When visiting Paris, a trip to Disneyland Paris is a fantastic way to add some magic and adventure to your itinerary, especially if you’re traveling with children or just love the Disney experience. Located about 32 kilometers east of the city center, Disneyland Paris is easily accessible and can be a great day trip or even a multi-day excursion. Here’s how you can incorporate a visit to Disneyland into your Paris vacation.
Why visit Disneyland Paris?
Disneyland Paris is Europe’s premier theme park and offers an incredible experience for both children and adults alike. It features two parks:
- Disneyland Park: The main park, packed with all the classic Disney attractions, enchanting lands, and magical parades. From the Sleeping Beauty Castle to iconic rides like Pirates of the Caribbean and Space Mountain, this park is all about immersing yourself in Disney’s magic.
- Walt Disney Studios Park: A slightly smaller park that focuses on the world of movies, TV, and behind-the-scenes magic. You can explore zones themed around Marvel, Pixar, and Hollywood with thrilling rides like the Tower of Terror and Ratatouille: The Adventure.
In addition to the rides, Disneyland Paris also offers spectacular parades, shows, and character meet-and-greets, making it a fun and vibrant experience for visitors of all ages.
How to get to Disneyland Paris from the city
One of the best things about Disneyland Paris is how easy it is to reach from central Paris.
- Train: The RER A regional train connects Châtelet-Les Halles or Gare de Lyon to the Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy station, located right at the entrance of Disneyland. The train ride takes about 40 minutes, making it one of the quickest and most convenient options.
- Car: Disneyland Paris is about a 45-minute drive from central Paris. Parking is available at the park, though it can be pricey.
- Shuttle services: There are several shuttle bus services that operate from Paris directly to Disneyland. These offer the convenience of door-to-door service from popular hotels or landmarks.
Highlights of Disneyland Paris
Here are some key attractions and experiences not to miss during your visit to Disneyland Paris:
- Sleeping Beauty Castle: The iconic centerpiece of Disneyland Park, this stunning pink castle features beautiful stained-glass windows, a dragon animatronic, and breathtaking views. It’s a must-see spot for photos!
- Big Thunder Mountain: A runaway train ride through a gold mining town in Frontierland. This roller coaster offers thrills and great scenery.
- It’s a Small World: This classic Disney boat ride takes you on a musical tour of the world, with charming animatronic children singing the famous tune.
- Pirates of the Caribbean: Explore the world of swashbuckling pirates on this dark boat ride filled with thrilling scenes, treasure, and pirate lore.
- The Lion King show: Disneyland Paris is famous for its live entertainment, and this theatrical show based on Disney’s The Lion King is a standout.
- Walt Disney Studios: For thrill-seekers, RC Racer and Crush’s Coaster offer high-speed fun, while the Avengers Campus features exciting superhero-themed attractions.
Perfect for families, couples, or Disney fans
Disneyland Paris is an ideal destination whether you’re traveling with kids, as a couple, or even solo as a Disney enthusiast. For families, there are plenty of rides suitable for all ages, plus character dining experiences that make it extra special for children. Couples might enjoy the romantic setting of Fantasyland or the evening Disney Illuminations show, which ends the day with fireworks and music.
Disney lovers, in particular, will appreciate the attention to detail in each themed area, the parades, and the opportunity to meet beloved Disney characters like Mickey Mouse, Elsa, and more.
How to plan your Disneyland Paris visit
Depending on how much time you have, you can choose to spend one or multiple days at the park.
- Day Trip: If you’re short on time, Disneyland Paris can be done as a day trip from the city. Arrive early to make the most of your day, and focus on key attractions in Disneyland Park. Use a FastPass or Premier Access option to skip the lines on some of the major rides.
- Two Days: A two-day visit allows you to explore both parks more thoroughly. Spend one day at Disneyland Park, and dedicate the second day to Walt Disney Studios.
- Stay at a Disney hotel: If you want the full Disney experience, consider staying at one of the Disney hotels located near the park. This gives you early access to the park before regular visitors arrive and the convenience of being close to the action.
Stay at Hotel Bedford for your Paris visit
If you prefer to stay in Paris, Hotel Bedford is an excellent choice for your accommodation. Situated near the Opera district, the hotel is conveniently located for accessing major attractions and transportation hubs like Gare de Lyon for your trip to Disneyland Paris. After a day of excitement at Disneyland, the Victoria Restaurant at Hotel Bedford provides a relaxing and elegant dining option to unwind.
Tips for visiting Disneyland Paris
- Buy tickets in advance: It’s a good idea to purchase your park tickets online before you go to avoid long queues at the entrance.
- Plan your day: Use the official Disneyland Paris app to check ride wait times, see the park map, and plan your visit efficiently.
- Bring snacks: While Disneyland Paris offers plenty of food options, bringing a few snacks and water bottles can save you time and money.
- Weather-appropriate clothing: The weather in Paris can be unpredictable, so pack accordingly. You’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors, so comfortable shoes and layers are a good idea.
Disneyland Paris adds a touch of magic to any Paris trip. Whether you’re visiting with family, friends, or as a Disney fan, the enchanting atmosphere, thrilling rides, and lively shows offer something for everyone. Make it part of your Paris adventure and prepare for an unforgettable experience.
