If you plan on visiting Disneyland Paris for the first time, this guide will give you a complete overview of everything you need to know to enjoy your stay onsite.
If you are wondering about budget as well, I recommend you read our guide on how much you will need to spend for a 3-day stay at Disneyland Paris.
Table of Contents
General Information
Disneyland Paris is located in Marne-la-Vallée in eastern Paris.
The park is divided into two different parks:
- Disneyland Park, inspired by animated movies (41 rides)
- Walt Disney’s Studios, inspired by Hollywood movies (13 rides)
Please note, each park requires an individual ticket.
The park also features stores, restaurants, and several hotels, as well as a cinema and even a golf course in the Disney Village. This part of the park is open to the public without the need for an additional ticket.
How to Get There
By train
Disneyland Paris is easily accessible by train (TGV, Ouigo, RER A) since it is only a 2-minute walk from the Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy train station.
RER A stations:
- Charles de Gaulle – Etoile
- Auber
- Châtelet les Halles
- Gare de Lyon
- Nation
RER A ticket prices:
- From one suburb area to another (e.g.: Massy-Palaiseau – Marne-la-Vallée): Starting from €10 per person round trip
- From the center of Paris: €7.60 (full price) / €3.85 (reduced fare for children from 4 to 10) / Free for children under 4
You will need about 39 to 45 minutes to get there, with a RER frequency of 15 minutes from 5:22 a.m. to 00:39 a.m.
The Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy train station offers the “Disney Express” luggage service allowing you to get direct access to the park without having to drop off your luggage at your hotel first. This is perfect for families that want to discover the park immediately after their arrival!
The Disney Express counter is located on the top floor of the Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy station.
👉 Please note: This service is only offered if you book a Disneyland Paris or partner hotel (except for Disney’s David Crockett Ranch and Villages Nature Paris hotels).
If you are looking for a place to stay during your trip, I recommend our guide on the best options for spending the night at Disneyland Paris.
Opening Hours:
- Open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Cost for the Disney Express Service:
- Round trip offer: €18 per person (round trip luggage transfer and retrieval of tickets and other documents related to the accommodation by the Disney Express counter)
- Return trip offer: €25 per room, no matter the amount of luggage (return trip luggage transfer from the hotel to the Disney Express counter)
Learn more about the Disney Express luggage service
By car
If the traffic is not too jammed, you will have about a 40-minute car ride from Paris to Disneyland Paris.
From Paris, take the A4 Autoroute to Metz/Nancy, then take the 14th motorway exit called “Parcs Disneyland.”
Paid parking is then available near the parks. Those who stay at a Disney hotel (or another partner hotel) can park for free in their hotel’s parking area. There are free shuttles that will take you from the hotels to Disneyland Paris.
Parking prices:
- Cars (and vehicles above 6.6 feet and with more than 9 seats): Starting from €30 a day
- Campers: €40 a day
- Motorbikes: €20 a day
By plane
When you arrive at the Paris-Charles de Gaulle or Paris-Orly airport, you will need to take a shuttle by the exit of the airport that will take you directly to your hotel or to Disneyland Paris.
Here are the two Magical Shuttles stops by the Paris-Orly airport:
- Paris-Orly Sud: Train station, Platform 5, Gate C (departure every hour from 9 a.m. to 7:50 p.m.)
- Terminal Ouest: Floor 0, Platform 4, Gate I (departure every hour from 9:10 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
The trip from these two shuttle stops will take about 1 hour.
Regarding the return trip from Disneyland Paris, there is a shuttle every hour from 6:20 a.m. to 6:15 p.m.
Here are the two Magical Shuttles stops by the Paris-Charle de Gaulle airport:
- Terminal 2E-2F: arrival floor located in the middle of the gallery linking the 2E and 2F terminals (departure every 15 minutes from 9 a.m. to 12:25 p.m. and then about every 30 minutes from 1 p.m. to 6:45 p.m., with the last shuttle departing at 8 p.m.)
- Terminal 1: exit 32 (departure every 30 minutes from 9:20 a.m. to 12 p.m. and then about every hour from 1:05 p.m. to 7:35 p.m.)
The trip from these two shuttle stops will take about 1 hour.
Regarding the return trip from Disneyland Paris, there is a shuttle every hour from 6:35 a.m. to 7:20 p.m.
Magical Shuttles prices (from Paris-Orly and Paris-Charles de Gaulle):
- Full price: €24 per person
- Reduced fare for children (under 12): €11
- Free for children under 2
Check out the timetable and book your Magical Shuttle from Paris-Orly or from Paris-Charles de Gaulle
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Disneyland Paris is open all year round from Monday to Sunday, including on public holidays.
Disneyland Park opening hours:
- From April to August: from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- For any other month: refer to the Disneyland Paris opening times calendar (up to 3 months in advance)
If you stay in a Disney hotel, you will be able to access the park up to 2 hours before the opening with the Extra Magic Time (the amount of extra time varies according to the time of year you visit the park.)
Walt Disney’s Studios opening hours:
- From April to August: from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- For any other month: refer to the Disneyland Paris opening times calendar (up to 3 months in advance)
Disney Village opening hours:
- All year round: from 7:30 a.m. to 0:00 a.m.
💡 My tip: The Extra Magic Time allows you to access rides quicker than normal, especially those not eligible for Disney Premier Access (see below: “A few tips” to learn more about Disney Premier Access.)
Ticket Price
For a 1-day trip
There are different 1-day trip ticket offers according to the time you want to visit the park. You can choose to book tickets for a specific date or access the park whenever you want with the undated tickets.
Dated tickets
Dated tickets are the most affordable ones as they grant you access to the park on a specific day only. Therefore, if you already know the exact date of your visit, I recommend you book a dated ticket to enjoy the two parks at the lowest possible rates.
Prices for a 1-day dated ticket:
- Access to one park: Starting from €56 per adult / Starting from €50 per child
- Access to two parks: Starting from €81 per adult / Starting from €76 per child
Undated tickets
Undated tickets grant you access to the park whenever you want without having to settle on a specific date prior to your visit. You can use your ticket up until one year after the date of purchase.
Prices for a 1-day undated ticket:
- Access to one park: Starting from €105 per adult / Starting from €97 per child
- Access to two parks: Starting from €130 per adult / Starting from €122 per child
For a 2-day trip or more
Here are the prices for a 2-day trip, or more, with access to the two parks:
- 2-day trip / Access to two parks: Starting from €179 per adult / Starting from €165 per child
- 3-day trip / Access to two parks: Starting from €219 per adult / Starting from €201 per child
- 4-day trip / Access to two parks: Starting from €259 per adult / Starting from €238 per child
Annual Passes
All year round, the park also offers annual passes to take full advantage of both parks and even benefit from numerous discounts in the Disneyland Paris boutiques.
Annual pass prices:
- The “Discovery” pass: €179 (payment in installments possible). Valid 150 days a year.
- The “Magic Flex” pass: €259 (payment in installments possible). Valid 300 days a year.
- The “Magic Plus” pass: €299 (payment in installments possible). Valid 350 days a year.
- The “Infinity” pass: €449 (payment in installments possible.) This annual pass grants unlimited access to all Disneyland Paris parks. It also entitles you to discounts in the Disney Village boutiques and advantages in Disney hotels.
💡 My tip: If you plan a single-day trip to Disneyland Paris, I suggest you only visit Disneyland Park and keep the Walt Disney Studios park for your next visit.
When to Visit?
Since Disneyland Paris is open all year round, even on public holidays, you can visit whenever you want depending on your availability – and of course, preferences.
Here’s an overview of the different times of the year in Disneyland Paris in order to help you decide when to visit.
During Halloween or Christmas season
During Halloween and Christmas season, Disneyland Paris gets a complete makeover in order to fit in the theme.
In October, the park celebrates villains from Disney movies, such as Cruella and Captain Hook, while in December the park features Santa Claus.
I recommend you choose the date of your visit wisely in order to enjoy the park when it is decorated according to your favorite time of the year.
At this time of the year, the park offers parades and other activities or shows based on the theme of the current holiday. Truly an original and fun way to celebrate!
Dates:
- Halloween: Starting from early October to early November
- Christmas: Starting from mid-December to early January
During summer
What better way of celebrating the end of the academic year and the beginning of summer holidays than by taking a trip to Disneyland Paris?
Summertime is probably the best time to visit this magical place since several shows and other special activities are often planned for the occasion.
However, summertime is also the time the park welcomes the most visitors – and waiting times for rides may take the longest. So, it’s up to you to weigh the pros and cons!
During an off-peak season
If you rather avoid the crowd to enjoy rides without too much of a wait, I suggest you visit the park during off-peak season.
September would most likely be the best time to visit since it is not too cold outside yet, and most people have already gone back to work.
The park is not too packed during the months of January and February, nor is it during the week, especially on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
The only downside: the park might offer fewer activities and shows during those “off-peak” times compared to other seasons.
💡 My tip: If you do not mind the winter cold, you should definitely visit Disneyland Paris during the Christmas season since it truly is the most magical time to visit. Children won’t be the only ones to enjoy the festive and wonderful atmosphere all around the park while waiting to exchange presents.
For more information, I recommend reading this article on the best time to visit Disneyland Paris.
What Is There to Do in Disneyland Paris?
Every trip to Disneyland Paris is unique, so it’s up to you to establish your own visiting program as you think best.
If you are still wondering about how long to stay, I recommend you check this guide on how many days to book for an unforgettable stay in Disneyland Paris.
Many events take place around the park throughout the year. I recommend you take a look at the calendar of shows and parades to get an idea of what event is scheduled at the time of your visit.
For a 1-day trip
Here are my recommendations if you plan on visiting for a single day.
First of all, I recommend you give the Disney Premier Access One service a try. This skip-the-line ticket will drastically reduce waiting time on the ride of your choice. You will be assigned a specific time, so feel free to wander around while waiting for your turn.
My tips for the Disneyland Park:
- The “Peter Pan’s Flight” ride: perfect for families with young children (approx. 1 hour queueing without Disney Premier Access)
- The “Big Thunder Mountain” ride: thrill seekers will love it! (approx. 45 minutes queueing without Disney Premier Access)
- The “Alice’s Curious Labyrinth”: perfect with children as the tour is on foot (approx. 15 minutes queueing without Disney Premier Access)
- The “Pirates of the Caribbean” ride: family and children friendly (approx. 45 minutes queueing without Disney Premier Access)
- “It’s a small world” ride: this is the best one with kids (approx. 25 minutes queueing without Disney Premier Access)
My tips for the Walt Disney’s Studios:
- “Ratatouille: The Adventure Ride”: perfect for children (approx. 50 minutes queueing without Disney Premier Access)
- The “Crush’s Coast” ride: a frightening experience (approx. 1 hour queueing without Disney Premier Access)
I recommend you save some time to enjoy the parades and shows to get a chance to meet some of your favorite Disney characters in a very happy and festive atmosphere.
By the end of the day, I suggest you go shopping in one of the numerous boutiques of both parks looking for the perfect gift to bring back home and immortalize this moment forever.
If you plan a single-day trip to Disneyland Paris, I suggest only visiting one of the two parks to truly make the most of your trip.
However, if you really wish to visit both in one day, I suggest splitting your day in half. This way you won’t waste time going back from one park to another.
For example, you could visit Walt Disney’s Studios in the morning, and enjoy Disneyland Park in the afternoon. Keep in mind you will need to go through security every single time you want to cross from one park to another.
Check out the calendar of shows and parades (up to one week before your arrival)
For a 2-day trip or more
My recommendation for a 2-day trip, or more, is pretty much the same as for a 1-day trip, except you will get more time to enjoy onsite according to the duration of your stay.
I recommend you split your stay and allocate specific days to visit both parks. Disneyland Park might require more time than Walt Disney’s Studios because there are much more rides to try out.
The biggest advantage of staying for more than a day is you will get to enjoy the night-time closing show.
This is a truly magical and unforgettable way to end your trip right by the amazing Sleeping Beauty Castle (see “My selection of must-dos” below for more information about the closing show.)
Guided Tour
Have you always wanted to know more about Disneyland Paris? Enjoy a VIP guided tour around the park to learn more about the history of this magical place. The tour takes place in groups of 10 and lasts about 6 hours.
You will benefit from limited and priority access to specific rides, as well as ride recommendations from your tour guide according to your preferences.
⭐ The little extra: You will be assigned front-row seats during shows and parades to make the most of these magical events.
💰 VIP guide tour prices:
- During off-season: €1,900
- During high season: €2,500
Park entrance tickets are not included in the price. The duration of the tour can be extended (rates vary according to season).
💡 My tip: This tour is hardly affordable despite the remarkable experience it delivers. However, if this is your first time on site (and you can afford it!), this is undoubtedly the best way to truly experience Disneyland Paris and have an amazing stay.
My Selection of Must-Dos
The most sensational ride: Big Thunder Mountain
This is probably the most well-known and appreciated ride in the park.
This iconic roller coaster will take you to an abandoned mine through a setting inspired by the American West.
Location: Disneyland Park
Guest must be: 1.02 m (3’4”) minimum
Learn more about Big Thunder Mountain
The most immersive ride: Crush’s Coaster
This ride features the world of Nemo and his friends in a unique underwater setting.
The ride combines thrilling roller-coaster sections with gentler ones as you will get a chance to meet various characters from the world of Nemo.
Location: Walt Disney’s Studios
Guest must be: 1.07 m (3’5”) minimum
Learn more about Crush’s Coaster
The best ride with children: It’s a Small World
This iconic ride invites you to embark on an enchanting journey celebrating cultures from around the world.
Have an unforgettable moment as you enjoy the colorful settings and the iconic melody playing in the background during the entire ride.
Location: Disneyland Park
Guest must be: No minimum height
Learn more about It’s a Small World
💡 My tip: Every ride is worth trying, so don’t worry, and simply give the ones that appeal to you the most a try. If you’ve already been to Disneyland Paris before, I recommend you buy a skip-the-line ticket to make the most of your favorite ride (see “A few tips” below for full details of Disney Premier Access).
👉 Please note: Rides can be closed during a specific time period because of refurbishments. I recommend you check the list of closed rides that are being renovated or may be under refurbishment during your visit.
Check out the list of rides that will be closed during your stay
The best place to eat: The Bella Notte Pizzeria
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
The Bella Notte offers typical Italian dishes, including pizzas and pastas.
The decor will take you to the iconic world of Beauty and the Beast with the typical setting and paintings inspired by the animated movie.
I recommend you stop by the Bella Notte for lunch since it is undoubtedly the most affordable restaurant in Disneyland Paris.
Google Maps Location: Disneyland Paris, Parc Fantasyland, 77700 Chessy
💰 Prices:
- Menu 1 (pasta, salad, drink): €15
- Menu 2 (Mickey shaped pizza, salad, drink): €16
- Menu 3 (veal meatballs, salad, drink): €17
- Kids Menu (pasta or pizza, salad, dessert, drink): €9
The best hotel: Le Vienna House Dream Castle
Vienna House Dream Castle****, 40, Avenue de la Fosse des Pressoirs, 77700 Magny-le-Hongre
The hotel is 2 kilometers away from Disneyland Paris (0.6 miles away), which makes it the ideal place to stay for the night during a 2-day trip.
👉 Please note: There are free shuttles departing from the hotel that will quickly take you to and from Disneyland Paris.
The hotel features a spa and a restaurant to offer you a well-needed break after an exhausting day from one ride to another.
💰 Prices: Starting from €123 for the night
Book a magical night at the Vienna House Dream Castle
A Few More Tips
To save some time: the Disney Premiere Access
Disneyland Paris offers a skip-the-line service to access rides in order to save time and make the most of your stay.
There are two different offers:
- Disney Premier Access One: you are assigned a time slot for the ride of your choice (limited to one per person per attraction).
- Disney Premier Access Ultimate: you get immediate access to any ride in the park (limited to one per person and once per attraction).
💰 Prices:
- Disney Premier Access One: From €5 to €13 per person (price varies according to the ride)
- Disney Premier Access Ultimate: Starting from €120 per person
If you visit the park by yourself – or don’t mind being on your own – I recommend giving “single rider” attractions a try.
The waiting time is usually way shorter since you don’t get to choose who you ride with. For example, the Space Mountain ride (located in the Disneyland Park) offers a single rider service.
Lastly, I recommend downloading the Disneyland Paris mobile app (available to download on the AppStore and Google Play) to check live waiting times for each ride.
💡 My tip: The Disney Premier Access One offer can be an interesting option for the ride you are the most interested in trying. Not only is it affordable but it also provides an assigned time slot allowing you to wander around while waiting for your turn.
Learn more about Disney Premier Access
To save some money
Before booking your trip to Disneyland Paris, I recommend you look for online offers to save some money. You may end up finding some very attractive discounts online.
Check out Ceetiz’s different offers for Disneyland Paris
I recommend taking an Ouigo train over a classic high-speed train. These low-cost trains offer train tickets to the Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy train station – a 2-minute walk from the park – starting from €10.
Book an Ouigo train to Disneyland Paris (website in French)
Lastly, if you want to save money for lunch, I recommend you bring your own sandwich.
👉 Please note: You are not allowed to picnic within the park, but there are picnic areas available for you outside.
💡 My tip: If you prefer having lunch in one of the park’s restaurants, I recommend you avoid rush hours (from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) to get a quick service and enjoy the rides during off-peak hours.
Maps of the Park
👉 Check the Disneyland Park & Walt Disney’s Studios maps
I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!
