The Complete Guide to Disneyland Paris

“With Mickey Mouse and friends patrolling the paths, film-set-style landscaping and thrilling rides and attractions, Disneyland Paris is a paradise for children, and the magic is enough to sweep away even the most reluctant adults. The resort has two theme parks in one – Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios – both filled with attractions for all ages. As it’s only about 35km from Paris city centre, you can easily take a day trip or stay for a while. here’s our complete guide of how to do it.

How to Get There
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The Eurostar from London to Disneyland Paris takes just under three hours, and the station is right outside the entrance. Direct trains only run on certain days, though, so you may need to change at Lille or go to the centre of Paris and transfer from there. Another option is to fly to Charles de Gaulle airport and take a shuttle bus or hire a car as there’s plenty of parking onsite.

If you’re staying in central Paris, take the RER Line on the metro to Marne-la-Vallée/ Chessy station, which is a few minutes’ walk from the park. This line starts early and runs until late, making it possible to do Disney in a day.

Where to Stay
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Staying in Disneyland Paris itself means you’ll be within easy walking distance of the attractions and have early access to the park. Disneyland Hotel is the closest and has added elements of Disney magic, like characters greeting you each morning in the lobby. It does come with a higher price tag, of course, and there are more modest options onsite that are only slightly further away, like Disney’s Sequoia Lodge.

You may get more for your money if you stay offsite. Vienna House Dream Castle Marne La Vallée is a lovely option by a lake, with a free shuttle bus to the park. Alternatively, combine your visit with a trip to Paris and stay in the city centre for a much wider choice of hotels to suit your budget.

Have a look at our hotels in Paris to explore all your options.

When to Visit
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The park opens at 10am every day of the year, and closing times vary depending on the season, so you can choose to visit whenever suits you. School holidays are the busiest times, so there will be longer queues for rides, but this is also when there are more shows and special events. Many attractions and queues are outside, so you may want to consider the weather as well.

### Christmas at Disneyland Paris

Christmas starts in November at Disneyland Paris, when twinkling lights and colourful decorations cover the park, and, of course, Santa comes to stay. There’s a big Christmas tree, a Christmas market and the parade has added gingerbread men to help you feel festive. It’s a great time to visit with children, but the weather is less reliable, so make sure you wrap up warm and plan to see more of the indoor attractions if necessary.

Planning Your Days
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A little planning helps your days run smoothly at Disneyland Paris. Some attractions are better for young children, while others will appeal to older guests, and you’ll want to fit everything in during your visit. You can pick up a show schedule on the day, and the Disneyland Paris app has real-time queuing information to help you navigate around based on the shortest waits for rides.

### Things to See and Do

Disneyland Park is the place for big rides and parades, while Walt Disney Studios focuses on the animations. You can expect to encounter plenty of your favourite characters in both. Each park has different themed areas with varying levels of thrills. For younger children, head to Fantasyland, and for adrenaline seekers, the heart -pumping Space Mountain rollercoaster is in Discoveryland.

Away from the rides, you can spend hours just taking in the surroundings, with famous sights, like Peter Pan’s Skull Rock and Sleeping Beauty’s castle. Then, learn to wield a lightsabre at the Jedi Academy, meet princesses over lunch and even have a massage at the Disneyland Hotel spa. Taking in a show is also a good way to rest your feet, and each day ends with a spectacular fireworks display.

### Food and Drink

There are more than 20 restaurants and fast-food kiosks to choose from. You can eat breakfast with Mickey Mouse, have French food in Cinderella’s banquet hall or dine with oversized cutlery in the Ratatouille-themed Bistro Chez Rémy. In theory, all restaurants in the park cater for vegetarians and dietary requirements, but some have better options than others, so ask if you’re not sure. It’s also worth booking as far as two months in advance, as lots of places will be full on the day. And bear in mind that Disney restaurants aren’t cheap, so bring a picnic if you’re on a budget.

How Much Will It Cost?
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The total amount you spend on your Disney adventure depends on the time of year and what you want to do when you’re there. Booking in advance can help bring the cost down, and you’ll pay less per day for entry the longer you stay. Once you’re in, the rides and parades are all included, but FastPasses, special events and some shows cost extra.

Book it: Disneyland Paris Tickets“