Tips For Visiting Disneyland Paris

Last Updated on May 7, 2025 by Tracy

Planning a family trip to Disneyland Paris? Get expert tips for visiting Disneyland Paris and on choosing the best hotels, dining on a budget, and making the most of your day with ride strategies and tips. Ensure a magical and stress-free Disney experience for everyone!

Everyone knows that Disney parks have great rides, great shows, and are themed just as one would expect. That’s great for the kids, but it’s the adults that have to plan, book, and pay for it all.

Here’s Tips For Visiting Disneyland Paris and making the trip as enjoyable as possible.

Bring a backpack with essentials like water bottles, snacks, sunscreen, hats, and portable phone chargers. Staying hydrated and protected from the sun is crucial, especially if you visit during the warmer months.

Wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers. Paris weather can be unpredictable, and you’ll be doing a lot of walking, so it’s important to stay comfortable.

Budget for souvenirs, but consider setting a limit for each child to avoid overspending. The Emporium on Main Street is a great place to find Disney-themed merchandise, while smaller shops throughout the parks offer unique items specific to different lands and attractions.

Alright, now that we have the basics covered, let’s chat about planning your trip to Disneyland Paris.

Choosing a Hotel

There is a staggering choice of hotels, both Disney-operated and non-Disney-operated, catering to various budgets and preferences. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

Staying in Paris: If you plan to visit Disneyland once or twice but it is not the thrust of your European tour, staying at a hotel in Paris is a cost-effective option. The RER A train from central Paris to Marne-la-Vallée (the station for Disneyland Paris) is efficient and takes about 45 minutes. This way, you can explore the charm of Paris and make day trips to Disneyland.

If you decide to stay in Paris, be sure to check out these tips for traveling to Paris with kids.

Recommended areas to stay include:

• Le Marais: A vibrant district with boutique hotels, cafes, and shops.
• Montmartre: Known for its artistic history and charming streets, offering a different Parisian experience.
• Saint-Germain-des-Prés: An elegant neighborhood with upscale hotels and proximity to major Paris attractions.

Staying Near the Park:

For those who want to be close to the magic, staying at one of the resort hotels is a convenient option. Booking early is essential to securing deals.

Disney’s Hotel New York – This resort offers luxury and authenticity. The Art of Marvel offers a luxurious experience with a unique Marvel theme. It’s pricey but offers premium amenities and proximity to the parks.

Sequoia Lodge – This resort offers close proximity with amenities. You will find a great balance between price and convenience. It features a swimming pool, comfortable rooms, and is just a short walk to the parks.

Cheyenne Hotel – Budget-Friendly! The Cheyenne Hotel is themed around the American Old West and provides a more economical option. However, note that staying here means longer walking distances to the park and dining areas.

A word of caution: the difference in price between Cheyenne and Sequoia Lodge translates into added convenience and amenities. Sequoia Lodge offers bigger rooms and better facilities, making it a worthwhile investment for a more comfortable stay.

Eating & Drinking in Disneyland Paris

Disney Village offers a good selection of restaurants, though they can be pricey. Here are some tips to manage your food budget:

Expect to pay around 10-15 EUR for main courses and 5 EUR for a beer. Cafe Mickey is a must-visit for families with young kids, as they can dine alongside Disney characters.

Other popular dining options in Disneyland Paris include:

• Annette’s Diner: A 1950s American diner with burgers, milkshakes, and a lively atmosphere.
• The Steakhouse: For those craving a hearty meal, this restaurant offers quality steaks and a refined setting.
• Rainforest Cafe: An immersive dining experience with animatronic animals and jungle-themed decor that kids will love.
• McDonald’s: McDonald’s in Disney Village maintains its regular pricing and serves beer, thanks to being in France. This is a budget-friendly option that still provides familiar comfort food.
• Train Station: This is a hidden gem! The train station between Disney Village and the park entrance has a small supermarket and a bar with reasonable prices. These spots are great for picking up snacks or enjoying a budget-friendly meal. Brush up on your French to make ordering easier!

Planning the Day

Proper planning is key to maximizing your Disney experience.

Organize your park visits based on which rides and attractions are best suited for the members of your party. Having a plan reduces the time spent in queues and ensures everyone gets to enjoy their favorite activities.

Key attractions to prioritize include:
Disneyland Park: Sleeping Beauty Castle, Pirates of the Caribbean, It’s a Small World, and Space Mountain.
Walt Disney Studios Park: Ratatouille: The Adventure, Tower of Terror, and the new Avengers Campus.

As of 2022, Disneyland Paris no longer offers the traditional FastPass service. Instead, they have introduced a new paid service called Disney Premier Access, which allows guests to skip the regular queue for certain attractions by purchasing access via the Disneyland Paris app or at dedicated kiosks in the park.

Here’s how the Disney Premier Access works:

• Purchase Access: Guests can purchase Disney Premier Access for individual attractions directly through the Disneyland Paris app or at kiosks located in the park. Prices vary depending on the attraction and the expected demand.
• Skip the Line: Once you have purchased Disney Premier Access for an attraction, you can go to the dedicated Premier Access entrance at the time indicated on your pass and skip the regular queue.

Disney Premier Access is subject to availability, and the number of passes sold for each attraction may be limited. Be aware that purchasing multiple Disney Premier Access passes can add up, so budget accordingly.

Download the Disneyland Paris App!

This app provides real-time updates on wait times, show schedules, and maps, making it an invaluable tool for planning your day on the go.

The Disneyland Paris app is essential for making the most of your visit, especially with the new Disney Premier Access system. Here are some features of the app:

• Real-Time Wait Times: Get up-to-date information on wait times for all attractions.
• Interactive Map: Navigate the park easily with an interactive map that shows the locations of attractions, restaurants, shops, and more.
• Show Schedules: Check the schedules for shows and parades to plan your day.
• Dining Reservations: Make dining reservations at park restaurants directly through the app.
• Purchase Disney Premier Access: Buy Disney Premier Access for individual attractions and manage your bookings.

Park Hopping Strategy

With a well-thought-out plan, you can hop between Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park. Enjoy a few rides, then hop to the other park to continue your adventure. This approach involves a lot of walking but is worth it to experience the most attractions.

Plan to take breaks throughout the day to avoid fatigue. Use these times to enjoy a leisurely meal, watch a parade, or catch a show. The Disney Stars on Parade and the nighttime Disney Illuminations show are must-sees that will delight both kids and adults.

Disney Stars on Parade is a spectacular daytime parade featuring beloved Disney characters, colorful floats, and lively music. It typically runs in the afternoon and is a highlight for many visitors, offering a chance to see a wide array of Disney characters up close. The parade route usually travels through Main Street, U.S.A., providing plenty of great viewing spots.

Disney Illuminations is a nighttime spectacular that takes place in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle. This show features stunning fireworks, projections, and music, celebrating Disney’s most memorable moments from classic films to recent favorites. It’s a magical way to end a day at Disneyland Paris, with breathtaking visuals and beloved Disney songs.

By choosing the right accommodation, managing your dining budget, and planning your park visits strategically, you can ensure a magical and stress-free Disney experience for your family. Enjoy the rides, the shows, and the unforgettable moments that only Disney can provide!

Have you been to Disneyland Paris? What are some tips for visiting Disneyland Paris?

On the fence about planning a family trip to Paris? Here are some virtual tours to check out!

Be sure to check out Food Wine Sunshine on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram for more travel tips, healthy recipes, and more.