Are you planning a fall or winter getaway to the City of Lights? Make sure to include a visit to Disneyland Paris in your itinerary. Even if you are not die-hard Mickey fans, and especially if you’re traveling with kids, there’s just something about a French Disney experience that is truly magical.
Don’t Count Out the Mouse for Your Next Paris Getaway
When compared to Walt Disney World in Florida or Disneyland in California, Disneyland Paris has a more charming, quaint feel to it. Both Paris parks—Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park—are smaller and more laid-back than their U.S.-based counterparts, and they offer a few unique experiences you won’t find anywhere else. Think Mickey-shaped eclairs, rides like Hyperspace Mountain and the longest version of Big Thunder Mountain of any Disney park. Oh, and don’t forget to book a reservation at Bistrot Chez Remy, an immersive Parisian bistro dining experience based on the Disney Pixar classic “Ratatouille.” These are just a few of many reasons that make a day trip to Disneyland Paris a must on any Paris itinerary.
Getting to the Magic
While there are definitely hotel options for staying within walking distance or even a shuttle away from the parks, Disneyland Paris is very doable as a day trip from Paris. The parks are located about 45 minutes outside of the city, yet they’re easily accessible even without a car. Direct trains run from Paris city-center to a train station just outside of Disneyland Paris called Marne-la-Valee-Chessy. It takes approximately 40 minutes and costs 15€ roundtrip. A taxi or Uber can be a more convenient option if you are not staying near the train station. It’s also a 40-minute ride, but it will run about 200€ roundtrip. Lastly, the Disneyland Paris Express shuttle bus departs from various popular tourist sites in the heart of Paris, but this is not my favorite option because there’s only one departure and return time, so punctuality is a must.
When to Visit
Summer and the Christmas holidays are the absolute busiest times at Disneyland Paris, and usually the times to avoid in order to skip the crowds. But if these are your chosen dates to book, don’t fret. It’s possible to see Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park in one day, regardless of when you visit, with the Disney Premier Access Ultimate pass. It’s a fast pass that allows you to ride all available attractions once without waiting in line, whenever you want, without a specific time slot. When it comes to ride wait times, this pass is a total game changer. At 90€ per person, it’s a splurge, but if you only have one day at the parks, it’s totally worth it.
Celebrating 30 Years
Any day of the year is magical at Disneyland Paris, but if you can visit before the end of this year, you’ll be in for a special treat. Disneyland Paris celebrated 30 years since the inauguration of the park in April 1992. The anniversary, along with the lifting of COVID restrictions and the inauguration of the new Avengers Campus at Walt Disney Studios Park, makes for an almost palpable excitement in and around the parks. The iconic Disney Stars on Parade is once again gracing Main Street with its colorful sights and sounds, and the signature fireworks show Illuminations is lighting up the skies at the end of each day. When we went, they had special 30th anniversary treats, like the signature Mickey refillable popcorn bucket, and souvenirs can be found throughout the park as well. The experience is a true delight for adults and children alike.
