Disneyland Paris is a beautiful location that provides fascinating experiences for people of all ages. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time Disney fan to make the most of your stay requires careful planning. Here are some general tips to keep in mind:
- Visit during off-peak seasons to avoid crowds. Explore ticket options for the same!
- Choose your lodgings sensibly, whether on-site for added benefits or off-site for cost savings.
- Prepare meticulously by packing your basics, and have fun for the whole day by arriving early and using Disney Premier Access.
- Make dinner reservations in advance to guarantee a smooth and pleasurable visit.
This comprehensive guide will give you many more expert tips on trip planning so you can navigate Disneyland Paris like a pro!
Planning Tips
Planning a trip to Disneyland entails deciding when to go, purchasing tickets, and locating acceptable lodging to guarantee a stress-free experience.
Right Time to Visit
- Off-Peak Seasons: To avoid huge crowds and lengthy lines, consider going during off-peak hours. There will be fewer people from January to March and mid-September to mid-November.
- Special Events: Look for holidays like Halloween, Christmas, and school breaks. These occasions draw larger crowds but provide attractive decorations and experiences.
Booking Tickets
- Ticket Types: To visit Walt Disney Studios Park and Disneyland Park, select the ticket that best suits your visit. You can choose between 1-day tickets (which gives access to both/either parks) and multi-day tickets (which gives access to both parks).
- Discounts and Promotions: Check for seasonal offers, discounts, and promotions on family and friends packages via ticket platforms for a group of four.
Accommodations
- On-Site Hotels: Staying at a Disneyland Paris hotel offers complimentary shuttle service, themed lodging, and early park admission during Extra Magic Hours. You will find expensive hotels like Disneyland Hotel, and affordable options include Disney’s Santa Fe Hotel.
- Off-Site Hotels: If you want to cut costs, you can book a room at an off-site hotel. Numerous hotels in the area will offer excellent lodging at a reduced price and shuttle services to the parks.
Which Ticket is Best For You?
For Budget-Conscious
Recommended Ticket: Disneyland Paris 1-Day Entry Ticket
Ticket Price: From €75
If you’re short on time, this ticket is the cheapest alternative.
You may visit Paris Disneyland’s two parks in a single day.
This ticket provides entry to all the attractions within the two parks, including family fun, significant thrills, and kid’s entertainment.
For Disney Enthusiasts
Recommended Ticket:
Disneyland Paris Multi-Day Ticket
Ticket Price: From €196
This ticket provides access for up to four whole days.
You have time to explore every area of Disneyland Paris, including the Disney Village, fine restaurants, and more.
You can take every ride, see the Disney characters, and see every performance at Walt Disney Studios and Disneyland Park.
For Spontaneous
Recommended Ticket:
Disneyland Paris Same Day Ticket
Ticket Price: From €75
This ticket is ideal for spontaneous visitors, locals or people with flexible travel itineraries.
You can buy the tickets for one to four consecutive days on the spot to explore both parks or one park. Buy the ticket at least an hour before scanning at the entrance.
Preparing For Your Trip
- Check the forecast and make your packing decisions based on it. Since temperatures might change daily, wearing layers is a brilliant idea.
- You should wear comfortable shoes because you will be walking a lot.
- Carry necessities like water bottles, food, sunscreen, and gifts in a backpack or bag.
- Carry a portable phone charger to stay connected for emergencies, take pictures, and use park applications.
- Download the Disneyland Paris app to see up-to-date details on park maps, show schedules, wait times, restaurant alternatives, and more.
- You may also use the app to check for ride closures and make restaurant reservations.
Tackling Crowds & Queues
The key to successfully navigating Disneyland Paris is to arrive early, make the most of Disney Premier Access, rank the must-see attractions in order of importance, and use intelligent tools and options to reduce wait times.
Arriving Early
Rope Drop: To take advantage of the rope drop, which occurs when the parks first open, go to the parks early. Popular rides with reduced wait times are fantastic during this time.
Extra Magic Hours: Make the most of Extra Magic Hours from 8.30 am to 9.30 am if you stay at a Disney hotel. They let you into the parks earlier than usual visitors.
Use Disney Premier Access
You can have faster entry to several attractions by paying an extra price for Disney Premier Access.
Prioritizing Must-See Attractions
Arrange your day to see the things that most interest you. The following are a few of each park’s main draws:
Disneyland Park:
- Sleeping Beauty Castle
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Big Thunder Mountain
- It’s a Small World
- Space Mountain: Mission 2
Walt Disney Studios Park:
- Ratatouille: The Adventure
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
- Crush’s Coaster
- Toy Soldiers Parachute Drop
- Studio Tram Tour: Behind the Magic
Strategise Your Approach
Use the Disneyland Paris app to check live wait times and give preference to rides with shorter lines. Use the Single Rider option to fill up open-ride seats when available.
Dining
Dining at Disneyland Paris offers something to satisfy every palate, from quick service and table service to gourmet cuisine. Here’s what you need to know before dining at the world-famous park:
Making Dining Reservations
Popular restaurants tend to book fast, so getting a table in advance is best. Reservations can be made by phoning the meal reservation hotline or using the Disneyland Paris app.
Explore Dining Options
Quick service and gourmet dining are only two of the many eating options available at Disneyland Paris. The following suggestions are the restaurants and their menus:
Quick Service:
- Casey’s Corner (Main Street, U.S.A.): Hot dogs and American classics
- Colonel Hathi’s Pizza Outpost (Adventureland): Italian favorites in a jungle setting
- Toad Hall Restaurant (Fantasyland): British-inspired dishes in a charming setting
Table Service:
- Auberge de Cendrillon (Fantasyland): Dine with Disney princesses in a fairytale setting
- Bistrot Chez Rémy (Walt Disney Studios Park): French cuisine in a Ratatouille-themed restaurant
- Blue Lagoon Restaurant (Adventureland): Caribbean flavors in a tropical setting
Fine Dining:
- Inventions (Disneyland Hotel): Buffet with character dining and stunning park views
- California Grill (Disneyland Hotel): Fine dining focusing on Californian cuisine and wines
Explore Disneyland Paris Restaurants
Dietary Restrictions and Preferences
Disneyland Paris offers vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly alternatives to accommodate various dietary requirements. Make careful orders by checking menus ahead of time and letting the restaurant staff know about any dietary requirements.
Best Views For Entertainment and Shows
Use the Reserved Viewing Area near the Fantasyland entrance for the best view of parades and fireworks. You’ll be guaranteed a spot, so arrive 30 minutes before access closes. Popular performances, such as The Lion King: Rhythms of the Pride Lands, can demand an earlier arrival time, about one hour, for premium seats.
Smaller concerts, such as Frozen: A Musical Invitation and Stitch Live!, are often less packed. Arrive 15 to 20 minutes early, and you’ll be fine. To get a guaranteed seat at stage performances or concerts, buy guaranteed access for a specific time slot.
Parades
Disneyland Paris Parades are famous, so reserve a space at least 30 to 45 minutes before the parade begins. During high seasons, consider coming earlier.
Disney Stars on Parade
This daily parade features music, floats, and your favorite Disney characters.
Main Street, USA: This is one of the most incredible places to see the parade. You’ll get a good view of the floats as they travel the street. Furthermore, the setting of Sleeping Beauty Castle adds to the charm.
Central Plaza: The area around the Central Plaza, at the hub in front of the castle, provides an excellent view of the parade as it circles the square. It’s also handy for multiple exits if you must leave fast after the parade.
Town Square: The parade path begins and ends in Town Square, near the park entrance, which is less congested and provides an excellent view when the march starts or ends.
Seasonal Parades
Halloween Parade: The same viewing areas as the regular Disney Stars on Parade apply. Arrive early to view the unique Halloween floats and characters.
Christmas Parade: It takes place in the holiday season, and excellent viewing sites include Main Street, U.S.A., and Central Plaza.
Disney Illuminations
Enjoy breathtaking fireworks, projections, and a music extravaganza at Sleeping Beauty Castle to round off your day.
Sleeping Beauty Castle Forecourt: The location right in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle offers the finest view of the castle’s projections and fireworks display. Arrive an hour before the concert to get to an excellent location.
Central Plaza: This spot provides an excellent castle view and fireworks. It is also more significant than the forecourt, allowing additional breathing room.
Main Street, USA: Standing further back along Main Street provides a better view of the fireworks and castle projections. Furthermore, you will be closer to the park exit if you want to depart immediately after the event.
Discoveryland Bridge: For a less congested viewpoint, the bridge between Central Plaza and Discoveryland might provide fantastic views. It’s a little off-center but still affords an excellent vantage position.
Seasonal Nighttime Shows
The viewing areas for these seasonal events like Halloween and Christmas Fireworks are identical to Disney Illuminations. The forecourt, Central Plaza, and Main Street, U.S.A., are the most incredible places to see the visual effects and fireworks.
Vacatis Insider Tips
- Use the Rider Switch system if you travel with infants who cannot ride some attractions. This system saves you from waiting in line by letting one parent stay with the youngster while the other rides.
- Carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated. The parks have plenty of water fountains where you can fill up your bottle. Carry some snacks to maintain your energy levels throughout the day.
- Remember to take breaks throughout the day. To refuel, find a quiet place to sit and relax, get a snack, or eat slowly.
- Among the many issues that Guest Services can help with are lost and found, disability access, and general information. Never be afraid to ask for assistance when you need it.
- Use your smartphone or bring a nice camera to record the wonders of your stay. If you want high-quality images shot by park photographers, consider getting a PhotoPass.
Contents
FAQs
1. How early should I arrive to get a good spot for the parade?
During busy seasons, arrive at Disneyland Paris 30 minutes before showtime to get an excellent parade location. For more popular parades, it is advisable to arrive an hour earlier.
2. Can I sit on the curb to watch the parade?
You can sit on the curb to watch the Disneyland Paris Parade but arrive at least 30 minutes early to get a decent location, especially during the high season. Main Street is traditional yet congested, while Frontierland offers a more comfortable curbside view.
3. Where should I stay when visiting Disneyland Paris?
You can stay at one of Disneyland Paris’ hotels for convenience and advantages like Extra Magic Hours or select a neighboring off-site hotel for a more affordable choice.
4. Can I bring my food and drinks to the park?
Yes, you are welcome to bring your food and beverages. However, there are designated picnic spots where you may enjoy them.
5. What should I do if I lose something in Disneyland Paris?
To report a missing item, visit Guest Services. They can help you find and retrieve misplaced goods.
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Featured Image: Disneylandparis.com