Disneyland Paris Planning | First Time? Start Here!
Welcome, future Disneyland Paris pros!
So if it’s your first time here, and you’ll have probably noticed during your Disneyland Paris Planning that there is a lot to take in!
This guide is here to keep things easy, breezy, and lemon squeezy, so when you walk through those magical gates feeling like you’ve been there before (well, almost).
Think of this as your one-stop planning checklist where we’ll walk you through everything from park tickets to dining options.
Disneyland Paris is calling—and by the end of this beginner’s guide, you’ll be more than ready to answer!
We have a ton of Freebies that you can use to plan your Disney trip! Check them out here.
Disneyland Paris Planning: Where To Start
The beauty of planning a Disneyland Paris trip is that you don’t necessarily have to fork out a ton of money all at once, especially if you’re booking the trip yourself.
Start by checking your options for travel—whether you’re flying, taking the train, or driving—to make sure you can actually get there. You can view our breakdown on how to get from CDG Airport to DLP, or how to get from Orly to DLP.
Once that’s sorted, you could book your hotel the following month, then park tickets the month after. Self-planned trips make it easy to spread out the costs and keep things manageable!
If you’re after a package, many providers allow you to spread payments. Sites like Loveholidays offer flight and hotel packages, though these typically include an off-site hotel.
It’s a convenient way to bundle travel and lodging without staying directly in the Disney bubble—perfect for a budget-friendly option!
Choosing the Right Tickets
Disneyland Paris tickets come in a few different flavors, and picking the right one depends on your plans. First, there’s the choice between a Single Park ticket and a Park Hopper.
If you’re happy sticking to one park, the single park ticket is for you. But if you’re keen to hop between Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park, go for the Park Hopper to cover both.
It’s perfect if you’re only there for a day and want to pack in as much Disney magic as possible. You can check out the rides in Walt Disney Studios Park, and Disneyland Park here to decide if a Park Hopper is worth it for you.
Next up, we have Peak Days vs. Off-Peak tickets.
Prices change with the season, and trust me, the parks are way more manageable on off-peak days. If you can visit mid-week or during quieter times, you’ll avoid some of those marathon queues.
Disneyland Paris offers a couple of Premier Access Passes to skip the lines.
Premier Access One lets you buy access to a specific ride’s Fastpass lane (perfect for a one-time thrill).
Premier Access Ultimate, on the other hand, gives you skip-the-line access to a bunch of rides throughout the day.
Think of these as little splurges to make your trip smoother—no marathon lines required!
Where to Stay: Disney Hotels vs. Nearby Hotels
Where you stay can set the tone for your trip- luckily Disney offers plenty of option for you to choose from!
Staying on-site at a Disney Hotel (you can check them all out here) has its perks!
You’re right in the magic, with Extra Magic Time (early park access just for hotel guests), and you’re within walking distance (or a quick shuttle ride) to the parks.
The Disney hotels range from super immersive options, like the Disneyland Hotel, to the more budget-friendly Hotel Santa Fe, so there’s something for everyone.
Then there are the nearby off-site hotels (view them here), which often come at a friendlier price but are still close to the action.
Many of these off-site hotels offer free shuttle services to the park, so you can get there quickly without paying Disney hotel rates. It’s a great option if you’re looking to save a bit while keeping things easy and convenient.
Planning Your Days: Single or Multi-Day Visit?
If you’re tight on time, a single day can still be packed with fun!
With a Park Hopper ticket, you can hit both Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park.
Just focus on your must-do rides and shows, and you’ll still get a solid Disney experience without feeling like you have to do everything.
For a Multi-Day Visit, two or three days gives you a much more relaxed pace.
You’ll have time to soak in the details, enjoy both parks fully, and even revisit a few favorite rides without the pressure to cram it all in. You’ll also have plenty of time to catch all the shows and parades.
Must-Ride Attractions (and How to Avoid Long Queues)
Here’s a quick tour of the must-rides in each park, plus some insider tips for dodging those epic lines.
Disneyland Park has some absolute essentials. Don’t miss Big Thunder Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Peter Pan’s Flight.
To skip the worst of the queues, try to arrive early for popular rides, use Premier Access, or take advantage of single-rider lines where available.
Over in Walt Disney Studios Park, you’ll want to head to Ratatouille: The Adventure and Crush’s Coaster. And for thrill-seekers, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is a classic.
These rides get busy fast, so it’s a great idea to grab a Premier Access for the busiest attractions or hop in line right at park opening.
Pro tips for beating the lines without a Premier Pass:
We completely get not wanting to pay for a Premier Pass- they can really hurt the ol’ bank account.
In this case, the Disneyland Paris app is your best friend!
You can check real-time wait times, so you can hop from ride to ride strategically and avoid long lines.
If you watch the parade from the bridge (a perfect view!), you’ll be in prime position to jump onto rides with typically long queues right after the last float passes you.
This little trick works like a charm for both parks—while everyone’s watching the parade, you’ll be getting straight to the fun.
Dining Options and Meal Plans
Disneyland Paris has plenty of dining options, so you can fuel up however you like.
For those wanting a sit-down meal, making a reservation in advance is a good idea, as these spots fill up quickly.
The sit-down restaurants offer themed experiences that add a little extra Disney magic to your day.
If you’re after something quick, there are grab-and-go options perfect for a meal on the go, allowing you to maximize your time on the rides. There are also more snacks than I can count!
For those considering a meal plan, it’s a helpful way to pre-budget for meals, and the Premium plan even includes character dining.
For a full guide on whether a meal plan is the right choice, check out our post on “Is the Disneyland Paris Meal Plan Worth It For You?”
Packing Essentials
Packing smart can make all the difference for your Disneyland Paris adventure.
Comfortable shoes are a must—you’ll be walking a lot, so bring your most reliable, well-worn pair.
A portable charger is essential too, especially with all the photos you’ll take and the Disneyland Paris app to check.
And don’t forget to pack for Paris’s unpredictable weather; layers and a light rain jacket will be lifesavers if the weather takes a turn.
For valuables, a secure zipped bag is ideal to keep everything safe on rides, so nothing falls out mid-spin!
A bumbag is also handy for essentials like your phone, cash, or tickets, giving you peace of mind and keeping everything close to avoid pickpockets.
View our full list of essentials here to make sure you’re fully prepared!
Final Thoughts: Get Ready for Magic!
Disneyland Paris is packed with magic around every corner, and with a bit of planning, your first trip can be as smooth as a ride on the Molly Brown.
Whether you’re riding the classics, snapping selfies with Mickey, or just soaking up the Disney atmosphere, you’re in for the time of your life.
Remember, a little preparation goes a long way—but don’t stress if everything doesn’t go perfectly.
Sometimes the best Disney memories happen in the most unexpected moments.
Happy Disneyland Paris planning, and get ready for some serious fun!
At time of writing, there are currently no restrictions prohibiting visits to France. You can see more info on this at gov.co.uk.
