Exploring France: Disney Paris Magic for Every Traveler

Top 10 Tips for Visiting Disneyland Paris in France

Plan Your Visit in Advance: Research the best times to visit Disneyland Paris to avoid peak crowds, typically outside of school holidays and weekends. Utilize the official website and app for planning.

Book Premier Access: Make the most of your time by purchasing Premier Access to skip long lines for popular attractions.

Stay at a Disney Hotel: For a fully immersive experience, consider staying at one of the Disney hotels. Guests often enjoy extra magic hours, allowing earlier access to the parks.

Download the Disneyland Paris App: The app provides real-time information on wait times, showtimes, and park maps, helping you navigate the parks with ease.

Arrive Early: Aim to arrive at the park before it opens. The first few hours are usually less crowded, giving you the chance to enjoy popular rides with shorter wait times.

Plan for Meals: Explore dining options in advance and consider making reservations at sit-down restaurants to save time and avoid queues.

Pack Essentials: Bring comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, sunscreen, water bottles, and snacks. Locker rentals are available for storing belongings.

Use Single Rider Lines: If you don't mind splitting up your group on rides, single rider lines can significantly reduce wait times.

Enjoy the Shows and Parades: Don't miss the iconic Disney parades and live shows, which are as much a part of the experience as the rides. Check schedules in advance to plan your day.

Stay Late for the Fireworks: The nighttime fireworks and light shows at Sleeping Beauty Castle are not to be missed. Secure a good viewing spot in advance, as areas can become crowded.

These tips can help you maximize your enjoyment and minimize stress during your visit to Disneyland Paris, ensuring a magical and memorable experience.

Best Attractions and Rides at Disneyland Paris in France

Disneyland Paris is home to a diverse array of attractions and rides, catering to guests of all ages. Here are ten of the best attractions and rides that are considered must-dos:
Pirates of the Caribbean: A classic Disney attraction, this immersive boat ride takes you through scenes of pirate life and adventure. It's a fan favorite for its detailed sets and animatronics.

Big Thunder Mountain: Often referred to as "the wildest ride in the wilderness," this roller coaster takes you on a high-speed train adventure through a haunted gold-mining town, located on an island in the middle of Frontierland.

Ratatouille: The Adventure: Located in the Walt Disney Studios Park, this 4D attraction shrinks you down to the size of a rat for a thrilling chase through Gusteau's restaurant, blending stunning visuals with physical effects.

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror: A drop tower dark ride themed around the eerie world of "The Twilight Zone." Guests experience a thrilling story before dropping and rising unpredictably in the haunted hotel elevator.

Space Mountain: Now known as "Star Wars: Hyperspace Mountain," this indoor roller coaster offers a high-speed journey through space, enhanced by Star Wars theming and effects for an exhilarating experience.

Peter Pan's Flight: A family-friendly attraction that takes you on a magical flight over London and through Never Land. It's beloved for its enchanting scenes and flying pirate ship vehicles.

It's a Small World: An iconic, gentle boat ride that celebrates international unity through scenes filled with animatronic dolls representing different cultures, all set to the famous "It's a Small World" song.

Phantom Manor: A dark ride that combines a haunted house with a unique story set in the Old West. It's known for its intricate details, spooky atmosphere, and engaging storyline.

Disney Stars on Parade: Not a ride, but a must-see parade that features Disney characters, floats, and performers. It's a daytime highlight where you can see beloved characters up close.

Disney Dreams!: An evening spectacular at Sleeping Beauty Castle, combining fireworks, projections, and music to bring Disney stories to life. It's the perfect way to end a magical day at Disneyland Paris.

These attractions represent the diversity and magical experiences Disneyland Paris offers, appealing to both thrill-seekers and those who enjoy more immersive storytelling experiences.

Where to eat in Disneyland Paris

Auberge de Cendrillon - A fairy tale dining experience in Fantasyland, offering a chance to meet Disney Princesses while enjoying French cuisine in a storybook setting.

Bistrot Chez Rémy - Located in Walt Disney Studios Park, this restaurant shrinks guests to the size of a rat for a dining experience straight out of "Ratatouille," serving French dishes.

Captain Jack’s - Restaurant des Pirates - A Caribbean-themed restaurant in Adventureland that offers exotic flavors and views of the Pirates of the Caribbean ride.

Walt’s – An American Restaurant - A tribute to Walt Disney, offering American cuisine with a touch of European influence, located on Main Street, U.S.A.

Silver Spur Steakhouse - A Wild West themed restaurant in Frontierland, specializing in premium steaks and other hearty meals.

Cowboy Cookout Barbecue - Also in Frontierland, this counter-service restaurant serves up barbecue favorites in a rustic setting with occasional live country music.

Annette’s Diner - A 1950s-themed diner in Disney Village, offering American classics like burgers, shakes, and fries, complete with roller-skating servers.

The Steakhouse - Located in Disney Village, this upscale restaurant offers a refined dining experience with a focus on premium steaks and fine wines in a Chicago-style setting.

Each restaurant offers a unique dining experience, contributing to the magical atmosphere of Disneyland Paris. It's recommended to make reservations in advance, especially for sit-down restaurants, to ensure availability.

How to get to Disneyland Paris from the City

Getting to Disneyland Paris from the city center is straightforward, thanks to the well-connected public transportation system. Here are the main options:

RER Train: The most popular and efficient way to get to Disneyland Paris is by taking the RER A train. You can catch the RER A from multiple stations in central Paris, such as Châtelet Les Halles, Nation, and Gare de Lyon. Look for trains heading towards Marne-la-Vallée – Chessy, which is the station right at the entrance to Disneyland Paris. The journey takes about 45 minutes from central Paris.

Shuttle Bus: The Magical Shuttle bus service is another option, especially if you're coming directly from Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly (ORY) airports. These buses offer direct service to Disneyland Paris hotels and the parks, but they are more expensive than the RER and take longer.

Car: If you're renting a car or prefer a more private mode of transportation, you can drive to Disneyland Paris. It's about a 40-minute drive from central Paris, depending on traffic. The park is accessible via the A4 motorway (Autoroute de l'Est), and there are clear signs directing you to Disneyland Paris. Parking is available at the resort for a fee.

Taxi or Private Transfer: For convenience, you might consider a taxi or booking a private transfer. This is the most expensive option but can be beneficial for larger groups or those with lots of luggage. The journey by taxi or private car can take around 40 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic.

Using the RER A train is generally the most convenient and cost-effective method for most visitors. It's advisable to check the schedules and any travel advisories ahead of your journey.

Where to stay in France - Disney in Paris

Choosing where to stay for your Disneyland Paris adventure can significantly enhance your experience. Here are some of the best places, offering various themes, conveniences, and immersive experiences:

Disneyland Hotel: This is the most luxurious option, located right at the entrance to Disneyland Park. It offers elegant Victorian architecture, superior service, and rooms with park views. Staying here means you're just steps away from the entrance, plus you get extra Magic Hours in the park.

Disney’s Hotel New York - The Art of Marvel: Completely reimagined, this hotel is a paradise for Marvel fans, blending the style of a New York boutique hotel with Marvel art and memorabilia. It's also equipped with premium amenities, including a pool, spa, and themed rooms.

Disney’s Newport Bay Club: Themed around a 1920s New England coastal mansion, this hotel offers a nautical atmosphere. It's a short walk from the parks and features spacious rooms, a large indoor pool, and beautiful lake views.

Disney’s Sequoia Lodge: Inspired by American national park lodges, this hotel is surrounded by trees and offers a cozy, rustic charm. It's a great middle-ground option in terms of price and amenities, with an indoor pool and themed rooms.

Disney’s Hotel Cheyenne: For fans of the Wild West, this hotel offers themed rooms styled after cowboy boots and Woody from "Toy Story." It's an affordable option with a playful atmosphere and is a short bus ride from the parks.

Disney’s Hotel Santa Fe: Themed around the American Southwest and the Disney-Pixar movie "Cars," this hotel offers good value with a fun atmosphere, themed rooms, and is also a short bus ride from the parks.

Les Villages Nature Paris: This eco-tourism resort located a bit further away from the parks offers apartments and cottages for a more self-sufficient stay. It's ideal for families looking for more space and kitchen facilities. The resort features a large indoor water park and various outdoor activities.

Partner Hotels: Disneyland Paris also has several partner hotels nearby, such as the B&B Hotel, Explorers Hotel, and the Vienna House Dream Castle Hotel. These offer themed accommodations, often at a lower price point than Disney hotels, and include shuttle service to the parks.

Each hotel has its own unique perks and themes, catering to different tastes and budgets. Disney hotels offer Extra Magic Time, allowing early access to the parks, which can be a significant advantage. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred accommodation.

Journey through the magical realms in France - Disney Paris. The memories of this unique blend of France's culture and Disney's enchanting world will linger long after your visit ends. This exceptional theme park not only brings your favorite Disney stories to life but also offers a distinct touch of French elegance, making it a must-visit destination. Let the magic of France's Disney Paris inspire your dreams and fuel your next adventure.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Paris. In need of further inspiration? Check out Karen Kandelman's guide, Paris vs. London: Which City Should you choose for your next travel adventure?