Disneyland Paris Top 50 Planning Tips!

Paris, France is known for its beauty, the Eiffel Tower, and, of course, its food. However, for Disney fans like us, we think of Disneyland Paris! So, if you're looking to enjoy all that Disneyland Paris has to offer, you've come to the right place. We're going to break down the top 50 Disneyland Paris tips so that you can plan the perfect Disneyland Paris visit!

Planning a Disney visit in another country can be intimidating. That's where we can help! We've come up with a list of tips and tricks that will help you in your planning process. We're going to cover all aspects of a visit here from the planning all the way to the fireworks at the end of the night. So, if you're ready to say oui, oui then keep reading to learn more about the top 50 Disneyland Paris tips!

Disneyland Paris Tips: About Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris is located about 20 miles outside the center of Paris in a city called Chessy and is accessible by various modes of efficient and comfortable public transportation. Originally named Eurodisney, it opened in 1992 and has since become one of the most visited attractions in all of France. The park is currently wrapping up its 30th anniversary and has special decor and experiences to commemorate the occasion.

The Disneyland Paris resort consists of two parks: Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney Studios. They are located right in front of each other within a handful of steps. For those familiar with the Disney resort in California, it's a similar concept where the parks are within walking distance of each other. There are eight resort hotels on property of all tiers and a handful of associated hotels that are similar to good neighbor hotels. The resort is also home to a Disney Springs area called the Disney Village. Here, you'll find dining, shopping, and entertainment locations.

The two theme parks are similar to parks found in Walt Disney World in Florida. Disneyland Paris is going to be your Magic Kingdom type of park with a stunning castle and your familiar rides and lands such as the Haunted Mansion and Space Mountain. However, you'll notice that all rides and lands have just enough of a change in style to make them unique. It's a lot of fun to compare the parks and see some interesting differences! Walt Disney Studios is going to feel similar to Disney's Hollywood Studios in Orlando, Florida. It has the same Hollywood concept and feel. This park is currently undergoing a massive expansion so pretty soon it will have lots to offer on top of what it already has.

With that said, let's jump into our top 50 Disneyland Paris tips!

Disneyland Paris Tips: Pre-trip Tips

Tip #1: Get to Know the Park

The first thing to do when thinking about visiting the Disneyland Paris resort is to explore the official website and get to know the resort! It sounds pretty straightforward, but it is often a great first start when you're looking to understand more about the resort and the best place to begin for Disneyland Paris tips. Not a French speaker? No worries! The site is translated perfectly into English so you'll be able to scroll through it just like you would at home.

Tip #2: Decide How Long Your Visit Will Be

The Disneyland Paris resort is large, but not massive. It is easily an experience that can be done in one day, but also large enough that if you wanted to spend a few nights there you could. So, we recommend thinking about what you want to get out of this trip. If you want to make it super relaxing and enjoy the resorts, then definitely book a hotel and enjoy the amenities. However, like most, if you're looking to include a visit as part of your overall Paris vacation then rest assured that you can make this a one-day visit.

Tip #3: Decide When to Visit

Europe in general is a very popular tourist destination so the time of year you visit can impact your visit. Most people travel to France in the summer as that is when most vacations take place. However, unsurprisingly, summer is the busiest time of year to visit and may mean longer lines. If you're able to travel in the fall or before Spring Break, you may benefit from less crowds and typically comfortable weather. The exception here could be in spring as the weather can sometimes still be cold and/or rainy.

Tip #4: Disney During the Holidays

Similar to the States, the holidays are a special time to visit the Disneyland Paris resort. You'll find tons of theming around the end of the year so if you're a fan of this type of experience, consider visiting during the latter months of the year so you can enjoy the special celebrations!

Tip #5: Download the Disneyland Paris App

Similar to the theme parks in the United States, the Disneyland Paris resort offers a powerful app where you'll be able to access park tickets, resort information, hours, locations, and much more. It is available on the American version of the App Store and even links to your official Disneyland account! You'll want to have the app handy when you visit, so it's not a bad idea to do it as soon as you can so you can familiarize yourself with it.

Tip #6: Purchase Your Tickets

You're going to love this one. Single-day dated tickets to the parks start at just 66 dollars! That's right, you read that correctly. So, if you know the exact days of your visit, you won't have to worry about paying those ultra-high American park prices! Otherwise, you can buy an undated ticket good for one year from purchase and those are still only around $120/per day. Tickets can be purchased and linked directly from the app!

Tip #7: Consider if You Want Fast Passes

Disneyland Paris has a handful of fast passes that are a bit different than the ones you see in the American parks. These are completely optional and an added cost, but if you're not into lines or simply want to make the most of a one-day experience, be sure you look into the many options that exist. We tried out the premier pass and were able to get through both parks in one day with plenty of time to spare! So, we felt that it was totally worth it.

Tip #8: Make Those Dining Reservations

The Disneyland Paris resort is home to lots of wonderful restaurants. You'll find all types of food and experiences that are sure to please everyone in your party. However, you'll want to make sure you book your reservations early! If you're not staying in a Disneyland Resort hotel, you can make your reservations up to two months before your visit. If you are lucky enough to stay in one of the Disney resorts you can make reservations up to a whopping YEAR in advance!

Tip #9: Learn Some French!

Disneyland Paris is English-friendly. You will not have a problem finding English all around you. However, cast members are French for the most part so it doesn't hurt to brush up on your high school French and learn some commonly used expressions such as bonjour, merci, s'il vous plaît, and où sont les toilettes!

Tip #10: Thing Will Be Different

While you can expect the French Disney experience to be similar to the ones here back home, you're also going to find differences that may not make sense. That's part of the joys of traveling! Simply go into it all with an open mind and we promise you'll still feel the magic you're looking for!

Disneyland Paris Tips: Packing Tips

Tip #11: Pack the Right Shoes

One of the most important things to consider when packing for a Disney trip is to make sure you have the right shoes! We seriously can't stress this enough. The Disneyland Paris resort is large so you can anticipate doing a lot of walking. Therefore, we recommend you find shoes that you feel will be comfortable for the entire length of your visit. We have a great guide on the best walking shoes for Disney parks.

Tip #12: Pack Layers

The weather can be tricky no matter where in the world you are. For that reason, be sure you pack layers that you can easily take on and off. Don't forget to think about the rain! Rain can sometimes be heavy in France so you'll want to think about clothing that can dry easily and quickly.

Tip #13: Bring a Battery Pack

Since you'll be doing a lot on your phone, we recommend packing a portable charger that you can bring with you to the parks.  The Disney apps are great for helping you make the most of your day, but they can be a battery drainer. So, be prepared and pack that extra juice!

Tip #14: Don't Forget Your Voltage Converters!

France runs on a different voltage level for electric plugs so you want to be sure you purchase a voltage converter and adapter before heading there. This will enable you to plug in your American electric items and not worry about them being dead after their first use! These can easily be found online or in most stores like Target and Walmart.

Tip #15: Summer Heat

If you're traveling during the summer, be prepared for some very hot days. You'll want to make sure you pack summer essentials such as sunscreen, hats, fans, etc. If you're a seasoned visitor to the American parks, it will be no different from that. Don't forget a water bottle! Disneyland Paris has lots of water stations where you can fill up your reusable water bottle.

Tip #16: Disney Pin Trading

If you're a fan of trading Disney pins, bring them with you! While you aren't going to find the same amount of collectors and traders as you would back home, it's still a thing in Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris Tips: Day Before and Transportation Tips

Tip #17: Map Out Your Transportation

Now that you're finally in France and ready for your visit, you'll want to think about your transportation options. If you're coming from the center of Paris, you'll luckily have lots of options! We won't go into much detail here, but you can get to Disneyland Paris from Paris by car, taxi, bus, or our favorite, train. It's super easy to get around in Paris so don't let this part of the trip worry you. The train will even have a Mickey head next to the route so you'll be sure to catch the right one! Again, everything is readily available in English so navigating won't be a problem.

Tip #18: Check the Park Hours

This one seems silly, but it's definitely a must! In order to plan your trip to the resort, you'll want to make sure you've checked out the park hours so that you can know how much time you'll need to get there. Park hours vary by season, so you'll want to be sure you're not disappointed when it comes to the amount of time you'll be able to spend in the parks.

Disneyland Paris Tips: Walt Disney Studios Park Tips

Tip #19: Take It All In

Once you're finally there, be sure you take some time to take it all in! You've traveled a long way to get there so make sure you take that photo you want and that you spend the time you want at each location. While you'll feel pressured to get it all done, you might regret it later if you feel that your entire day felt rushed so be sure you give yourself the time to enjoy the things that make you happy!

Tip #20: Know Before You Go

As mentioned earlier, Walt Disney Studios is currently undergoing a massive expansion. As such, you're going to notice the constructions upon entering the park, but don't worry. Despite the construction, you will still have access to lots of fun and entertainment so don't let this steer you away. Construction is set to be completed in 2025 and we're excited to see it come to life and see the new lands on our next visit!

Tip #21: Half-Day Park

One of the reasons that this park is expanding is because it has historically been a small park. Since that's still true today, you can anticipate being able to do the entire park in one-half day. Some families might enjoy spending more time there, but it's largely considered to be a shorter experience than most Disney parks. For this reason, we like to get this park out of the way first and have it checked off our list by the early afternoon.

Tip #22: Get To The Back First

If you arrive early, we recommend rope-dropping this park to knock out a good number of the attractions. Our suggestion would be to head to the back of the park where you'll find Ratatouille – The Adventure. Similar to the Ratatouille-themed attraction in EPCOT, this is one of the stars of this park and if you get there early, you won't have much of a line to worry about.

Tip #23: Mickey and the Magician

While at Walt Disney Studios, you definitely want to make sure you grab a seat at the Mickey and the Magician show. This Broadway-style show is full of characters, music, beautiful sets, and fun costumes. This show is incredibly popular and will fill up fast so you'll want to be sure you arrive early and plan your day around it. Trust us, you won't regret it!

Tip #24: Show Languages

Speaking of shows, don't worry about not understanding! While you'll definitely hear Mickey and his pals speaking French throughout the shows, Disney does a great job of including just the right amount of English into their scripts so you'll know exactly what's going on the entire time. This is also true for parades, though we know that's usually not as much of a concern as sit-down shows.

Tip #25: Avengers Campus

The other main attraction to not miss at Walt Disney Studios is the brand-new Avengers Campus. Similar to the one in Disney's California Adventure Park in California, this immersive land is the place to be to see all of your favorite Marvel characters and experiences. The area includes new restaurants, rides, and shops all themed to the Marvel hero movies. We recommend spending some time here so plan for this to be a good portion of your day.

Tip #26: Shopping and Dining

We of course can't forget about shopping and dining! Upon entering the park, you'll enter what can be considered to be an indoor main street. Inside the large hangar-type building, you'll find several restaurant options and shops with classic Disney merchandise. It's a great place to be when you're trying to avoid the rain, but be warned that many will have the same idea! Still, we like this part of the park as you feel like you can literally do a lot under one roof!

Tip #27: Alcohol 

One thing you'll definitely notice is that beer and wine are readily available at most counter-service restaurants. If this is something you're interested in, we recommend using the app to check out the menus beforehand so that you can be sure what you're looking for is available.  

Tip #28: What About Nighttime Shows?

While we think this will certainly change in the future, currently this park does not have any nighttime spectaculars. Therefore, don't worry about having to stay until the very end! You'll still find daytime shows and activities for all ages but don't wait up for those fireworks. To see those types of shows, you'll want to hop over to Disneyland Paris.

Disneyland Paris Tips

Tip #29: Get A Lay of the Land

Upon entering Disneyland Paris, it'll be a good idea to familiarize yourself with the layout of the park. As you'll see, it's similar to other castle parks, but you'll want to be sure you spot the differences so you don't go around looking for your favorites in vain!

Tip #30: VIP Tours

If you're looking for a memorable experience, be sure to explore the guided tours that Disney offers. These VIP tours are a great way to learn more about the park and can be booked in English. They are a bit pricy and can take a big chunk of your day so we only recommend this if you have time to spare.

Tip #31: Main Street USA

The iconic main street that you'll find at Disneyland Paris is very similar to the one in Florida. It is larger than the one in California and will have many of the familiar stores that you're used to, including the famous emporium! We still suggest carving out some time to check out the shops and grab some merchandise.

Tip #32: Main Street Corridor

We LOVE this addition to the French Main Street USA! Behind the shops and restaurants of Main Street is a beautiful indoor corridor that allows you to walk the length of Main Street without having to be exposed to the outdoors! It does get crowded, but it's sometimes faster to take if you're trying to avoid parade or fireworks rushes.

Tip #33: Strollers and Wheelchairs

Just like home, you'll be able to rent strollers and wheelchairs as soon as you enter the park. Located at the start of Main Street just beyond the turnstiles, you'll see the building and can't miss it.

Tip #34: Luggage Storage

If you've planned your Disneyland Paris trip on a travel day and have luggage, know that you can leave your luggage in storage at the park entrance! This is incredibly convenient as it will be one last thing to worry about since luggage is not allowed inside the parks. 

Tip #35: Unique Merchandise

Speaking of merchandise, don't forget that Disneyland Paris will be home to unique merchandise that you won't find in the United States. To that end, if you fall in love with something while there, your best bet will be to purchase it there! We wish the American parks would sell international-branded merchandise, but unfortunately, that's not the case. So, make sure you save some room in your luggage when packing because there will be lots of Mickey and Minnie souvenirs with the famous Eiffel Tower!

Tip #36: Main Street Dining

Main Street is also home to several restaurants. We dined at Walt's Restaurant located on the second floor of a Main Street building. The restaurant was large and was themed to Walt's legacy with most of the dishes being Walt's favorites. The food was decent, but we loved sitting by the window and having a view of Main Street below us! We recommend it for that reason alone, but the champagne with dinner certainly didn't hurt!

Tip #37: Dapper Dan's Hair Cuts

Alright, this tip might not be for everyone, but if you're looking to get a haircut while at Disney, they have a full barber shop that will do just that! Located at the end of the emporium, it's certainly a unique experience and perfect for those first haircuts. The barber shop is gorgeous and reminds you of a turn-of-the-century spot where you can even get a clean shave! Space is very limited so you'll want to make a reservation if your heart is set on this experience.

Tip #38: Characters

If you're a fan of meeting Disney characters, then be sure you plan this out accordingly. Disneyland Paris often provides meet and greets with characters you won't find in the United States. While this can sometimes feel like a hit or a miss, it's still worth considering if you want to snag a photo or an autograph from your favorite Disney pal!

Tip #39: Sleeping Beauty Castle

The Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland Paris is considered to be one of the prettiest ones among the Disney parks. While it's not the biggest one around, it has a beautiful surrounding park that draws inspiration from the original illustrations of the Sleeping Beauty film. Plus, be sure you don't miss the dragon that sleeps beneath the castle! This sleepy giant is available to see year-round and adds the right touch of magic to this iconic favorite.

Tip #40: Single Rider Lines

As you go about the park and enjoy the rides, remember that single-rider lines do exist on many of the major attractions. However, we noticed that these lines are not always as obvious as the ones in the United States so be sure to check the app if you're interested in taking advantage of this time-saving hack!

Tip #41: Rider Switch 

Similarly, a handful of rides also offer rider switch options so that if something is too intense for the little ones, the adults can still enjoy it! You can ask any cast member for assistance or be sure to check the Disneyland Paris app as you'll find the information there as well.

Tip #42: Hyperspace Mountain 

When you enter Disneyland Paris' Tomorrowland, you'll immediately notice that it's very different than the one you might be used to. Here, the theme is actually backward-looking and draws inspiration from Jules Verne's novels such as Journey to the Center of the Earth. So, it technically is still future-based, but it's the imagined future from the past. Their version of Space Mountain is going to be way more intense than what you're used to. Be warned that this version has loops and inversions so it's definitely more of a robust roller coaster. 

Tip #43: Dole Whip

Yes, you can enjoy Dole Whip in Disneyland Paris! We can't imagine a Disney experience without this yummy favorite so be sure to add it to your list if you love this classic treat. It can be found throughout the park so you're likely never too far from one!

Tip #44: Starbucks 

On a similar note, if you're looking to get your morning Starbucks, you won't have as much luck. While there are Starbucks cafés on property, they are only located in the Disney Village shopping area and inside the Cheyenne Hotel. So, unless it's on your way, you'll want to come prepared with some packets from home or, better yet, enjoy some French coffee! 

Tip #45: Bring Snacks! 

Just like back home, you're going to find a ton of snack options throughout the parks. However, these are going to be pricey and that'll add up! We recommend packing snacks before you fly our stop by a grocery store in Paris and bring your snacks before visiting the park. This will allow for cheaper options while still getting to try some French snacks! 

Tip #46: Indiana Jones

If you're a fan of the Indiana Jones ride in California, you'll be disappointed with the French version. While it's themed very beautifully, it's a painful rollercoaster that in our opinion is simply not worth it. We would much rather recommend their version of Big Thunder Mountain as that one is longer and very thrilling!

Tip #47: Disney Stars on Parade

The parade in Disneyland Paris is not to be missed! It is a fun-filled mix of all your favorite Disney Characters that travels from the rear of the park down Main Street USA. There are plenty of viewing areas along the parade route so feel confident that you'll find a good spot. If you want to grab a bite to eat while watching the parade, then we recommend eating at Pizzeria Bella Notte and grabbing a table on the patio. It's located steps away from the parade route so you'll be able to eat and enjoy the show at the same time!

Tip #48: Lion King: Rhythms of the Pride Lands 

If you're a fan of the Lion King show in Animal Kingdom then you don't want to miss this one! It's a stunning live show with music, singing, dancing, and colorful sets. You'll enjoy hearing the music from the film and watching the story come to life! It's a huge auditorium so there's usually plenty of seating but you'll want to arrive on time as they do close the doors once the show starts! 

Tip #49: Disney Dream!

We all love a good nighttime spectacular but Disney Dreams is not to be missed which is why it's one of our top Disneyland Paris tips! This nighttime spectacular is unique in that it actually doesn't include any fireworks. Instead, you'll enjoy beautiful projections on the castle that are accompanied by some incredible light-up drones in the sky! No American park features this so you don't want to miss out on this unique experience. Remember, Fantasyland will close early for this show so be sure to get those attractions in early. We recommend viewing the show from anywhere along Main Street as that will give you the best view of the show.

Tip #50: Saying Bye to Mickey 

On your way out, be sure to catch Mickey and his pals wishing you a good night on the Main Street train station. They will wish you a good night as you exit the gates and say au revoir which means until next time! 

Bonus Tip #51: Getting Back to Paris

If you're not staying in a Disney Resort then you'll want to make sure you check your train schedule ahead of time so you know when to catch the trains that go back to Paris. However, know that all trains leaving the Disney resort go to Paris so you don't have to worry about catching the right one. All you have to make sure is that you don't miss the last one! The station is conveniently located just outside the Disneyland Paris gates so you won't have to walk a lot after a long day.

FAQ's Disneyland Paris Tips