27 Magical Tips for Disneyland Paris – A First Timers Guide

Disneyland Paris is the greenest and most gorgeous Disney park in the world. (I may be biased as it is my nearest). Planning a trip can seem daunting but doing some research and coming prepared will make your trip so much easier and a whole lot more magical. Read on for our top tips for Disneyland Paris.

Top Tips for Disneyland Paris Before You Travel

1. Decide When to Visit DIsneyland Paris

You can totally ignore this section if you have set time off, but if your annual leave is a little bit more flexible than here are some things to consider:

• Weather – Paris is in Northern Western Europe and as such, it gets cold in winter. It can snow and rain (there’s a reason January is cheap). On the other hand, July and August can be stiflingly hot. Probably the best time to visit weather-wise is Spring (April – June) and September.
• School Holidays – Prices go up and the parks get busier during the school holidays. If you can visit outside of these times, you’ll save a pretty packet and won’t be stuck in quite so many queues.
• Seasons – Special events mean special entertainment and theming. The main ones to look out for are Halloween and Christmas. These really brighten up the colder part of autumn and early winter.
• Ride Closures – Check helpful websites like this to see planned ride closures. If there is a ride or attraction that you are desperate to see, it would be so sad to discover it is down for scheduled maintenance when you arrive.

Check out our top tips for Visiting Disneyland Paris as an adult here.

2. Book Your Tickets in Advance

Tickets can and do sell out so we would always recommend you book your tickets once your travel dates are set. Let’s take a deeper dive into the different kinds of tickets and a few things it is good to know.

One Park vs Hopper

You can choose either to visit one park per day, or get a more expensive park hopper option. The two park option is best if you only have one day to visit, or want to bounce between the two to see the fireworks or parades on multiple days. Honestly, I think it’s worth saving the money but I can’t deny having two-park ticket FOMO when I saw the fireworks start to illuminate the sky on our other park day.

Disneyland Passes

It might sound a little crazy but if you are visiting more than once in a year, you might want to consider an annual pass. Known as a Disneyland Pass as it may actually be cheaper. There are three tiers, allowing different levels of benefits so check this link out to compare and contrast. Many people buy a park ticket, and then upgrade to a Disneyland pass on the same day, for the rest of their trip. Bear in mind that if you are applying for a bronze or silver pass during blackout days, you won’t be able to use it.

Park Registration

To visit Disneyland Paris, you usually need both a ticket and a park reservation. You will need to make park reservations unless:

• You have dated tickets, this automatically registers you for the date on the ticket.
• You have a hotel and park package (although if you book through a third party, doublecheck with your travel provider).
• Disabled visitors gets a 25% discount on tickets but these can only be bought at the ticket desks on the day. Don’t worry, they have to grant you access on the day, even if the website has no park registrations. If you have a discounted Disneyland Pass, you need to register for each day you plan to visit.

3. Download the App

Getting to know the Disneyland Paris App is so important as it is your main source of information and access to booking systems.

Queue times, restaurant bookings, virtual queues, and any Premier Access or guaranteed entry bookings will all be linked to the app. Take a look around the different tabs, and the interactive map and get to know them a little before you go.

4. Get to Know the Parks & Make a Plan

Planning is so important, especially if you have only a short visit. Take a look at the map online and familiarise the different areas and the attractions in each. This gives you a nice idea of how to plan out your day without running in circles or exhausting yourself.

Is there somewwhere you would really like to eat? Aim to do the rides around there at around the same time.

Want to see a parade? Check the time before you go and allow yourself time to get to Main Street without having to run.

You get the picture..

…Start with Blue Sky Thinking

Make a bucket list of everything you already know you want to do. If rides are your priority, maybe you want to hit all the thrill rides, if you want to relax and watch the shows then make a list of those, if you are only there to eat and do some people watching then list all the snacks and fancy sit down options you have to hit. From this, you can start to build your days around your “must do’s”.

Learn the Map

Disneyland Park

• Frontierland (canyons & cowboys)
• Adventureland (pirates)
• Fantasyland (iconic fairytale Disney)
• Discoveryland (the future)

Walt Disney Studios Park (soon to be called Disney Adventure World)

• Toon Studio
• World of Pixar
• Production Courtyard
• Front Lot (main gates & entrance)
• Avengers Campus (New for 2022)

One of the most handy filters on the map is the ability to see where the bathrooms are. (That’s the whole tip).

5. Measure Everyone and Check Height Requirements

If you are taking kiddos, or short adults, it is good to know before you go which rides they are able to ride. It is always a heart-breaking moment to walk away from an attraction you have become excited for. You can check out the requirements for every ride by following this link.

6. Make Restaurant Reservations Early

Some of the table service restaurants at Disneyland Paris are incredibly popular and so we recommend making reservations as soon as possible. Disney hotel guests can book up to a year in advance, whilst anybody else can book from two months before their trip.

However, if you are taking a last minute trip, don’t despair. Keep checking the app and a slot might pop up as people change theirs plans and cancel. We managed to bag a lunch at Bistrot Chez Remy on the day. You can try and walk up to but be prepared to wait if you want to do this..Finally, the app can be a little glitchy so try finding the restaurants on the map and through the book a table section. Sometimes a sneaky table will be hiding in a slightly different access point. (No, I have no idea why).

7. Transport from Paris

Train – The RER

Line A of the RER runs from central Paris out to Disneyland Paris. It takes around an hour, and is generally very safe but, as with big city, can have the odd pickpockets, so just keep an eye on your belongings. The train station is right next to the parks and although it lacks a little Disney magic, the proximity to the entrance is ideal.

Train – The TGV

If you are coming straight from Charles de Gaulle airport, or elsewhere in France, the quickest and easiest way to reach Disneyland Paris is by train. These fast trains take just nine minutes to reach Chessy station, but they come at a price.

Tickets are usually around €20 per person, and are booked in advance for a specific train. If you are worried about flight delays, probably best to book one slightly later than you think you will need. Often, the price gets cheaper 2 weeks before the travel date, about leaving it till then is a little bit of a gamble as seats may sell out.

Shuttles

The Magic Shuttle is the most popular coach shuttle between Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports, and Disneyland Paris. These buses take between an hour and an hour and a half, which is much slower than the direct train but there are two major advantages.

1 – You are not bound to a set time. The bus buses go around every half an hour, and you can catch whichever bus is next when you arrive.

2 – Magic Shuttle drops passengers at Partner hotels, Disney hotels, the parks, and nearby hotels in Serris/Val d’Europe.

There are many shuttle services from Paris to Disneyland Paris, so it is just a matter of googling and finding the one that suits you. Some leave from the outskirts of the city and you need to make your own way there, which obviously isn’t a problem if you are booking a private shuttle.

By Car

If you have driven your car to Disneyland, using it to get to the park an excellent option. This is especially true if you are staying further afield or in the Davy Crockett Ranch or Village Nature which don’t have great public transport between your accommodation and the parks.

Parking is around €30 per day so be sure to factor that into your budget. This is free if you are staying in a Disney hotel, or a partner hotel booked through the Disney website.

Finally, if you are driving an electric car, be sure to arrive very, very early. Currently there are only four charging points so these will go quickly. Of course, if you aren’t driving far, you can charge it at your accommodation, I thought it was worth noting. 

Taxi

It is easy enough to get an Uber or other taxi service from outside Chessy station. This may work out cheaper, if there are three or four of you than catching the train or bus.

By Foot

If you are staying in a nearby hotel, you may be surprised to learn that it is very easy to walk to Disneyland Paris. Yes, your hotel may be near a bus stop, a train station, or offer a free shuttle, but these can be very crowded. Instead of waiting 10 minutes for a bus, you may be able to walk directly to the Disney Village in 15 to 20 minutes. Of course, this is less appealing after a long day in the park, but if you are just popping into the Disney village for dinner then it’s a perfectly pleasant option

8. Packing for Disneyland Paris

There are a few things that everyone should have for their trip to Disneyland Paris.

• Comfortable Shoes – I know, this one sounds simple but you are going to walk ALOT. On a park hopper day from open to close, we clocked up 32,000 steps. Things to consider are standing still on sore feet is the worst! Wear reliable shoes that you know will last and won’t give you blisters. Bring two pairs in case one gives out or betrays you.
• A Water Bottle – French tap water is perfectly safe to drink so having a bottle handy means easy hydration during your trip.
• Weather Gear – The weather in Paris can be extreme., very hot in summer and freezing in winter. They get a fair amount of rain (anyone who saw the opening ceremony of Paris 2024 Olympics knows that). Bring a poncho or umbrella for rain, sunglasses and sun cream for bright days and plenty of warm layers for the chillier days and evenings.
• A Mini Medical Kit – bring a few plasters, blister plasters and pain killers with you. Most of these things are only available at pharmacies in France and the nearest one in Paris proper.
• Water Bottle – Filling up at a water fountain is a great way to save some money at Disneyland Paris. Many of the water fountains freeze in winter but the fountain in the Liberty Arcade is reliable. They are working on getting drinking water in all the bathroom taps too.
• Squash – We take a little Robinson’s Squash’d to liven up our tap water. They are small and hnady.
• Snacks – You are allowed to take food into the parks so bring snacks and sandwiches for another super way to save money.
• Socks – If you are caught out by an extra cold day, or an extra rainy day, then adding some socks or changing into nice, dry socks can make all the difference.
• Ziploc Bags – There is always something that needs saving or protecting so having a couple of ziploc bags on hand is a good plan. For example, maybe you have half of a sticky lollipop that you can’t take on a ride, a leaky sun cream bottle or a soggy umbrella that you want to keep away from your other belongings. Zipping them away in a waterproof bag is always better.
• Portable Charger – Using the app all day, and taking photos and videos will put a toll on your phone battery. Have a charger and all the cables you need with you to make sure you stay juiced up.

Top Tips for Disneyland Paris Park Time

9. Some Disney Hotel Tips

If you are staying on property, here are some little tips you might need to know.

• You can take advantage of Disney Express. Between 07:45 – 21:00, you can leave your luggage at the counter in the Mame-le-Vallee/Chessy station and they will be whisked to your hotel for free.
• Your hotel stay is inclusive of park tickets which means you can run straight to the parks from here.
• When your room is ready, you will receive a message. You can then go straight to your room with your digital key…at least that is the theory.
• If your breakfast is included in your stay, you are currently asked not to take bags into the breakfast rooms. this is to curb the temptation to make and smuggle out sandwiches for lunch.
• Some of the Disney properties lack enough plugs in the rooms. We now all have phones and other devices that you need to charge in the short time you have in the room. Bring a multiplug to make this easier.

10. Prepare for Security

Grab your phone out of your pocket or bag before you get to the scanners so you can put it straight into the tray. In general, make sure you have nice, empty pockets when you pass through the security arch, with all hats, ears and sunglasses removed too. It will make your entry smoother and quickly, reducing that early morning stress. Bags go through the scanners so just pop all your bits and bobs in here and worry about getting them out once you are through.

11. Enter Through the Old Annual Pass Entrance

When facing the Disneyland Hotel, head around to the right, towards the baggage storage. There are two entrances here, one for those with additional needs and one that used to be exclusively for annual pass holders. It i s now for general usage but not a lot of people know about it. As a result, it usually has a shorter queue when opening time hits.

12. Expect Some Differences

If you are used to the US parks, there are a few difference that you might think are a little alarming. As long as oyu are prepared, you won’t feel the culture shock so much.

• The Customer Service – European customer service is a very different beast. It is friendly enough but doesn’t come with dollops of saccharine enthusiasm.
• Smoking – There are a smoking areas within the parks and you may see a lot more people smoking that you are used to. These are sometimes tucked away but sometimes they are right in front of bathrooms, which isn’t so nice. You will also find that a few people ignore the rules and smoke when they are waiting for the parades or fireworks. (Vapers are especially naughty for this).
• Parisian Weather – Florida may have year round comfortable temperatures, and California can get nice and warm. However, Paris gets really cold. Be sure to bring many layers and gear for rain in winter or plenty of sun cream for summer.
• The Prevalence of French – Yes, you are in France and there is plenty of French spoken in the attractions. Don’t worry though, it is not going to leave you scratching your head as you will see plenty of English too. Greet everyone with a cheery, “Bonjour” and they will appreciate it greatly, even if they do switch straight to English for the rest of your interaction.

13. Use the Arcades

Unique to Disneyland Paris, two arcades run behind the shops, parallel to Main Street. these provide a quick and easy way to move down through the park, a respite from any inclement weather, and a nice quiet place to take a moment.

Discovery Arcade

Along this arcade you will find glass cases containing some fun info all about inventions through the 19th century. The models here are genuinely old models created in the 1800s. You can also spot poster depicting American cities as they were imagined in the past which are rather fun.

Liberty Arcade

Here, we celebrate the special relationship between France and the USA. This is an especially focused around the Statue of Liberty, a gift between these two allies. in fact, halfway through is the most secret room at DLP. Behind this facade is a little diorama of the first night the statue opened. Very random.

14. Prepare Early for Parades and Fireworks

There are no two ways about it, unless you are paying for the guaranteed access or special seating areas, you need to arrive early for shows, parades and fireworks. We recommend arriving 45 minutes before listed show times, 15 minutes before for parades and an hour to 30 minutes before the fireworks. Bring something to sit on, and something to keep yourselves occupied. We like to use these times as picnics.

15. Budget for Disney Premier Access

How I hate this (gatekeeping fun from people with less disposable income gives me the ick) but it is a big part of Disneyland Paris now so here we go.

Premier Access Ultimate – All Day Access

This grants the holder fast track entry to all rides included in the scheme, once per day. Prices start from €90 which isn’t terrible for the access it affords.

Premier Access One – Individual Rides

You can pick a la carte rides and pay for a one time fast track. This is good if you are determined to skip the queue of your favourite attraction. Prices range from €5 to €19 depending on the ride and season.

Guaranteed Seating – Parades and Fireworks

If there is a show you are dying to see, the best way to ensure a good seat is by purchasing a guaranteed seating pass. These are from €12 and allow guests to turn up 15 minutes before a show and enter via a dedicated line.

Similarly, you can reserve a guaranteed seat for the fireworks in a great location by the castle. This means you can enjoy some quiet park time as everyone else stakes out their spots and turn up a little later. Grabbing a glass of champagne for the fireworks is fantastic when you can do it later and actually have some bubbles left by the time it starts.

16. Make the Most of Extra Magic Time

Have you heard of rope drop? This is one of those Disney terms that people throw around. It means arriving early and being the first in the park. There are two rope drops a day, the first is reserved for Disney hotel guests. Staying at any of the Disney-owned hotels and one or two partner hotels, you get a whole hour in the park before it opens to general ticket holders.

Most people use this time to snap empty castle pictures or ride as many rides as possible before the queues build up. You can usually expect Hyperspace Mountain, Buzz Lightyear, Peter Pan’s Flight, Big Thunder Mountain, Orbitron and Dumbo to be open on Disneyland Park. At Studios, aim for Crush’s Coaster, Ratatouille, Spider-Man WEB Slingers and Tower of Terror. Do remember that these options are subject to change and they can change daily.

Arriving for extra magic time, aim to be there at around 07:45, ready to be in front of the queue. Usually, EMT runs from 08:30 – 09:30 but this can vary so check the app. (I sound like a broken record now).

17. Tips for Meeting Characters

Honestly, my knowledge on this is patchy as it is not something we prioritise in the parks but I do know a thing or two, so here goes.

To have the most magical interactions, think of some fun questions to ask the characters. “Where is Pluto” for Mickey, “Is Bashful coming out of his shell?” for Snow White etc. Alternatively, if you know who want to meet, do a Disneybound of them…they will love it!

The hero training centre in Avengers Campus are some of the most fantastic meet and greets. We met Spiderman and had a fun five minutes doing exercise with him. I sang the old Spiderman theme to him and even though I couldn’t see under the mask, I think he teared up with joy…maybe.

Character Dining

Booking breakfast at Plaza Gardens or Auberge de Cendrillon for your character dining has three big advantages.

1. You can enter the park super early, giving you an excellent chance to take empty photos with the castle.
2. These menus are the cheapest character dining at Disneyland Paris.
3. There are loads of options for fussy diners at breakfast. Everybody loves Mickey waffles.

Bear in mind that you have to be eligible for Extra Magic Time to enter the park for your reservation. You might also like to know that at Plaza Gardens you don’t tend to see the Fab Five so if you want the big hitters, this one is not for you. Cinderella will always be at Auberge de Cendrillon though, so that’s a good bet.

You WILL find Mickey, Minnie, Daisy, Donald and Pluto at the Royal Banquet. This high-end buffet experience costs 100 pretty pennies but you get to meet the popular Fab Five and who doesn’t want a tower of langoustine? I mean, I do but I can’t afford it.

Early Magic Time

If you want a pure character interaction then use your early entry to head straight for the Princess Pavillion. It doesn’t always open for this time but it puts you right at the front of the queue for when it does welcome visitors inside. Remember that you cannot pick which Princess you meet so keep an open mind, and don’t promise any kiddos their favourite.

Hotels

Check out the schedules of character meet and greets at the Disneyland Paris Hotels. They often have family favourites meeting in the lobby in the evenings (perfect if you have had a nap and are heading back into the parks for fireworks) and they usually have little to no queue.

18. Consider Photo Passes

You can take your own photos and videos throughout your trip but if you want to relax and let someone else worry about it then consider the photo pass. This will cover ride photos, character meets and magic shots too.

Ride Photos

Something you won’t get by yourself are those hilarious shots of your group looking equally hysterical, terrified and bored. I don’t buy many photos but I have bought a few of these over the years because they make me laugh.

Characters

Cast members will help you with your device when you are meeting characters, but if you want some more professional photos then consider the photo pass. The nice mirrorless or DSLR cameras they use give a different look to the photos they take. Plus, it means you can all just enjoy the moment.

Photo Spots

If you are used to the US parks, this is going to be a bit of a shock. There are nowhere near as many photographers dotted around the park ready to take those important portrait shots. You will have to actively seek them out. They do wonderful photos and the Magic Shots are redoubtable cool but it is worth adding that into your decision on whether to invest in the pass or not.

19. Check Shop Disney Before Your Splurge

If you fall in love with something you see in the shops, hop onto the Shop Disney website. You may find it cheaper or find another variation of the item that you like even more. Even if it is the same price, it saves you having to carry whatever it is home which can save on luggage fees or breaking something delicate. Plus, it gives you something to look forward to when you get home. Anything you can do to stave off the Disney blues is a good plan.

20. Prepare Your Phone

• Battery – You are going to be using your phone a lot. Checking the app, booking tables, taking photos and etc all take a toll. It is possible to hire chargers but they run out and you have to give them back either when you at the other side of the park or at the end of the day…Plus, they cost money. Bring your own charger. Even if you don’t think you need one in life, it’s a handy thing to own (especially for travel).
• Data – Disneyland Paris does have WiFi but if you want to be able to check your phone at any time, you will want to ensure you have data. eSIMs are a great option for data abroad, usually being cheaper than using your normal providers travel rates.
• Storage – Finally, make sure you have plenty of room on your phone. You will need space for photos and videos taken whilst in the park. You may also want some games or videos etc to keep yourselves entertained in the queues.

21. Take Your Time After the Fireworks

As soon as the finale of the nighttime spectacular fades into darkness, there is a mass exodus from the park. Exhausted parents carrying sleeping children stagger zombie-like towards the exit, their feet run over by more tired parents wielding baby buggies. if you have the stamina, let this wave of people leave before you attempt it. Grab a seat and relax for a minute or pop into the shops for some last-minute retail therapy. you will find the ways much easier, and the transport much much quieter if you allow sometime before heading home.

22. Utilise Rider Switch

If you are travelling with small children then ask the cast members about rider switch. This allows the family to queue together in the line. Then one adult rides the ride alone or with an older child before swapping with the other adult who can then hop on the ride without having to endure the queue all over again.

Top Tips for Disneyland Paris Dining

23. Have a Snack Attack

Not everyone wants to sit in a proper restaurant during their time at Disneyland Paris. This is especially true if you are short on time or on a tight budget. Grazing on shareable snacks throughout the day is a fun way to try lots of new things, get those Mickey shaped Instagram-worthy snacks and have the odd quick sit down.

This isn’t limited to in-park purchases. You are allowed to bring in food and drink to the parks as long as you aren’t carrying a big cooler box or bringing in your own alcohol. Sandwiches, crisps, biscuits and delicious French charcuterie items are all allowed. Let me remind you that you cannot bring in big knives, so be prepared to rip that fresh baguette. We like to buy a fun drink, like this milkshake from Victorias and then picnic on the table just outside. Nobody seems to mind (but it is so annoying that the castle is so close and yet blocked by trees…cheeky)

24. Keep Checking for Reservations

If you weren’t able to make reservations at your desired restaurant, keep checking during the day. Refreshing the app may give you a slot as people cancel. Be prepared to drop everything and run. We booked last minute for a day at DLP and I was so sad that Chez Remy Bistrot was all booked up. Watching a parade I thought, “I’ll just have look”, and a slot had opened up for just 30 minutes later. Well, we hightailed it out of Disneyland Park, into Walt Disney’s Studio Park and to the Ratatouille courtyard with a few minutes to spare. It was a crazy moment but fun and exciting.

You could also make your way there when they open and ask if they have any openings, or if you can just wait and see if anyone misses their table.

25. Mobile Order Your Food

Disneyland Paris’ mobile ordering system is not as good as the US parks, and not as wide spread, but it is still a welcome addition to the parks. You can browse menus and decide what you want, and even order from a ride queue, or whilst en route to the restaurant.  it saves you time and enables you to choose between different places before trekking all the way between them.  class, there is nobody cutting at you from behind as you make your choice. 

26. Be Aware of Different Dining Times

By this, we don’t mean that we like to eat late. When you are dealing with lots of families and children, this doesn’t really apply. It is more that dining is a more leisurely affair and you won’t get your bill straight away. You will have to get someone’s attention when you want to pay.

27. Don’t Worry About Tipping

Disneyland Paris adds a 15% service charge to all of its food and drink prices so tipping is not expected. If you do think someone has gone above and beyond, a 10% tip is a nice amount.

Final Thoughts on Our Top Tips for Disneyland Paris

I hope you have the most magical trip to Disneyland Paris and trust me when I say that I am super jealous of you! Do let me know if you find any brilliant tips for Disneyland Paris that we have missed in the comments.

Rosie xx