Your Disneyland Paris Travel Guide: Tips, Tricks & What to Know Before You Go
“To all who come to this happy place, welcome.”
Planning a trip to France? Then you can’t skip the European version of the happiest place on earth – Disneyland Paris! Whether you’re a fan of Mickey Mouse or seeking a dose of adventure, this theme park offers a blend of classic Disney charm and French elegance.
Originally opened in 1992, Disneyland Paris has become one of Europe’s most iconic attractions, bringing Disney vibes to millions of visitors every year. It has the thrills, parades, princesses, and a whole lot of pixie dust. While other Disney parks have their own unique charm, Disneyland Paris offers something extra special. After all, "this is France”—you can bet the magic comes with a dash of Parisian style.
Whether you want to explore Cinderella's Castle, feel the rush on Space Mountain, or catch pirates on Peter Pan's Flight, there's something for everyone at Disneyland Paris. But like all Disney parks, visiting for the first time can feel a little overwhelming – don’t worry, everyone’s been there. Let me walk you through all the things you need to know before your first trip. From the best times to visit, how to get there, which hotel to stay at, and whether you should grab those FastPasses, I'll cover it all in this travel guide.
And now, I invite you to relax, let’s pull up a chair... As I proudly present: Everything you need to know about Disneyland Paris before your first visit:
How To Get To Disneyland Paris?
As much as we’d love to take a magical elevator directly to the Twilight Zone, unfortunately, that’s not on the itinerary. But don’t worry – getting to Disneyland Paris from the heart of Paris is just as easy! If you're taking the train from central Paris stations like Châtelet-Les Halles, Gare de Lyon, or Nation, you can catch the RER A train towards Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy. The journey takes approximately 35 to 40 minutes, with trains running every 10 to 30 minutes. As of early 2025, a one-way ticket costs around €5 to €10. The best part? The stop is directly in front of the entrance, right next to the Disneyland Hotel, so you’ll practically be walking straight into the magic.
If you prefer driving, Disneyland Paris is about a 40-minute journey from central Paris via the A4 motorway. Standard parking for vehicles under 2 meters high costs €30 per day. However, be prepared for a short walk from the parking area to the park entrance. Alternatively, if you're staying at one of the Disneyland Hotels, you can drive directly to your hotel, where parking is complimentary for guests.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Disneyland Paris?
The magic of Disneyland Paris is undeniable no matter when you visit, but certain times of the year bring a little extra Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo. If you ask me, the park is at its absolute most magical during Halloween, especially if you go in the first week (and on a weekday, not the weekend when it tends to get crowded). The decorations, the atmosphere, and the overall spooky vibe are all part of what makes this time of year so special. Plus, you still have a great chance of enjoying some nice weather before it gets too chilly. Christmas is also a fantastic time to visit, with the park decked out in beautiful holiday décor, but be prepared for colder temperatures, especially during the evenings.
One crucial tip when planning your trip is to check the public holidays—not just in France but in neighboring countries as well. For example, I once visited during King's Day in the Netherlands, and it felt like the entire country had decided to head to Disneyland Paris, so the park was packed—even though it was a Wednesday. If you don’t mind spending a bit extra, you can opt for a FastPass to skip some lines for rides (I’ll go into detail about FastPasses more below), but keep in mind that you’ll still likely need to wait for food and other attractions. That said, weekends can still be enjoyable if you don’t mind the crowds, but for the lightest crowds, I highly recommend going during the week. It’s just a lot more relaxed.
Which Hotel Should I Stay At When Visiting Disneyland Paris?
When it comes to choosing where to stay for your Disneyland Paris trip, there are plenty of options, each with its own charm and price tag. But if you want to go all in on the magic, staying at the Disneyland Hotel is definitely the best choice. This hotel was recently renovated and really adds to the whole Disney experience. I’ve got a full review of the hotel here, but honestly, for me, one of the best reasons to stay at the Disneyland Hotel was the convenience. You can pop back to your room whenever you need, even if it’s just for an hour. For example, the last time I visited, it started raining heavily for about an hour and being able to run back, take a shower, change, and return to the park without any stress was really nice. Plus, when you stay at any Disney hotel, you get a 2-day entrance pass instead of just a one-day ticket, giving you extra time to explore the parks and even sneak in a quick break back at your room if you need to recharge.
That being said, I’ve also stayed at the Davy Crockett Ranch. It’s a more budget-friendly option, but honestly, it wasn’t really my vibe. It’s okay, especially if you're traveling with a larger group or family since you’ll be staying in a cabin. However, you’ll need to drive about 15 minutes to get to the park drive to the park. If you're looking for a cheaper option, I once stayed at an Ibis hotel nearby. It’s about a 20-minute drive from the park. The rooms were clean, breakfast was solid, and at around €100 a night, it was a much more affordable alternative to the Disney hotels. Just keep in mind that if you're not staying at a Disney hotel, you’ll need to pay for parking at the park, so it’s something to factor in.
Can I Visit Both Parks In 1 Day? Do I Need A Fast Pass? and Which Rides Can’t I Miss?
There’s no shortage of amazing rides and attractions at Disneyland Paris, with two parks to explore: the classic Disneyland Park and the more adventurous Walt Disney Studios Park. No matter your age or thrill level, there’s something for everyone—from family-friendly experiences to heart-racing roller coasters. But let’s be real, some rides are more popular than others and tend to have long wait times. Big Thunder Mountain, Peter Pan’s Flight, and the Crush’s Coaster are among the ones that usually rack up the longest lines.
What I usually do is check the waiting times on the Disneyland Paris App and decide whether it's worth it to buy a Fast Pass for the day or if I should get one just for the really busy rides. During my last visit, most rides had manageable wait times, but the lines for about four rides were around 100 minutes each. I figured the extra €10 per ride for the Fast Pass was worth it, and I don’t regret it! In the grand scheme of things, I was already spending a lot, and the extra €40 saved me time to enjoy the rest of the park. If you want the Fast Pass for all the rides, it can cost around €120 for the day, but it all depends on the crowds and the rides you’re targeting.
Pro tip: If you head to the more thrilling rides later in the day, the lines usually get shorter as the park starts winding down. For example, Space Mountain and Tower of Terror usually have shorter waits closer to closing time.
Now, onto the rides. Space Mountain is a must-do, but fair warning: it can be a bit rough on the neck, so maybe save it for last if you’re sensitive like me. Indiana Jones is another one where I recommend stretching your neck first because it can be pretty intense. Big Thunder Mountain, though? Don’t miss it. It’s totally worth the wait or Fast Pass—it’s a classic! The Crush’s Coaster ride in the Studios Park is always packed, and the line can be brutal. I love it, but if you get motion sickness, I’d skip it. The spinning carts and backward movement might make you feel queasy. The Avengers Assemble: Flight Force is fun but SUPER fast, so if you’re traveling with kids, keep in mind it might be a bit intense for the younger ones. I saw a kid in front of me who was so terrified that he bawled his eyes out the whole ride (and after). The Tower of Terror has the same vibe—adults love the drops, but it’s not for everyone. I’ve seen parents bring their young kids on it, and many of them end up in tears afterward.
And of course, as you might have guessed from the name of my website, I absolutely adore Peter Pan, so for me, Peter Pan’s Flight is a must. It’s one of my all-time favorites, and it’s always packed, so I always make sure to get a Fast Pass for it. To be honest, I’m still a little confused about why it’s always so busy. It’s a ride primarily for younger kids, and while it’s beautiful and whimsical for fans such as myself, it might not be worth the 100-minute wait.
A Summary Of Practical Tips for Your Visit
Can I do Disneyland Paris in one day: Yes, you can do Disneyland Paris in one day, especially if you have a Fast Pass for popular rides, but it might be a bit rushed. If you’re traveling with younger kids, it might be better to take your time and spread it out over two days.
How much are the Entrance Tickets: Ticket prices vary depending on the time of year, but typically, a 1-day, 1-park ticket costs around €50-€70, and a 1-day, 2-park ticket costs around €80-€100.
Should I get Fast Passes: Fast Passes can be worth it for popular rides, especially if you want to skip long waits for attractions like Big Thunder Mountain or Space Mountain, but it depends on how busy the park is. My advice is to wait till the day you’re actually going, check how busy the park is, and then make your decision.
What to Wear: The weather can be unpredictable, so bring layers and wear comfortable shoes for all the walking. Even if it rains, most rides are indoors or covered, so don’t let a little rain stop you!
Park Hours: Park hours vary depending on the time of year, but they usually open around 10 AM and close between 7 PM and 11 PM, with extended hours during peak seasons. Guests staying at Disneyland Paris hotels can enjoy "Extra Magic Time," which grants early access (usually it’s about an hour before) to the park before the general public.
Ticket and Parking Info: Parking at Disneyland Paris costs around €30 per day for standard parking, but it’s free if you're staying at one of the official Disney hotels. Tickets for the park can be bought online or at the entrance.
Attraction Maintenance: Be sure to check the website for any maintenance schedules and ride closures during your visit. It’s always good to know in advance which rides might be down.
Mobile App: Download the Disneyland app to check ride times, events, and park updates in real-time. This is super helpful for navigating the park smoothly. You can also purchase Fast Passes via the app.
Food & Drink: There are plenty of places to eat, but dining in the park can be pricey. You’re welcome to bring your own snacks, but keep in mind that outside food is not allowed inside the restaurants.
Language: The primary language spoken is French, but English is widely understood, especially in the park. All rides and attractions at Disneyland Paris are offered in both French and English, so you won’t miss out on any of the fun, even if you don’t speak French.
Visiting with a Disability: Disneyland Paris is accessible for visitors with disabilities, offering priority access to rides, special seating areas, and assistance services. Be sure to check their accessibility guide for more information.
