Magic Breaks

Located just outside of the French capital, Disneyland Paris promises its lucky visitors an unforgettable magical adventure that's easily accessible from the UK and the rest of Europe. Whether you're a thrill-seeker wanting to experience the rush of the rollercoasters or you're a serlf-confessed Disney super fan looking to immerse yourself in the magic of your favourite characters, there's something for everyone at Disneyland Paris.

For first-time visitors, planning is the key to a successful trip. With so much to see and do, it can be very easy to become overwhelmed trying to squeeze everything in. From being able to navigate the park correctly right through to nailing down the best dining options, a little preparation will go a long way once you are there.

In this handy guide, our Disney specialists have given their essential tips and insider advice to help maximise your time in Disneyland Paris ensuring it is a holiday to remember.

Tip 1: Plan Ahead and Book Early

As you can imagine, Disneyland Paris is one of the world’s most busiest theme parks, attracting visitors from all over the world. It is always the best option to BOOK EARLY as this guarantees your entry to the park and also allows you a wider choice of hotels and room types that you can often find with better prices. If you like a bargain, the best times to visit the Park is during the off-peak period between January to March, and October to November. You’ll notice fewer crowds, shorter wait times on all rides and attractions and much more affordable rates for hotels. Weekdays are also a great time to visit the parks for a more relaxed experience, and if you want to visit for special occasions such as Halloween and Christmas, expect things to be very busy and a lot more expensive!

Tip 2: Understand the Park Layout

There are two main parks that make up the magic of Disneyland Paris: Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park. Disneyland Park is the original Disney experience, with fairy-tale charm everywhere you look that is divided into five themed worlds. Main Street, U.S.A., Frontierland, Adventureland, Fantasyland, and Discoveryland. Each world offers an incredibly unique and immersive setting with themed restaurants, shops, and attractions like the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle through to the thrilling Star Wars-inspired Hyperspace Mountain.

Walt Disney Studios Park switches the focus from fairy-tales and happily ever afters to behind the scenes action of some of the world’s most loved movies and animations. Here, you’ve got four main areas to explore: Front Lot, Toon Studio, Production Courtyard, and Backlot. It is at Walt Disney Studios Park where you can get lost in the world of Ratatouille and experience the terrifying freefall drop of The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.

Tip 3: Prioritize Must-See Attractions

No matter what time of year you visit, the Park will always be fairly busy. We’d suggest making a list of the attractions you want to see or do the most so as not to disappoint. As self-confessed Disney specialists, we’ve put together a handy list of what we think are the top attractions for each park at Disneyland® Paris.

In Disneyland Park, the top attractions you shouldn't miss include:

Sleeping Beauty Castle: Explore the castle and its dragon lair.
Big Thunder Mountain: A thrilling mine train roller coaster.
Pirates of the Caribbean: A swashbuckling boat ride.
Space Mountain: An exhilarating space-themed coaster.
Peter Pan's Flight: A magical journey over London and Neverland.
It's a Small World: A classic, family-friendly boat ride.

In Walt Disney Studios Park, be sure to check out:

Ratatouille: The Adventure: A 4D culinary adventure.
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror: A chilling free-fall experience.
Crush's Coaster: A fun and fast spinning ride.
RC Racer: A high-speed U-shaped track ride.
Slinky Dog Zigzag Spin: Perfect for younger children.
Studio Tram Tour: A behind-the-scenes look at movie magic.

Tip 4: Make Dining Reservations in Advance

It is essential to plan and book your dining reservations well in advance. As mentioned already, the Park is busy pretty much year-round and so guests wanting to dine in the restaurants should book as soon as possible after booking.

This can be done up to 12 months in advance and is always advised if you’re wanting to dine at popular restaurants like Bistrot Chez Remy, Captain Jacks – Restaurant des Pirates, and Manhattan Restaurant inside Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel.

Tip 5: Download the Disneyland Paris App

As you can imagine, our staff have been to Disneyland® Paris over the years more times than most and one thing that everyone always mentions is how much of a game changer the official Disneyland® Paris app is.

The app makes navigating the parks so much easier as it eliminates the need for the old-school paper maps. Everything you need is right there on your phone which means more time enjoying the magic and less time trying to figure out where you are. In addition to navigating around the Park, you’ll also have access to wait times for rides and attractions in real time. This means you can take a look at which rides have the shortest lines which is ideal for those with a limited amount of time.

Another important feature of the official Disneyland® Paris app is your ability to make restaurant reservations. This is particularly useful because as we’ve just mentioned, some popular restaurants can get booked up very quickly. Oh – and if you’re anything like us you’ll love the fact you can browse the menus of restaurants ahead of time!

Tip 6: Plan for Different Weather Conditions

Paris experiences all four seasons quite distinctly being situated in Western Europe. In the spring (March to May), the weather is usually mild with occasional showers, so a light jacket and an umbrella are good to have. Summer (June to August) brings warmer temperatures, sometimes reaching up to 30°C (86°F), so think light clothing, hats, and plenty of suncream as there is limited amount of shade. Autumn (September to November) cools down again and can be quite wet, so layers and rain gear are essential. Winter (December to February) can get pretty cold, sometimes dipping below freezing, so warm coats, gloves, and scarves are a must.

Tip 7: Budget for Souvenirs and Extras

Even if you get a great deal through MagicBreaks on your Disneyland® Paris holiday, souvenirs and extras is when costs can start to all add up. If you’re worried about how much spending money you may need, start by deciding how much you want to spend overall, then break it down into categories: food, souvenirs, and extras. Consider using cash or a prepaid card for these expenses to help you keep track of your spending. For food, you can save money by bringing some snacks and water bottles with you. There’s free water taps all over the Park, so a great tip is to bring a squeezy squash bottle. Set a daily budget for souvenirs and stick to it by choosing your favorite items wisely. Remember, you don’t have to buy everything on the first day – take your time to explore all the shops before making your final decisions.

Conclusion

If you’re a first-time visitor, you’re in for an unforgettable experience. Disneyland Paris is a place where dreams come true, and with these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of your trip. Remember, it’s all about enjoying the magic, so take your time, savor the moments with your friends and family, and create wonderful memories