Many believe that Paris, the city that inspired painters like Picasso and Renoir, is a destination for couples only. However, the city of love and light , as it is also known, treasures many corners to discover with children. From the gardens of the Palace of Versailles and the imposing Notre Dame Cathedral to the beautiful Champs-Elysées and its iconic Eiffel Tower, there is much to retrace. However, if there is something that cannot be missed on a visit to Paris with children, it is its famous Disneyland Paris amusement park.
Disneyland Paris, a space where dreams come true
To the east of Paris you will find this theme park inspired by the world of Disney. An authentic universe of magic, light and color of more than 22 square kilometers in which fun is guaranteed. Without a doubt, its biggest attractions are Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park, where children can embark on a fabulous journey through Disney history aboard a steam locomotive on the Disneyland Railroad or become one more character in the adventures of Aladdin in Le Passage Enchanté d’Aladdin.
The most daring will have the opportunity to get behind the wheel of one of the most innovative futuristic cars in Autopia, help Buzz Lightyear defeat the villain Zurg in the intergalactic gallery of laser shots Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast or investigate what has happened in the last Indiana Jones expedition at the Temple du Péril. And even, you can take a trip in the past and go back to the 19th century, in the middle of Main Street in the United States, with a quiet horse-drawn carriage ride in Horse-Drawn Streetcars.
However, if you want to fully enjoy this enchanted kingdom, it is best to prepare your trip in advance and leave nothing to chance. Here are some tips that can help you plan an unforgettable vacation at Disneyland Paris.
10 tips to keep in mind on your trip to Disneyland Paris
1. How to get from Spain to Paris
Most people choose to fly from Spain to Paris. However, the truth is that there are other options that can sometimes be cheaper and that offer you a different travel experience. For example, if you like to drive, going by car can be an interesting option. The trip is a bit long, but if you are not in a hurry you can make some stops along the way and discover new destinations. Another alternative is to travel by train, the trip is usually very comfortable, cheap and also gives you the opportunity to enjoy the scenery.
2. How to get to the park once in Paris
Disneyland is located about 30 kilometers from Paris, but has an excellent connection from the city. If you don’t have a car, without a doubt, one of the best alternatives is the train since, in addition to being faster, it has a high frequency of departures. However, you can also find some shuttle bus routes that, depending on the area of the city where you are staying, can be a good choice.
3. Which accommodation to choose
Near Disneyland you will find many family hotels where you can stay with your children at an excellent quality/price ratio. In fact, if you organize an exclusive getaway to the park, the Disney hotels that are located in the complex are an excellent option since, in addition to being very cool and comfortable, they often offer discounts and facilities for visiting the park with children. However, if you do not want to restrict your trip to Disneyland Paris, it is best to choose a hotel closer to the city that has a shuttle service to the park.
4. When to buy tickets
If you already have the dates of your trip to Paris clear, it is convenient that you reserve your tickets online on the official website of Disneyland Paris . Online tickets usually have added discounts, which will allow you to save a little money, and also allow you to choose the cheapest days. In addition, this way you also save yourself having to stand in a long line at the box office. However, if you don’t have a preconceived plan, the ideal is to buy the tickets directly at the park’s box office as this way you make sure you don’t lose money in case there is a change of plans. At the box office children usually have discounts.
5. The best time to organize the trip
Visiting Disneyland Paris is a real blast at any time of the year. However, if you want to make the most of your visit, the best season is usually in the summer months, between June and September, since later in the evening you will have more time to enjoy the attractions and the park. On the other hand, if you don’t mind being a little cold, during the winter the park dresses up for Christmas and there is a very nice festive atmosphere that is worth discovering.
6. The best day to visit the park
On weekends Disneyland Paris comes to life, so if you want to discover the park in all its splendor, probably the best days are Saturday or Sunday. However, during the weekend the park is usually busier, so if you prefer to visit a little more calmly and not waste so much time in endless queues, it is best to go to the park during the week. These days, there are usually fewer people and it is easier to enjoy the park as a family.
7. The best time to discover the park
If you have organized the trip exclusively to get to know Disneyland Paris, without a doubt, it is best to get up very early to access the park as soon as it opens and thus take advantage of a whole day of adventures in the facilities. However, if you have other plans in the city, another option is to go in the late afternoon or at night as there are usually fewer people and you can more easily access all the attractions. Of course, at this time you will surely miss some of the shows and activities that only take place during the day.
8. What attractions you cannot miss
Obviously, the choice of which attractions to visit will depend on the tastes and preferences of each family. However, if you have a hard time deciding and don’t know where to start, there are some attractions where fun is guaranteed. Certainly some of them are It’s a small world, Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast, Peter Pan’s Flight, Alice’s Curious Labyrinth, Ratatouille: The Adventure, Studio Tram Tour: Behind the Magic and Les Mystères du Nautilus. And, for the more daring, there’s Big Thunder Mountain, Temple of Peril and dizzying Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain. You also cannot miss the fireworks show that takes place at Cinderella’s Castle at nightfall.
9. Where to eat in the park
At Disneyland Paris you will find more than 60 restaurants and food stalls where you can recharge your batteries during your visit. If you are not in a hurry, a good alternative is to eat in one of its themed restaurants which, in addition to having delicious food, will allow you to enjoy a new experience. However, if you don’t have much time and you want to make the most of your stay, it is best to bet on fast food restaurants or takeaway stalls.
10. Services that facilitate the visit
If you want to make the most of your visit, a good option is to bet on the services that make the experience easier for you. Undoubtedly, one of them is the “FastPass” card, which allows you to access the attractions quickly without having to queue. You can also rent pushchairs to move with the children around the park without them getting too tired or bet on the Baby Switch, a babysitting service available for the attractions that children cannot access.
Finally, it is worth noting that due to the current sanitary conditions, to access the park you must present your Covid or vaccination passport. Therefore, do not forget to download it on your mobile or take it printed to present it at the access door to the facilities.