How to visit Disneyland in Paris in 2023: All you need to know

Do you plan to visit Disneyland Paris? In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know before your trip – the best attractions, admission prices, where to get cheap tickets, opening hours and other tips that will come in handy when visiting Disneyland Paris.

Disneyland in Paris, France

Disneyland Paris is located about 32 km east of Paris in Chessy. The park was built in 1992. The original name was Euro Disney to distinguish it from the American Disneyland. But just 2 years later, the park was renamed Disneyland Paris.

In 2002, a second park, Walt Disney Studios Park, was added to the original Disneyland Park. Originally, Disney was unsure where to build the park – the shortlist was Catalonia in Spain and Chessy in France.

Disneyland in Paris employs 15,000 people, with 35,000 trees and 450 species of plants. It also has the largest supply of costumes in Europe – a total of over an incredible 250,000 costumes. Nevertheless, Disneyland in Florida with its 4 parks is much larger and even the largest theme park in the world.

Reservations for Disneyland Paris are required. I recommend booking at least a day in advance – if you book tickets on the day of your visit, they are significantly more expensive.

How to get to Disneyland Paris?

Disneyland from Paris

It depends on whether you are going to Disneyland straight from Charles de Gaulle or Orly airports or from Paris. The price of the ticket and the time you spend on the journey will vary accordingly.

The easiest and cheapest way to get to Disneyland is to take the RER A train from Gare de Lyon in Paris (the train also stops at other stations in Paris). You are at Disneyland in 37 minutes and a one-way trip costs you € 7.60. Get off at Marne-la-Vallée-Chessy Station, just 2 minutes from Disneyland.

A red Disneyland bus called the Magical Shuttle runs directly from both airports. The trip takes an hour and costs €23 (children under 12 €10 and children under 2 free). The timetables for Magical Shuttle buses can be found here.

Disneyland Paris by car: parking

Are you coming to Disneyland in your own car? There are several car parks around the park where you can park your car and caravan.

Official parking at Disneyland Paris

The official car park for Disneyland is the Parking Visiteurs Disneyland Paris car park (all the car parks mentioned are marked on the map below). The car park is only open during the day and is not intended for overnight parking.

Take the Boulevard de Parc to reach the entrance gate to the car park (it looks like a toll gate). Here you pay the parking fee. The price for parking is 30 € for cars, 25 € for motorbikes and 45 € for caravans. The price is fixed no matter how much time you spend at Disneyland Park.

The car park is open and partially covered with canopies. A moving walkway leads directly from the parking lot to the security checkpoint at Disneyland Park.

The official Disneyland parking lot is the furthest from the park and the most expensive.

Indigo Disney Village Parking

The Indigo Disney Village parking lot is located to the left of Disney Village, just outside the entrance to Disneyland Park. It is ideal for families with small children or people with reduced mobility as it is the closest to the park.

The car park is covered, with almost 1,400 parking spaces. Vehicles with a maximum height of 2.1 m can park there. The highest price for parking is €26, but the final amount depends on how many hours you spend in the park. You can use cash and card to pay.

Parking at Marne-la-Vallée Chessy station

Marne-la-Vallée Chessy car park is in the same building as the Marne-la-Vallée Chessy station, where you would get off if you were coming from Paris by train. The car park is covered and 5 minutes from the park entrance.

Parking for 12 hours costs € 18.80. The final price depends on the time you spend in the park. The payment machine accepts cash and cards.

Parks at Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris in Paris has 2 main parks – Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park. These are then further divided into theme parks. There are over 50 attractions in total in both parks. Not all attractions are open at the same time. Some may be closed on the day of your visit or for a certain time during the day.

Coming up, we’ll share some tips on the best attractions at Disneyland and what not to miss.

If you are going in season and plan to visit both parks, I would recommend reserving 1 day for each park. There are usually longer queues at the attractions and you might not have time for everything you plan in both parks in 1 day.

Reservations for Disneyland Paris are required. I recommend booking at least a day in advance – if you book tickets on the day of your visit, they are significantly more expensive.

1. Disneyland Park

Disneyland Park is the first park to be built in Disneyland Paris. There are 40 attractions (16 attractions with no height limit) and several spots where you can take pictures with Disney characters (Minnie, Mickey, Donald, Winnie the Pooh and others).

This park is more suitable for families with smaller children, as there are lots of fairy tale characters, Sleeping Beauty’s castle and more attractions with no height restrictions.

Disneyland Park is located on the right-hand side of the train station behind the large pink Disneyland Hotel. You go with the crowd and you definitely won’t miss it. Take the hotel’s subway to Main Street, inspired by early 20th-century small-town America. It ends at the iconic Šípková Růženka castle.

In front of the castle, there are branches leading to individual theme parks. Frontierland on the left, Adventureland behind it, Discoveryland on the right and Fantasyland through Sleeping Beauty’s Castle.

Sleeping Beauty Castle

Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Paris is the only castle in the Disney parks under which the dragoness sleeps. She occasionally wakes up, blows green smoke and growls. The castle’s stained-glass windows were created by master glassblowers. Each window took months to make, using a glassmaking technique from the 12th century. century.

The pink color of the lock is not accidental. They were chosen to match the gray sky that prevails around Paris (Disney Park, Florida is gray to match the blue sky). The castle is oriented to the south to look good in the photos. Inside there is a souvenir shop and an exhibition from a fairy tale.

In the evening, there is a fireworks show. The current time is changing and you can find it for the day in the Disneyland Paris application.

Top attractions in Disneyland Park

Disneyland Park is divided into several theme parks, each of which contains other attractions that you can visit. Here is our selection:

FANTASYLAND

Fantasyland is located behind the Sleeping Beauty Castle and is the perfect place for families with small children.

• It´s a small world – a canal cruise that represents a journey around the world. You will see all kinds of worlds (Japan, Persia, Indians, jungle and many more). The anthem It´s a small world.
• Peter Pan’s Flight , inspired by the tale of Peter Pan, where you fly over London and Neverland in a pirate galleon; short fairy tale ride; long queues tend to occur
• Meet Mickey Mouse – a place where you can take a picture with Mickey Mouse

ADVENTURELAND

Adventureland is a place full of adventure, reminiscent of an exotic tropical place in a remote corner of the world. You will find it on the left side next to Fantasyland.

• Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril – a roller coaster limited by a height of 140 cm; steep turns and a loop await you; there are long queues
• Pirates of the Caribbean – a spooky cruise where you will experience the adventures of Captain Jack and the pirates; everything is accompanied by sounds from the film
• Adventure Island – a walk on a suspension bridge, a cave, a waterfall that will take you to pirate times
• Swiss Family Treehouse – a tree house, which can be reached by stairs up to the treetops with a nice view of the park

FRONTIERLAND

Frontierland stretches to the left behind Main Street USA. You will immediately be interested in the theme of the Wild West.

• Big Thunder Mountain – roller coaster ride through a mine through the desolate landscape of the Wild West; there are usually long queues
• Phantom Manor – a tour of the haunted house, during which the story is told

DISCOVERLAND

Discoveryland can’t be missed by Star Story and Buzz fans from Toy Story. It is located on the right-hand side behind Main Street USA.

• Star Tours: The Adventures Continue – for Star Wars fans when traveling between galaxies using 3D glasses; 60 missions, so even with more visits you still experience a new and new mission; at the beginning of each mission, one of the visitors is selected as a spy
• The Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast – laser shooter with a Buzz rocket; ideal for smaller children; there are usually long queues
• Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain is a space mountain with a roller coaster inspired by Star Wars; steep and fast turns where you dodge laser explosions; there are usually long queues; if you have no experience with roller coasters, I would first recommend trying another roller coaster and then Hyperspace Mountain

2. Walt Disney Studios Park

Walt Disney Studios Park is a newer behind-the-scenes movie and production park. There is a separate entrance. You go straight from the station. You can recognize the entrance from a distance by the tall tower with Mickey’s ears.

Walt Disney Studios Park has only 11 attractions (4 attractions without height restrictions), but some of them are definitely worth it. You can tell by the long queues. Younger children will probably enjoy Disneyland Park a little more, but they will also have a lot of fun here.

Top attractions in Walt Disney Studios Park

• Ratatouille: The Adventure – a fun 4D experience where you get into the skin of a rat and run around the kitchen; there are usually long queues
• Crush´s Coaster – A combined roller coaster in turtle shell with lots of turns; there are usually long queues
• The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – you walk through the mysterious former Hollywood Tower Hotel to the elevator, where you are strapped and a vertical roller coaster awaits you between the ground floor and the 13th floor, where your stomach always clenches when you fall down; there are usually long queues

What attractions to visit with young children?

There are many attractions in Disneyland, but some are limited in height. The best attractions for young children, which are not limited in height, include:

• It´sa small world , Disneyland Park (canal cruise where you will see different worlds and lots of characters)
• Alice’s Curious Labyrinth , Disneyland Park (hedge labyrinth with Disney characters)
• Mad Hatter’s Tea Cups , Disneyland Park (tea cup driving, you control the speed yourself, the purple cup is the fastest)
• Peter Pan´s Flight , Disneyland Park (the story of Peter Pan´, when you fly over London and Earth Doesn’t Earth; it’s dark)
• Meeting and taking pictures with Mickey Mouse , Disneyland Park
• Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast , Disneyland Park (laser shooter with Buzz from Toy Story)
• Ratatouille , Walt Disney Studios Park (fun 4D chase in Gusteau’s kitchen)

Attractions for older children and adults in Disneyland Paris

Although some attractions are not limited in height, they can be quite dark and a little scary, so I would recommend them to older children anyway. The best attractions for older children and adults include:

• Big Thunder Mountain , Disneyland Park (Wild West-inspired roller coaster)
• Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril , Disneyland Park (sharp curve and roller coaster inspired by Indiana Jones)
• Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain , Disneyland Park (Star Wars themed roller coaster)
• Pirates of the Caribbean , Disneyland Park
• Star Tours: The Adventures Continue , Disneyland Park (3D galaxy travel)
• RC Racer , Walt Disney Studios Park (half-circle track; short but intense ride)
• The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror , Walt Disney Studios Park (vertical roller coaster)
• Crush´s Coaster , Walt Disney Studios Park

Admission, price, opening hours of Disneyland Paris

Disneyland offers several types of tickets to suit everyone’s needs. You can choose one-day tickets for a specific date or one-day tickets with an open date.

Tickets without a specific date are more expensive.

One-day tickets vary depending on whether you want to visit just one park or plan to see both parks (Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios).

The last option is multi-day tickets for 2-4 days. The more days, the lower the price per day.

1. One-day tickets to Disneyland Paris

One-day tickets Disneyland offers several price levels. These vary depending on when you visit the park. During the peak season in summer, on weekends or at Christmas, tickets are significantly more expensive (89-99 €).

Off-season tickets in November and the first half of December are around €62-72. The cheapest tickets are available from the second week of January, when prices start at €56. During Valentine’s Day, ticket prices go up again.

You will find out the specific price once you have chosen the date. Tickets do not include transportation.

In the table you can see the price range for one-day tickets to Disneyland that you buy at least one day in advance. The prices are divided according to whether you visit just one park or both parks.

Tickets are valid for unlimited use for all attractions – either for one park or for both parks, depending on which option you choose. Advance reservation is required. If necessary, you can cancel up to 3 days before arrival.

Please note: Tickets are most expensive on the day of the visit – full admission is €105 and reduced admission is €97 for children 3-11 years old.

If you are staying in Paris, you can also arrange your own transport. The bus stops at the Eiffel Tower or Gare du Nord (Gare du Nord/Opéra/Chateaut). Ticket prices with transport are much higher.

I recommend taking the train – it’s cheaper, you don’t have to change trains and you’re at your destination in less than 40 minutes.

2. Disneyland tickets without selecting a date

Are you going to Disneyland but don’t know the date or would you like to give a visit to Disneyland as a gift? Then they are perfect for you one-day undated tickets which are valid for up to 1 year from purchase.

Tickets are valid for unlimited use on all attractions – either in one of the parks or both (depending on which you choose). You must then book a specific date in advance before visiting Disneyland.

3. Multi-day tickets to Disneyland

Are you planning to spend more days at Disneyland? Then take a look at discounted multi-day packages – 2, 3 or 4 days on offer. Tickets are valid for an unlimited number of attractions in both parks. You cannot choose just one park for multi-day tickets.

Opening hours at Disneyland Paris

In high season, Disneyland Park is open 9:30-23:00 and Walt Disney Studios Park is open 9:30-22:00.

Disneyland Park is open weekdays 9:30-21:00 and weekends 9:30-22:00. Walt Disney Studios Park is open 9:30-19:00 and 9:30-21:00 on weekends

If you stay at a Disney hotel, both parks are open from 8:30am.

Where to eat at Disneyland Paris?

There are plenty of options for where to eat at Disneyland. You will find restaurants with service, buffets, cafés and fast food.

You can dine in Disney Village, which is adjacent to both parks and is full of shops and restaurants, or you can eat in the Disney Village. to eat right in one of the parks.

Count on the fact that the prices are inflated. If you want to save money, you can pack your own snacks and eat while waiting in line or on one of the benches.

The best places to eat at Disneyland Paris include:

• Bistro at Rémy in Walt Disney Studios Park (left of Ratatouille)
• Cowboy Cookout Barbecue inspired by the Wild West at Disneyland Park (in Frontierland behind Big Thunder Mountain)
• Plaza Gardens Restaurant on the square in front of the castle in Disneyland Park; they have a great choice
• Rainforest Cafe in Disney Village

When to Visit Disneyland Paris?

As for the time of day, head to the park as soon as possible in the morning, as the largest crowds will gather around 10 am or later in the afternoon. Generally, the calmer means of the week is Tue-Thu.

The quietest months are January after Christmas, February and March. On the other hand, most people live here during the Easter period, in the summer from June to the beginning of September, around Halloween and between Christmas and New Year. Although there are the biggest crowds in the summer, the opening hours are extended and most events take place here.

The weather in Paris is quite mild, so you can go to Disneyland all year round. If you’re looking for a compromise, head here April-early June or then mid-September-October.

How to avoid queues at Disneyland Paris?

Queues at some of the attractions at Disneyland Paris can sometimes be 30-60 minutes long. How to avoid queues?

• Visit Disneyland in the low season and preferably in the middle of the week. The quietest period starts from November to mid-December and then in January after Three Kings Day until Valentine’s Day. Fewer visitors also visit the park at the end of February and in March.
• Arrive as early as possible in the morning and choose the most popular attractions. Save the less visited attractions and Sleeping Beauty Castle for later. The most visited attractions at Disneyland Park include Indiana Jones, Big Thunder Mountain, Peter Pan’s Flight and Hyperspace Mountain. At Walt Disney Studios Park, the biggest lines are for Ratatouille and Tower of Terror.
• Postpone lunch and visit your favorite attractions during lunch, when many visitors leave to dine.
• Download the Disneyland Paris app, which shows the current waiting times for each attraction.

Disney Premier Access

If you do create a queue at the attraction you plan to go to, you have one more option, and that is the paid Disney Premier Access service . As the name suggests, this is an accelerated entrance to the attraction. It is charged 5-15 € depending on when you visit Disneyland – you pay more in the season and on weekends, depending on the occupancy of the attraction, etc.

How does it work? You will download the Disneyland Paris application , where you will create your account and link it with the ticket. As soon as you enter one of the parks and see that there are a lot of people waiting in line, you will find the attraction you want to go to and find out what the waiting time is and whether the attraction has an accelerated Disney Premier Access entry (not all of them have it). Click on accelerated entry, select a time and pay. If you do not have an application, you can also pay for accelerated entry on the spot:

• In Disneyland Park at City Hall – on Main Street on the left just behind the park entrance (as soon as you walk through the station and see a gazebo in the middle, it will be a building with a clock on your left)
• At Walt Disney Studios Park, Studio 1, just past the park entrance

Disney Premier Access cannot be purchased in advance. You can order an accelerated entry for only 1 attraction at a time.

Tips before visiting Disneyland Paris

• Take your water bottle. There are drinking fountains around the parks, where you can tap water without any problems.
• Wear comfortable shoes, because you’ll be doing a lot of walking. The parks are expansive, especially if you’re planning on transferring between Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park.
• Make at least a rough plan of what you want to visit and in what order. Thanks to the size of the park, it is easy to wander around and waste time aimlessly.
• If you have purchased a ticket to both parks, first go through 1 park and then go to the second . The transitions between the parks are quite long and you would waste time on the road.
• Download the free Disneyland Paris app . It will show you where you are, where the attractions are and what the current waiting times are. Wifi is available throughout the property.
• In summer, pack a sunscreen and something for your head. You will spend a lot of time in queues in the sun.

How to save money on Disneyland tickets?

With a tourist card Paris Explorer Pass Disneyland Paris is included. Plus, you’ll get free entry to 40 other attractions and experiences in Paris. Depending on what you want to experience and see in Paris, you’ll see if your card is worth it. Detailed review in a separate article.

Visit Disneyland in the off-season in the middle of the week, when prices tend to be lowest. November, early December, January and late March to April are ideal. It’s also the time of year when lines are the smallest at Disneyland.

Don’t buy tickets on the day of your visit, when tickets are significantly more expensive – full admission is €105 and a reduced price of €97 for children aged 3-11. Book your tickets at least one day in advance .

Accommodation near Disneyland

Disneyland Paris offers 6 options for nearby accommodation. Staying in hotels is an experience in itself. You just have to take into account the high prices per night – for two people they are usually in the range of 10 000-25 000 CZK. 

Would you rather stay in Paris and go to Disneyland in the morning? I recommend staying near Gare de Lyon, where the RER A train goes direct to Disneyland. The journey takes 37 minutes.

Best hotels near Gare de Lyon:

• Hotel ibis Styles Paris Bercy
• Campanile Hotel Paris Bercy Village

Disneyland Paris – Map

HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Above you will find a detailed map of Disneyland Paris. Click at the top left of the map to see separate layers with highlighted locations. You can hide and show the different layers or click on the icons on the map to show the names of the places I mention in the Disneyland Paris guide. If you want to save the map, star it. For a larger version, click on the icon in the upper right corner.

If you have a question about the Disneyland Paris guide, ask in the comments below. Have a safe journey!

Learn more about Paris and France

PARIS ITINERARY: Check out our tips on what to see in Paris. To help you plan, we’ve created an itinerary for 3 days in Paris. For a complete overview of admission fees to monuments, see the article Overview of admission fees and opening times to monuments in Paris.

THINGS TO DO IN PARIS: If you are an art lover, we have prepared a detailed guide to the Louvre (things to do, prices, admission, etc.). In the next article you will learn everything you need to know before visiting Versailes.

PARIS GUIDE: In a separate article you can find out everything about transport in Paris (airport, public transport, metro, bicycle). Read about accommodation, prices, food and safety in our guide to Paris.

HOW TO SAVE IN PARIS: Read our tips on how to visit Paris cheaply. The Paris Pass is a popular way to save money in Paris – find out more about the Paris Pass.

PROVENCE: How about discovering more beautiful places in France? Provence is one of them. The Provence guide tells you everything you need to know before your trip.

Summary: Disneyland Paris