Disneyland Paris: everything you need to know to plan your adventure

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How to organize your visit to Disneyland Paris – Where to sleep, how to buy tickets, how to get there and the best attractions

Those who visit Paris for the first time after having seen the main attractions generally want to add a trip out of town, among the most popular are: the Palace of Versailles and Disneyland Paris (especially ideal if you are traveling with children. Disneyland is not only one of the most visited places in Europe, but it is also a world apart, full of magic, adventure and games for all ages. A magical place for adults and children that requires the right planning to enjoy everything that Disneyland has to do without stress offer.

I went to Disneyland Paris at the end of January and I’m lucky enough to have a friend who has worked there for many years who helped me a lot to navigate the various days and above all to manage the time needed to visit the two parks . I want to return the favor and have created this comprehensive guide to help you better organize your Disney Parks experience . In this guide you will find many useful tips to better plan your day, or days if you plan to stay longer.

Are you planning a trip to Paris? Read posts on what to see in Paris and where to stay in Paris

Have you found plane tickets? See also on Traveljourn
Read also: Paris: sights, tips; favorite places

What to know before going to Disneyland Paris (EuroDisney)

Before organizing your holiday at EuroDisney there are some things that I think you will find important to know.

Busiest days – My friend said that even on days with few people the average is around 30,000 people a day, so queues always form. However, even in the low season there are some days that are less crowded than others. In particular, it is advisable to avoid weekends and Wednesdays, which are the days when French children do not go to school. To control access with estimates based on previous years.
Queues and long waits – There are games that make queues longer than others because they are very popular. My advice is to start with these. Early in the morning the queues are smaller. In particular in the Studios: Ratatouille, Crush’s Coaster, Avengers Assemble. In the Disney Park : Indiana Jones, Buzz Lightyear, Indiana Jones, Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain.
If you visit both parks, which one should you start with? – If you visit both parks, start with the Studios and end with the Disneypark . The studios are smaller and the games close earlier. The Disneypark is much larger and in the afternoon there is a parade with fireworks and drones in the sky.
Bring food and water – There is no shortage of restaurants inside the parks but you may have to queue for these too. Or you simply don’t want to sit in a restaurant (where everything costs a lot!). It is possible to bring drinks and food from outside . So no problem buying snacks outside and bringing them in.
In January and February, which are low season months, the park does maintenance work on many rides , so some may be closed during your visit. At this link you will find out which games may be closed if you plan to travel during this period.
To find out the queue times, I recommend downloading the Disneyland Paris APP which updates in real time how many minutes the queue is expected. In the app you will also find show times and places to meet Disney characters to take photos.
Tickets are purchased in advance and costs vary depending on the day and season . Starting from €56 per person (for a single park) and €86 for two parks. Buy Disney entrance tickets .
Smoking is not allowed inside the parks (unless you go to the dedicated areas (which are many and easy to find)

How to get to Disneyland Paris from central Paris

Traveling from Paris to Disneyland Paris is quite simple via public transport. If you are staying in Paris or if you are sleeping in one of the Disney hotels, follow the different options. I preferred to stay in Paris and used the train.

RER train

The most convenient and economical way to get to Disneyland Paris from the city is to take the RER A train . This suburban train connects central Paris to Disneyland, and the journey takes approximately 45 minutes. The train stops at some of the main stations in Paris such as: Charles de Gaulle-Étoile, Auber, Châtelet Les Halles, Gare de Lyon, and Nation. You will have to get on the train direction Marne-la-Vallée – Chessy , which is the final stop and takes you directly to the entrance of Disneyland Paris. The ticket costs €5 .

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I found the train stations a bit confusing to buy tickets from the automatic machines. The box office opens around 8.30am, so if you are passing through the previous days I recommend buying your ticket in advance at the box office . If you see €100 bills at the machine, don’t be scared. You’re looking at the wrong train!

Shuttle services (Disneyland Paris Express Shuttle)

Several shuttle services offer direct connections from the main points of Paris to Disneyland Paris. The bus is the Disneyland Paris Express , which stops at: Eiffel, Opera, Chatelet and Gare du Nord. This is the official Disney bus. The ticket costs €60 per adult . The shuttle leaves Paris at 9am and takes approximately 30/45 minutes. The ticket is purchased as an extra in the process of purchasing park entrance tickets. In all honesty I find it particularly expensive , but a lot depends on where you are staying in Paris.

By car

If you decide to rent a car or Disneyland is a stop on a more extensive road trip, the park will be easily accessible from the A4 motorway (Autoroute de l’Est). Exit at toll booth 14 for Disneyland Paris. Parking is available at the resort for a fee.

Taxi

Taxis and ride-sharing services such as Uber offer direct, private transportation to Disneyland Paris. Although it is the most comfortable and direct method, it is also the most expensive, especially from Paris. Fares can vary greatly depending on the location of departure and traffic conditions. I don’t recommend it unless you have special needs

If you are staying at a Disney hotel

If you stay at one of the Disneyland Paris hotels , a significant advantage is the proximity to the parks. Most hotels are located a few minutes walk from the entrance and offer a free shuttle service that takes you directly to the park entrances.

If you are coming from Paris to check in at your hotel, the RER A train is your best bet. From Marne-la-Vallée – Chessy station, you can take the hotel shuttle service or walk, depending on where you’ll be staying (some hotels are closer than others). If, however, you are going directly from the airport to Disneyland, the Magic Shuttle which connects the airports with the hotels and the Disney park is better (€24 per adult).

How many days do you need to visit Disneyland Paris?

The time it takes to visit Disneyland Paris depends on various aspects such as the season, the attractions you wish to see, and the pace at which you prefer to travel.

Personally, I was able to visit both parks in one full day (I arrived when they opened and left when they closed) and did pretty much all the attractions (not the ones for little ones), but it was low season and when the lines were long I often opted for the “single riders” option. However, if you are traveling with children or simply want to take it slow, then 2 days and 1 night might be the right choice (in this case, I would recommend staying in one of the Disney hotels ).

Remember that Disney Park is larger than the Studios, so it may take a full day, while the Studios can be visited in half a day.

Finally, consider that visit times may vary depending on the extra activities you plan to do , such as meeting characters, watching shows, or enjoying parades. So, while it’s possible to cover the main attractions of the Disneyland parks in a day or two, you may want to allow more time if you want to experience everything the parks have to offer.

The parks of Disneyland Paris

When you decide to visit Disneyland Paris the first thing to choose is whether to visit one of the parks or both (I recommend both). The two parks are: Disney Park and Disney Studios . They are very different from each other, here in brief some characteristics of both. Remember that if you want to visit both you have to buy tickets for both.

Disneyland Park

Disneyland Park is the first of two theme parks in Disneyland Paris. This park is closely modeled on the original Orlando Disney Parks formula, with the castle in the center and themed zones around it. It is the ideal park to experience the true magic of Disney. You’ll discover classic Disney attractions, musical performances, parades, fireworks and character meet-and-greets. The thematic areas are:

Main Street, USA: This vintage American ornamental street is the “cushion” between the real world and the Disney world. Full of shops and restaurants, it’s also the prime vantage point for parades and fireworks shows.
Frontierland: A throwback to the American West with attractions like Phantom Manor and Big Thunder Mountain.
Adventureland : This area offers a mix of adventure from multiple cultures, from Pirates of the Caribbean to Aladdin. The adventurous Indiana Jones roller coaster is also located here
Fantasyland: This is the fairy tale area, where you’ll find classics like It’s a Small World, Peter Pan’s Flight and exciting encounters with Disney characters.
Discoveryland: Inspired by Jules Verne and Leonardo da Vinci’s vision of the future, here you will find Space Mountain and the Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain.

Disneyland Park in Paris is especially suitable for the little ones , thanks to its many child-friendly attractions and classic Disney characters. There is no shortage of roller coasters and attractions for adults too (so don’t worry). The park can be very busy, especially during school holidays and weekends. Many of the attractions are outdoor, bad weather may limit the experience.

Walt Disney Studios

Walt Disney Studios is the second of Disneyland Paris’ two theme parks and focuses on the world of film and television and offers an interesting look behind the scenes of the entertainment industry and has many adrenaline-pumping attractions. This park is divided in four areas:

Front Lot: The entrance to the park, with the Earffel Tower movie studio and the Disney Studio 1 store.
Toon Studio: Area dedicated to cartoons, where children can meet characters such as Crush from “Finding Nemo” and the characters from “Cars”.
Production Courtyard: Offers an immersion in the world of production studios.
Backlot: An area dedicated to action films and superheroes, here you will find the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and the Armageddon – Special Effects.

Tickets for Disneyland Paris

Buying tickets for Disneyland Paris can be a strategic decision to ensure the best experience based on your budget. Some things to remember:

There are 2 parks so when purchasing the ticket you will have to choose whether to visit 1 or 2 (I recommend both)
Day tickets are: dated or date of your choice. Dated ones do not allow change of date but cost less than the open ticket (which is valid for one year from the moment you buy it)
You can choose whether to buy a single ticket (1 day only) or a multi-day ticket (in case you want to go to the parks for several consecutive days.
If you plan to go several times in a year you can consider purchasing the Annual Pass

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A key tip is to consider ticket options for the 2 Parks that allow visitors to move freely between the two parks. This is especially beneficial since Walt Disney Studios Park sometimes closes earlier than Disneyland Park, and switching parks can maximize your day.

How much do Disneyland Paris tickets cost?

Let’s get to the “sore point”. Disneyland tickets are quite expensive . Prices vary depending on the ticket you choose, 1 or more days and fixed date or flexible date, which parks you want to visit and the season. Here I limit myself to the two main tickets excluding the annual one. But check the official website because prices can always change.

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Purchasing tickets directly from the Disneyland Paris website can sometimes unlock special online offers , such as additional free days. For those looking for complete vacation packages, including park tickets, accommodations and meal plans , Disneyland Paris periodically offers promotional packages that could result in significant savings. Prices and offers may change, so it is recommended to check the official Disneyland Paris website and compare the different options to find the best offer for your trip.

Fixed date ticket – 1 to 4 days

This ticket allows you to choose between 1, 2, 3 and 4 day passes but has fixed dates. That is, you choose from the calendar when you want to go and you cannot change them. You must choose whether to include access to 1 or 2 parks. Here are the indicative costs by ticket type.

1 day and 1 park – Cost starting from €56 for adults and €52 for children (up to €97 in high season)
1 day and 2 parks – Cost starting from €81 and €77 for children (up to €122 in high season)
2 days and 2 parks – Cost starting from €80 (per day) per adult and €74 for children (up to €104 in high season)
3 days and 2 parks – Cost starting from €67 (per day) per adult and €62 for children (up to €104 in high season)
4 days and 2 parks – Cost starting from €59 (per day) per adult and €55 for children (up to €92 in high season)

Children between 0 and 2 years old do not pay. The discounts apply to children between 3 and 11 years old. From 12 years of age children pay as adults.

Clearly these are the starting costs, i.e. in the low season. depending on when you travel the costs may change. Here is an example calendar screen (with prices depending on the day of the week) for a 2-day ticket and 2 parks.

Open date ticket

Open date tickets are for one day only and the choice is for 1 or two parks.
In the case of 1 day and 1 park the cost is €105 per adult , whereas 1 day and 2 parks is €130 per adult .

These tickets do not require you to choose a specific date and can be used whenever you want within one year of purchase .

The most beautiful attractions of Disneyland Paris

The two Disney parks have tons of attractions to choose from. I can’t mention them all but follow the 17 that I recommend and consider unmissable.

TIP If you are traveling with small children they will certainly appreciate the Disney Park
more . If you want to opt for just 1 park the choice should fall on this one (even if you are only adults). Furthermore, during the winter months some attractions at the Studios may be closed for maintenance. Check on the official website which attractions are open and which are closed and consider whether to buy tickets for both parks or not. Also because despite some attractions being closed the cost does not change.

Disneyland Park

Big Thunder Mountain: A roller coaster between mountains and mines – Suitable for brave children
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril: Roller coaster with loop that takes you through an ancient temple
Star Wars: Hyperspace Mountain: An indoor roller coaster that goes very fast – Suitable for brave children
Phantom Manor: Disneyland Paris’ version of the Haunted Mansion. Not at all scary so also suitable for children
Pirates of the Caribbean: A boat adventure with pirates and treasures – Suitable for children
Dumbo A gentle ride on Dumbo, the flying elephant, with panoramic views of the park – Suitable for children
It’s a Small World : A boat ride through cultures from around the world – Suitable for children
Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast: An interactive Toy Story themed game. Very cute – Suitable for children
Peter Pan: A Flying Journey Through the Story of Peter Pan – Suitable for children
Ratatouille: The Adventure: A 4D journey through Remy’s kitchen. Not suitable for those who suffer from motion sickness! – Suitable for children
Alice in Wonderland Maze: An outdoor Alice in Wonderland themed maze. – Suitable for children

Walt Disney Studios Park

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror: Freefall from an abandoned hotel inspired by the 1960s television series “The Twilight Zone” – I didn’t do it because I was terrified
Crush’s Coaster: Nemo themed roller coaster. It is an indoor, rotating roller coaster – Not recommended if you suffer from motion sickness
Ratatouille: The Adventure: A 4D journey into the universe of the chef mouse. Very cute but not recommended if you suffer from motion sickness
The Magic of Disney Animation: An interactive attraction that shows how Disney characters come to life.
Studio Tram Tour: Behind the Magic: A tour behind the filming set.
Mickey and the Magician: A live show showcasing Mickey’s magical abilities

How to avoid the long queues for attractions at Disneyland Paris

One of the things I can’t stand about theme parks are the long waits to access the attraction . 60 minutes straight for 3 minutes of play. So how to avoid long things. Here are some tips:

Premier Access: Buy Disneyland Paris Premier Access , which allows you to skip the regular queues on some of the best attractions (priority access can only be used 1 time per attraction) – It costs a lot, between €90 and €190 per adult (as with tickets, it depends on the dates and period), but allows you to skip the queue practically always. You can buy the pass as an extra during the ticket purchase phase. I do not recommend it if you visit Disneyland in the low season, it could be a lifesaver on days full of visitors
Choose the day with the least crowds: Tuesdays and Thursdays are often less crowded (weekends are the busiest), making the queues shorter, but I recommend always checking this site.
Disneyland Paris Mobile App: Use the Disneyland Paris mobile app to book (at extra cost) times for attractions and reduce waiting times
Single Riders Line: For people visiting alone or who have no problem separating from the group, the Single Riders line is often faster. Single riders basically occupy the free space
Visit key attractions during the Parade: Many visitors will attend the parade, reducing queues at the most popular attractions.
Baby Switch or Rider Switch Option: If you are visiting with young children who cannot or do not want to ride the attraction, ask for the Baby Switch or Rider Switch option. This allows one adult to do the attraction while the other adult waits with the child, then they switch without having to queue again.
Extra Magic Time: Offered only to those who sleep in park hotels (or have an annual pass), Extra Magic Time allows access to parts of the parks before regular opening hours.

Please note that some of these strategies may incur additional costs and always be sure to check the specific terms and conditions.

What attractions not to do at Disneyland Paris if you suffer from motion sickness (motion sickness, seasickness, etc.)

If like me you also suffer from motion sickness , some games could be problematic and risk ruining your day at the park . Clearly each of us knows our limits and knows what not to go beyond, but based on my personal experience, some games bothered me more than others. So much so that I had to give up some rides afterwards because I lived in the nightmare of feeling ill.

Personally I find games indoors and in the dark annoying , too rotating . So the two really problematic games (which I solved as best I could by closing my eyes the whole time) were: Crush’s Coaster (it’s an indoor roller coaster that not only goes up and down but also rotates) and Ratatouille where the gigantic 4D images they upset a lot. I had to take an hour’s break in the cold and wind (but in these cases the air helps you recover quickly) to get back “in the game”.

I suffer less from outdoor rollercoasters, but this disorder is very personal (and I’ve noticed that it gets worse over the years since in Orlando or at the Los Angeles Studios I didn’t have the terrible reactions of those in Paris) so a lot will depend on you . Generally speaking, attractions that are often not recommended for those who suffer from motion sickness include:

Space Mountain: Known for its high speeds and inversions, it can be quite intense (I did it at Disney Orlando and it wasn’t bad, but after Ratatouille I didn’t feel like going up it)
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster: Features rapid acceleration and turns. It is indoors and mostly dark.
Indiana Jones et le Temple du Péril : Although less intense since it is an outdoor roller coaster, it has sharp turns and sudden drops. Feasible but with deposit.
Crush’s Coaster: This ride can spin a lot and it disoriented me (also because it’s in the dark). Next to me I had a little girl who was crying in terror and out of dignity I acted strong. I wanted to cry too!
Star Tours : A simulator attraction with sudden movements and visual effects designed to simulate space travel (I didn’t do it and my partner said I was right not to go on it or I would have ruined the day for me and him)
Ratatouille: They say it’s less intense, I found its 4D effects and movements extremely annoying, so much so that I had to take off my glasses and stay with my eyes closed for almost the entire duration. I recognize the beauty and genius of it, the concept of the game is beautiful, but I hated it! It gave me the final blow.

I recommend checking the individual restrictions of the attractions and the safety warnings at the entrance to each attraction and asking the kids for advice at the entrance to the game asking if it is suitable for those who suffer from motion sickness (because motion sickness obviously they might not understand it)