When I was 17, my family visited Disneyland in California, and it was one of the most magical experiences of my life. When my husband and I planned our trip to Europe and England, I knew I wanted to visit Disneyland Paris. I couldn’t wait to share that magic with him since it would be his very first visit to a Disney park!
From the moment we walked in, it truly felt magical. The entryway is breathtaking…you’re greeted by the iconic pink Disneyland Hotel, a gorgeous fountain, and perfectly trimmed gardens shaped into Mickey’s smiling face. It instantly sets the tone and makes you feel like you’ve stepped into another world. As you pass through, the cheerful music wraps around you, and suddenly you’re walking down Main Street, U.S.A., full of little shops, colourful buildings, and the most charming atmosphere.
Everywhere we looked, there were delightful surprises. The park had these stunning moving statues of Disney characters, and they made the whole place feel alive. Sleeping Beauty’s Castle at the end of Main Street is just as dreamy as you imagine: pastel pink with blue rooftops, and the inside is beautifully detailed, with stained glass windows and little hidden corners to explore. It felt like every turn had something magical waiting for us.
Disneyland Paris has this enchanting mix of old-world charm and Disney magic. It’s not just about the rides (though those are incredible too), it’s about the little details: the music, the atmosphere, the parades, the characters you bump into, and even the smell of popcorn and sweets in the air. We both couldn’t stop smiling, and it felt like we were kids again, just soaking it all in.
If you’re planning your first trip to Disneyland Paris, here’s everything you need to know. From where to stay, how to get tickets, and a few tips that will help you make the most of your visit.
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Planning Basics
Disneyland Paris is actually two separate parks: Disneyland Park (the classic castle park with all the fairytale magic and old-school rides) and Walt Disney Studios Park (more modern, with thrill rides, Marvel and Pixar attractions, and a fresher feel).
It’s located about 40 minutes outside of Paris in a town called Marne-la-Vallée. The easiest way to get there is on the RER A train, which drops you right at the park gates.
I recommend spending at least two days if you can. One day per park is best – otherwise, you’ll feel rushed and end up missing things.
17 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Disneyland Paris
1. Book Your Tickets in Advance
Don’t wait until you arrive at the gates. Buying tickets online is cheaper, and you can secure the exact dates you want. Disneyland Paris often uses a dated ticket system where prices vary depending on the season, so buying early helps lock in a lower price. You can purchase directly from the Disneyland Paris website or from authorised sellers like Klook if you prefer packages.
Also, keep in mind that not all tickets are created equal. You’ll need to choose between one-park or two-park (hopper) tickets. If you’re planning to visit for two days, I suggest purchasing a 2-day, 2-park pass, allowing you to spend one full day in each park without stress.
2. Consider Multi-Day Tickets
Disneyland Paris has so much more than you’ll realise at first glance. Between the two parks, the shows, and the nighttime entertainment, one day really isn’t enough. We spent two days there and felt that it was just the right amount of time to do most of what we wanted without feeling rushed.
If you only have one day, it’s possible to hop between the two parks, but you’ll need to prioritise. In that case, I’d recommend spending the morning at Walt Disney Studios (to catch Ratatouille, Avengers Campus, and Crush’s Coaster before lines get insane), then heading to Disneyland Park in the afternoon for the castle, classic rides, and the fireworks show.
3. Stay Nearby for Convenience
One of the best decisions we made was staying just outside the park at The Moxy Hotel. It was excellent value, stylish, and only a 5-minute walk to the train station. From there, it was just one stop (about 10 minutes) directly to Disneyland. Easy, stress-free, and way cheaper than the official Disney hotels.
That said, staying on-site has its perks. Disney hotels give you extra magic hours (early entry), themed rooms, and walking access to the park gates. If you’re travelling with kids or want the fully immersive Disney bubble, it might be worth the splurge. If you’re like us and want to balance comfort with budget, off-site hotels like the Moxy are perfect.
4. The Train is the Easiest Way to Get There
If you’re staying in central Paris, hop on the RER A train and ride it to “Marne-la-Vallée Chessy” station (that’s the Disneyland stop). It drops you literally outside the entrance gates. The ride is about 40 minutes from central Paris and costs around €5–€7 per person, each way.
From our hotel near Val d’Europe station, it was just one stop away. Honestly, it was so convenient we didn’t even consider driving. Parking is expensive (€30 per day) and adds to the stress. Unless you’re road-tripping across France, the train is hands-down the easiest option.
5. Arrive Early for Rope Drop
The first hour of the day is gold. Crowds are lighter, wait times are shorter, and the parks feel extra magical. If you’re staying off-site, aim to be at the gates 30–45 minutes before opening. The security and ticket lines can get long, and you don’t want to waste precious ride time.
Have a strategy in mind: at Disneyland Park, head straight for Big Thunder Mountain, Peter Pan’s Flight, or Hyperspace Mountain (all of which build long waits). At Walt Disney Studios, go directly to Crush’s Coaster or Ratatouille. Doing those early will save you from standing in hour-long queues later in the day. We waited for more than an hour to ride many of these rides (our fault for not going earlier in the day!).
6. Download the Disneyland Paris App
This is an absolute must. We loved the Disney app SO MUCH. The app gives you live wait times, show schedules, maps, and even lets you order food at some locations. It saved us so much time. I checked it constantly throughout the day to decide which rides to head to next.
Pro tip: Take a portable charger with you, because you’ll use your phone a lot.
7. Don’t Skip Walt Disney Studios
A lot of people focus on Disneyland Park because of the castle, but Walt Disney Studios was honestly our favourite. It feels newer, cleaner, and has more thrill rides. Highlights include Avengers Campus (Iron Man ride + Spider-Man web-slinging), Ratatouille (so fun and unique), and Crush’s Coaster (which is seriously one of the most popular rides in the park).
If you’re travelling without kids or with older children, you’ll probably find this park even more enjoyable than the main one.
8. Use Disney Premier Access (FastPass)
Disneyland Paris no longer has free FastPass (SO SAD!!!), but you can buy Premier Access to skip the lines. You can either buy a bundle (which gives you multiple rides in one go) or purchase access for individual rides in the app.
It’s not cheap, but if you’re short on time, it can be worth it. We found it especially useful for Ratatouille and Crush’s Coaster, which both regularly had waits of 60–90 minutes.
I’ve noticed that prices fluctuate throughout the day, depending on the ride’s popularity. Therefore, I recommend booking these passes the day before to try to secure a better price.
9. Pack for Comfort
Expect to walk 10,000+ steps in a day at Disneyland. Wear comfortable shoes, bring layers for unpredictable Paris weather, and don’t forget sunscreen in summer. A lightweight rain jacket and a small umbrella are also handy. It rained off and on when we visited in May.
Our favourite ride! Sunny in the morning -
A few hours later, it was raining on and off.
10. Bring Snacks & Water
Food inside Disneyland Paris is pricey and not always the quickest. You’re allowed to bring your own snacks and water, and we were so glad we did. Think muesli bars, fruit, or even sandwiches if you want to avoid long queues at lunchtime (you are in France after all, the food is amazing from the supermarkets!)
There are water fountains throughout the park where you can refill your bottles, which saves you the expense of buying expensive bottled water.
We still tried a few things throughout the park, like the nachos below in Frontierland, and amazing Nutella crepes (10/10, by the way – don’t skip these, as they are found everywhere in both parks).
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Nachos in Frontierland (Main Disneyland park) -
Busy snack vendor in Worlds of Pixar (Walt Disney Studios)
11. Book Dining Reservations Early
If you want to try any sit-down restaurants, character dining, or special meals, book as soon as possible, ideally when you buy your tickets. Spots like Chez Rémy (located in Walt Disney Studios) and character dining with Mickey fill up quickly. You can book through the app.
Otherwise, stick to quick-service restaurants, but be aware that they can get busy during peak lunch hours (12–2 pm). We found it easier to eat a little earlier or later than the crowds.
12. Don’t Miss the Nighttime Show
Every evening, Disneyland Park hosts an incredible nighttime show with fireworks, projections, and even drones. The castle lights up in different colours, and it feels like the perfect ending to the day. It can get crowded, so stake out your spot around 30–45 minutes before the show starts.
13. Expect Long Queues for Popular Rides
Some rides are notorious for long waits. Ratatouille, Crush’s Coaster, Peter Pan’s Flight, and Big Thunder Mountain can all be over an hour. Plan around them by either rope dropping first thing in the morning, going at the very end of the day, or using Premier Access.
If you have kids, bring something to keep them entertained in line (snacks, a small game, or just use the app to check other rides).
14. Some Rides Feel Dated
While some rides are magical, others definitely show their age. For example, Hyperspace Mountain feels more retro than polished and a little bit random. We found that even parts of the main park could use some sprucing up, especially on Main Street.
We noticed a lot of upgrades were underway, and since we visited in the offseason in May, a few rides were closed, such as Big Thunder Mountain. Additionally, the park is undergoing expansion, and World of Frozen is expected to open in Spring 2026.
15. Parades & Shows Are a Highlight
Don’t just focus on rides, as the parades and stage shows are part of the Disney magic. The daily parade down Main Street is full of music, floats, and characters. It’s also a great way to rest your feet while still enjoying the atmosphere.
Check the app for showtimes to avoid missing anything.
16. Budget Wisely
A trip to Disneyland Paris can quickly become expensive. Tickets alone for two days can be €150–€200 per person, then factor in food (€15–25 per meal), snacks, and souvenirs. Set a budget in advance so you’re not shocked.
Ways to save: Bring your own snacks, consider staying at a more affordable hotel off-site, and purchase souvenirs outside the park (the Disney Store in Paris offers similar items at a lower price).
17. Make Time for Disney Village
Just outside the park gates, Disney Village is a fun bonus that many visitors skip. It’s filled with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. You can leave the park and head to the village at any time. It does have quite a few large restaurants and a McDonald’s, too. We loved wandering through the Disney Store, grabbing a bite to eat, and enjoying shopping without the rush of the parks.
Final Thoughts
I hope this guide helps you feel confident and excited as you plan your Disneyland Paris adventure. It’s such a special place that brings out the joy in everyone, and I know you’ll leave with memories that last a lifetime.
