Disneyland Paris Family Vacation
Disneyland Paris is a magical destination that promises a fun-filled vacation for families. It’s a place where fantasy comes to life, and where kids and adults alike can indulge in a world of imagination, adventure, and excitement. Whether you’re planning your first trip to Disneyland Paris or returning for another unforgettable family vacation, there’s something for everyone in this magical kingdom. In this blog article, we’ll explore everything you need to know for a memorable Disneyland Paris family vacation.
Getting There and Accommodations
Getting to Disneyland Paris is easy, with several options available for families. The resort is located approximately 20 miles east of Paris, and you can reach it by car, train, or bus. The fastest and most convenient way is by taking the Eurostar train from London or Brussels, which will take you directly to the park’s entrance. If you’re traveling from the United States, you can fly to Paris Charles de Gaulle airport and then take a train or bus to Disneyland Paris.
Once you’re at the park, you have a variety of accommodation options available to choose from. You can stay at one of the Disneyland Paris hotels, which offer themed rooms and suites, convenient location, and exclusive perks like early park access and character meet-and-greets. Alternatively, you can choose from several partner hotels located just outside the resort, which offer more budget-friendly options.
Park Attractions
Disneyland Paris features two theme parks – Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park – as well as Disney Village, a shopping and dining destination. Each park offers its own unique experiences, from classic Disney attractions to thrilling rides and immersive shows. Disneyland Park is divided into five themed lands: Main Street, USA, Frontierland, Adventureland, Fantasyland, and Discoveryland. Here are some of the top attractions you don’t want to miss:
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: a thrilling roller coaster ride through an Old West mining town
- Pirates of the Caribbean: a swashbuckling adventure on a pirate ship through an enchanted Caribbean island
- Peter Pan’s Flight: a magical journey over London and Neverland aboard a flying pirate ship
- Space Mountain: a high-speed roller coaster through the cosmos
- It’s a Small World: a whimsical boat ride through a world of international cultures and music
Walt Disney Studios Park offers a behind-the-scenes look at the world of filmmaking, with attractions and shows inspired by Disney and Pixar movies. Some of the must-see attractions include:
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror: a drop tower ride through the haunted Hollywood Tower Hotel
- Ratatouille: The Adventure: a 4D ride through the sights, sounds, and smells of Gusteau’s kitchen
- Crush’s Coaster: a spinning roller coaster ride through the underwater world of Finding Nemo
- Studio Tram Tour: Behind the Magic: a behind-the-scenes tram tour through the making of Hollywood movies
Disney Village offers a variety of dining options, from quick snacks to full-service restaurants, as well as shopping opportunities for souvenirs and gifts.
Tips for a Successful Family Vacation
To make the most of your Disneyland Paris family vacation, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Plan ahead: Check the park’s opening hours, attraction schedules, and showtimes in advance, and create a rough itinerary for each day.
- Use FastPass: FastPass is a free service that allows you to reserve a time slot for popular attractions, so you can avoid long wait times.
- Take advantage of Early Magic Hours: If you’re staying at a Disneyland Paris hotel, you can enter the parks one hour before they open to the public, so you can experience some attractions with fewer crowds.
- Meet the characters: Disneyland Paris is famous for its character meet-and-greets
What we need to know when visiting Disneyland Paris
If you’re planning a visit to Disneyland Paris, there are a few things you should keep in mind to make your trip as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Here are some key things to know before you go:
- Plan ahead: It’s a good idea to plan your visit in advance, especially during peak season. Check the park’s opening hours, attraction schedules, and showtimes ahead of time, and create a rough itinerary for each day. This will help you make the most of your time at the park and avoid long queues.
- Dress appropriately: Be sure to wear comfortable clothing and shoes, especially if you plan to spend the whole day at the park. Consider bringing a light jacket or raincoat, as the weather can be unpredictable in Paris. And if you’re visiting during the summer months, be prepared for hot temperatures and strong sun.
- Get there early: Arriving at the park early will give you more time to explore the attractions before the crowds arrive. If you’re staying at a Disneyland Paris hotel, take advantage of Early Magic Hours, which allow you to enter the parks one hour before they open to the public.
- Use FastPass: FastPass is a free service that allows you to reserve a time slot for popular attractions, so you can avoid long wait times. You can reserve a FastPass at kiosks located near the attraction or through the Disneyland Paris app.
- Meet the characters: Disneyland Paris is famous for its character meet-and-greets, where you can take photos and get autographs with your favorite Disney characters. Be sure to check the daily schedule for character appearances and plan your day accordingly.
- Bring snacks and water: While there are plenty of food and drink options at the park, bringing your own snacks and water can save you time and money. Consider packing a small cooler with sandwiches, fruit, and drinks to keep you fueled throughout the day.
- Consider a multi-day ticket: If you plan to visit both Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park, consider purchasing a multi-day ticket. This will allow you to visit both parks at your leisure and save money compared to buying separate tickets for each park.
Overall, visiting Disneyland Paris can be a magical experience for the whole family. With a little planning and preparation, you can make the most of your time at the park and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.
Ticket Prices:
The cost of tickets to Disneyland Paris varies depending on the season and the type of ticket you purchase. Generally, tickets are less expensive during off-peak times (such as weekdays outside of school holidays) and more expensive during peak season (such as weekends and school holidays).
As of May 2023, here are the standard ticket prices for Disneyland Paris:
- 1-Day/1-Park ticket: €89-€109 for adults, €83-€103 for children (ages 3-11)
- 1-Day/2-Park ticket: €129-€169 for adults, €123-€163 for children
- Multi-day tickets: Prices vary depending on the number of days and the parks included. For example, a 2-Day/2-Park ticket is currently €189-€229 for adults and €181-€221 for children.
It’s worth noting that there are often special deals and discounts available, so it’s a good idea to check the official Disneyland Paris website or travel websites for promotions and package deals.
Getting to Disneyland Paris:
Disneyland Paris is located about 32 kilometers (20 miles) east of Paris, in the town of Marne-la-Vallée. There are several ways to get to the park, including:
- Train: The easiest way to get to Disneyland Paris from central Paris is by train. There are two train stations at the park: Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy (which is right at the entrance to the parks) and Disneyland Paris (which is a short walk from the parks). You can take the RER A train from several stations in Paris, including Châtelet-Les Halles, Gare de Lyon, and Charles de Gaulle Etoile. The journey takes about 35 minutes.
- Car: If you’re driving, you can take the A4 motorway (autoroute) east from Paris to Marne-la-Vallée. There are several car parks at the park, and parking fees vary depending on the season and the type of parking you choose.
- Bus: There are several bus companies that offer direct service from Paris to Disneyland Paris. Some popular options include Magic Shuttle, which operates from several locations in Paris, and the RATP bus 19, which runs from the Porte de la Villette metro station.
- Taxi: Taxis are available in Paris and can take you directly to Disneyland Paris. However, this option can be expensive, especially if you’re traveling during peak hours.
Overall, getting to Disneyland Paris is relatively easy, and there are several options to choose from depending on your budget and travel preferences.