Disneyland Paris
A Magical Disneyland Paris: Top Tips, Insider Tricks, and Highlights
Our trip to Disneyland Paris was like a dream come true, especially since it was a thoughtful Christmas gift from my partner. Returning to a place I’d wanted to revisit since childhood made the experience incredibly special. We stayed at a nearby hotel, and utilized the free shuttle bus just outside of our hotel. This made getting to and from the park a breeze. Here’s a rundown of our two-day adventure, packed with highlights, insider tips, and a few tricks to make your visit as magical as ours!
1. Exploring the Park: Thrills and Charm Combined
Why You Should Visit: Disneyland Paris is the perfect mix of magic, excitement, and nostalgia. Whether you’re up for thrilling rides or prefer the more laid-back attractions, there’s something here for everyone.
What We Did: My partner, ever the thrill-seeker, took on the big rides, including the Tower of Terror—he’s still recovering from that one! I enjoyed the train ride around the park’s outskirts. It wasn’t scary, or thrill seeking but it was a relaxing way to soak in the park’s atmosphere. It’s also a great way to get your bearings as to where everything is, and feels very nostalgic.
Insider Tip: Even if you choose to stay in an off site hotel so are unable to take advantage of the extra magic hours before the park, try to get as early as possible. This lets you experience the park with fewer crowds and shorter waits for popular rides. Or another way to look at it would be when everyone is crowding to see the fireworks shows if you’ve seen these before or don’t want to see them , jump in the lines instead as these typically will be a lot quieter at this time.
Best Photo Spots:
- Castle View: Get a magical shot in front of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. Early morning or sunset provides the best backdrop. The best tip for getting a shot with no one in your photo is to check for slightly different angles. Just to the left hand side of the castle you can look for a small circular stone area where you can stand with the castle in clear view , it usually enables you to have a clear shot as typically less people tend to notice this lovely little spot for photos.
Helpful Tip: The Disneyland Paris app was a game-changer for us. If I could give only one piece of advice utilize this app. The official Disney park app, It helped us track wait times and find shorter lines, maximizing our time in the park. If you don’t mind running from one area to the next ( ie usually if your kids are older or if there’s just adults this is pretty easy going , may be less easy with small children I Imagine)
2. The Studios Experience: More Than Just Rides
Why You Should Visit: The Walt Disney Studios Park gives you a behind-the-scenes look at movie magic. It’s a must-see for any Disney fan and adds a unique twist to the park experience.
What We Did: The Spider-Man ride was a pleasant surprise—even for me, someone who usually avoids the big thrills! It was interactive and fun. My partner, of course, loved the Tower of Terror, but I was more than happy to stick to less intense rides!
Insider Tip: Take advantage of single rider lines . They’re often much shorter and let you enjoy popular rides without the long waits. It’s also a great section for grabbing coffee and re-fuelling. I found a lovely little seating area under cover ( which considering the rain was a gold mine of a find!)
Best Photo Spots:
- Studio Backdrop: The movie-themed sets make for fantastic photo ops.
- Action Shots: The outdoor stunt show arena is perfect for capturing high-energy moments.
Helpful Tip: Start your day early, especially if you’re planning to visit both parks. The Studios park tends to be less crowded in the morning, giving you a head start on popular attractions. We found we were jumping between the parks a little but as previously said wasn’t too bad without little ones. We definitely got our steps in this trip!
3. Dining Delights: Mickey Cookies, Pizza, and More!
Why You Should Visit: The food at Disneyland Paris is as magical as the rides. From character-themed treats to classic French dishes, there’s something to satisfy every craving. If you’re worrying for fussy eaters there tends to be a good amount of options and choice. The app I mentioned is great at looking at in advance if your concerned. They tend to give you an idea of what the food options are in restaurants.
What We Did: We indulged in Mickey-shaped cookies and delicious pizzas. We managed to do the unthinkable and left our ears at home before this trip and had to scour the local shops before coming to the park to find some “more reasonably priced” ones. They have plenty for sale on site. We by sheer fluke managed to find our in a Primark near our hotel!
Insider Tip: Make dining reservations in advance, especially for popular spots like Captain Jack’s or Bistrot Chez Rémy. You can book up to two months ahead. Take your own flasks! There are plenty of places to fill up these on site. Take snacks with you, eating out at Disney can soon add up if you are eating meals and snacks all day.
Best Photo Spots:
- Foodie Moments: Capture the joy of those iconic Mickey-shaped snacks.
Helpful Tip: Bring a flask and use the free water refill stations around the park. It’s a budget-friendly way to stay hydrated.
4. Enjoying the Little Things: Trains, Shops, and Souvenirs
Why You Should Visit: Disneyland Paris has plenty of charming experiences beyond the rides.
What We Did: We loved the train ride around the park—it’s a peaceful way to take in everything without rushing. The shops were perfect for finding unique souvenirs. If you’re on a budget, there’s a Primark nearby with affordable Disney-themed items for gifts back home or yourselves, including the ears! I also need to let you know just HOW GOOD the shows are! If you’re considering going to Disneyland Paris and are unsure as to if you have enough time to squeeze in a show or two while here, the best option is probably yes! We LOVED the shows they put on here, they were so interactive and engaging for adults as well as children, it really felt special and the shows are not that long. You will still have time to get on plenty of rides on your lists and see the shows!
Insider Tip: Explore smaller shops and kiosks around the park. They often have unique merchandise not found in the larger stores. The Emporium on Main Street stays open an hour after the park closes, so save your shopping for the end of the day to maximize ride time. We came home with some lovely art prints from one of the shops in the studios section , worth looking for! Also as a huge coffee drinker I was OVER THE MOON to see there was a Starbucks on site in the studio area , something I did not realise before hand!
Best Photo Spots:
- Transportation Shots: Capture the charm of the trams and buses as they move through the park.
- Souvenir Shops: The colorful displays make for vibrant photos.
Helpful Tip: Use the app for navigating the park and finding attractions with shorter wait times. It was a lifesaver for us during our two-day visit.
Bonus Tips for a Smooth Disneyland Paris Experience:
- Getting Around: Public transport to the park we found fairly easy. However if you are coming to Paris on the train we did find this fairly tricky. Best advice I could give is to speak to someone who works in the stations. Plan the trains you need in advance, we learned the hard way that our guessing wasn’t correct and the station was a lot more complicated than we realised.
- Mickey Ears Hack: If you’re struggling to find Mickey ears, consider buying Minnie ears and removing the bow—instant Mickey ears!
- Avoid Peak Times: Visit during the week and avoid French school holidays if possible. The park is quieter during off-peak times for a more relaxed experience.
- Water Stations: Disneyland Paris has free water refill stations throughout the park. Bring a refillable bottle to stay hydrated and save money.
- Packing Essentials: Don’t forget a portable phone charger and comfortable shoes. You’ll be walking a lot, and you don’t want to miss capturing memories because your phone dies. Plan for all weathers, if your considering taking disposable rain coats DO! we used ours a lot while here!
Final Thoughts:
This trip to Disneyland Paris exceeded all our expectations—a perfect blend of nostalgia and new experiences. From thrilling rides to magical moments captured in photos, every part of the trip was special. Whether you’re a Disney fan or a first-time visitor, these tips and tricks will help you make the most of your time in this enchanting park.
