Visiting Disneyland Paris for the first time is an exciting and magical experience, but it can also feel overwhelming with so much to see and do, especially if you have younger kids. We’ve been there – our first visit to Disneyland Paris was with our then 6-month-old, 3-year-old and 5-year-old! Since then we have become Annual Passholders and have visited many times!
To help you make the most of your trip, here are some essential tips to plan your visit and enjoy every magical moment!
1. There are two Parks at Disneyland Paris
Disneyland Paris is made up of two parks, each offering unique experiences:
Disneyland Park: The original and most iconic of the two parks, featuring Sleeping Beauty Castle, themed lands like Fantasyland and Adventureland, and classic Disney attractions such as Big Thunder Mountain, Peter Pan’s Flight, and It’s a Small World.
Walt Disney Studios Park: Focused on movie magic, this park offers thrilling rides like Avengers Assemble: Flight Force, Ratatouille: The Adventure, and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, as well as immersive areas like Toy Story Playland and the Marvel Avengers Campus.
Take time to explore both parks, as they each have their own unique magic to discover!
2. Understanding Tickets and Accessibility Options
Disneyland Paris offers several ticket options and services to ensure all guests can enjoy the magic:
Standard Tickets
Standard tickets can be purchased for a duration of 1 to 4 days:
- 2-Park Tickets: Grant access to both Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park on the same day, perfect for guests who want to experience everything.
- 1-Park Tickets: Allow entry to either Disneyland Park or Walt Disney Studios Park for one day. Great for shorter visits or budget-conscious travellers.
- Undated Tickets: valid for 1 year and non-cancellable. The park visit date must be reserved in advance.
Hotel and Ticket Packages
If you are staying in a Disneyland Paris hotel or one of their partner hotels, you can reserve a hotel and ticket packages which is almost always the most cost-effective option.
3. Disability Tickets and Access Pass
Guests with disabilities are eligible for reduced-price tickets and can purchase tickets online with a 25% reduction on the price of a Disney Park Ticket for themselves and for one other Guest. On the day, you must present an original copy of valid proof of disability and your ID at the ticket counters to validate the special-rate ticket.
Access Pass
Disneyland Paris provides an Access Pass for guests with disabilities or specific needs. This pass offers priority or facilitated access to certain attractions, shows, and meet-and-greets.
To obtain an Access Pass, visit City Hall in Disneyland Park or Studio Services in Walt Disney Studios Park with proof of disability. The team will provide the pass that best suits your needs. If you are staying at one of the Disneyland Paris hotels you can also collect your priority pass from the hotel.
Pro Tip: Ensure you review the official Accessibility Guide before your visit for detailed information and tips.
4. Make sure to Plan Ahead
- Book Tickets in Advance: Secure your tickets online as early as possible as the prices do increase with demand. Multi-day passes are ideal for longer visits.
- Check Park Hours: Each park has its own operating hours, so confirm schedules in advance, especially if you’re eligible for Extra Magic Time.
- Reserve Dining: see point 6 for all you need to know about Disneyland Paris dining.
- Download the App: The Disneyland Paris app is your best friend, offering real-time updates on wait times, show schedules, and maps.
5. Stay On-Site for Extra Magic
Staying at a Disneyland Paris hotel offers several benefits, including:
- Extra Magic Time: Enjoy access to the parks an hour earlier than regular guests.
- Convenience: Stay close to the parks. The onsite hotels are within walking distance of the parks and all offer free shuttle services.
- Character Meet and Greets: each of the onsite hotels hosts a meet and greet. At Disneyland Hotel and Art of Marvel, these are pre bookable and exclusive to guests of the hotel. Sequoia and Newport Bay host daily meets with Mickey or one of his pals and Cheyenne welcomes Woody or Jessy.
- Early Access to Dining Reservations: guests staying at a Disneyland Paris hotel have early access to dining reservations (including character and Princess dining) from the time of their hotel reservation.
- Disney Magic: Fully immerse yourself in Disney theming from morning to night.
6. Secure Dining Reservations in Advance
Disneyland Paris features a range of dining options, from quick-service spots to themed table-service restaurants and character dining.
Most of the table service restaurants need to be reserved in advance if you want to guarantee a reservation. Reservations open 2 months in advance for most dining, If you reserve a hotel and tickets package at a Disney hotel, you will have early access to dining reservations from the time of your package booking.
Popular choices like Princess Dining at Auberge de Cendrillon and character dining at the Royal Banquet and Plaza Gardens book up very quickly and are often sold out prior to general release – if you reserve a hotel and tickets package you can reserve these at the time of your package reservation.
7. Pack Smart
Be prepared to keep your day magical:
- Comfy Shoes: Expect lots and lots of walking!
- Snacks & Water: Bringing snacks and refillable water bottles can save money and helps to keep kids happy.
- Weather Gear: Pack for unpredictable European weather, including rain gear and layers. Make sure to pack a poncho as they are expensive to buy in the parks.
- Power Bank: Ensure your devices stay charged for photos and the Disneyland Paris app.
- Autograph book: if you enjoy meeting characters an autograph book is a great way to collect memories from your visit.
8. Prioritize Attractions
Focus on ticking off the rides that you don’t want to miss (remember, if you sign up to our Disneyland Paris newsletter, we will send you a fab downloadable ride list):
- Thrill-Seekers: Head to Space Mountain, Avengers Assemble: Flight Force, or The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.
- Family Favorites: Enjoy Peter Pan’s Flight, Ratatouille: The Adventure, or It’s a Small World.
- Use Premier Access: Skip the line for select rides with this paid service. You can buy an Ultimate Pass covering 15 rides or opt to pay as you go for individual rides on the day – check out our guide to Disneyland Paris Premier Access for more info.
- Don’t Miss Shows: the parade, theater shows and nighttime displays are must-sees.
9. Meet Disney Characters
Meeting characters is magical for kids and adults alike.
Use the app to find characters like Mickey, Minnie, and Marvel heroes.
For a special experience, book a character dining reservation at Royal Banquet or Plaza Gardens.
Permanent meet and greets include Meet Mickey Mouse in Fantasyland and a Princess meet and greet in the Princess Pavillion.
10. Take Breaks
Disneyland Paris can be tiring, especially for little ones. Plan for downtime:
- Rest Areas: Grab a snack at quiet spots like Toad Hall Restaurant and Videolpolis or relax in shaded seating areas.
- Frontierland Playground: our kids love some downtime in the Frontierland Playground
- Return to the Hotel: If staying on-site, take a midday break and return for the evening festivities. If your hotel has a swimming pool make the most of it!
- Reserve a table service restaurant: a sit-down meal can be a great way to regroup in the middle of the day (PYM in Walt Disney Studios is our go-to buffet in the parks!
11. Leave time to Shop!
Disneyland Paris has exclusive merchandise, from Mickey Mouse ears to collectables.
Shop early to avoid crowds or visit World of Disney at Disney Village after the parks close.
12. Capture the Magic
- Photopass+: if you are planning lots of meet and greets then a Photopass can be a great purchase. With the Photopass you will receive a digital copy of all your ride photos and images captured by Disney Photopass photographers, just make sure to scan your PhotoPass card at each location.
- Landmark Photos: Take iconic shots in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle, on Main Street, and at the Ratatouille fountain.
13. Enjoy the Disney Village
Disney Village offers shopping, dining, and entertainment, making it a great spot to unwind after a day in the parks.
Stop by for dinner or pick up souvenirs before heading back to your hotel.
The Lego Store is one of our favourites!
