How does one even begin to plan a trip to Disneyland Paris?
How many days will you need? Which attractions can you skip, and which ones are unmissable?
This is probably an unusual article for this blog since I normally focus on our extensive travels with an eye on my health issues, like our recent two-weeks-trip to Réunion Island or our crazy road trip in Scotland before that.
But given that I have had the chance to visit this marvellous wonderland several times, I have been thinking of putting together a little guide on the topic for a while now.
My last Disneyland Paris trip, earlier this year, sparked this article because we were accompanied by friends who visited the park for the first time.
I had to think everything through and devise the perfect itinerary to take them around the best spots in Disneyland Paris in one weekend.
Here are my tips on how to plan your Disneyland Paris trip, complete with my favourite attractions, places-to-be and eateries.
DISCLAIMER: This blog post contains affiliate links, which means we earn a tiny commission every time you book through one of our links at no additional cost for you
What And Where is Disneyland Paris
Disneyland Paris in a nutshell
Disneyland Paris, formerly known as Euro Disney Resort, is an entertainment resort located in Marne-la-Vallée (Chessy), about 32 km east of Paris
The complex of 22.30 km² was inaugurated in 1992, the fourth Disneyland to open after the ones in California, Florida and Japan
Many discussions between "rivalling" countries, especially Spain and France, finally led to the latter being chosen for the European version of the resort
After difficult financial beginnings (there were even talks of closing it again), the park, in the meantime renamed Disneyland Paris in 1994, gained a second complex in 2002: Walt Disney Studios Park
While Disneyland Park focuses on Disney's Classics, Walt Disney Studios aims at showing the behind-the-scenes of cinema, television and animation (including the Pixar and Marvel worlds)
Disneyland Paris is open all year round; in the more than 30 years of its existence, the parks have been closed only four times (due to: a tornado, the 2015 attacks, and two Covid-19 waves)
Magical Disneyland Park
Walt Disney's world has always been a huge part of my life; watching every Disney movie after it came out on VHS or DVD (revealing my age here) was a traditional and lovely family moment.
He created this marvellous colourful world with the help of the most talented drawers and storytellers, and the music is among the best orchestrated in the world.
If Disney isn't your thing, that's fine. But claiming that it sucks, as do some people while thinking they're cool when they publicly despise this world, is just ignorant because it's brilliant from a cinematographic and musical point of view alone.
You don't have to be a fan or even like it, but you can't pretend it's not what it is: genius.
Every serious Disney fan will try to get to at least one of the numerous parks worldwide. And while I have only enjoyed the European one so far, I can't help but find this one to be the most charming. Maybe it's because of the French elegance and Parisian chic, which can only be found here (and which contrasts A LOT with the purely American culture). Or because I'm biased.
But how does one even begin to plan a Disneyland Paris trip?
How To Get To Disneyland Paris
How to get to Disneyland Paris is naturally the most crucial part. It's hard to visit something from afar.
Getting to Disneyland Paris can be easy or complex, depending on your location.
Getting To Disneyland Paris By Car
For us in Belgium, it's a mere 3.5 hours drive by car to get straight to the park entrance.
So if you are in Europe, whether living there or on an extensive road trip, getting to Disneyland Paris by car is fairly easy. There are numerous access points from all sides.
There are huge parking lots outside the park, so that will never be an issue. You could, for example, stay somewhere around Paris (see some suggestions below), rent a car (for the best possible deals, click here!) and then drive there yourself. It gives you more flexibility on when to arrive and when to leave. However, the parking fee is 30 € per day unless you stay at one of the official Disney hotels.
Interesting fact: the parking lot is covered with solar panels, a vast project set to be completed by the end of the year 2023.
Disneyland Paris also offers an Express Shuttle from France's capital city to the park.
For anyone outside central Europe, getting to Disneyland will involve a flight to Paris.
Luckily, Paris' main airports, Charles-De-Gaulle and Paris Orly, are directly connected to Disneyland Paris by train - the station is called Marne-La-Vallée/Chessy.
To find the best deals for a flight to either one of Paris' main airports, we always use Skyscanner. Skyscanner will check various flight providers for you, compare them, and show the best option, rating included.
As I already mentioned, there is either a direct train from the airport or a 60-minute ride with one of the Magical Shuttle Busses.
Before You Go To Disneyland Paris: Preparation
Choose Your Dates
Go to disneylandparis.com and let the calendar choose the cheapest periods if you are flexible. The price difference is huge, and the most affordable periods are those with fewer visitors and fewer queues.
Practical Information
Opening hours
9.30 am - 11 pm for Disneyland Park
9.30 am - 10 pm for Walt Disney Studios Park
Hours may vary depending on the weather, shows or circumstances.
If you stay at one of the official Disney hotels, you get one extra hour in the morning, perfect for checking out attractions that usually have long waiting queues before the masses stream in (more of that below).
Good to know:
Everything in Disneyland Paris is adapted to people with reduced mobility, families travelling with small children, and even people travelling with IBD like myself, thanks to toilets on every corner!
Mickey and the brooms from Fantasia in the Walt Disney Studios Park
Choose The Park(s) And Book Your Entry Tickets
It is not recommended to show up unprepared to either of the two parks.
Disneyland Park and the Walt Disney Studios Park can get very crowded, especially during the high season (summer and holidays), and will most likely be sold out. Therefore, it's not possible to buy an entry ticket on-site.
You can buy an undated ticket beforehand but still have to register your visit date in advance.
Book Your Stay
How Many Days Would You Need in Disneyland Paris?
How many days you need in Disneyland Paris depends on your principal interests: do you plan on visiting both parks, i.e. Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park, or just one?
As a reminder: Disneyland Park is the "classic", with themes around movies in which Walt Disney himself was involved; Walt Disney Studios Park focuses on live-action movies, more recent computer-animated films, and everything more Hollywood, including Pixar and the Marvel world.
Can You Do Disneyland Paris in Two Days?
Disneyland Paris in two days is tricky, especially if you plan to visit both parks. Naturally, you will have to plan your trip and research the best attractions beforehand carefully - it's impossible to do them all in that amount of time.
This is why I made this guide on planning your Disneyland Paris trip so you know what's not to miss.
If you only do Disneyland Park, two days are plenty. You will still not be able to do and see everything, but that only leaves more fun to come back again.
It also depends on your arrival and leaving times. Say, you arrive on a Tuesday early morning, that gives you the whole day to enjoy the parks. Spend the night, get into the park early in the morning if you stay at a Disney hotel (read below), and leave as late as possible.
Sure, you could arrive early and leave late on the same day for one day at Disneyland Park, but then you would miss the fantastic evening shows. Or you would have to drive or fly back home in the middle of the night.
Honestly, I wouldn't recommend it. Always spend at least one night or, for the best experience, stay two nights.
I had the tremendous chance of staying at one of the Disneyland Paris hotels several times. And I still discover tiny details I missed out on the previous time. Granted, some of the Disney hotels are a bit outdated and may need a fresh layer of paint - which they are busy giving to the main Disneyland Hotel (you know, the one that sits on the entrance) - but still.
Staying at one of the Disney hotels allows you to dive even deeper into this magical world.
Why Stay At One Of The Official Disney Hotels?
Aside from the warm feeling you get when stepping into the lobby of Newport Bay or your own little cabin at the Davy Crockett Ranch, staying at one of the Disney hotels has some tremendous advantages.
First, prices are always more attractive when you book a package deal, i.e. entry tickets + hotel + parking.
Then there is the Extra Magic Time, which you may or may not need. The Extra Magic Time is simply one hour that you have early access before the park properly opens. You won't be alone, that's for sure, but compared to the rush of people that starts around 10 am, it's still a quiet time.
You get to enter the parks at 8.30 am instead of 9.30 am, meaning some of the most popular attractions, such as Peter Pan's flight in Disney Park or Crush's Coaster in the Studios, don't have their usual 1-hour waiting time yet.
Also, nothing is more magical than breathing in the crisp air of a cold but sunny winter morning, strolling down Main Street without the crowds but with the mouthwatering smell of freshly baked goods.
Mickey's wand in front of Disney Hotel
The Best Disneyland Paris Hotel
I haven't had the pleasure to try them all yet, and that's because we are so in love with the cost/performance ratio of the Davy Crockett Ranch that we always choose that option.
The fact that it's nestled in the woods, that you have your little cabin, which you can share as a family or a group of friends thanks to two separate toilets and showers, is a winning concept. The little terrace with a barbecue pit is perfect for evening picnics in summer.
Best value for money at Davy Crocket Ranch
The only downside is that there is no shuttle between Davy Crockett Ranch and the Disneyland Parks, and the distance is too big to go on foot.
With a car, though, it's the best. Each cabin has a private parking spot, so there is no long footwalk between the reception/dining/shopping area and your bed.
Also, that shopping area not only sells a wide choice of souvenirs that are sometimes hard to find inside the park (a lot of the stuff is available in nearly every Disney store, though), but they have quite an extensive array of groceries. You can get everything you need for a decadent breakfast or a barbecue picnic.
The fruit and veggies section always looks very appealing, and it isn't all that expensive compared to purchasing food inside the parks.
The trading post with souvenirs and groceries at Davy Crockett Ranch
Other Disneyland Hotels
Besides the Davy Crockett Ranch, the Hotel Santa Fe and the Cheyenne are a bit pricier but still in the lower range.
Step it up a notch, and you will get the likes of the Newport Bay Club and the Hotel New York (now the Art of Marvel).
I went to Newport Bay several years ago, and yes, the price does come with a lot more quality stuff: the exquisite rooms, the details you see and hear when walking through the hotel lobby and the feeling you get of being on a luxury liner from the early 20th century, all add up to a fantastic experience.
A room at Newport Bay Club in 2010
I can't speak for the newly renovated Hotel New York; I only went when I was still a child. But here again: apparently, you get what you paid for. And if Marvel is your thing, definitely worth checking out.
My one-time experience in THE main hotel, the Disneyland Hotel, was also memorable. It is the most luxurious, with the biggest rooms and the greatest advantage: direct access to the park - the hotel is the park entrance.
But the renovations, which are currently (in 2023) still ongoing, were necessary. A lot of the furniture felt a bit outdated and was in dire need of refreshment.
I am very curious to see the final result someday.
Disneyland Hotel by night
Alternative Partner Hotels
There are five official partner hotels. The advantage is that you are not dependent on Disney's prices and you can get better deals via a platform like Booking.
Plus: they offer a free shuttle to the park:
Hôtel L'Élysée Val d'Europe: located in nearby Serris, it's less charming than one of the Disney hotels, but they have some excellent deals outside of the main season.
B&B Hôtel Magny-Le-Hongre: a bit more budget-friendly, they have affordable rooms set in a very calm area - might be good after the hustle at Disneyland.
Aparthotel Adagio Marne-la-Vallée: also located in Serris, this is a good option for a group of friends since they offer budget-friendly apartments; reviews are mixed, though.
Campanile Val de France: the Campanile chain is generally very affordable, and this one has particularly interesting features for entertaining kids; the breakfast buffet is good.
Explorers Hotels Group: a family-oriented hotel with a crazy adventure swimming pool and many extras for children; the decor is more fun and less business-like, and they even have a Disney-souvenir shop.
Aside from the official partner hotels, there are naturally many more options to stay at. Click here to search in Serris or here for Magny-Le-Hongre for the best location.
Traveller's tip:
Wherever you go, I would strongly suggest to get an app called Airalo: you buy a specific e-sim for the country you're visiting, offering cheap data and good service.
It works extremely well and it allows you to use the Disney-App to see waiting times and book restaurants and shows without seeing our phone bill explode.
Dos And Don'ts At Disneyland Paris
Smoking Inside The Parks
If you plan a trip to Disneyland Paris, I suggest you consider the rules for both parks. There aren't many, and yet, people STILL manage to disregard them - sad, really!
For example, whenever I go, I witness people smoking in the most random places. There are many dedicated areas for that; please don't be a dick and respect this! How hard can it be to get to one of the smoking spots?
People come to this park with small children, for heaven's sake. It makes me sad and angry at the same time. Control your urges, please.
Cutting Lines
A big no-no! It's just common courtesy not to cut lines. Everyone has to be patient; everyone has to wait. Just be respectful and don't do it.
Dressing Up As Disney Characters
Disneyland has a rule that adults are not allowed to dress up like one of the Disney characters. There is no ban on wearing "the ears" or outfits that might be inspired by one of the characters. But a proper disguise? That's a big no.
Why is that? One of the most magical experiences for children (and adults) is meeting their favourite Disney character "in person". Only cast members are allowed to be in complete disguise, not to confuse them.
The rule doesn't apply to children, though. There are no kid-cast members, so your little ones can come as dressed up as they please.
Aurora and Ariel waving at the parade
The Must-Do Attractions (And My Favourites) in Disneyland Park
If you are planning a Disneyland Paris trip of just two days, you might want to skip some of the attractions. This can be daring, especially if you are prone to FOMO.
Your selection will depend on whether you are visiting as a family with small children, as a group of friends where some love the thrill of looping and fast actions, and others will get nauseous at the very thought of it, or if you are a die-hard Disney character fan on the hunt for star-pictures and autographs.
Whichever applies to you, there is something to see and do for everyone.
Here are my favourites, ranging from thrill-seeking adventure, over classical Disney story-telling, to inspiring, colourful and vibrant nostalgia, set inside five distinctive theme lands that I'll briefly explain.
Mainstreet, USA
Walt Disney's Home
Mainstreet, USA, isn't technically a themed land since it doesn't have specific attractions but primarily shops and restaurants. Still, it's the first thing you'll see after passing through Disneyland's main entrance.
Speaking of which, that entrance is inspired by an old-fashioned American cinema (watch the cast member's outfits) with purposely low-placed ceilings to reinforce the feeling of grandeur once you enter the park.
After entering, hop on the gazebo in the middle of the square for the perfect picture of the avenue with the Disneyland Castle of Sleeping Beauty in the back.
The height of the buildings is cleverly engineered to give the impression that the castle is much further away than it actually is. Fun, right?
Main Street, USA, in high season, shortly after the parade
Mainstreet itself is based on places, buildings, and even people Walt Disney personally knew and which reminded him of home.
Take your time to observe the facades, and you will see that every building has some name on it, ranging from Walt's family members, over people who helped create the magical Disney world, to engineers called Imageneers in the Disney-world, who worked on specific theme lands or attractions in all the Disney parks worldwide.
Good to know:
Strollers and wheelchairs are available for rent at 25 € in a store on Town Square Terrace in Mainstreet, USA right after the entrance.
They also sell items you possible forgot like diapers, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc.
The Arcades of Disneyland Paris
There are many references to the French-American friendship that made this park possible, which can all be found inside the Liberty Arcade to the left after the first main square.
The arcade on the right is called the Discovery Arcade and is a homage to all the technological inventions made during the Industrial era. It's also the arcade that appropriately leads to Discoveryland.
Good to know:
You will find the First Aid Infirmary at the end of Discovery Arcade, next to the Baby Care Center. Trained nurses can administer first aid for minor injuries and call a doctor if needed.
The Baby Care Center is also the location you will want to visit if your child gets lost or you require a calm feeding and changing space for your baby.
Disneyland's Discovery Arcade
Both arcades are unique to Disneyland Paris, as the Imageneers wanted more covered spaces adapted to the ever-changing climate in central Europe. Something not needed in the parks in Florida or California, for example.
Fun fact
Head inside the Liberty Arcade to the left after the first main square and look for a "curtain" behind which you can hear the French national anthem, the Marseillaise, several times a day.
This was one of the (many) conditions the French had to allow Disneyland Park's creation in their capital city.
Shopping and food heaven
Mainstreet, USA, is where you will most likely find all the souvenirs you sought. And many more you didn't even know you were looking for...
My favourite stores on Mainstreet are Flora's Boutique and Harrington's. They have the most exquisite collection of fine china, hand-blown glass figurines, and elegant homeware.
Fun fact on both Flora's Boutique and Harrington's: In Flora's, look for the "secret phone" hanging somewhere next to a cupboard. Pick up the earpiece and listen. For Harrington's, stand on one of the marked squares on the floor (ask a cast member to indicate the right one, there are several) and have your travel companion stand on another square across the room, on the other side. Start talking to each other from a distance and see what happens.
Inside of Harrington's with the impressive dome and the marked squares on the floor
Some of the best bakeries and restaurants are also here: Walt's - An American Restaurant, and Victoria's Home-Style Restaurant. But more on the food later.
Again: take your time here, and smell, listen, feel and look for easter eggs and peculiar little details, like a permanent snowfall, a piano lesson with Goofy laughing from one of the roofs, or eerie dentist noises coming from another.
Even a barbershop, called Dapper's Dan, is hidden in the corner at the end of Liberty Arcade, and that one is real, not joking. It looks straight out of a 1950s movie, and most people just peek inside and then leave, not knowing that you can actually get your hair cut here for 30 € as adult, or a hot towel shave for 28 €.
Dapper's Dan is open from Thursday to Monday (ask one of the cast members for more precision) and also accessible from the Emporium store.
Yes, you can get a haircut and a trim at Dapper Dan's!
At the end of Mainstreet, you will either head left for Frontierland, go straight through the castle for Fantasyland or steer towards the right to get to Discoveryland—your call.
Frontierland
Big Thunder Mountain
Turning left after Mainstreet, USA (right before the castle), you enter the epic Frontierland inspired by the America of the 19th century: the wild Far West, with a touch of Mississippi and a dash of Californian national parks.
This is where you will find some of my favourite attractions: the Phantom Manor and Big Thunder Mountain. Both are pretty popular, so that you might have long waiting queues, especially for Big Thunder Mountain.
Traveller's tip:
Download the official Disneyland Paris app beforehand; you will have an interactive map of the parks with the current waiting times of each attraction.
Big Thunder Mountain is a mining-train-in-the-wild-west-themed rollercoaster on a wooden structure—no looping but very fast, thanks to the flexible wood.
The decor is based on the stone pinnacles of Bryce Canyon in Utah, and here again, the Imageneers used optical illusion to create an image of a stone island much bigger than it is in reality.
Fun fact
You might not notice this when riding it, but it actually goes through a tunnel underneath the artificial lake (a lake on which the big white steamboat à la Molly Brown makes its rounds).
The island of Big Thunder Mountain
The Phantom Manor
The Phantom Manor is the European version of The Haunted Mansion in old Victorian style, with an intriguing story, fantastic decor, and impressive special effects.
The tragic story: Melanie Ravenswood is repeatedly waiting for a fiancé who, weirdly, disappears or dies before she can marry. The soundscape is incredible.
My favourite building: The Phantom Manor
And don't only focus on the inside; check the surroundings with the cemetery of Boot Hill as well. There are some very quirky tombs to admire; some of them are deadly funny, and some have sounds emanating from the depths.
Fun fact
This attraction is the only one in Disneyland Park that deviates from the general rule that no space is supposed to look dirty, broken or abandoned.
Here, they deliberately let it get covered in dust and spiderwebs. If you look closely, you can even see some beat-up shutters moving occasionally.
Adventureland
Follow the signs past Colonel Hathi's Pizza Outpost to get to a fun and thrilling ride:
Indiana Jones And The Temple of Doom
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom is a classic rollercoaster with loopings, drops and helixes. The theme is, obviously, the second movie of the Indiana Jones franchise. Usually, since it's located in a quiet corner of Frontierland, the waiting time never exceeds 20 min. And the later you go in the day, the shorter they get.
So that's something to remember: get there when everyone else is already moving back to Mainstreet for the big show.
Indiana Jones and The Temple of Doom rollercoaster
If you have to choose and can't do the three rides I recommended so far, this one would be in the last spot. It's not as unique as Phantom Manor, for example. I like doing it because I love Indy (I am still an archaeologist, after all), and it's a quick, fun ride.
Pirates of the Caribbean
From here, look for the big, green tree, the home of the Robinsons (you can climb up and enjoy the decor and the views), to get to the next must-do attraction when visiting Disneyland Paris: Pirates of the Caribbean.
But first, try to cross the Adventure Isle through the caves without getting lost in the dark...
The Pirate Galleon seen from the Cabane des Robinsons on Adventure Isle
Pirates of the Caribbean is another "classic", one of the attractions that are fun for anyone, including those prone to motion- or seasickness.
Of all the Disney parks worldwide, this is the most famous ride. And not only because this specific ride, including its musical theme, inspired Gore Verbinski's Pirates of the Caribbean series with Johnny Depp and countless other high-profile actors.
The version here in Disneyland Paris drew inspiration from Haïti's capital city Port-Au-Prince. Though it also reminded me of Santo Domingo - it's still in the Caribbean, after all.
Thank's again to Europe's unpredictable climate, most of the waiting queue is inside. And while the waiting time can be long, the music and the decor make it go by quickly.
Before boarding the boats, you pass by one of the pricier restaurants in Disneyland Paris, Captain Jack's, with its multi-coloured lanterns and the sombre yet holiday-feely atmosphere.
Sebi and myself with some of our best friends inside Pirates of the Caribbean
The ride itself is on the water (duh!). It passes through a pirate village, with lots of ransacking, drinking and fighting, and even a full-on raging war between boats, and it ends with a bit of creepiness.
To finish: ever since the movies came out, a very realistic looking mechatronic of Mr Depp as Jack Sparrow himself sees you out. It's also his actual voice you can hear.
Fun fact
When the fourth Pirates film came out, Johnny Depp surprised the visitors of the ride by jumping out in full Jack Sparrow attire from behind his mechanical double. A fun PR stunt I sadly missed.
From the pirate skull, you access our next land, Fantasyland.
Fantasyland
Welcome to Fantasyland, the land of fairy tales and... fantasy!
It's the land where you will dive into all of your favourite classics, the films that Walt Disney made himself: Snow White, Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, Pinocchio, etc.
It holds some of the oldest rides in the park and nothing very thrill-seeking or adventurous. This land is for slow, cosy and visually striking attractions. It's the perfect land for fans of the old movies, families, and people with motion-sickness issues.
Fantasyland has lots of German influences
Peter Pan's Flight
Peter Pan's Flight is by far the ride with the longest waiting queues! Similar to Crush's Coaster in the Studios Park.
There are several reasons for that: the movie remains a beloved classic, and the ride is utterly charming, but the structure is rather tight and narrow, with small flying ships that can only carry up to four people simultaneously. So it doesn't flow as smoothly and fast as other attractions.
Good to know:
If you have money to spare, there is a possibility of buying fast passes for several attractions, called the Disney Premier Acces.
It's pretty expensive, and you have to buy it for each attraction individually, but it could be worth it if you are short on time and have preferred attractions you don't want to miss.
Aside from Peter Pan, the Pinocchio and Snow White rides are similar, though I must admit that these aren't part of my must-dos on every visit as I find the stories and the setting slightly more disturbing and creepy. I usually only do them when the waiting time is relatively low.
Speaking of Snow White: try to spot the Evil Queen showing in the big upper window sometimes...
And don't miss the Sword in The Stone! It's a picture taken thousands of times a day; you might as well do it too.
Fun fact
While it might seem impossible to get it out, a giant magnet keeps the blade inside the stone.
And occasionally, one of the engineers on site briefly deactivates the magnet at random moments - and someone fortunate manages to pull the sword out!
Alice's Curious Labyrinth
Next up: Alice's Curious Labyrinth. Not much to say here; it's a labyrinth set in Alice's wonderland. It's not that nice on a rainy day, but when the sun is shining, this is a quick walk I do on every visit, all the way to the castle.
From the top of that castle (a bit crowded, the stairs are pretty narrow), you get a lovely view of Fantasyland and Sleeping Beauty Castle.
The gorgeous view on Fantasyland from the castle inside Alice's Labyrinth
Once you're out of the labyrinth, quickly stop at Hare's Refreshment for the best and most funny-looking ice cream.
And next to that: the Mad Hatter's Tea Cups, still a very popular attraction but, unfortunately, not one of my favourites since I will most likely end up bent in half with stomach pain and nausea after a ride...
It's A Small World
There is no chance you have never heard of this attraction - It's A Small World! - which only just reopened in 2023 after a year-long renovation.
If there is one big classic, it's this: a slow, cosy ride on little boats that leads through an enchanting, colourful and brilliant world of animatronic dolls dressed in traditional attire from countries and cultures worldwide.
The symbol outside of "it's a small world after all"
Granted, the music can be annoying as it easily gets stuck in your head (it was written for that exact purpose). However, it's still a wonderful experience to traverse this magical world where all the people live, dance and sing together in peace.
Plus: the song is sung in at least ten different languages, accompanied time and time by instruments reflecting the correspondent country.
Mary Blair originally created the concept for the 1964 New York World's Fair, and some voices have always criticised the attraction for being too stereotypical. But I still like this melting pot of cultures, customs and, above all, the magnificent costumes.
"It's a small world after all" front
Before leaving this area, if you planned more than two days in Disneyland Paris, don't hesitate to check out the Storybook Land Canal, another smooth boat cruise that takes you through a miniature fairytale world. Again: nothing too exciting and a bit outdated, but still cute.
Storybook Land Canal in the mist
It's a welcome break if your feet hurt and you need rest. There is no waiting cue since most visitors skip this ride. The same goes for Casey Jr Circus Train, which circles this ride. Fun to do with kids!
UPDATE July 2023: Both Storybook Canal and Casey Jr Circus Train are currently closed for renovations - that's a good thing!
Meet and Greets
Fantasyland is also the perfect place to spot all of your classic heroes. There's a dedicated space for a meet and greet with Mickey and also the Princess Pavilion if you are into collecting autographs from cast members.
Mickey, Minnie and Goofy greating visitors early in the morning
Sad fact: the Princesses used to walk around the park, just like the other characters still do, for pictures and autographs in various fixed spots. But they had to find another system due to some groping incidents (by adults). They created the Princess Pavilion, where you join the waiting queue for one to three princesses, sometimes not knowing which ones you will encounter.
After your tour of Fantasyland, instead of walking past the castle, walk through it. But not too quickly: Inside the castle, you will find the Sleeping Beauty story depicted, especially on the upper floor, plus quirky details everywhere (listen closely; you might even hear some of the suits of armour snoring).
The gorgeous Sleeping Beauty Castle seen from the very best photo-spot
One of my favourite shops is also located inside the castle: La Boutique du Château, an all-year-round Christmas shop.
Underneath the castle lies the Dragon's Den (La Tanière du Dragon), an element unique to Disneyland Paris, nonexistent in other Disney parks. When Disneyland Paris opened, the Dragon was the biggest audio-animatronic ever built, with 27 m head to tail.
The eerie Dragon guarding the Castle
Fun fact
Did you know that this Dragon isn't the one from Sleeping Beauty (Maleficent became one, remember?) but from The Sword And The Stone with its main character, Merlin, the magician?
But the Imagineers were glad about the confusion and kept the doubts alive by subtly adding Maleficent's horns to the Dragon's signpost.
Now, off to the last land to discover... Discoveryland!
Discoveryland
Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast
A fun and competitive ride to do with the whole family! It's one of the newer ones in Disney Park, but it's one that I like to do every time I go if only to better my shooting score from the last time.
The advantage is that they operate many 3-person cars simultaneously, so the waiting time is slightly shorter than indicated. Don't worry about motion sickness here: I am very sensitive, and this attraction has never been a problem.
Mr Buzz Lightyear himself introducing the ride
Star Tours: The Adventure Continues
A must for every Star Wars fan, but contrary to the previous one, Star Tours is a ride that I only did once and decided: it's not for me. It's a 4D experience with many sudden movements and augmented reality stuff my stomach can't bear.
But I love checking out the adjacent Star Traders store while waiting for the others, focused solely on the Star Wars Universe.
Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain
Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain, formerly Space Mountain, is one of the major highlights of Disneyland Park.
They renamed the attraction after Disney bought the Star Wars franchise, which is a bit sad, as the theme of the Space Mountain matched everything else in Discoveryland so well. It represented Jule Verne's view of space travels in the late 1800s, stuffed with fantastic steampunk elements.
While the decor remained more or less the same, they tried adding some Star Wars elements with posters, but the mix is a bit weird.
The gorgeous steampunk Hyperspace Mountain with the Nautilus in the front
The ride is fast-paced (the launch is so cool!), an exciting rollercoaster with many loopings, all set inside an intergalactic battle with lots of visuals and sound effects.
I hope they will keep the steampunk aspect, as this makes it unique in the world: the other four Disney parks have a very sober version of Space Mountain.
Queues can be long, and they frequently close the ride for maintenance. But it's an absolute favourite.
Traveller's tip:
As it's near the exit of the park, do this ride at the end of your day, preferably when everyone else is watching the big castle show - that is if you have already seen the show, of course.
Next to Hyperspace Mountain is the newly reopened (in 2023) Nautilus, where you can quickly walk through, and Autopia, a cute ride with automatic cars that we enjoyed doing with my nephews when they were smaller (now they are old enough for the "big" rides).
So this was the overview of must-do attractions in Disneyland Park, but it's very biased as it's based on my personal preferences - yours might be different.
Traveller's tip:
If not everyone in your group wants to do the attractions and you don't mind going alone, the single-rider lines are always significantly shorter! It can save you a lot of time.
If you go in the single-rider queue as friends, you might still end up on the same tour.
The Must-Do Attractions (And My Favourites) in Walt Disney Studios Park
The Walt Disney Studios Park isn't organised in the same way as Disney Park. While there is a sort of grouping with everything Pixar on one side and the recently opened Avengers Campus on the other, it's not the same arrangement.
However, the Avengers Campus, which only opened in 2022, is the first of a series of new "lands" in the making. Somewhere between 2023 and 2025, we should see the opening of an entire Arendelle/Frozen land, and an expanded Star Wars world is also planned already.
These new lands will considerably enlarge the Studios Park.
Until then, here are my favourite attractions in Walt Disney Studios Park.
Walt Disney Studios entrance
The Avengers Campus
When entering Studios Park, you will pass through a big hangar filled with shops and restaurants. Most of the articles sold here are Pixar and Marvel-themed.
The Art Deco set, and the little details of the trompe-l'oeil facades are pretty cool and are an homage to Hollywood during Walt Disney's lifetime.
Once you're through, stop for the iconic picture of Walt Disney holding Mickey's hand.
Mr Disney and his pal in front of the Twilight Tower of Terror Hotel
If you turn to the left now, you get to the new Avengers Campus.
Spider-Man W.E.B. Adventure
The concept of the Spider-Man W.E.B. Adventure is a bit similar to the Buzz Lightyear ride. Only, instead of laser guns, you shoot virtual web strings with your hands to neutralise the rogue spider-bots. The movement of your wrists matters, as some motions get you more points.
Again, it's a fun ride for the whole family where you get to battle each other, all accompanied by Tom Holland's voice and hologram.
This is another attraction you might want to privilege in the morning, for example, as queues during the day can get pretty long.
Avengers Assemble: Flight Force
The Avengers Assemble: Flight Force is a classic indoor rollercoaster. It was previously the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith but was completely revamped in the Marvel theme in 2022.
Between the WEB attraction and this rollercoaster, you will frequently encounter several of the Avengers, either performing stunts with some villains on the roofs or interacting with the public.
Get a good picture of the Avengers Quinjet, too; it's a magnificent engine.
Avengers Quinjet next to the "Training Center"
You will have to get back to the entrance to get to the other side of Walt Disney Studios Park.
But before heading towards the World of Pixar, check out one of my absolute favourite attractions in the whole of Disneyland Paris.
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
I vividly remember the first time I went on The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. It caught me by surprise and was so thrilling that it started a tradition: riding the Tower of Terror on every visit.
The scenery alone hit my taste: an elegant hotel covered in spiderwebs during the Golden Age of Hollywood, with flickering lights and eerie elements. Then there are the cast members, dressed as bellhops of the same era - usually playing their role of ghostly employees very well.
A picture inside the Tower of Terror that I take every time
Visitors enter the hotel library, where they get to see the intro to The Twilight Zone, the popular series from the 1950s and 1960s, telling the story of a group of people using the main elevator one day when it got struck by a lightning bolt, trapping them in an alternative dimension. Then the visitors are led to the service elevator to be seated and get some strange visits first.
What happens next? Well, I'm not going to spoil you.
Just remember: whatever you do - don't scream.
A word of caution, though: it can be slightly rough on the stomach. Despite my sensitivity, I can take it very well because it doesn't last very long. But I know other people who didn't like it that much because of the sudden movements.
Also, it can feel a little bit claustrophobic inside - but not too much.
Worlds of Pixar
At Worlds of Pixar, the predominant themes are Toy Story on one side and Ratatouille on the other.
Walking through the Toy Story world is a fun experience as the whole decor is designed to make you feel tiny: just like the toys in the movies.
The whole area is stuffed with little easter eggs from the movies and great photo ops.
The Worlds of Pixar
On the other side of Worlds of Pixar, they recreated a fictitious Parisian square, with boutiques, restaurants and some rides, blending incredibly well into the fake facades.
The music adds to this virtual transportation to beautiful Paris.
I can hear the Ratatouille-theme playing in my head whenever I look at this picture
Here are my favourite rides in these two areas:
RC Racer
The RC Racer looks relatively harmless, but appearances can be deceiving. It is a fun, thrilling rollercoaster that shoots forwards and backwards on a kind of half-pipe.
On my first ride, the adrenaline caused my voice to shut down once we reached the highest point - I loved it!
This ride is unsuitable for the faint of heart or those scared of heights. But everyone else: enjoy!
Again, trying the single rider queue might be a good idea - even if you are two.
Before heading to the Parisian square, don't miss out on the Cars Road Trip, especially if you need a mellow, soft ride to calm down your nerves - or if you want to do something with the people in your group who aren't as enthusiastic about rollercoasters as you are.
It's a cute little ride in a bus through the Cars world, past Radiator Springs, with a tiny bit of action thanks to cool film effects somewhere towards the end. Kids love it, and I do too.
Ratatouille The Adventure
Ratatouille The Adventure is a fantastic and exciting ride, which, unfortunately, I only did once and decided never to do again...
You enter Paris and Gusteau's restaurant, particularly the kitchen, but from the rat's perspective. The set is stunning, but it all comes with giant, immersive 3D screens - glasses are provided - which I couldn't stomach. The movements of the little cars, together with the visual effects, it was all too much.
If things like 3D, sudden movements and augmented reality don't bother you, this attraction is a must-do! I'm actually a bit sad that I don't tolerate these things well.
Crush's Coaster
The last must-do attraction I recommend for the Walt Disney Studios Park is Crush's Coaster, a super cool spinning rollercoaster aboard turtle shells which mimics the East Australian Current in the ocean used in Finding Nemo to quickly get to Sydney Harbour.
Here's an attraction for which you might want to consider getting the (expensive) Disney Premier Access: the waiting time during the day for this specific ride can reach up to 2 hours!
It is why I hardly ever do this ride, even though it's particularly enjoyable.
Or, use your Extra Magic Time early in the morning to get here right when the park opens for hotel guests.
And this concludes my recommendation list. There are numerous other rides, carousels and other attractions, but you can't possibly do all of them, especially not with two days in Disneyland Paris.
Also, you might want to skip those that seem less interesting to you personally to attend one of their fantastic shows, ranging from a condensed Lion King-musical, over an interactive magician show, to a classic Disney sing-along-medley (more on that below).
Can you hear the music? The Lion King: Rhythms of the Pride Lands
Naturally, food is also a crucial part when visiting Disneyland Paris.
But Disneyland's food deserves a whole article, so this will only be a brief overview of my favourite restaurants and eating places in and around Disneyland Paris.
Eating in The Disney Village
The Disney Village is located outside the main entrance and is a melting pot of Disney-themed stores for souvenirs, toys (check out the Lego Store!), fashion, restaurants, snackeries and food trucks.
Some of my favourite eateries in the Disney Village are:
Annette's Diner: I love the retro diner setting, and it's my favourite breakfast option; it's located here.
The Royal Pub: replaced the former King Ludwig's Cafe; they serve all-day breakfast (just opened this February 2023); find it here.
Rainforest Café: a fun restaurant for the whole family, with a lively rainforest decoration (moving animals and sound effects included); it's in the back of Disney Village here.
You could also opt for a quick Starbucks if you are short on time, but breakfast options are available inside the parks (albeit a bit pricier) too.
Eating in Disneyland Park
Eating inside Disneyland Park is more expensive than in Disney Village. But it comes with a lot more perks: charming decors full of little details, the cutest Disney-themed dishes and desserts, all visually very appealing and generally an excellent quality in produces used.
Even if you are on a budget, I suggest you choose one restaurant in either of the parks to complete your Disneyland Paris experience.
The following list is a condensed version of my extensive blogpost on Food in Disneyland Paris - check it out!
Good to know:
You can book a table for the main restaurants through the official Disneyland Paris App; for some restaurants, it's impossible to get a table any other way.
Here are my favourite restaurants and eateries inside Disneyland Park:
Main Street, USA
Walt's - An American Restaurant: if you only do one proper restaurant (one of the most expensive ones), let it be Walt's. For the decor, the elegance, the deliciously fancy food and the VIP location on Main Street.
Victoria's Home-Style Restaurant: the afternoon tea comes with a selection of the sweetest treats, all Disney-themed; book your spot through the app.
Boardwalk Candy Palace: for all the sweet tooths, the best candy but also ice cream, cakes, cookies and yummy cake-pops.
Casey's Corner: a fast and reasonably priced option for a quick hot dog and a cheeky beer; get it, for example, right before watching the main castle show.
Yummy cake-pop from the Boardwalk Candy Palace
Frontierland
To be honest, there is no restaurant I would particularly recommend. I went to the Lucky Nugget Saloon last year, but it was expensive for a not-so-charming plate of food. The food was good but very basic.
The restaurant is gorgeous, though. Try to at least have a peak inside.
Adventureland
Restaurant Agrabah Café: Aladdin-themed restaurant with delicious oriental food; it comes in an all-you-can-eat-buffet and with a lot of little extra treats; it reminded me strongly of the food we had while backpacking in Jordan or staying the Wadi Rum desert.
Restaurant Hakuna Matata: African-style food, a lovely setting; it is a fast-food restaurant, but if even that is too slow, the snacks from the adjacent Cool Post are cute and tasty too. In Namibia, I tasted similar flavours so it feels authentic.
Captain Jack's Pirate Restaurant: I still haven't had the pleasure of trying this Caribbean-themed restaurant, but I only heard good things about it (except for the price); every time I get on the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, I envy the people sitting there in the half-light with flickering lanterns, looking down on the boats passing by.
Example of the food served at Agrabah Café
Fantasyland
I haven't eaten in Fantasyland in a long time, so I can't recommend much.
I remember loving the Auberge de Cendrillon (I was a total Cinderella fan) and their kid's menu, but that was many (many!) years ago.
I can, however, point out the best ice cream: head to March Hare Refreshments near the labyrinth. That's always a win.
Discoveryland
One address here: the Café Hyperion. It's a fast-food set inside the giant steampunk airship hangar that serves burgers, fries, nuggets, and such. The food is good, not too expensive, and, despite some long queues, you generally don't have to wait long.
Plus: since the space is so big (there are occasional sequence showings or character appearances on the main stage), you will always find someplace to sit.
Stop by the Cool Station for a great coffee on the way back.
Eating in Walt Disney Studios Park
There are two main addresses I recommend to everyone I know:
PYM Kitchen: as of 2023, the price for the all-you-can-eat-buffet + one drink is 45 € per (adult) person (25 € for kids); the buffet is huge! So many tasty options, salty and sweet, and all in the theme of the Pym's particle, meaning either in mini-version or supersized.
Bistrot Chez Rémy: a bit more classy, in the typical Ratatouille style, meaning the guests are at rat-size in a super cute decor; the food is pricier but of the excellent French standard.
Inside Bistrot Chez Rémy
Besides these two, food trucks on every corner serve burgers, ice creams, waffles, etc.
Or you can enjoy some quick pizza and pasta at Stark Factory in the back of the Avenger's Campus (don't miss out on Peggy's office hidden inside).
A Quick Word On The Shows And Parades
Since the parades and show times constantly change and vary, I can't recommend anything specific. Always check the Website or Instagram page of Disneyland Paris for some visual help in your decision-making, and use the app to check the timetables.
The Disney Stars On Parade is a fantastic show and has been going on since 2017 - the carriages and costumes change yearly, but the show remains more or less the same.
Disney Stars On Parade in 2023
If you visit in 2023, you will be able to see the parade for Disneyland Paris' 30th anniversary until September; after that, it will probably be replaced by the special Christmas parade.
For the shows in Disneyland Park, there are always some musical shows, the newest one being on the Frozen theme. In Walt Disney Studios Park, I know an all-new Pixar musical called " Together " is about to start.
Traveller's tip:
Again, download the app beforehand to get all the showtimes and even book them ahead (for 15 € per person) to skip the queues and to be sure to have a seat.
For the most popular shows, some people stand in line for almost an hour only to see that the place is packed and they will have to wait for the next showtime.
The one thing not to miss is the spectacular show on the castle: they added drones to the already impressive fireworks and light show this year, and it's incredibly gorgeous!
Disney D-Light, the drone show from beginning of 2023
The Walt Disney Studios Park also has a show since the beginning of 2023: fewer fireworks, but more drones, all in the Marvel theme and projected on the Twilight Tower of Terror. It's unbelievable!
Don't miss these!
The spectacular Marvel lights and drones show in Walt Disney Studios Park
How To Plan Your Disneyland Paris Trip: Conclusion
Planning a Disneyland Paris can be very relaxing or slightly stressful. It depends on your time, the FOMO you feel, and the degree of fandom you bring.
Visiting Disneyland Paris in two days is a good start. There are two full parks to explore, and what I suggested in this article are the main highlights, which may vary depending on your taste and interests.
Also, having dinner at one of the restaurants is almost a must, and attending at least the big evening sound and light show at the castle certainly is. And that's just impossible to do in one day.
I have always been very open about my love for the world of Disney. Yes, I am very well aware that Walt was no Saint (he was a bit of an antisemitic misogynist sometimes), but you must always put everything back in its context. Walt's time was very different from today, and I think it's commendable that Disney puts a lot of effort into repairing some errors and being the most tolerant and open it can be.
The thing that still bothers me, but they seem to be working on that too, is the lousy payment (and sometimes treatment) of people working in Disneyland - in Paris or elsewhere. Let's see what they will do about that in the future.
And yes, I know, it's all a big money machine. And while I am usually very well aware of where my money goes, put some Mickey ears on it, and I know no boundaries: their marketing work all too well on me.
Oh well, it's my guilty pleasure.
I hope you had fun diving into the depth of the world of Disneyland Paris and found this post helpful.
Feel free to comment, pin and share for others to see and support us.
As ever,
xx
Cyn
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