Disneyland Paris is truly a magical kingdom where children embark on captivating adventures, and adults can once again savor the delights of their childhood. Regardless of age, Disneyland transforms every visitor who crosses the threshold of its two parks into a traveler through the enchanting universe of the most beloved animated characters. It is the most cherished theme park in Europe, a dream destination for many children eager to embark on an exciting journey among castles, spectacular attractions, and parades straight out of fairy tales.
While primarily aimed at children, Disneyland Paris offers a plethora of attractions that adults can also enjoy. I’ve visited Disneyland Paris twice, and each time, I noticed not only families with kids but also many adults without children having a fantastic time. So, if you don’t have kids or if your little ones are too young for such thrills, I encourage you to go and experience this adventure from an adult’s perspective—you’ll likely find it delightful! Being a highly sought-after theme park in Europe, it’s no surprise that it can get quite crowded at certain times. This translates to long queues, especially at the most popular attractions, so you’ll need to arm yourself with a lot of patience. If you’re the type who doesn’t like waiting, consider visiting during off-peak times, such as January-February or the spring months. The busiest periods are during the summer, Halloween, and Christmas, attracting many visitors, especially families with children.
Another option is to take advantage of the “single rider” attractions, which typically have little to no wait. The “single rider” option means you may be placed with other guests choosing the same option, so if you’re with a larger group or a partner, there’s a chance you won’t sit next to each other. Alternatively, you can purchase a Premier Access (Fast Pass) for the attractions you want to visit. This pass grants you shorter queues or even zero wait times. However, in practice, even the Premier Access can have long lines, so I’m not sure it’s worth the price.
1. How to Get to Disneyland Paris
There are several options for reaching Disneyland Paris, depending on your starting point.
From Paris:
- By Train (RER A): Disneyland Paris has its own train station, “Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy,” which is well-connected to the regional train network (RER). You can take the RER A from Charles de Gaulle Etoile or Chatelet Les Halles, and the journey takes about 40 minutes.
- By Bus: Various transport companies offer services to Disneyland Paris. FlixBus has four daily departures from Paris, specifically from Bercy Seine, and takes approximately 40 minutes to reach Disneyland.
- Official Park Transfers: Disneyland Paris provides its own shuttle services that connect the park to airports and other key locations in Paris. You can find more details about the “Magical Shuttle Bus,” the official Disneyland shuttle, on their website.
From Paris Beauvais Airport:
To reach Disneyland Paris from Beauvais Airport, you first need to get to Paris, as there is no direct connection. From there, you can choose one of the options mentioned above. The most convenient way to get from Beauvais to Paris is to take the shuttle that stops right in front of the terminal, costing €35 for a round trip.
From Charles de Gaulle Airport:
The quickest way to get from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Disneyland Paris is via the TGV train, which takes about 10 minutes to reach Marne-la-Vallée. Tickets can be purchased online or at ticket counters in the station. A cheaper alternative is to take the RER train. The RER B line connects Charles de Gaulle Airport to Marne-la-Vallée Chessy Station, taking approximately 45 minutes. The Magical Shuttle Bus is also an option from Charles de Gaulle.
From Orly Airport:
The fastest route is to take the Magical Shuttle Bus. You could also take the RER train, but you would need to change trains twice. From Orly Airport, you can take the Orlyval train to Antony Station, where you will connect to the RER B line. This line goes to Gare du Nord, where you can switch to the RER A trains that reach Marne-la-Vallée Chessy, near Disneyland Paris. The total journey time is about 1 to 1.5 hours.
2. Where to Stay for Disneyland Paris
Your accommodation should depend on how many days you plan to spend at the park. If you’re visiting Disneyland Paris for just one day, I recommend staying in Paris. Hotels near Disneyland tend to be much pricier, and there’s really no need to stay there for just one day, given that central Paris has excellent connections to Disneyland, making travel very easy.
If you’re looking for places to stay in Paris, consider these options (all rated 8+ at the time of searching):
- Caulaincourt Montmartre by Hiphophostels
- Hotel B Square
- Residhome Paris Rosa Parks
- Kyriad Paris 18 – Porte de Clignancourt – Montmartre
- Le Quartier Bercy-Square
- Hôtel Le Fabe
- Hotel de L’Empereur by Malone
- Hôtel Du Bois Champs-Elysées
- Hôtel Le Fabe
- Arcadie Montparnasse
- Hôtel Du Bois Champs-Elysées
If your itinerary includes several days dedicated to the theme park, it’s best to choose accommodation as close to Disneyland as possible to minimize travel time. The park offers several of its own hotels, with free shuttles to the park every day:
- Disney’s Hotel Santa Fe®
- Disney’s Hotel Cheyenne®
- Disney’s Sequoia Lodge®
- Disney’s Newport Bay Club®
- Disney’s Hotel New York® – The Art of Marvel
- Disneyland® Hotel
Guests staying at these hotels have the advantage of entering the park an hour early, as they open at 08:00 for hotel residents.
Another option is to find accommodation in the Marne-la-Vallée area, where you can find hotels that partner with Disneyland Paris, as well as others that typically offer more affordable rates.
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3. How Much Do Disneyland Paris Tickets Cost?
Before purchasing tickets for Disneyland Paris, it’s essential to know that there are various ticket options based on your needs: one-day or multiple-day tickets (up to four days) that can be bought in advance for a specific date, or one-day tickets that are valid for any day within a year.
Prices vary based on the day of your visit—typically, weekdays are cheaper than weekends. Prices also increase significantly during Christmas or other special events, which include special activities. Another factor affecting ticket prices is the number of parks you wish to visit. You can opt to see just the main park, Disneyland, or you can purchase tickets that also grant access to Walt Disney Studios. In my opinion, it’s not feasible to visit both parks in a single day due to their size and the numerous attractions; not to mention the long wait times at many of them.
For Disneyland Paris, ticket types include:
- 1-4 day tickets: Prices start at €56 per day for adults and €52 per day for children (ages 3-11) for a single park. If you want to visit both parks, prices start at €81 for adults and €77 for children.
- Flexible one-day tickets: Prices start at €105 per day for adults and €97 for children (ages 3-11) for a single park. If you wish to visit Walt Disney Studios as well, prices increase to €130 for adults and €122 for children.
You can find various packages that include tickets, accommodation, and transportation on the official Disneyland Paris website.
4. Where to Buy Tickets for Disneyland Paris
5. Disneyland Paris Operating Hours
- Disneyland Park: 09:00 – 22:00
- Walt Disney Studios: 09:00 – 21:00
For both parks, extra magic time starts at 08:00 for those staying at Disney hotels. The schedule may vary throughout the year, so it’s crucial to check the parks’ calendar on the official website.
6. What to Eat at Disneyland Paris
First and foremost, it’s worth noting that you’re allowed to bring both water and food into the parks. However, there are numerous dining options within the park, though be prepared for higher prices. Here are some restaurants that are highly recommended by most tourists:
- Captain Jack’s Restaurant des Pirates
- Bistrot Chez Rémy
- Restaurant Hakuna Matata
- Colonel Hathi’s Pizza Outpost
- Casey’s Corner
- L’Arbre Enchanté
- Walt’s
- The Lucky Nugget Saloon
- Silver Spur Steakhouse
- The Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlour
7. Attractions at Disneyland Paris
Disneyland Paris offers a multitude of attractions catering to both children and adults. They are grouped by appropriate age categories, ensuring that children have the best experience possible. Some attractions have minimum height requirements, and others require children to be accompanied by an adult.
Big Thrills: Attractions for adults and older children—these attractions are meant for guests who are at least 1m tall, with some requiring a minimum height of 1.40m. Additionally, all children must be accompanied by an adult. Big Thrills include roller coasters and fast rides, emphasizing speed and height. They are not recommended for those prone to motion sickness, vertigo, or pregnant women. Some examples include:
- Avengers Assemble: Flight Force, Walt Disney
- Crush’s Coaster, Walt Disney
- Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain, Disneyland Park
- Big Thunder Mountain, Disneyland Park
- Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril, Disneyland Park
Family Attractions: Attractions for families with children aged 4-12—these rides can be enjoyed by the whole family together, though they still might have minimum height requirements (often 1m tall). These rides offer a good mix of gentle fun with some thrill rides. Some examples include:
- Ratatouille: The Adventure, Walt Disney Studios
- Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast, Disneyland Park
- Pirates of the Caribbean, Disneyland Park
- It’s a Small World, Disneyland Park
- Peter Pan’s Flight, Disneyland Park
Attractions for Young Children: Designed for children aged 0-5, these attractions are typically slow-moving and gentle. They focus on engaging storytelling and lighthearted fun. Some examples include:
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Disneyland Park
- Le Carousel de Lancelot, Disneyland Park
- Casey Jr. – le Petit Train du Cirque, Disneyland Park
- Les Voyages de Pinocchio, Disneyland Park
- Le Pays des Contes de Fées, Disneyland Park
Attractions for Toddlers: Designed for babies aged 0-2, these attractions are safe for babies and can be enjoyed with a parent or guardian. Some examples include:
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Disneyland Park
- Le Petit Train de Casey Jr., Disneyland Park
In addition to attractions, Disneyland Paris hosts shows and parades featuring beloved Disney characters. Make sure to check the schedule and enjoy the experience!
8. Shows and Parades at Disneyland Paris
Depending on the time of year you visit Disneyland Paris, you have the opportunity to participate in a series of parades and shows that are a true visual delight for children of all ages, as well as for adults. These events transform every visit into a memorable and magical experience.
Walt Disney Shows
- Mickey and the Magician
A show full of magic and illusions, where Mickey Mouse becomes the apprentice of a magician who teaches him about the power of dreams. - TOGETHER: A Pixar Musical Adventure
A musical adventure that brings together beloved characters from Pixar films, providing heartfelt moments and fun for the whole family. - Disney Junior Dream Factory
An interactive experience designed for young children, where they can meet characters from the Disney Junior universe. - Frozen: A Musical Invitation
A show inspired by the film “Frozen,” where the story of sisters Elsa and Anna comes to life on stage, complete with captivating music and dance. - Stitch Live!
An interactive experience where visitors can engage in real-time with Stitch from “Lilo & Stitch.” - The Amazing Spider-Man
An action-packed demonstration featuring Spider-Man, showcasing his amazing abilities and offering an exciting show for fans. - Heroic Welcome
An enthusiastic welcome of Disney superheroes, where visitors can meet iconic characters. - Guardians of the Galaxy Dance Challenge
A fun dance competition featuring characters from “Guardians of the Galaxy,” encouraging visitors to participate and enjoy themselves.
Disneyland Park Parades
- Disney Stars on Parade
A spectacular parade in which characters from children’s favorite animated films, such as Peter Pan, Mickey and Minnie, Elsa, Olaf, and many more, parade in a charming setting. The parades are accompanied by music, dance, and interactions with the audience, creating a joyful experience. - Disney Extravaganza
A magical show featuring fireworks and projections on the castle, bringing animated characters to life. This takes place every evening in Disneyland Park, adding a touch of magic to the night. - Themed Parades
- Disney Halloween Festival
A special parade that occurs each year during Halloween, filled with spooky fun and seasonal magic. - Disney Enchanted Christmas
A unique, magical show that should not be missed if you visit Disneyland during the Christmas season. This celebration runs from November 11 to January 7, transforming the park into a winter wonderland.
Ultimately, Disneyland Paris is an enchanting escape for visitors of all ages, filled with magic and nostalgia. Whether you’re with family or friends, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Just remember to plan ahead to make the most of your visit, and don’t hesitate to indulge in the fantasy and fun that Disneyland has to offer!
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Happy Travels!🥰
