Disneyland Paris (formerly Euro Disneyland and Disneyland Resort Paris), located in the Paris suburb of Marne-la-Vallée, is the Disney Empire's European variant of their archetypal "Magic Kingdom" theme park. It was the second Disney theme park resort to open outside the United States, after Tokyo Disney Resort.
"To all who come to this happy place, welcome. Once upon a time, a master storyteller, Walt Disney, inspired by Europe's best loved tales, used his own special gifts to share them with the world. He envisioned a Magic Kingdom where these stories would come to life, and called it Disneyland. Now his dream returns to the land that inspired it. Euro Disneyland is dedicated to the young and the young at heart, with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration for all the world." — Michael D. Eisner, April 1, 1992
"To all who enter the studio of dreams, welcome. Walt Disney Studios is dedicated to our timeless fascination and affection for cinema and television. Here we celebrate the art and the artistry of storytellers from Europe and around the world who create the magic. May this special place stir our own memories of the past, and our dreams of the future." — Michael D. Eisner, March 16, 2002
Disneyland Paris consists of two parks, Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park, and a shopping district, Disney Village. Disneyland Park is the park everybody has heard of and expects, and Walt Disney Studios Park has a more general movie making theme - but it's still very Disney. The Village is comprised of stores and restaurants.
Disney's theme parks are famous for their "Audio-Animatronics," attention to detail, service mentality, crowds and high prices. The intention is to completely recreate the "magic" of the Disney franchise; employees are not "staff" but "cast members"; the park is kept insanely clean; and everywhere you will find a perfectly running machine. For example, you won't find the same Disney character twice within sight - there are no duplicates. Children are clearly the focus of Disneyland, but older visitors are not neglected either.
All the theme parks follow basically the same setup, but of course there are many regional differences.
The total commercialism is something you have to either accept, ignore or enjoy. Besides the merchandise stores at every corner, many rides are "sponsored" by various large corporations.
To make the experience even more magical and enjoyable, the City of Light is just a half-hour train ride away.
With 15 million visits in 2010, Disneyland Paris has overtaken the Eiffel Tower as the most popular tourist destination of the Paris region, and is the fourth most visited theme park in the world, behind Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, Disneyland, and Tokyo Disneyland. Likewise, it is infamous for its crowds. At all attractions all over the park you will see barricades and signs along the lines of "Waiting time at this point - 45 minutes".
For an enjoyable visit to Disneyland Paris it is essential to consider what time of year you plan to visit. Ideally, you want good weather and as few crowds as possible, but off peak times of year may have more limited entertainment shows, parades and firework shows. Some rides may also be closed for maintenance during the quieter times of year. If you really want the full Disney experience then July - August is best, but with most schools in Europe having their summer break during this time then it won't be a quiet visit!
With all things considered, the best time to visit Disneyland Paris is on weekdays outside of public holidays and school vacations. The quieter months seem to be September – October and May – June, but this can vary (especially during special events as Halloween). Considering the French weather, June is likely the safest bet, but warmer weather will bring bigger crowds. However, if you are lucky, you won't have to queue at all except for the very popular rides, and even then the waiting time can be as low as a few minutes. During the quieter times it can also to be easier to get cheaper travel packages - check online or with your travel agent.
Even when the park is not very crowded you will have trouble seeing all of the attractions in one day. For a more or less complete tour, you will need at least two days. It also saves time to stay at the Disney hotels as they are closest to the park and most offer shuttle busses.
It must be said that Disneyland Paris is a lot of fun but waiting for each ride for 45 minutes or more can be stressful, especially with small children. However, see below for the free "FastPass" ticket service, which allows you to beat the queues.
Visiting Disneyland Resort Paris is about as equally expensive as visiting any of the other Disney parks around the world. There are four types of tickets sold. The 1 Day 1 Park Ticket allows you to visit only one of the two parks for a full day. In addition, there are three Park Hopper tickets, which allow you to visit both parks on the same day, available in 1-, 2- and 3-day increments. The 3-Day Park Hopper ticket represents the most ecomomical deal; the ticket price per day is lowest.
These prices, taken from the Dutch version of the resort's website, were accurate as of summer 2013:
| Days | ages 3–11 | ages 12+ | ||
| Total | Per Day | Total | Per Day | |
| 1 Day 1 Park Ticket | ||||
| 1 Day Park Hopper | ||||
| 2 Day Park Hopper | ||||
| 3 Day Park Hopper | ||||
| 4 Day Park Hopper |
Also worth investigating is the Annual Passport - which appears to be cheaper for 12+ age groups than the 3 day park hopper. Buy a 1 day ticket and visit guest services once inside the park to get your annual passport (with its face price reduced by your 1 day ticket purchase price.)
You may want to check the different language versions of the site which will have different types of tickets available. The local French version often has specials that are unavailable on other sites, such as a ticket with a 5-day advance purchase. Depending on the exchange rate, you may save by going to a different country's site.
Disneyland Paris is mainly a place for doing, not for seeing. But this doesn't mean there are no good views.
- The Castle (Fantasyland) is the dominating feature of the Park. While the cynic will notice the stark plastic construction, the castle's fascination cannot be denied by anybody who grew up with Disney style comics. Don't forget to visit the Dragon Cave through a side entrance; the sleeping dragon is one of the best Audio-Animatronics in Disneyland. You can also go up into the castle to see tapestries, models and stained glass telling the story of Sleeping Beauty and then head out onto the balcony for a view of Fantasyland.
- Throughout the day there are various Parades - some of them are quite famous. They include various Disney and non-Disney characters and are held in different parts of the Park at different times. The park map will have a listing of the schedules.
Disney characters are spread liberally throughout the park. Characters will give autographs, but their main purpose is, of course, to pose for photos. Many are available around the clock - usually the more famous characters like Mickey, Donald Duck, and so on - but some are only available at certain times. Some characters are very rare and only appear for special events and race days. Certain characters will move around during the day or may appear in different outfits. Care is taken by the Disneyland administration that no character can be met twice at the same time, meaning that during parades you probably won't see many characters as they'll be too busy on the floats!
For information about the schedule of the characters, you can inquire at most stores or information outlet and some timings may also be listed on your park map. If you have a certain character that you absolutely must meet, then check in with City Hall at the entrance on Town Square. They can help you with this information, and even organize a "Meet N Greet" with your favorite character for a hefty fee.
Be aware that there will be queues for photographs with characters and they fill very quickly, sometimes within 5 minutes. Cast members strictly enforce the character appearance times and once the queue is closed then that's it. If you have characters you really want to see, especially popular characters like Stitch or Donald Duck, then find where they are going to be and ensure that you are in the area about half an hour before they appear so you can get into the queue quickly. It is often not possible for most characters for you to just turn up and take a photo, especially during busy times.
There are many shows available throughout Disneyland Paris.
- Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show with Mickey and Friends (Disney Village) combines horses-and-pistols action with food served to the audience. You have to pay admittance.
- Captain EO, is a Michael Jackson 3D movie adventur. This film originally played in the theatre in the 1990s when the park opened.
- CineMagique (Walt Disney Studios park) - another "interactive" movie show; the theme is a trip through 100 years of movie history. Very well done, and highly recommended.
- Armageddon Special Effects (Walt Disney Studios park) lets you experience the destruction of the space station by incoming asteroids. Probably best suited for teenagers. Avoid if very crowded.
- Moteurs! Action (Walt Disney Studios park) A stunt car show. Rather entertaining and definitely good for some photo moments. It's next to Rock 'n' Rollercoaster Avec Aerosmith. A little bit long but worth the time.
Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show with Mickey and Friends (Disney Village) combines horses-and-pistols action with food served to the audience. You have to pay admittance.
Captain EO, is a Michael Jackson 3D movie adventur. This film originally played in the theatre in the 1990s when the park opened.
CineMagique (Walt Disney Studios park) - another "interactive" movie show; the theme is a trip through 100 years of movie history. Very well done, and highly recommended.
Armageddon Special Effects (Walt Disney Studios park) lets you experience the destruction of the space station by incoming asteroids. Probably best suited for teenagers. Avoid if very crowded.
Moteurs! Action (Walt Disney Studios park) A stunt car show. Rather entertaining and definitely good for some photo moments. It's next to Rock 'n' Rollercoaster Avec Aerosmith. A little bit long but worth the time.
The Castle (Fantasyland) is the dominating feature of the Park. While the cynic will notice the stark plastic construction, the castle's fascination cannot be denied by anybody who grew up with Disney style comics. Don't forget to visit the Dragon Cave through a side entrance; the sleeping dragon is one of the best Audio-Animatronics in Disneyland. You can also go up into the castle to see tapestries, models and stained glass telling the story of Sleeping Beauty and then head out onto the balcony for a view of Fantasyland.
Throughout the day there are various Parades - some of them are quite famous. They include various Disney and non-Disney characters and are held in different parts of the Park at different times. The park map will have a listing of the schedules.
Most "activities" in Disneyland Paris consist of various rides. However, there are discos and bars in Disney Village where people meet and dance.
Easily the primary attraction of Disneyland, rides can be quite crowded depending on popularity - even on otherwise empty days at the park.
Some notable rides are:
- Hyperspace Mountain (Discoveryland) Space Mountain '2' is the park's current offering under the Space Mountain banner, an updated version of the old ride. The ride is fast and harsh and evokes strong reactions - some love it, some hate it. FASTPASS available. Height restriction (1m32).
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror (Walt Disney Studios Park) Same as the Disney California Adventure version with astounding decors, amazing ambiance, and great sensations. FASTPASS also highly recommended. If you suffer from heart or anxiety problems this ride is not recommended as it's petrifying.
- Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril (Adventureland) is a nice ride but does have a loop and there is a height requirement.
- Big Thunder Mountain (Frontierland) Also one of the better rides in Disneyland. Enjoyable but incredibly busy so FASTPASS is a must. Post-ride photo available.
- Rock n' Roller Coaster Avec Aerosmith (Walt Disney Studios park) is the coolest ride in Disneyland Paris. The design (sound studio) is excellent, the acceleration awesome, the mixed Aerosmith music and "concert ambiente" of this in-doors rollercoaster contribute to the experience. Highly recommended. Wait until during the stunt show as this empties the park, then go on for little or even no queue! Or, if the stunt show is not on for another couple of hours, pick up a FASTPASS ticket — but generally the queue is not too bad and does not require a FASTPASS. Another tip, ask to ride in the front, you may have to queue a little longer but generally get on the next time. If you have waited 45 minutes, why not wait another minute for the VIP ride!
- Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast (Discoveryland) is an interactive ride — the only one in the whole complex? — which gives you a "laser pistol" with which to fire at targets, earning points that are totted up as you go along. (If you buy a post-ride photo, your point total appears on it.) Very good fun for all ages, with all the queueing under shelter. Busy: either get there early or take a FASTPASS.
- Pirates of the Caribbean (Adventureland), probably the best known Disney ride, is a water ride with a piracy theme. It's pretty harmless, features a lot of Audio-Animatronic pirates and is suitable for all ages. Expect your clothes and gear to possibly get a bit wet, though it's hardly a deluge. Features "Captain Jack's - Restaurant des Pirates", an expensive "pirate ambiance" restaurant. Although the ride is usually busy, its quick loading technique shortens queuing time. Don't bother with a camera or camcorder inside - it's very dark and you will get wet. Post-ride photo of yourself on the ride (taken automatically) available.
- It's A Small World is a stereotypical "cute" Disney ride. Designed mostly for small children but enjoyable by all, this is a perfect ride for those who enjoy the most impressive kitsch ever designed.. It's colorful, it has a catchy tune that will stay on your mind for days, and it's a lot of fun if you do not take it too seriously. Good for families with young children or silly adults.
- Star Tours (Discoveryland) is a "Flight Sim" with a Star Wars theme. A must for every fan, but it's well done and should be enjoyable for most people. Pay attention for a few small jokes in the very well done set design. It can get quite busy so get a FASTPASS.
- Crush's Coaster (Walt Disney Studios Park) is a very enjoyable roller coaster, mostly in the dark, themed on "Finding Nemo". You ride the East Australian Current on (in) a turtle. Height restriction (1m02). No FASTPASS and very long queues; get there early or be patient. In a 60-minute queue, only half will be under shelter.
- Phantom Manor (Frontierland) A "haunted house" ride that is very well done. Pay attention to the fake cemetery on your way out for a few chuckles. However, it is in French so the plot may be hard to understand. The queue is OK but is more popular during Halloween. It may be unsuitable for very small children; it might not be a good idea to take along your baby, so leave him/her with some older member of the family.
Hyperspace Mountain (Discoveryland) Space Mountain '2' is the park's current offering under the Space Mountain banner, an updated version of the old ride. The ride is fast and harsh and evokes strong reactions - some love it, some hate it. FASTPASS available. Height restriction (1m32).
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror (Walt Disney Studios Park) Same as the Disney California Adventure version with astounding decors, amazing ambiance, and great sensations. FASTPASS also highly recommended. If you suffer from heart or anxiety problems this ride is not recommended as it's petrifying.
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril (Adventureland) is a nice ride but does have a loop and there is a height requirement.
Big Thunder Mountain (Frontierland) Also one of the better rides in Disneyland. Enjoyable but incredibly busy so FASTPASS is a must. Post-ride photo available.
Rock n' Roller Coaster Avec Aerosmith (Walt Disney Studios park) is the coolest ride in Disneyland Paris. The design (sound studio) is excellent, the acceleration awesome, the mixed Aerosmith music and "concert ambiente" of this in-doors rollercoaster contribute to the experience. Highly recommended. Wait until during the stunt show as this empties the park, then go on for little or even no queue! Or, if the stunt show is not on for another couple of hours, pick up a FASTPASS ticket — but generally the queue is not too bad and does not require a FASTPASS. Another tip, ask to ride in the front, you may have to queue a little longer but generally get on the next time. If you have waited 45 minutes, why not wait another minute for the VIP ride!
Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast (Discoveryland) is an interactive ride — the only one in the whole complex? — which gives you a "laser pistol" with which to fire at targets, earning points that are totted up as you go along. (If you buy a post-ride photo, your point total appears on it.) Very good fun for all ages, with all the queueing under shelter. Busy: either get there early or take a FASTPASS.
Pirates of the Caribbean (Adventureland), probably the best known Disney ride, is a water ride with a piracy theme. It's pretty harmless, features a lot of Audio-Animatronic pirates and is suitable for all ages. Expect your clothes and gear to possibly get a bit wet, though it's hardly a deluge. Features "Captain Jack's - Restaurant des Pirates", an expensive "pirate ambiance" restaurant. Although the ride is usually busy, its quick loading technique shortens queuing time. Don't bother with a camera or camcorder inside - it's very dark and you will get wet. Post-ride photo of yourself on the ride (taken automatically) available.
It's A Small World is a stereotypical "cute" Disney ride. Designed mostly for small children but enjoyable by all, this is a perfect ride for those who enjoy the most impressive kitsch ever designed.. It's colorful, it has a catchy tune that will stay on your mind for days, and it's a lot of fun if you do not take it too seriously. Good for families with young children or silly adults.
Star Tours (Discoveryland) is a "Flight Sim" with a Star Wars theme. A must for every fan, but it's well done and should be enjoyable for most people. Pay attention for a few small jokes in the very well done set design. It can get quite busy so get a FASTPASS.
Crush's Coaster (Walt Disney Studios Park) is a very enjoyable roller coaster, mostly in the dark, themed on "Finding Nemo". You ride the East Australian Current on (in) a turtle. Height restriction (1m02). No FASTPASS and very long queues; get there early or be patient. In a 60-minute queue, only half will be under shelter.
Phantom Manor (Frontierland) A "haunted house" ride that is very well done. Pay attention to the fake cemetery on your way out for a few chuckles. However, it is in French so the plot may be hard to understand. The queue is OK but is more popular during Halloween. It may be unsuitable for very small children; it might not be a good idea to take along your baby, so leave him/her with some older member of the family.
If you can plan your whole day and have specific rides you want to experience, you may wish to take advantage of the free FASTPASS system. When you get to a ride, you can get a ticket that allows you to bypass the bulk of the queue at a set, later time. Even when the park is only moderately crowded, it's a good idea to get these for popular rides early (Big Thunder Mountain, Peter Pan and Tower of Terror, for example). FASTPASS exists only for a few of the most popular rides, so check in advance. On non peak days with low queues they may not bother issuing FASTPASS on some attractions, only issuing them for the two or three most popular rides in the park.
You first go to the FASTPASS distribution area near the entrance of the ride, swipe or scan your park admission ticket in one of the machines and receive a free v coupon with a time frame. You then have to come back in that given time frame to experience the attraction. If you don't like the proposed time frame, you need to either get in the regular line or come back for a FASTPASS later. You cannot take another FASTPASS ticket before the start of the time frame on your current FASTPASS. There is a limited number of FASTPASSs tickets available each day so you should take them before they are all gone - especially for Big Thunder Mountain, Peter Pan and Tower of Terror.
Note that some attractions which regularly attract long lines such as Crush's Coaster and Autopia do not offer FASTPASS, so plan when to visit these attractions at a time with the shortest wait e.g. at the very beginning or end of the day.
Some hotels will give to you a special Disney Hotel FASTPASS. It acts like a FASTPASS but you can use it once, when you want (except between 1:00pm and 4:00pm).
Hotels that gives this tickets:
- Disneyland Hotel (Classic and Deluxe room)
- Disney's Hotel New York (Empire State Club rooms)
- Disney's Sequoia Lodge (Golden Forest Club room)
- Disney’s Newport Bay Club (Compass Club rooms)
Don't rely too much on this ticket in the morning, because attractions open their FASTPASS access in the late morning (and remember that you can't use this ticket between 1:00pm and 4:00pm).
This is a great system for people with very young children. Both parents/carers join the queue with their child and one parent/carer rides while the other looks after the child. Once the first person has been on the ride, they take over caring for the child and the other adult can then ride without having to queue all over again.
If you are riding the Rock 'n' Rollercoaster, the Baby Switch process is slightly different. Once the first adult has been on the ride, they collect a ticket at the exit. The second parent then has to queue through the FASTPASS entrance (although the ride attendant's recommendation is merely to push your way to the front of the queue), which can take some time.
If there is one thing you will never have a problem finding in Disneyland Paris it's stores. Various themed and general stores are spread liberally throughout the park, selling Disney merchandise and general memorabilia. They carry everything from pencils to books, from Indiana Jones fedora hats to Cinderella costumes. The sky is basically the limit on the money you can spend at Disneyland Paris - you can buy glass/crystal trinkets and sword replicas in the central castle. If you come to Disneyland Paris with children, be prepared to reach deep into your pockets. A set of goodies for a child will probably set you back approximately . Add to this plush dolls, t-shirts and action figures ... it's easy to spend or more a head on "souvenirs".
The main shopping area of Disneyland Paris is Main Street USA. The largest store at Walt Disney Studios Paris is Disney Studio 1, which you will see straight ahead after you enter the park. Disney Village has a large collection of retailers, including a Disney Store.
Because of the sheer number of stores there is some variation in what they will stock. For example, a shop in Frontierland may sell different cuddly plush toys when compared to a store in Fantasyland. If you are after merchandise of a specific franchise or character then speak to a cast member.
Pin trading, while present, is not hyped as much as it is in the American parks. While you can still trade and buy pins and lanyards, you will find a smaller selection and fewer traders.
The main pin trading hub is the Pueblo Trading Post shop, found at the back of Frontierland next to the Pocahontas Indian Village play area. Except for special pin trading events, the shop is only open on Saturdays and Sundays. This is the only place in the entire park to buy Limited Edition or "mystery bag/box" pins, so if you're a pin fan then it's worth popping in for a look. There are also usually a few pin traders hanging around who are mostly happy to chat about pin trading and collecting.
Disneyland Paris sports many restaurants and bars that have mostly one thing in common: They're expensive, and in the parks themselves they're universally not very good. Vegan and vegetarian options are in short supply. Takeaway food is not easy to find and is very limited in variety. If you're not eating in your hotel then Disney Village offers better options, especially for lunch. Some are simple fast-food spots, others are quite fancy. Cafe Mickey is very expensive ( for four people) but the characters came around and you may save some time not queuing up in the park to have pictures taken with the characters.
- The cheapest food on the premises can be bought at McDonald's. Unsurprisingly, they are much more expensive than any average McDonald's. The McDonald's in Disney Village is the largest in France and can become insanely busy at lunchtime.
- The primary place to eat, drink, shop and party is in the Disney Village, which contains some nicely-themed restaurants including King Ludwig's Castle, the very atmospheric Rainforest Café, and a nice steak house.
- Perhaps the most interesting ambiance can be had in "Captain Jack's - Restaurant des Pirates" which is built inside the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. Prices are steep, but the atmosphere is very nice. You can also look in on the ride itself which can be very entertaining.
- If you booked yourself into a Disney hotel this includes breakfast - basically an all you can eat buffet of cereal, rolls, yogurt, and so on. The food is not fancy, but it'll feed you well. You should also get vouchers for food in the Park at least once (they may offer more than once depending on the booking situation). The food is the same, but you are admitted to the park one hour before it officially opens, giving you a head start to the rides. Not all the themed "lands" are open for this, you can get a list of the ones that are from your hotel. For instance "its a small world" doesn't open until 10:00 and Autopia (cars that the kids can drive) doesn't open until 12:30.
- There is the large shopping mall Val d'Europe located near the park (one stop west on RER A, also free parking is available). This may help if you are on a budget.
- Bring something to drink into the park with you - if you're walking around for hours, especially when it's hot, you will need a lot of liquid to avoid dehydration spoiling your day. Don't forget that drinks at kiosks are very expensive. If you bring a reusable water bottle you can refill it at various free drinking fountains that are scattered throughout the parks. The tap water is perfectly safe to drink.
- There are signs at the entrance stating that there is no picnicking inside the parks. However, this rule is not strictly enforced. Just don't climb all over the ornamental fenced-off grass.
Remember that the parks close early in the winter, spring and autumn so it is hard to eat dinner in the park after dark. Also, if you are visiting for a full day, it's a good idea to go to the park early then retire to the Disney Village for lunch, returning into the park later.
Communication should not be an issue for English-speaking visitors. Although Disneyland Paris is mainly French as you'd expect, all menus and signs are also available in English and some in other languages. All Cast Members speak English; and as they are recruited from all over Europe, several of them speak more than three languages. If all else fails, your fellow park visitors are from all over Europe and across the world, so a bystander might be able to translate for you. Besides French, many signs are also written in English and sometimes German as they are the three most commonly used languages in Disneyland. Maps are available in French, English, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, and German and be found in holders on the wall while passing under the train tracks after you have purchased a ticket and entered the park.
You can buy postcards and stamps at most shops in the park. Mailboxes exist in some central locations. Ask the shopkeepers about the postage required to your destination.
The park doesn't offer Internet access to its visitors and 3G signal is spotty due to the number of people. Some of the more expensive hotels may offer an Internet Cafe though and Disneyland Hotel has free wi-fi for guests; inquire before booking. There are no computers available in the hotels but it is possible to bring a laptop as there are spare electric sockets and a desk space. The McDonald's (inside and some distance outside) in the Disney Village has free wi-fi and Starbucks offers free wi-fi if you purchase something.
- Val d'Europe is the first stop from Marne-la-Vallee on RER A.
Or visit the other Disneyland parks worldwide at:
- Walt Disney World in Florida.
- Disneyland Resort in California.
- Tokyo Disney Resort in Japan.
- Hong Kong Disneyland Resort in Hong Kong.
Val d'Europe is the first stop from Marne-la-Vallee on RER A.