If you’re planning a trip, get ready for some serious magic with a sprinkle of French flair. Whether you’re a Disney die-hard or find yourself in Europe and looking for a fun family experience, I have put together all the tips and info you need to make your visit as smooth (and magical) as possible. We’ve visited the park twice now, and every visit has been even more amazing and full of magical memories!

Before You Go

1. Tickets and Reservations

First things first – buy your tickets online in advance. Not only does it save you time, but you’ll often find discounts too. Keep an eye out for seasonal deals or multi-day passes. Pro tip: If you’re staying at a Disney hotel you can package with tickets and you’ll get magic hour!

Tickets typically cost around AUD 90-145 for a one-day ticket, depending on the season. Multi-day passes are more economical if you’re planning a longer stay, starting at around AUD 240 for two days. Children under 3 get free entry.

If you’re not staying onsite, check platforms like Klook or the official Disneyland Paris website for deals. I got our tickets each time on Klook. We also got Premier Access, however, when we went it wasn’t overly busy and we didn’t really need it.

You can buy tickets on Klook with my discount code OLIVIAWHITEKLOOK.

Klook.com

2. Getting There

If you are coming from Australia, there are direct flights from Perth to Paris. Prices vary, depending on season. We got Qantas Classic Plus flights. But there are many other routes you can take.

If you’re flying in, Charles de Gaulle Airport offers direct shuttles to the park, or you can take the TGV train straight to Marne-la-Vallée for around AUD 32-65, depending on the time and class. It’s incredibly quick and efficient. For a more personalized experience, private transfers are also available and are a great option if you’re traveling with kids or lots of luggage or grab an Uber, it cost us around 60AUD from the airport to Disneyland.

If yu are coming from Paris, Disneyland Paris is just 40 minutes from central Paris by train (RER A line), and it’s super easy to navigate. You can search the timetable easily on Google Maps. You’ll want to get off at the Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy station, which conveniently drops you right at the park gates. A round-trip ticket from Paris costs about AUD 24 per adult.

3. Where to Stay

There are plenty of options, from luxurious Disney-themed hotels to nearby budget-friendly spots. Here are some we’ve stayed at or been recommended:

• Disneyland Hotel: Classic, iconic, and literally at the park entrance. Rooms start from AUD 640 per night. Gives you early access and a short walk into the park.
• Aparthotel Adagio Serris – Val d’Europe: We stayed here in 2024. Around a ten minute walk to the park and right near a shopping complex. Apart of thr Accor group, very reasonably priced around $280AUD a night in July.
• Radisson Blu Hotel, Paris Marne-la-Vallee: We stayed here in 2022. A little offsite but super family-friendly with larger rooms and a shuttle service. Rooms typically cost around AUD 340 per night in peak season.
• Explorers Hotel: Another great family-friendly option with themed rooms and a fun indoor play area, starting at AUD 190 per night.

If you’re staying offsite, the nearby Val d’Europe area is fantastic. It’s just one train stop away or around a ten minute walk and offers more affordable accommodations, plus access to a massive shopping mall.

Navigating the Parks

Disneyland Paris has two parks: Disneyland Park (the main one with the castle) and Walt Disney Studios Park (focused more on movies and thrill rides). If time allows, get a two-day ticket so you can explore both at a relaxed pace. We ended up doing 3 days last time only because we wanted to do some rides mutliple times.

1. Disneyland Park Highlights

• Sleeping Beauty Castle: This one’s different from the other Disney parks. It’s pink, dreamy, and has a dragon (yes, really) lurking underneath.
• Big Thunder Mountain: An absolute must-ride. It’s the best version of this rollercoaster across all Disney parks.
• Phantom Manor: The spooky cousin of Haunted Mansion with a European twist. My favourite of all the Manors 😉

2. Walt Disney Studios Park Highlights

• Ratatouille: The Adventure: Ride through Remy’s world – this is always a favourite.
• Crush’s Coaster: A thrilling, spinning coaster through the world of Finding Nemo. The lines get long so do this early.
• Avengers Campus: New and super cool for Marvel fans. My daughter LOVED this area and the shows and characters were amazing!!

How to Maximize Your Day

1. Arrive Early

Get there at least 30 minutes before park opening. If you’re staying at a Disney hotel, you’ll get Extra Magic Time – early access to select areas before the general crowd.

2. Use Disney Premier Access

This is basically Disneyland Paris’ version of FastPass, but it’s paid. Individual ride passes range from AUD 13-28 per ride, or you can purchase a Premier Access Ultimate pass for unlimited access to select rides, starting at AUD 140 per day.

We got this both times, however, we found we did not need it as it was not as busy as expected. We went during the Olympics, which may have effected the crowds. In 2022, we found it very busy and the Premier Access was very much needed.

3. Download the App

I always suggest no matter what park you are visiting, download the app. This means you can link your tickets and plan your day. It will give you ride wait times, allow you to book Premier Access, dining reservations and more…

4. Plan Around Shows and Parades

The parades and nighttime spectaculars are worth the hype, so plan your day around them. Grab a spot early for Disney Stars on Parade in the afternoon and Disney Illuminations at night. There’s nothing quite like fireworks over Sleeping Beauty Castle and it’s always the best way to end a Disneyland trip.

Best Time to Visit

The best times to visit Disneyland Paris are midweek during off-peak seasons. Think late January to early March or mid-September to mid-November. Avoid school holidays and weekends if you value your sanity – crowds can get intense.

If you are going in these times then make sure you use the tips above to make it as easy as possible. Also check a crowd predictor to see if there is anything that might significantly impact your trip.

Weather-wise, we went in summer and it was hot but barable. Winter is pretty cold, sometimes snowing.

Final Tip

1. Pack Smart: Comfortable shoes are a must. Seriously, don’t underestimate how much walking you’ll do. I have made this mistake before.
2. Bring Snacks: While Disney’s food is fun, having a few snacks on hand saves time and money.
3. Don’t Forget Your Phone & Charger: The Disneyland Paris app is essential for wait times, maps, and dining info. Also pack a portable charger.
4. Shop Later: Do your shopping at the end of the day to avoid lugging bags around the park. Or use Disney’s package pickup service.

Let me know if you’ve been or are planning to go – I’d love to hear about your magical adventures! ✨