If you want to know how to organize a trip to Disneyland Paris, start from this index which lists all the various practical aspects to consider, with tips based on personal experiences.
what is Disneyland Paris – Euro Disney?
Initially known as Euro Disney, Disneyland Paris is a huge complex located in France, approximately 40 kilometres east of Paris.
It opened in 1992, and today it comprises first of all two Disney and Marvel themed Parks.
Next to the Parks is the Disney Village, an area open to everyone (even without a Park ticket) where you’ll find various Disney and non-Disney shops (including Lego, Pandora) and several restaurants with different cuisines (French Brasserie Rosalie, McDonald’s, Rainforest, Earl of Sandwich, Vapiano, Five Guys…).
A large artificial lake connects to some of the Disney and Marvel themed hotels, and slightly beyond, the others.
Above the lake rises the Panoramagique hot air balloon, which with its webcam helps us check the weather conditions at Disneyland Paris.
All these areas are entirely pedestrian and everything is reachable on foot, in no more than 15 minutes.
In the surrounding area you’ll find a whole complex of hotels, as well as shopping areas and real towns that have grown over more than 30 years around the Disneyland world.
when to go to Disneyland Paris?
Disneyland Paris is open all year round.
Throughout the year there are periods ranging from very low to high season, periods of school holidays, and various weather seasons.
In addition, different themed seasons alternate, from spring/summer to Christmas, plus various events and special days (Halloween, New Year’s Eve).
All of this impacts several aspects: the Parks’ closing times, the prices of holiday packages and entrance tickets.
Title H2: Disney Adventure World, the renovated park at Disneyland Paris…
Check out the package to organize your trip — you can pay in instalments and cancel or modify at no cost.
how to get to Disneyland Paris?
The Disneyland Paris complex is located 35 minutes from the centre of Paris.
For this reason you can choose to dedicate an entire trip to the Parks, or save one day of your visit to the City of Light, returning in the evening to your Paris hotel.
From Paris you can reach it very easily with the regional RER train.
From Italy you can arrive at Disneyland Paris by various means.
By high-speed train you can get to Paris and then to DP with the RER, or choose one of the companies that stop at the TGV station inside Disneyland.
If you fly in, there are several options, including bus services from Orly and Charles de Gaulle, and some options from Beauvais as well.
Finally, you can go to Disneyland Paris by car or by motorhome (and you can even sleep there).
where to stay at Disneyland Paris?
On this point the range of choices is truly vast.
First of all, you could decide to spend just one day at Disneyland Paris and return to Paris in the evening. Tiring, but doable.
Alternatively you can sleep there, choosing from a huge variety of options.
If you want to be 100% immersed in the Disney/Marvel atmosphere, you’ll need to choose one of the 7 “themed” hotels, ranging from 2 to 5 stars, by purchasing an official package that includes accommodation, Park tickets (2 days per night), optional meal plans and various exclusive perks.
Alternatively, you can choose one of the many “partner” hotels in the area, available in all categories: luxury, budget, family-friendly hotels, residence apartments, and B&Bs.
Some of these “partner” hotels can be booked as part of an official package (hotel + tickets + perks), or, being privately run, you can book them through search engines (booking.com, etc.) or directly on their own websites, purchasing the Park tickets separately for the days you choose.
Among the benefits of an official package is the exclusive option of entering the Parks before opening time (Extra Magic Hours) compared to the regular public opening. This allows you to ride some attractions or get a photo with a Disney character without too much queuing.
You can also book restaurants further in advance than the 2-month window available to everyone, ensuring you secure a spot at your favourite venue.
You can also combine both solutions: a Disney hotel package for the first nights and a partner hotel for the last night to make the most of every day covered by your tickets.
how much do tickets cost for Disneyland Paris?
As mentioned, if you purchase an official package the Park tickets are already included and cover all the days of your stay (e.g. 2 nights = 3 days in the Parks).
Otherwise, if you’re staying in Paris or at one of the nearby hotels, you’ll need to purchase Disneyland Paris Park tickets separately.
Tickets are available for one day only or for two or more days.
For a one-day ticket you can choose to visit just one or both Parks. The price varies significantly (nearly double) between weekdays and weekends.
If you plan to stay for 3 days or more, consider whether an annual pass represents better value for money.
In all cases, attractions, shows and parades, and the evening finale show are all included in the price.
where to eat at Disneyland Paris?
The dining offer is equally varied.
Every Disney Hotel has at least one restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner, usually buffet-style.
Some have a second restaurant with table service.
The cuisine is international, with some offering French cooking.
Disney Village also has venues for all tastes and budgets: table service restaurants, buffets, fast food, self-service and kiosks.
Inside the Parks you’ll find just as much variety.
A unique highlight at Disneyland Paris is the exclusive opportunity to have breakfast, lunch or dinner with Disney, Marvel and classic Disney Princesses characters.
The options really do cater for everyone, including young children who can often be a worry for parents.
It’s hard to deny that prices for meals are a little above average. For this reason, if you purchase a package, consider adding breakfast, half board or full board, usable at your hotel or at Park restaurants depending on the category chosen.
shopping at Disneyland Paris…
Don’t expect to leave a day at Disneyland Paris without having bought at least one souvenir — be it one of the many plush toys, a cap, a hoodie, a home accessory, a pin badge, a pen, a mug or one of the many styles of Mickey ear headbands. Or why not, a Christmas bauble in the middle of summer…
Working against your self-control are at least 60 shops scattered throughout the complex.
details and curiosities about Disneyland Paris…
The two Parks, as well as Disney Village and the Disney Hotels, are not ordinary amusement parks, ordinary restaurants or ordinary hotels.
The moment you arrive you’ll notice the richness of detail in the settings, the attractions, the shows. Every element is there for a reason, nothing is random. It’s up to you to discover it.
Disneyland Paris is not just for children… everyone gets swept up in the atmosphere and Disney magic…
…enjoy!