by Planning a trip to Disneyland Paris can be a delightful adventure for you and your family. With two parks to explore – Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios – you’ll find endless fun and excitement. The key to having a magical day is a well-planned itinerary that helps you avoid long lines and make the most of your time.
If you’re staying at one of the Disneyland Paris hotels, you’ll enjoy the bonus of park tickets as part of your package. This can save you time and money, making your visit smoother and more enjoyable. To truly experience all the magic in a day, a park hopper ticket is essential, allowing you to move freely between the two parks and experience all the must-see attractions.
Following a carefully crafted plan, you can maximize your ride time, catch your favorite shows, and even find moments to relax and soak in the Disney details. A perfect day at Disneyland Paris balances thrilling attractions with opportunities to slow down and enjoy the enchanting atmosphere, ensuring every member of your family has a fantastic experience.
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Getting To Disneyland Paris
Getting to Disneyland Paris is easy, whether from downtown Paris or elsewhere in France.
By Train
The quickest way is to take the RER A train. You’ll head towards Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy station right in front of the park gates.
Travel time: About 1 hour.
Stations: Major stops like Gare de Lyon or Châtelet-les-Halles will get you on the right track.
By Bus
Another option is the Disneyland Paris Express Shuttle Bus. It’s a great way for families to explore the city, leaving several spots, such as Gare du Nord and the Eiffel Tower area.
Cost: Around €65 roundtrip for adults and kids.
Travel time: Approximately 1 hour, depending on Paris traffic.
By Car
Driving is also an option if you prefer.
Parking: Ample space is available at Disneyland Paris.
Parking cost: Around €30 per day.
Travel time: Roughly 1 hour from Paris, but keep traffic in mind.
Tips
You might consider staying at a Disneyland Paris hotel. Many offer complimentary shuttle services, ensuring you can get to the magic without hassle.
Here are a few more tips:
- Plan: Check schedules and buy your tickets in advance.
- Leave early: Start your journey early to maximize your time at the park.
- Avoid rush hours: If you can, travel during off-peak times to dodge heavy traffic and crowded trains.
Happy travels!
See Related: A Day in Paris: The Ultimate 10-Hour Itinerary for Transit Travelers
Morning: Must-See Attractions
Start your day early at Disneyland Paris to experience some of the best attractions without the long wait times. Here are a few must-see spots to kick off your magical morning.
Ratatouille: The Adventure
Begin at Walt Disney Studios Park with Ratatouille: The Adventure. This 4D ride is perfect for all ages and captures the movie’s charm. Being one of the park’s most popular attractions, getting here early helps avoid the crowd.
Crush’s Coaster
Next, head to Crush’s Coaster. This fun roller coaster is a hit, especially among kids and teenagers. It doesn’t offer FastPass, so the earlier you arrive, the better. If the lines are long, use the single-rider line for faster access.
Peter Pan’s Flight
Over in Disneyland Park, fly over London with Peter Pan. This classic dark ride often has long lines, so it’s wise to hit it early. The enchanting journey through Neverland makes it worth the morning rush.
Big Thunder Mountain
A visit to Frontierland is incomplete without a ride on Big Thunder Mountain. This wild coal mine ride is thrilling for the whole family. The lines for this attraction also grow quickly as the day progresses, making it a perfect morning stop.
Meet Mickey Mouse
Stop by Meet Mickey Mouse in Fantasyland. Here, you can grab a memorable photo with Mickey himself. This meet-and-greet spot is super popular, so morning visits are a good strategy to avoid the longest waits.
By scattering these attractions throughout your morning, you can make the most of your time and enjoy some of Disneyland Paris’s finest offerings before the crowds build up. Don’t forget to grab a coffee and a croissant along the way to keep your energy up!
See Related: Adventure in Paris: Outdoor Activities for the Active Traveler
Afternoon: Best Shows and Parades
Afternoons at Disneyland Paris are filled with dazzling shows and electrifying parades you can’t miss. Whether you’re with kids, teens, or adults, there’s something magical for everyone.
Disney Stars on Parade is a must-see. It usually starts around 5:30 PM and features your favorite Disney characters on elaborate floats. Get at least 30 minutes early to grab a good spot along the parade route.
Don’t miss Disney Illuminations in the evening. This stunning show combines fireworks, projections, and music to create an unforgettable experience. It often begins around 10:00 PM, so it’s perfect for completing your day.
Take a break and check out Mickey and the Magician for cool indoor entertainment. Held in Walt Disney Studios Park, this show combines magic and storytelling, which kids and adults will love.
Another crowd-pleaser is The Lion King: Rhythms of the Pride Lands. This show transports you to the African savanna with live music, acrobatics, and dance. It usually has multiple showtimes throughout the afternoon, so it’s easy to fit into your schedule.
If you’re in the mood for something whimsical, head to Frozen: A Musical Invitation. Join Elsa, Anna, and Olaf in an interactive experience that’s great for young children.
Remember, timing is key to enjoying these shows without the stress of rushing. Use the Disneyland Paris app to check showtimes and plan accordingly. That way, you can catch all these amazing performances without missing out on rides and other attractions.
Evening: Dining and Fireworks
When the sun starts to set at Disneyland Paris, your adventure is far from over. The evening promises a magical dining experience and a spectacular fireworks show.
First, let’s talk food. There are many dining options to satisfy every taste. Walt’s – An American Restaurant is a classy spot inspired by Walt Disney, offering great views of the parade route. If you’re after something more relaxed, try Casey’s Corner for some classic American hot dogs.
Or maybe you’re in the mood for a Character Dining Experience. Auberge de Cendrillon in Fantasyland is where you can meet Cinderella and other princesses while enjoying a royal meal. Don’t forget to book in advance, as these spots fill quickly!
And now, the highlight of the evening: the fireworks show. This spectacle of lights, music, and Disney magic happens daily at Sleeping Beauty Castle. Grab a spot early to get the best view.
Here’s a little tip: Get treats from one of the many snack carts before the show starts. Some popcorn or a Mickey-shaped ice cream bar will make the wait more enjoyable.
Below is a small schedule to plan your evening:
Time | Activity |
|---|---|
6:30 PM | Dinner at preferred restaurant |
8:00 PM | Get to your selected spot for fireworks |
9:00 PM | Fireworks Show at Sleeping Beauty Castle |
Don’t forget, every moment counts. Share the experience with your loved ones and make it a night to remember. Enjoy the magic!
See Related: Hidden Gem Experiences in Paris for Mental Health and Well-Being
Tips For Families With Young Children
Visiting Disneyland Paris with young children can be magical if you plan well. Here are some tips to make your trip smoother and more enjoyable:
- Start Early: Arrive at the park before it opens. This gives you a head start on popular rides, and the morning is cooler and less crowded.
- Extra Magic Time: If you’re staying at a Disney hotel, use Extra Magic Time to access select attractions before the park opens to the general public.
- Character Dining: Book a character dining experience. It’s a great way for your kids to meet Disney characters without long lines. Breakfast costs €49 for adults and €39 for kids.
- Bring Snacks: Park food can be expensive. Pack snacks and refillable water bottles to keep everyone happy and hydrated.
- Stroller: Even if your child doesn’t usually use a stroller, it’s worth renting one. There’s a lot of walking and tired little legs need a break.
- Napping Spots: Find quiet spots around the park where young children can rest or nap. The Disneyland Railroad offers a restful ride around the park.
- Height Requirements: Check height requirements for rides in advance. Knowing which rides your kids can enjoy avoids disappointment.
- Stay Close: Consider staying at one of the hotels within walking distance, like the Disneyland Hotel or Disney’s Newport Bay Club. This makes it easier to return to your room for breaks.
- Baby Care Centers: These centers are equipped with all the essentials and can be used for diaper changes, feeding, and quiet time.
- Divide and Conquer: If traveling with another adult, split up occasionally. One adult can take older kids on bigger rides while the other stays with the younger ones.
- Plan Breaks: Schedule downtime into your day. Whether it’s watching a show or sitting in a shaded area, breaks are essential to prevent meltdowns.
Enjoy your magical trip to Disneyland Paris with your little ones!