The long-awaited day is approaching - you're about to visit Disneyland Paris for the first time! To avoid missing out on the must-see attractions and being faced with endless queues to buy tickets or get on an attraction, the best thing to do is to prepare for your visit. Anticipating your itinerary and finding the best deals is essential for any visitor, especially on a first visit to Disneyland. The crowds can be so great that, without proper organization, you won't get the most out of your visit. Petit Futé 's top 15 tips for your first time at Disneyland Paris will help you get the most out of your visit.
1. Buy your tickets in advance
It seems almost logical, but we don't always think about it. Buying your tickets in advance saves time at the entrance, by avoiding the queues. And they can be long! All you have to do is scan it at the security turnstiles. This solution also allows you to take advantage of occasional attractive discounts on the Disneyland Paris website or that of a partner. So you've got everything to gain! Generally speaking, here are the Disney rates to expect for a day, excluding special discounts:
Adults (aged 12 and over):
- Between €56 and €99 for one park, depending on the period, for a dated ticket.
- Between €81 and €124 for two parks, depending on the period, for a dated ticket.
- Liberty ticket: €105 for one park and €130 for two parks.
Children (aged 3 to 11) :
Between €52 and €91 for one park, depending on the period, for a dated ticket.
Between €7 and €116 for two parks, depending on the period, for a dated ticket.
Liberty ticket: €97 for one park and €122 for two parks.
Children under 3 : Free!
Take advantage of our partner's rates and book your 1-day ticket to Disneyland Paris in just a few clicks here !
2. Download the Disneyland mobile application
Gone are the good old paper maps! The Disneyland Paris mobile app is the best companion for a successful visit. You'll find park maps to help you find your way around, as well as show and parade times. So no time is wasted: you know where to go and when! Waiting times for the various attractions are also specified, which is very practical if you don't want to end up in front of a crowded attraction.
The park's official app also lets you make restaurant reservations, and buy special passes for attractions and shows. Staying in a hotel for two days? Thanks to your app, you can easily check in with your Disney hotel. Available on the App Store and Google Play, it's an indispensable tool!
3. Anticipate to avoid waiting in line and take advantage of the attractions
Want to avoid long queues? Disneyland Paris' Fastpass has been replaced by Disney Premier Access, Mickey's very own queue-breaker. Two packages are available for visitors who don't like wasting time and want to make the most of their time at Disneyland:
- Disney Premier Access One: this pass allows quick access to a single attraction in a specific time slot.
- Disney Premier Access Ultimate 3: fast, unlimited access to all the park's attractions (except Orbitron), with no time constraints.
Both passes are available at the park entrance or on the Disneyland Paris app.
4. Take advantage of the Single Rider service
Are you a "Big Thunder Mountain" fan, while your partner prefers "It's a small world"? Are you visiting the park with your children, but feel like riding a thrill ride? Or have you decided to visit Disneyland Paris on your own? In either case, you can take advantage of the free Single Rider service. This single-rider queue is much faster, as there are often only single places left on rides and attractions.
Of course, you can't be picky. Since these are often vacant solo spots, you won't have a choice of vehicle or seat. But the time you save is worth it!
5. Leave your luggage at Disney Express
Here's a very practical service for anyone lucky enough to spend a night in one of the Disneyland Paris hotels! The Disney Express takes care of your luggage as soon as you arrive at the Marne la Vallée-Chessy station, next to the park. The ideal way to enjoy the attractions as quickly as possible, without having to make a detour to the hotel to drop off the whole family's suitcases!
In addition totransporting your luggage to your hotel (and vice versa on the day of your departure), this service allows you to collect your admission tickets directly from the counter. So you can be sure of enjoying the park as soon as possible. It's a paying service, but one you'll appreciate if you want to save time.
6. Run to Crush's Coaster!
Did you know that Crush's Coaster is the most popular attraction at Disneyland Paris? The queue can sometimes be very long before you can climb aboard this whirling roller coaster in the colors of Finding Nemo. If you're interested in the Crush's Coaster, queue early in the morning to make sure you don't have to wait too long. We guarantee you won't be disappointed - Crush's Coaster is a must-see!
Tip it may be worth taking a Disney Premier Access One for this attraction, to go even faster!
7. Take a look at the best time to visit Disneyland Paris
Attendance at Disneyland Paris can sometimes reach record levels, especially during school vacations and the festive season. To make the most of the park and save time, it' s best to visit during the week. Of course, we don't encourage you to play hooky! But it's a fact that there are far fewer visitors on weekdays! A good option is to visit the park during the winter vacations in February. Because of the temperatures, the park is generally less crowded. It might be worth dressing warmly!
8. The Baby Switch is a parent's friend
Visiting Disneyland Paris with a to ddler is a magical experience, but it can sometimes be frustrating for parents who have to look after the little one while everyone else enjoys the thrill rides! The park has thought of everything: no more double waiting times when two companions want to take turns on the ride.
The Baby Switch allows one parent to stay with the baby while the other rides, then swap places without having to wait in line again. This way, both parents can have fun.
9. Arrive early, leave late: the key to a successful visit!
Here again, it seems almost obvious! A visit to Disneyland Paris is a unique experience, so there's no question of being a late riser! You arrive at the opening at 9.30 a.m. and leave at 9 p.m., for a non-stop day of enchantment. If you're staying at a Disney hotel or have an Annual Pass, you can even enjoy an "Extra Moment of Magic" from 8:30 to 9:30 am.
The earlier you arrive, the more fun you'll have! The same goes for the end of the day: many visitors leave in the late afternoon, because they have a long drive ahead of them. It's the perfect time to have fun in peace and quiet. In summer, park opening hours are extended to 11 p.m. for Disneyland Park and 10 p.m. for Walt Disney Studio Park.
10. Don't forget to book your restaurant or pack a picnic!
At lunchtime, long queues form in front of Disneyland Paris restaurants. If you want to have lunch in the company of Mickey and Donald, remember to make a reservation to avoid wasting precious time. You can also bring your own picnic to eat on the run and enjoy the attractions for longer. It's up to you to decide how to fill your hunger!
Tip made in Petit Futé : how about changing your mealtimes? If you eat at 11:00/11:15 or after 2:00, the restaurant queues will already be thinner.
11. Take note of the most popular must-see attractions
While everything is tempting at Disneyland Paris, some attractions are more popular than others, and for good reason! It would be a shame to miss them:
- Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril: a unique adventure in the fascinating remains of an Indian temple. There are many nods to the saga of the famous archaeologist.
- Phantom Manor: follow an enigmatic and captivating trail, where spectres and spirits hold surprises at every turn.
- It's a Small World: set off on an extraordinary adventure across our planet with this iconic attraction that will amaze the whole family. Be careful, the song will stay in your head!
- Crush's Coaster: experience the thrill of the deep ocean, just like Nemo!
- Pirates of the Caribbean: a dangerous piratical adventure featuring an unexpected encounter with Captain Jack Sparrow and his band of unscrupulous pirates.
- Big Thunder Mountain: the mine train takes you to a haunted mountain for a thrilling ride.
- Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain: take control of your own spaceship and fight the Empire!
- Ratatouille : become small, small, small like Remy, before embarking on a kitchen chase.
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror: explore the breathtaking metamorphosis of The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and plunge into three eerie experiences, more terrifying than ever: The Infernal Machine, Creatures in a Cage and The Fifth Dimension.
Adventure and thrills await you!
12. Check in advance which attractions you can and can't do with your children
If you're traveling with children as young as 3, you won't have much choice for them, but they'll still be amazed by their day. Attractions within their reach include:
- Aladdin's Flying Carpet,
- Ratatouille in 4D,
- Cars Road Trip, the world of Flash Mac Queen,
- Disney Studio,
- The Disney Junior Dream Factory show.
In Fantasyland, a wide range of attractions are accessible to children aged 3 to 6, including :
- Sleeping Beauty Castle,
- Dumbo The Flying,
- Peter Pan flying,
- Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs,
- Alice Curious Labyrinth,
- It's a small world,
- The Cups,
- Lancelot's Carousel,
- Pinocchio's Travels,
- Le Petit Train du cirque,
- Adventure Isle,
- The Dragon's Banner.
Adventure Land also offers other fun attractions. Among them: Robinson's Cabin, Pirate Ship, etc.
For older children and teenagers, the choice is wider and the adventures truly thrilling:
- Indiana Jones and the Temple in Peril, from 1.40 m.
- Phantom Manor.
- The Lion King and the Rhythms of the Earth.
- Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain, from 1.20 m.
- Big Thunder Mountain: from 1.02 m.
- Thunder Mesa landing stage.
- Autopia: from 81 cm.
- Pirates of the Caribbean.
- Pirate beach.
Travelling with children under 6 (or under 1.40 m)? We advise you to check beforehand what is accessible to them and to make a list. Once you're there, you'll save a lot of time if you don't run to an unattainable attraction for nothing!
13. Buy a dated ticket
There are many different ways to buy your park admission tickets. Ideally, however, you should opt for a dated ticket, especially if you're visiting Mickey's famous park during the school vacations or at Christmas. That way, you won't be refused entry! Unfortunately, if you have a classic ticket, you can't be sure of getting in if it's very busy..
14. Visit Walt Disney Studios Park at the start of the day
Visitors usually start with the "classic" park, then end the day at the Studios. What if you did the opposite? Sure, it won't keep you from crowding the main park later on, but at least your visit to Walt Disney Studios Park will go more smoothly. You'll be able to do these attractions faster, and with less stress.
15. Arrive early for the parades
Disney's fairytale parades are a must. It would be a shame to miss them! However, like all successful events, they draw large crowds. We therefore advise you to arrive 20 to 30 minutes early. Sure, it's a bit of wasted time, but without it, you run the risk of not seeing anything at peak times. On the other hand, if you're not really interested in the parades, this is the ideal time to visit the most popular attractions. It'll be less crowded for that short time: go for it!
Is it possible to do both Disney parks in one day?
It is possible to do both Disney parks in a single day, but of course you won't be able to do everything. You'll need to make a selection so that you can go straight to your favorite attractions without wasting time. If you really want to take full advantage of both parks and all their attractions, it's best to stay in a hotel and buy a 2-day ticket. This way, you'll enjoy your stay more serenely, with no rush and, above all, no regrets. This is also a good solution for families visiting Disneyland Paris with children. They'll soon tire of all the walking and euphoria, which will slow down your little "fun marathon". By visiting the park over two days, you can go at your own pace (and that of your little ones!), and still be sure to do everything you like!
Where to sleep and eat at Disneyland Paris?
OK, let's sleep in. But where to eat and sleep when visiting Disneyland Paris? There are plenty of options!
Eating at Disneyland Paris
Want to avoid the lunchtime crowds? We recommend a short walk to the restaurants in Disney Village, which are generally quieter between noon and two o'clock. The park's hotels also welcome visitors all day for lunch. Restaurants throughout the park include :
- Bistrot Chez Rémy, Blue Lagoon Restaurant and Walt's for classic dining.
- Agrabah Café Restaurant, Inventions and Plaza Garden for all-you-can-eat buffets.
- Toad Hall Restaurant, Cowboy Cookout Restaurant and Le Café des Cascadeurs for fast food.
- The Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlour, Victoria's Home style Restaurant and Cable Car Bake Shop for snacks.
- L'Auberge de Cendrillon and Café Mickey for dining in the company of your favorite characters.
In short, there's something for every taste and budget!
Sleeping at Disneyland Paris
The park's magical, fairytale hotels delight visitors:
- Disneyland Hotel: a superb 5-star residence.
- Disney Hotel New York The Art of Marvel: the whole Marvel universe in an American atmosphere, which you can book in just a few clicks here!
- Disney Newport Bay Club: a superb lakeside residence. Check rates and availability here!
- Disney Sequoia Lodge: sleep in the style of an American national park refuge by booking your night right here!
- Hotel Cheyenne: the Wild West and the world of Toy Story await you! Click here to check availability .
- Hotel Santa Fe: take on Route 66 with Flash Mac Queen and book your stay here .
- Davy Crocket Ranch: sleep in a 3-star pioneer village by booking your night right here.
Whichever world you choose, you can be sure of one thing: the dream can be experienced both awake and asleep!
Mickey Mouse Park is a dream come true for young and old alike. It's impossible not to marvel at all the enchantment, especially on your first visit to Disneyland. The atmosphere is magical and will leave you with wonderful memories. And why not take advantage of your visit to Paris to visit Parc Astérix as a bonus? You're all set to spend 4 or 5 magical days with your family!
And to continue your stay after spending a few days at Disneyland, check out our dedicated article "5 experiences around Disneyland Paris to prolong the magic"! And if you want to go shopping near Disneyland Paris, discover the 10 reasons to choose Val d'Europe!
