out, and attractions usually have their own little corner or area. We have been coming to Disneyland Paris for almost 20 years and still walk 30.000 steps easily every day.
What we would definitely bring or wear:
Comfortable walking shoes. Wear them in before walking a gazillion steps with them. You can thank us later :)
A reusable water bottle. Not only is buying water at Disney a waste of money (4 euros!), but there are numerous tap points located across the resort where you can safely drink water.
Snacks! Even though Disneyland Paris has some very good food (and some really not great food) we always recommend bringing some snacks for queues or waiting in general. It kills some time.
A charger and power bank. You will be on your phone a lot! If you want to or not. There is the Disneyland Paris App; you will make a billion photos and for navigation you will sometimes need your phone. Nothing is more agitating than your phone dying in the middle of the day. Trust us.
Weather-prepared clothing. Now, Disneyland Paris has a lot of rain. But in our experience, the weather forecast is never accurate, and if you think it's gonna rain all day, the sun shines and the other way around. In whatever season you are planning to visit, prepare for cold/hot weather and rain.
Practical information
Disneyland Paris App
Yes, I know they have an app for everything nowadays, but it's an absolute lifesaver. Similar to other Disney Parks, you can find wait times, restaurants, attractions, entertainment, schedules, and navigate around the resort in general. The app isn't always accurate when it comes to character interactions, but we will get to that later. Make sure to familiarise yourself with the app to see how everything works and where everything is.
French language & Cultural Differences
We always get asked what the Cast Members in Paris are like, and to be fair: it is usually a mix of experiences. We have encountered that when you are friendly and kind, you will get the same energy back. The same goes for the other side of the spectrum. Do not expect the incredible guest service from Walt Disney World and Disneyland, but Disneyland Paris has really improved over the last couple of years, and everyone who works there is still a Cast Member that meet the Disney standards.
Almost everyone can understand and speak English. If not, there is always another Cast Member around that can help you out. It isn't common for French people to be fluent in English, so try to be courteous and kind.
How to pay
As you may have noticed, we are not from France. So paying has always been a bit of a struggle. In general, we have experienced that our credit card usually works almost everywhere. If not, make sure to bring some cash with you just in case. We would recommend about 100 euros per person. Most of the time, debit cards from other countries don't work on the machines except European ones, but that doesn't have to be the case for your card. Make sure to bring a couple of euros and definitely a credit card.
Internet & Wifi
The entire resort offers free wifi for all guests to use. In general, it works very well and is quite fast. Bear in mind that not every spot in the park has the best wifi or wifi at all. If you are not just coming to Disneyland Paris (or like us, are agitated by slow wifi) we recommend getting an E-sim.
Attractions
Both Disneyland Park and Disney Adventure World offer some of the best Disney attractions out there, including some classic attractions with a spin on the story, like Phantom Manor, or a completely different experience like Crush'Coaster. It can feel very similar to the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World or Tokyo Disneyland, but although alike, attractions at Disneyland Paris have a unique take on it. In March 2026, World of Frozen opened at the reimagined Disney Adventure World and is immensely popular. Make sure to visit this entire new themed area; it is absolutely stunning.
There is a skip-the-line service in Disneyland Paris called Disney Premier Access (DPA). It provides you with quicker access to numerous attractions without having to wait the entire queue line. This is a paid service, and there are two different options:
Disney Premier Access One - You pay per person, per attraction you want to ride. For example, you want to ride Star Tours with your family of four. It is 5 euros per ride. It will cost you 20 euros for your family to skip this attraction. This option is attached to a time slot. You can only use your DPA for that attraction during that time. The time slot is usually about an hour. This option is only available on the day itself, and prices vary per attraction and time.
Disney Premier Access Ultimate - You pay a set price that varies per day, and you can ride all available DPA attractions once. This option provides a lot of flexibility, and especially if you are visiting just for one day and would like to see both parks, this option is very suitable for you. You can buy this version in advance, and you do not need time slots for attractions. Ride whenever you want! Beware of the cost; the price is usually higher than a day ticket.
Disneyland Park You-Must-Have-Been-On-Rides:
Big Thunder Mountain - DPA - This fast rollercoaster mine train takes you to the island of Thunder Mesa.
Phantom Manor - DPA - Discover the story of Henry and Melanie Ravenswood at this looming Manor.
Pirates of the Caribbean - DPA - The classic dark ride you can find in almost every Disney Park, which became an inspiration to the movies.
Peter Pan's Flight - DPA - Soar beyond the stars with Peter Pan.
It's A Small World - DPA - Go on this musical adventure across the globe.
Hyperspace Mountain - DPA - Launch into the galaxy with Hyperspace Mountain.
Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast - DPA - Go on a mission with Buzz Lightyear to defeat the evil emperor Zurg.
Star Tours - DPA - Step aboard this simulator that will take you through the galaxy, guided by yours truly, C3PO.
Other worthy mentions:
Explore the castle! One of the most unique things about Disneyland Paris is the ability to explore the castle in a walkthrough. Allow yourself some time to take it all in because it is absolutely stunning. Tip from us: you can find magic under the castle and above :)
Ride the Carrousel. Fantasyland is perhaps the most beautiful Fantasyland of all Disney Parks, with the Carrousel right in the heart of it.
Discover the Nautilus, Le Passage Enchanté d'Aladdin and Adventure Isle. One of the most beautiful things of Disneyland Park.....is the park itself! As you may have noticed, we love a good stroll and taking everything in. Disneyland Park is an actual park and themed to the max. These walkthroughs were built to be explored.
Disney Adventure World You-Must-Have-Been-On-Rides:
Crush'Coaster - DPA - This spinning rollercoaster takes you through the AEC together with your friends from Finding Nemo.
Ratatouille: The Adventure - DPA - Remy is waiting for you in the kitchen; shrink to rat size to experience this wonderful attraction.
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror - DPA - If you scream, it will only make it worse. This drop tower is not for the lighthearted.
WEB Slingers - DPA - Help Spider-Man defeat the spider bots before they take over Avengers Campus.
Avengers Assemble: Flight Force - DPA - In this mission, help Captain Marvel and Iron Man defeat the Kree.
Frozen Ever After - DPA - Step aboard and find your favourite characters from Frozen on this beautiful boat ride.
Raiponce Tangled Spin - Spin and dance along in this classic teacup ride during the lantern festival.
Other worthy mentions:
Discover World Premiere. Previously Studio 1 and completely reimagined, this covered entrance to Disney Adventure World is stunning. You can find shops and dining options here, but don't forget to sit down, have a coffee, and listen to the amazing music that is being played here. It truly is Disney Magic.
Toy Story Playland. Now, we love Toy Story. But if you are on a schedule and would like to visit the BEST attractions, skip out on all the Toy Story attractions. If you have some time left, please do enjoy this area as it is fun and playful.
Enjoy the details. Since the complete overhaul and reimagining from Walt Disney Studios Park to Disney Adventure World, Disney has really invested in storytelling and bringing more details to this park. Take a stroll and soak up all the sounds, smells, and hidden details in the decor and surroundings. You will enjoy the park more instead of rushing from one attraction to the next.
Entertainment
Disneyland Paris is perhaps most well-known for its amazing, groundbreaking entertainment. From spectacular stage shows to immersive nighttime spectaculars. In our opinion, with entertainment is where you feel the real Disney magic and where the true emotions are felt. The insane joy when seeing your favourite characters and the complete awe of fireworks shooting in the sky. Therefore, we BEG you to not only do attractions on your visit but at least see a couple of shows because they are truly world-class. We divide entertainment into the following 5 categories:
Character Meet & Greets - Disney is known for its characters and stories, and of course you can meet a lot of characters in Disneyland Paris (not all of them, sorry). It differs by time of day, season, and sometimes even we are surprised who we run into. Most popular character meet & greets offer a virtual queue system where you sign up in the official Disneyland Paris app and book a time slot. Meet & greets like Mickey, Anna and Elsa and the superheroes at Avengers Campus offer this system. Please note that these time slots are fully booked FAST, so get ready to book it first thing in the morning at 09:30. Numerous characters offer just a normal standby queue and sometimes even roam around for a little bit.
Stage Shows - Disneyland Paris has some of the best stage-shows in the world (yes, we dare say it). Most shows are indoor and provide a nice indoor AC break with world-class entertainment. The resort currently offers 4 different stage shows:
Rhythms of the Pride Lands - Enjoy the music and story of the classic Disney film, The Lion King.
Mickey & The Magician - Go on a journey through Disney stories with Mickey, where he wants to be a magician
Together: A Pixar Musical Adventure - Together with Pixar friends, go on a quest to collect the missing pages of a music score.
Minnie's Dream Factory - Enjoy a musical adventure with Minnie and her friends.
Parades - Currently, only Disneyland Park offers a parade: Disney Stars on Parade. In July 2026, Disney Adventure World will launch a Princess Cavalcade around Adventure Bay.
Nighttime Spectaculars - Both parks currently offer a nighttime spectacular. Disneyland Park has the magical, emotional Disney Tales of Magic. Disney Adventure World just premiered the all-new Disney Cascade of Lights. Both shows offer a spectacle with fireworks, lasers, fountains, lights and projections. Disney Cascade of Lights even has drones when weather permits.
Seasonal Entertainment - Disneyland Paris is known for its great seasonal entertainment like Halloween and Christmas, but also entertainment for separate seasons like the A Million Splashes of Colour parade. It brings a high-energy show to Main Street USA and Central Plaza. If you're visiting, don't forget to check the app for the current offerings and showtimes.
Dining
Disneyland Paris has many options when it comes to dining. Every kitchen and taste is represented in the resort, and it tries to offer something unique for everybody. There are 5 dining options available at the resort (and yes, we have tried all of them) that range from expensive to affordable:
Character Dining - Dine in premium locations and enjoy character interactions and meet & greets that are included in the price.
Plaza Gardens Restaurant (under refurbishment until 2027) - Have breakfast, lunch, or dinner buffet with Mickey and his friends in the heart of Disneyland Park.
Auberge de Cendrillon - At Fantasyland you can fulfil your princess dream and enjoy French dishes with the Disney Princesses.
The Regal View Restaurant - Newly opened in Disney Adventure World, enjoy a wonderful table-service meal with the Disney Princesses right at Adventure Bay.
Royal Banquet - In the Disneyland Hotel, enjoy an all-you-care-to-enjoy style meal with Mickey and his friends in a wonderful special outfit just for you.
La Table de Lumière - Dine with royal Disney Princesses right at the Disneyland Hotel.
Table Service - Immerse yourself in amazing themed restaurants that offer some unique sights, sounds and flavours. You can find these restaurants without characters solely in Disney Village or the Disney Hotels. The food we have eaten is usually really good, and the prices are reasonable. It can be nice to step out of the parks for a little bit and enjoy a nice dinner.
Quick Service - One of our favourite, if not favourite, ways to enjoy a meal is just ordering at a kiosk. Simple, quick, affordable and tasty. You will find these restaurants and take-away windows EVERYWHERE.
Buffet - Disneyland Paris has a somewhat unique dining offering in the form of buffets. Both resort hotels and the parks have multiple buffet-style options. You can pay a set price and enjoy an all-you-can-eat style meal. It usually contains one drink as well, and the prices vary from 30 euros to 55 euros.
Snacks - It isn't a Disney Resort without amazing Instagrammable snacks. There isn't really a "signature" snack, but Disneyland Paris has a changing offer in snacks depending on the season. We would definitely recommend having a drink and a snack at Victoria's Home Style Restaurant at Main Street U.S.A. We have tried the waffles a couple of times now; absolutely delicious.
Our Personal Recommendations
Disneyland Paris is one of our favourite parks in the world. The parks are absolutely stunning, and the attractions are world-class. We have visited so many times that it sometimes can feel so normal that you tend to forget the sheer scale of detail and elegance.
Take in all the details. How many times have we said it by now? Disneyland Paris is beautiful. There are so many details to discover, little corners, walkthroughs, shops, attractions, restaurants. Everything is filled with attention to detail, a storyline, and experience. If you are visiting for the first time or 10th time, you will find new things that you haven't seen before. It is so worth it to slow down and take it all in.
Take your time. Although Disneyland Paris can be busy, the wait times are manageable. We haven't seen crazy wait times in the last half year, and crowds tend to spread out pretty well. You don't have to rush through the parks. Take your time and switch out between attractions, shows, entertainment, shopping, etc.
Quick service is your way to go. Although we love a good restaurant, we have almost always preferred the quick services in Disneyland Paris. It is a somewhat cheaper option and quicker. If you want to maximise your time and make the most of your day, definitely take advantage of this option. If you are coming with kids and they are, for example, huge fans of the Disney Princesses, then it is certainly worth it to book a Character Dining experience. It depends on your situation and what you are comfortable with.
Take pictures! Did we mention Disneyland Paris is gorgeous? Take so many pictures. Of everything, everywhere, all the time. Trust us, you will look back at the pictures with a huge smile on your face.
Stay onsite. Now we have stayed at a lot of resorts, and we have always preferred staying onsite. It makes your visit so much more enjoyable and relaxing. The walk back to the room after a full day of magic- nothing beats that. If you ask us, pay the extra amount of money and treat yourself a little bit. It's worth it.
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