Disneyland Paris planning guide: everything for your first visit
Planning a first trip to Disneyland Paris comes down to six decisions, in this order: when to go, how many days to stay, which tickets to buy, where to sleep, how to get there and how to spend your days in the parks. Get the first two right and everything else becomes easier and cheaper.
This guide walks you through each step and links to the detailed guides when you need more. I’ve lived in Paris for 5 years, and a regular visitor to Paris. My favorite way to get there is getting the RER A.
Disneyland Paris in a nutshell
- Where: Marne-la-Vallée, about 30 km east of Paris, with its own train station opposite the park gates.
- Two parks: Disneyland Park, the classic castle park, and Disney Adventure World, formerly Walt Disney Studios, home to World of Frozen and Avengers Campus.
- Disney Village: a free-to-enter area with restaurants and shops between the parks and the hotels.
- Disney Hotels: seven official hotels, most within walking distance of the parks.
Step 1: Choose when to go
Dates drive almost everything: crowds, ticket prices and hotel prices. The quietest and cheapest times are usually weekdays outside French and UK school holidays. Weekends, school holidays, Halloween and the Christmas season are the busiest.
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Spring | Mild weather and seasonal events; busy during Easter holidays |
| Summer | Longest opening hours, but peak crowds and prices |
| Autumn | Halloween season in October; quieter weekdays in early autumn |
| Winter | Christmas season from early November; cold, but magical decorations |
Going in winter? Read the Disneyland Paris Christmas guide.
Step 2: Decide how many days
- 1 day: enough for the highlights of Disneyland Park, especially with young children. You’ll need to prioritise.
- 2 days: the sweet spot for most families. One day per park, or a relaxed pace in both.
- 3 days or more: time to repeat favourites, see the shows and parades, and take breaks.
More detail in how many days you need at Disneyland Paris.
Step 3: Buy your tickets
Buy dated tickets online in advance: prices follow a calendar and tend to rise as the date gets closer. Choose 1 park or 2 parks for a single day, and a multi-day ticket for longer stays, which includes both parks at a lower price per day. Children aged 3 to 11 pay the child rate, and under-3s go in free.
Every ticket type explained, plus Premier Access, in the Disneyland Paris tickets guide.
Step 4: Choose where to stay
- Disney Hotels: closest to the parks, with one hour of Extra Magic Time each morning.
- Partner hotels: cheaper, with a free shuttle bus.
- Val d’Europe: apartments with kitchens, one RER stop away.
- Paris: only if you’re visiting the city too.
Every hotel compared in where to stay at Disneyland Paris.
Step 5: Plan how to get there
- From Paris: RER A to Marne-la-Vallée – Chessy, around 40 minutes.
- From CDG airport: TGV in about 10 minutes, or the Magical Shuttle coach.
- From Orly: Magical Shuttle, or metro line 14 + RER A.
- From London: Eurostar with a change at Lille or in Paris (no direct train at the moment).
Step-by-step routes in how to get to Disneyland Paris.
Step 6: Plan your days in the parks
Download the Disneyland Paris app
The official app is essential. It shows wait times, show and parade schedules, opening hours and character meets, and it’s where you join virtual queues and buy Premier Access. Download it and log in before you travel.
Arrive before opening
The first hour of the day has the shortest queues. Be at the gates before opening and head straight to the most popular ride on your list. If you’re staying at a Disney Hotel, use Extra Magic Time.
Pick your must-dos, not everything
Ask each family member for their top three. Plan around those, and treat everything else as a bonus. Check height requirements in advance so no one is disappointed.
Book restaurants early
Table-service restaurants and character dining get booked up, especially in holidays. Reserve as soon as you have your dates. For quick meals, eat slightly before or after the lunch rush.
Build in breaks
With young children, a midday rest at the hotel or a quiet indoor show makes the evening far more enjoyable. Save energy for the end of the day, when the castle lights up.
[YOUR TIP: your best park-day strategy, such as which ride to do first or where to watch the evening show.]
How much does a trip cost?
Your budget depends on four things: park tickets, accommodation, food and transport. Dates matter most: the same trip can cost far less on quiet weekdays than in school holidays. Use the free Disneyland Paris budget calculator to get a realistic estimate for your family in a couple of minutes.
What to pack
- Comfortable, broken-in shoes
- A waterproof jacket or rain ponchos, whatever the season
- A portable phone charger for the app
- Refillable water bottles and snacks for the queues
- Layers for the evening, when it gets cooler
Get the full list: free printable family packing list.
Your planning checklist
- Pick your dates, avoiding school holidays if you can.
- Decide how many days to spend in the parks.
- Book dated park tickets.
- Book your hotel.
- Book trains, flights or transfers.
- Reserve restaurants.
- Download the app and list everyone’s must-dos.
- Check the weather and pack.
Planning a Disneyland Paris trip: FAQ
How far in advance should I plan a trip to Disneyland Paris?
For school holidays and Christmas, book several months ahead. For quiet weekdays, a few weeks is often enough, but booking early usually gets you better prices.
Is one day enough for Disneyland Paris?
One day is enough for the highlights of Disneyland Park. To see both parks without rushing, plan two days.
What is the best age to take children to Disneyland Paris?
There’s no single answer, but many families find ages 4 to 10 the sweet spot: children are tall enough for more rides and still believe in the magic.
What is the cheapest time to go to Disneyland Paris?
Weekdays outside school holidays, especially in quieter months away from Halloween and Christmas.
Do I need the Disneyland Paris app?
Yes. It shows wait times and show schedules, and it’s where you join virtual queues and buy Premier Access.
Last checked: October 2026. Opening hours, prices and attractions change, so always check the official Disneyland Paris app and website before your visit. Magic Map Paris is an independent website and is not affiliated with Disneyland Paris or The Walt Disney Company.