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This Disney Park Is One of the Most Beautiful in the World — How to Visit

Here’s our magical guide to visiting Disneyland Paris.

Elizabeth Rhodes is a special projects editor at Travel + Leisure , covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer.

Best Time to Visit

• Disneyland Park
• Walt Disney Studios Park

Disney Village

Getting there, disneyland paris day trip itinerary.

Elizabeth Rhodes/Travel + Leisure

Since 1992, Disneyland Paris (then called Euro Disney) has welcomed more than 250 million guests to its magical theme parks and hotels. Made up of two parks (Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park), seven hotels, and a dining and shopping district called Disney Village, the theme park resort has grown into a full-blown vacation destination, and it’s only getting better. Fresh off its 30th-anniversary celebration, the opening of Avengers Campus, and the reimagining of Disneyland Hotel, Disneyland Paris recently announced big plans to completely transform Walt Disney Studios Park into Disney Adventure World.

I’ve visited 10 of the 12 Disney theme parks around the world, and Disneyland Park in Paris is the most beautiful iteration of the classic castle park I’ve visited, with gorgeously crafted immersive worlds surrounding a stunning pink castle inspired by French chateaux. I went back to Disneyland Paris last month to see everything new and exciting (and re-ride everything I loved the first time) to curate a new guide featuring the best of the resort. With unique interpretations of classic Disney attractions and a few memorable rides you can’t find anywhere else, the resort is a worthwhile day trip from Paris or a multi-day getaway. From can’t-miss rides to the best restaurants and places to stay, here’s everything you need to know about visiting Disneyland Paris. 

Elizabeth Rhodes/Travel + Leisure

When it comes to high and low seasons, Disneyland Paris is similar to its U.S. counterparts: Crowds are largest during school breaks and public holidays. The summer months, long weekends, and the winter holiday season are all among the busiest times to visit Disneyland Paris, and mid-January through mid-March and mid-April through mid-May are typically less busy times to visit. This summer will undoubtedly be extra busy for Disneyland Paris as tourists worldwide flock to the French capital for the Olympics. To avoid the heaviest crowds throughout the year, plan to visit Tuesday through Thursday (and avoid weekends). 

Thanks to the lineup of festive annual events, a fall trip to Disneyland Paris is always a good idea. Each year, Disneyland Paris hosts Halloween and Christmas events with seasonal decorations and eats; this year, Disney Halloween Festival will take place from Oct. 1 to Nov. 3, and Disney Enchanted Christmas will last from Nov. 9 to Jan. 6. 

It’s worth noting that American tourists are likely used to the warm weather found year-round at the domestic parks in California and Florida, but Paris experiences all four seasons. Be sure to check the forecast and pack appropriately — it was very chilly when I visited in February one year, and we had to buy Mickey beanies to stay warm. 

Disneyland Paris sells dated and undated tickets, with several variations depending on how many days you visit and which parks you want to visit. You can buy dated tickets for one to four days for both parks (or a single-day, single-park dated ticket). You can also purchase a single-day undated ticket to one or both parks, but these are typically more expensive. Disney uses dynamic ticket pricing, so you can check out the ticket calendar to see when you could visit to save a few bucks on admission. (Hint: cheaper days mean lower crowd levels.) For 2024, the cheapest one-park, one-day ticket currently ranges from $73 to $148. 

Annual Passes

Disneyland Paris also offers three tiers of annual passes: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Bronze is 289 euros and allows holders to visit 170 days a year. The Silver Pass is 499 euros and allows guests to access the parks 300 out of 365 days each year. Silver pass holders can also enjoy 10 percent discounts at shops and restaurants. The Gold Pass is 699 euros, allows entry every day of the year, offers a 15 percent discount at shops and restaurants, and includes Extra Magic Time and an annual PhotoPass.

Disney Premier Access

Want to skip the line for the most popular attractions? Disney Premier Access works similarly to the old FastPass or newer Genie+ at the U.S. parks in that it allows you to skip the main standby line, but there are some nuances you’ll want to know before you purchase. Yes, purchase — this is an additional cost, just like Genie+ Lightning Lanes in the U.S. You can buy Disney Premier Access One for individual attractions to gain a time slot for the Premier Access queue on the day you visit via the Disneyland Paris app. Or you can splurge on the Disney Premier Access Ultimate, an all-day pass that allows you to skip the line once for every participating attraction. You can buy the Ultimate pass the day of or in advance.

I tested Disney Premier Access Ultimate during my recent trip, and I could ride everything I wanted during my two-day trip, even while fighting jet lag. Of course, if you’re a single rider, you can also take advantage of the dedicated single-rider queues, but even those had long waits for some of the top rides, like Crush’s Coaster. 

Disneyland Park 

Is this the most beautiful Disney theme park in the world? It just might be, with its dazzling pink castle inspired by Mont St. Michel and intricately themed lands that feature fantastic versions of classic Disney rides . Disneyland Park is France’s “castle park,” a term used in the theme park community to describe the Disney parks centered around the main princess castle with a hub-and-spoke layout featuring lands like Adventureland and Fantasyland (think Disneyland Park in California and Magic Kingdom in Florida ). Disneyland Paris has five main lands — Discoveryland (similar to Tomorrowland), Fantasyland, Adventureland, Frontierland, and Main Street, U.S.A. Don’t miss the nightly Disney Electrical Sky Parade featuring drones, projections, and fountains for a fun new take on the beloved parade. 

You can find classic attractions like It’s a Small World, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Peter Pan’s Flight, and Autopia at Disneyland Park. Still, I recommend prioritizing the one-of-a-kind rides you can’t find in the U.S. parks and the unique versions of attractions you’re already familiar with if you’re short on time. I loved Phantom Manor, a spookier version of the Haunted Mansions in Florida and California. I also enjoyed the European park’s take on Pirates of the Caribbean and Big Thunder Mountain. Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain is a thrilling, Star Wars -themed take on the classic indoor coaster. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril is an intense outdoor roller coaster unique to this park (though Tokyo DisneySea has a similar ride). 

Take the time to tour Sleeping Beauty Castle (the views from the terrace are beautiful, as is the stained-glass depiction of the fairy tale) and the Dragon’s Lair (home to an impressive audio-animatronic dragon). 

Best Restaurants

Many table and quick-service restaurants are located around the park, from French meals with princesses at Auberge de Cendrillon to Tex Mex at Casa de Coco. I enjoyed my meal at Walt’s, an American restaurant themed to Walt Disney’s life, with dishes inspired by his favorite foods, like his famous chili. Get a table by the window to enjoy great people-watching on Main Street, U.S.A. Find Mickey-shaped pizza at Pizzeria Bella Notte, or try the French version of a Dole Whip at Cafe de la Brousse. If you plan to eat at a table-service restaurant that accepts reservations, make reservations as soon as possible to ensure you can dine when you want. 

Walt Disney Studios Park 

Walt Disney Studios Park will be transformed entirely into Disney Adventure World — construction kicked off in April. This new version of the park will see significant changes, including the addition of World of Frozen, but Walt Disney Studios Park is still open amid the transformation. That said, because so much is changing at this park, we’re just going to hit the highlights for visitors who plan to visit soon before the park is complete. 

Walt Disney Studios Park is home to some of Disneyland Paris’s top attractions, including rides you won’t find anywhere else. At Avengers Campus, you can sling webs at Spider-Man W.E.B. Adventure (which also exists at Disney California Adventure Park) or go on a high-speed mission on the unique Avengers Assemble: Flight Force featuring Iron Man and Captain Marvel. (Fun fact: this ride used to be Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, so expect a thrilling launch start and multiple inversions.) Finding Nemo -themed Crush’s Coaster is a super-popular spinning coaster mostly indoors; it’s worth purchasing Premier Access if you visit during a busy time. The original Ratatouille: The Adventure can be found in this park, along with Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and some smaller attractions perfect for kids in the Pixar area of the park. This park also features several shows, including The Disney Junior Dream Factory, Stitch Live!, Mickey and the Magician, and Frozen: A Musical Invitation. 

Bistrot Chez Rémy is hands-down the best restaurant in Walt Disney Studios Park. Shrink down to the size of a rat at this “Ratatouille”-themed restaurant serving up dishes like steak and roast cod with sides of ratatouille, of course. There are also several food trucks throughout the park and some superhero-themed eateries at Avengers Campus. 

Disney Village is Disneyland Paris’s version of Downtown Disney with several shopping and dining outlets, including American favorites like Five Guys and Earl of Sandwich and sit-down restaurants. Stop by the Disney Store to grab some souvenirs before heading out. 

Disneyland Paris has seven themed hotels (listed here from most luxurious to most affordable): Disneyland Hotel, Disney Hotel New York - The Art of Marvel, Disney Newport Bay Club, Disney Sequoia Lodge, Disney Hotel Cheyenne, Disney Hotel Santa Fe, Disney Davy Crockett Ranch. All except Disney Davy Crockett Ranch offer free shuttles or are within walking distance of the parks. Many hotels have U.S.-inspired themes, like nautical New England at Disney Newport Bay Club and Old West at Disney Hotel Cheyenne. I stayed at the recently reimagined Disneyland Hotel ; it’s one of the best Disney hotels in the world, located right at the entrance of Disneyland Park. 

Disneyland Hotel 

The pink Disneyland Hotel feels like a castle in its own right, with a lobby that looks like a royal library and a host of amenities that guarantee a magical vacation. Walking through the lobby, I’d spot Disney princesses waving to guests — and little princes and princesses who just had makeovers at the Royal Collection Boutique waving back.

The hotel also has a free Royal Kids Club, a pool, a fitness center, a spa by Clarins, a bar, and two character dining restaurants, Royal Banquet and La Table de Lumière. I had the chance to visit both restaurants during my stay and loved my experience at both; if I had to choose a favorite, I’d pick La Table de Lumiere for the adorable character interactions. I’m always blown away by how the characters can communicate in many languages at the international Disney parks, and these interactions with the princes and princesses were so fun and memorable.

Overall, I had a wonderful stay at Disneyland Hotel. The recently renovated rooms had upscale decor inspired by iconic Disney fairy tales (mine had a Snow White theme) and thoughtful details that provided a five-star experience. Plus, it took me just a few minutes to walk from my room to the park entrance — an incredible perk you won’t find at many Disney hotels. 

Getting to Disneyland Paris from the city is surprisingly easy. Take the RER A (an express train line) to the Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy/Parcs Disneyland stop just a few minutes from the park gates. You can also take the Disneyland Paris Express shuttle bus, but I highly recommend taking the RER. You can also take a TGV train to this stop from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport; I did this on my recent trip, and it took about 10 minutes to take the train from the airport stop to Disneyland Paris (though it was very crowded on the weekend).  

Although the resort has lovely hotels that are well worth a stay for travelers who want to explore the parks for more than a day, many visitors come to Disneyland Paris for a day trip from the capital. I recommend planning to arrive at the theme parks before opening so you can rope drop any of your top-priority attractions. Get a two-park pass, and consider paying for Premier Access (for one or all attractions) to make the most of one day. I’d recommend starting at Walt Disney Studios Park to ride Crush’s Coaster, Tower of Terror, the Avenger’s Campus attractions, and Ratatouille: The Adventure. Schedule a sit-down meal at Bistrot Chez Remy or Walt’s for lunch, then spend the rest of the day in Disneyland Park and watch the Disney Electrical Sky Parade before you leave.

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The Smartest Disneyland Paris Planning Guide 2024 and 2025 (Free Checklist!)

The first time I planned my family’s Disney trip, I had very mixed emotions. One side of me was giddy with excitement, thinking about all the rides, characters, and Disney Magic my kid was going to experience for the very first time. The other side of me was paralysed with nerves. Where should I begin with pricing? Accommodation? Transport? Tickets? What should I pack? If only there had been a Disneyland Paris planning guide for first-timers like me.

So now, many trips later, I’ve written an ultimate Disneyland Paris Planning Guide . And I want to share it with you, in 10 easy steps!

10 Easy Steps to Plan Disneyland Paris for First-Timers

* This post may contain affiliate links that earn a commission. Clicking these links supports this free website and will never affect pricing (except to offer you a discount).  Learn more

Step #1. Get to Know the Disneyland Paris App  

• Set up (or sign in) to your Disney account . Keep that Disney log-in in a convenient place. You’re going to need them when you connect your park tickets and make restaurant bookings.
• Have a look around the Disneyland Paris park map and get excited about everything you’re going to see!
• If you see anything you want to do in the parks, like rides, characters and shows, save those to ‘My Wishlist’ in the app.

🤓 GOOD TO KNOW:  Your Disney login will be the same as your Disney+ subscription (if you have one).

Step #2. Work Out Your Budget 

The next item is not as magical as the Disney app, but I promise it will be super useful!

On your budget sheet write down the main things you need to pay for like hotel, travel and tickets. Leave space for food, drinks and shopping, too. Don’t worry if you don’t know yet how much everything costs. As you work your way through the steps below, you can pop the estimated costs into your Disney budget sheet.  

📌 Worried about your spending money? Discover how how to Save the Most Money for Disneyland Paris. Slash the costs of everything for your trip!

Step #3. Consider Your Disneyland Paris Hotel Options 

Unless you live locally, you are going to need somewhere to stay when you go to Disneyland Paris.

If you don’t know where to start, check out: – Best Disney hotels for First-Timers – Cheapest Way to Stay at Disneyland Paris (Including 17 hotels with a free shuttle!)

Once you have picked your favourite hotel, you should look at travel options.

Step #4. Travel, Transport and Transfers – How Will You Get There? 

In a dream world, I would prefer for Peter Pan to whisk my family to Disneyland Paris with the help of faith, trust and pixie dust! But the reality is, I need to rely on flights, trains or my car.

3 Travel Options for Disneyland Paris

There are three ways to travel to Disneyland Paris: Eurostar, flights and driving. Let’s look at the pros and cons of each option.

1. The Eurostar Train Service From St Pancras in London

➕ pros of taking the eurostar to disneyland paris.

• Eurostar is fast and convenient. You can arrive at the Disney entrance within 3 hours!
• Eurostar has a generous luggage policy. Take all the clothes you want, and pack snacks to save money in the parks.
• Train times are very good, usually arriving in the park by lunchtime and leaving for London in the early evening. Eurostar is my favourite way to travel to Disneyland Paris solo or with a friend because I only need to buy 1 ticket.

➖ Cons of taking the Eurostar to Disneyland Paris

• Eurostar can be expensive for a family, with tickets averaging around £200 per person in summer holidays.
• Eurostar no longer offers a direct service to Disneyland Paris. However, you can still use it via a quick change of platforms in Lille. Alternatively, if you don’t have much luggage and speak a smidgen of French, you can use public transport. Check out the exact steps to Go From Paris to Disneyland Paris .

First-timer’s guide for taking the Eurostar to Disneyland Paris – everything you need to know door-to-door (so you can relax!)

2. Flight to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)

➕ pros of taking a flight.

• Depending on where you live, an airport may be much more convenient than London St Pancras.
• With a wide variety of airlines, flight prices are often very reasonable, especially if you use Easy Jet (though I prefer Air France). 

➖ Cons of Taking a Flight

• You will need to factor the cost of transfers into your budget. I recommend Disney’s official partner, Magical Shuttle or using taxis like UBER.
• Another con for flights is that they often arrive late at night or depart from Paris early in the morning. This can take away a lot of time from your Disney park day.
• Luggage allowance is more restricting.

3. Driving and Using the Eurotunnel from Calais

➕ pros of driving.

• Using the Eurotunnel is easy Yo
• You can take as much luggage as will fit in your car!
• Convert your Tesco Clubcard points into vouchers for money off.
• Even factoring in petrol and toll costs, driving is usually the most economical way to travel to Disneyland Paris.
• The route from Calais to Disneyland Paris is easy, too.
• Driving is my favourite way to travel to Disneyland Paris with my family.

➖ Cons of Driving

• Of course, you have to have a driving licence and a reliable car to make the journey.
• Driving might take the longest amount of time, at around 5 hours and 40 minutes from London.

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🚨FREEBIE ALERT: Get your Disneyland Paris Planning Checklist (Download and Print Now!)

All the steps in this article are here at your fingertips, so you don’t need to write anything down or struggle to remember everything.

Grab your printable Disneyland Paris planning checklist when you sign up for my free VIP Club right now. It will make your planning so much easier.

Step #5. Choose Your Disneyland Paris Tickets. Then Price up and Book Your Trip

Now that you have chosen your hotel and know how to travel there, your next task is to decide on the type of tickets you need for the parks.

➡️ If you need help, check out the Cheapest Way to Buy Disneyland Paris Tickets . This post has a breakdown on how many days you need. And it has lots of hacks for getting a discount.  

Alternatively, if you wish to book a Disney Package Holiday , your tickets will be already included in the price.

✏️ PRO TIP After you buy your tickets, don’t forget to make a note on your budget sheet and link them in the Disneyland Paris app.

Step #6. Book Your Disneyland Paris Holiday!

Now with all of that done – You are ready to book your trip!

Then get out your credit card because you’re about to get spending!

Step #7. Eating and Drinking – Do You Need a Disney Dining Reservation? 

Go back to the Disneyland Paris app, go to the Food tab, and have a look around the restaurant and quick service establishments. A full menu with prices is available by clicking on them individually.

Next, decide whether you want to buy the Disneyland Paris Meal Plan or not. If you are staying off-site, this is not available to you, so that is an easy decision to make! If you are considering a Disney hotel, you can read more about the Disneyland Paris Meal Plan and whether it’s worth it.

✏️ PRO TIP  You don’t need to decide right away on the meal plan. Add it to your Disney hotel booking or Disney holiday package after you have paid the balance by logging into your account online. Alternatively, you can contact Disney via messenger on the official Disneyland Paris Facebook page or by calling and they will add your meal plan to your booking. 

🤓 GOOD TO KNOW Of course, you do not need a Disney meal plan to eat in any of the restaurants in Disneyland Paris. But what you do need is a reservation. The most popular Disneyland Paris restaurants will require an advance reservation, but there are 9 Clever Ways to Get a Table Booking even when they are sold out.  

9 Foolproof Ways to Get Your Next Disneyland Paris Restaurant Booking (Even When Dining Reservations Are Sold Out!)

Step #8. Plan an Itinerary for Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios  

Planning your family’s visit to The Happiest Place on Earth in one or two (or even 5!) days can feel more than a little overwhelming. There are so many choices that it’s easy to be confused about how to organise your days in each park. You don’t want a super strict plan, but you don’t want to be arguing with your family over what to do next either.

Start making a wish list (and grab my free Bucket List !) for all your Disney must-dos. Do you want to see all the shows? Meet characters? Eat in specially-themed restaurants? Ride all the roller coasters? Knowing what’s important to your family will make it easier to prioritise your time.  

Step #9. Organise Your Packing List

Call me crazy, but I love making a Disney holiday Packing List . I enjoy the security of knowing I have everything I need with me when the unexpected happens.

Make sure you consider your mode of travel in conjunction with what you want to bring on your trip. That Easy Jet flight might seem really cheap until they whack you with baggage fees if you’re not careful!

➡️ Here are some more tips for your Disneyland Paris packing list:

• ❄️🎒 Check out my post on the ultimate Disney Backpack List for Winter. It even includes my 5 favourite backpacks for park days
• ☀️🧳 Everything you need to Pack for a Summer Trip to Disneyland Paris
• 🧸Travelling with children? Here’s an awesome list of things that are perfect when Packing for Your Kid’s First Trip

Step #10. Plan What to Wear to the Parks (Even When the Weather Is Unpredictable!)

As you’re writing and ticking off your packing list, you might be wondering what clothes to pack for Disneyland Paris.

📌 You might want to read up on What to Wear to Disneyland Paris during the season you are visiting. There are lots of tips and ideas here for weather-specific clothing and shoes.

⏰ Last, but Not Least – Enjoy the Countdown to Your Holiday!

Whether it’s getting a printable Disneyland Paris Bucket List , planning all the gifts you’re going to bring back for loved ones, or watching all the Disney movies you can to get you in the mood – there are lots of ways to countdown to your amazing holiday .

All that’s left on your Disneyland Paris Planning Checklist is to enjoy this special time of looking forward to your trip. Once-in-a-lifetime memories are all ahead of you!

Over to You…

Did you find this Disneyland Paris planning guide useful? What part are you still struggling with? Let me know in the comments below!👇

➡️ READ NEXT If you enjoyed this Disneyland Paris planning guide for 2024 and 2025, you should also check out: ❤️ 7 Tips for Saving Money, Skipping the Queue and Having the Best Holiday Ever 🩷 Fastpass Is Truly Gone. Is the Disneyland Paris Premier Pass Worth It? Here Are the Costs of Paris’ ‘Lightning Lane’ 💜 WORST Mistakes to Avoid When You’re Making a Disneyland Paris Itinerary From Scratch 💙 10 New Ways to Do Disneyland Paris on a Budget – And Still Have the Best Time Ever!

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