Disneyland Paris Top 10 Tips
1. Be Polite (Use The Golden Rule)
The first thing to remember is that you're in a foreign country visiting a Disney park—it's not the same as going to a park in the States. The culture, people, and social norms are a bit different. It’s nothing to worry about—in fact, it’s something to look forward to because it makes the experience even more amazing.
Right away, I noticed how relaxed everyone was as we waited in line to enter the park. People weren’t uptight or acting like they were about to run you over just to get into the park a few seconds earlier. Each group left space between themselves and others, casually forming straight lines. Everyone was excited to enter the park, but there wasn’t a sense of urgency or anxiety. This made the process much more enjoyable, in my opinion.
If you’ve ever been to a Disney park in the States, you’ve probably experienced the pushing, shoving, running, or cutting in line that sometimes happens. It can create a stressful and tense atmosphere. This makes people act overly rude or aggressive and Disneyland Paris was lacking in these elements making the park a pleasant time.
So, here’s my tip: enjoy the process. Embrace the more relaxed approach to waiting in line, and be polite to those around you so everyone can have the same amazing experience. Be calm, look around more, and worry less about having to be first. It helps and it makes the visit 10x better.
Knowing that people at Disneyland Paris tend to be more calm and casual can help you prepare for a more relaxed and exciting day. Appreciating the local culture and norms will enhance your experience of visiting a new country, exploring a new land, and discovering a different way to enjoy Disney.
Don’t push. Don’t be overly aggressive. Just be courteous. Be polite.
2. Download and Use the Disneyland Paris App
I know you’ve probably heard this before in every set of Disney Park tips—but to be honest, having the app is crucial for having the most successful day!
The Disneyland Paris App is designed with pink, white, and purple colors, featuring a Mickey Mouse head and the castle on the icon. It’s easy to find in your mobile device’s app store and is about 244 MB to download.
Once you have it installed, I recommend opening it up and exploring it before you leave for your trip. The app features several key sections: a home page, a “buy” page, a detailed map, a food section, and an account login area. Each part is designed to help you plan, explore, and enjoy your visit to Disneyland Paris better.
Personally, I use the map feature the most. It offers a full overview of the park, including attractions, food locations, shows, shops, characters, restrooms, and more. It’s visually appealing and realistically detailed, giving you a helpful bird’s-eye view of everything in the park. You can also check ride statuses (open or closed for renovation), showtimes, parade schedules, and food location hours throughout the day.
For me, the map lets me mentally plan out the park before I even arrive. It helps me organize our food plans ahead of time—I can view menus, make dining reservations, and plan my day around where we’ll be eating.
Overall, the app makes it easy to create an easy to follow plan for yourself and your group. It shows you what’s happening on the exact day you’re visiting, so your plan it around what your dates have to offer. It’s also where you can collect any PhotoPass pictures taken by cast members, purchase Premier Access (Disneyland Paris’s version of fast passes), and make advance dining reservations.
This app helps you manage your day more smoothly, feel more prepared, and make the most of your Disneyland Paris adventure.
3. Dress for the Weather
I assumed that visiting Paris, France in the summer would mean warm weather. I figured, “It’s a summer trip to a Disney Park—so of course it’ll be hot!” But when we visited in June, the temperatures were much cooler than I expected—mid 60s°F (around 18°C) during the day and low 50s°F (around 10°C) at night. The air was humid and mostly cloudy, with light breezes that definitely had a chill to them. In our case, dressing warmly was a must.
That being said, July and August tend to be warmer, with daytime highs in the 80s°F (around 27°C). However, even in the warmer months, nights usually cool down to the mid-to-upper 50s°F. Paris weather can be unpredictable and often damp throughout much of the year, so it’s smart to pack at least one or two jackets—just in case.
The biggest tip I can give you is this: check the weather forecast before your trip. It rains quite a bit in Paris, and if you're visiting in winter, snow is also a possibility. You might even need a heavy coat and cold-weather accessories. Even in milder months, the high humidity can make the air feel colder than expected.
While the weather in Paris is generally pleasant—especially since it’s rarely overly hot—being prepared for sudden changes in the tempertures makes all the difference. A little planning will keep you comfortable at the park and make your entire trip so much more enjoyable.
4. Plan Your Trip Ahead of Time
Everything is more affordable, less stressful, and more readily available when you book ahead of time. Yes, it takes a bit of time and effort to research, plan, and schedule a trip—but once you’re there, it’s so worth it.
This definitely holds true for Disneyland Paris. If you’re booking a Disneyland Paris hotel or a nearby partner hotel, reserving early gives you better choices when it comes to room layouts and views. You can choose the room that fits your group comfortably without having to settle or deal with the classic “we’ll try to make it work” situation.
The same goes for dining. If you’re planning to eat at one of the restaurants inside Disneyland Paris or Walt Disney Studios Park, booking early means you’ll have more flexibility with dining times—so you can eat when it suits your schedule. Reservations open two months in advance, so staying on top of that timeline will help you create a personalized dining plan for you and your group.
Even better, buying your park tickets in advance directly from the Disneyland Paris website can actually save you money. Yes—you get a discount for booking ahead! It also makes it easier to align your Disney days with the rest of your Paris itinerary, giving you more peace of mind and keeping your plans budget-friendly.
In short, planning ahead—whether for hotels, food, or tickets—means a smoother, more customizable trip. You'll have better options, less stress, and more room for magical moments to unfold.
5. Enjoy Disneyland Paris for Its Uniqueness
I know what it’s like to visit a new place and find yourself constantly comparing it to somewhere you've already been. While comparisons can help you understand what you like, they can also become exhausting—especially if you’re focused on what a place “should” be instead of appreciating what it actually offers.
Disneyland Paris is a truly unique experience. Yes, it shares the familiar magic and design elements of other Disney Parks, but it also has its own charm, atmosphere, and identity. Rather than comparing it too heavily to other parks, try to notice and celebrate what makes it special while you’re there.
Find that one attraction, show, or food item that becomes your favorite. Ask yourself—what makes it stand out? What makes you want to come back for it? Let your imagination be open to something new. Try things you’ve never done before, and don’t get stuck in past expectations.
Sure, it’s okay to recognize familiar rides or shows and compare them later—it can even help you understand what you truly enjoy. But while you’re at Disneyland Paris, be present. Focus on the moment, the people you’re with, and the magic unfolding around you.
Let Disneyland Paris be a new adventure. Reflect on comparisons later if you’d like—but during your visit, let yourself simply enjoy the fun, the wonder, and the new memories being made. Soak it all in. Let it be magical, fulfilling, and unique.
6. Eat Small Meals and Save Room for Snacks
Have you ever eaten a big meal at a theme park and then felt too full or sick to enjoy anything else—especially those fun snacks in between? I’ve definitely been there and it’s not they way to do Disney food.
My tip: try more foods, but in smaller portion sizes. This approach not only keeps your energy up throughout the day, but it also prevents that heavy, sluggish feeling that can come from overindulging at one meal. Smaller meals help your body digest more easily and give you the freedom to sample a wider variety of food across the park.
This way, you can let your taste buds explore all the exciting, unique flavors Disneyland Paris has to offer—without overdoing it. You’ll feel better, stay energized, and get to enjoy more of the culinary magic sprinkled every you trun. It’s not just about eating light because of digestive needs or medical reasons—it’s a smart, healthy way for anyone to enjoy more food without missing out on fun or comfort.
Use the Disneyland Paris App to check out food and snack options ahead of time. Planning in advance gives you an idea of what’s available and helps you organize when and where to try specific items with your group. Space out your meals, stay fueled, and enjoy the park all day long.
Moderation is key—you can enjoy more without overdoing it, but still with getting enough nutrients and calories for all the walking you do.
7. Use Your Mornings & Nights
This is a tip many people have heard before, but it’s still one that’s easy to overlook—don’t let that be you! One of the best ways to make the most of your Disneyland Paris ticket is to take full advantage of the early mornings and late evenings, when the parks are less crowded and lines are much shorter.
Plan ahead by going to bed early the night before your visit so you can wake up and arrive before the park opens. Or, if you prefer, stay late and give yourself the chance to sleep in the next day. Even better—do both! You can enjoy nearly 12 magical hours at Disneyland Paris if you time it just right.
The mornings and evenings are the golden hours: lighter crowds, shorter lines, and better photo opportunities. You’ll get on more rides, make the most of your park ticket, and avoid the midday crowds. Who doesn’t love feeling like they’re getting their money’s worth?
Both Disneyland Paris parks open at 9:30 a.m., which honestly isn’t that early. My family arrived at the Marne-la-Vallée–Chessy train station around 9:00 a.m., giving us time to walk the park grounds and make it to the gates with only about 7–8 groups ahead of us. You could arrive even earlier if you’d like to be among the first in—but the atmosphere is calm and respectful, so there’s no need to rush or stress. The key is simply being there when the park opens so you can hit the rides before the lines grow.
We walked right onto our first few rides, which made the morning fly by and helped us check off bucket list items quickly. Early mornings were my favorite—everyone’s full of energy, the lighting is perfect for photos (especially in front of Main Street, U.S.A. or the castle), and the peaceful atmosphere lets you soak in the park’s design and charm.
At the end of the day, both parks close at 9:00 p.m. (21:00)—and surprisingly, many guests leave early! On the night we stayed until closing, we got on several more rides in with almost no wait. Our final ride, Phantom Manor, was practically private—it was just us! The evening lights around the park are stunning, and the relaxed crowds make it feel extra magical.
My tip: spend as much time as your group can handle within the parks when you go. Plan ahead so you can enjoy all the rides, snacks, and immersive details that Disneyland Paris has to offer—especially during those quieter, more enchanting hours.
8. You Don’t Need to Buy the Premier Access (Fast Passes)
This is a tip I stand by personally, even if others might differ on the matter. If you want to save a significant amount of money at Disneyland Paris, skip the Premier Access passes. While I believe they can be useful at other Disney parks, I don’t think they’re necessary here. The cost for these passes can range anywhere from $95–$200 (90–190 euros) per guest per day, depending on demand. Keep an eye on the cost when you’re there, as it can give you a good indication of how busy the park will be that day.
Of course, you can buy the passes if you want to speed up a few lines, but if you’re like me and traveling with a large group of family or friends, these passes can get very expensive. And honestly, I don’t think they’re worth the price for how much you pay.
Disneyland Paris tends to be less crowded compared to other Disney parks like those in California and Florida, meaning that wait times are usually much lower. On average, you’ll find wait times around 20–40 minutes for most rides, with the longest waits reaching around 60–70 minutes during peak hours. Even during the busy summer months, the waits are usually manageable.
We were able to experience all the “big rides” without needing Premier Access, and I’m confident you can too. These passes are great if you want to go all out and spend the extra money, but I wouldn’t recommend them unless you really feel they’re necessary.
When you think about the cost-to-value ratio, buying these passes just doesn’t make sense. In some cases, the passes cost as much as or even more than the original ticket to get into Disneyland Paris. Why spend double when you can wait in reasonable lines that are a normal and fun part of the park experience? For me, waiting in line is a chance to bond with my family—talking, playing games, and making memories together. The lines are never that long, and the wait can be part of the fun!
There are two options for Premier Access:
Disney Premier Access Ultimate Pass: Grants access to a selection of rides for $95–$200 per guest per day.
Disney Premier Access One Pass: Allows you to skip the line for a single ride of your choice for $9–$16 per ride.
Both options have their benefits, but honestly, if you decide to go for one, the One Pass gives you more flexibility since you can choose which ride to skip once you’re in the park and have a better feel for the crowd levels. However, I still don’t think you need either pass. Disneyland Paris is one of those parks where you can enjoy the experience without spending extra on perks like these.
Ultimately, do what works best for you, your budget, and your group. The passes are available if you want them, but I believe you can make the most of Disneyland Paris without them.
9. Disney Village Has a Lot of Good Food Options
Disney Village is located just across from both Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park. It’s home to a variety of shops and restaurants that are perfect for exploring and enjoying at any time during your visit.
Best of all, Disney Village does not require a park ticket. It’s free and easy to access, making it an excellent place to take a break from the parks or experience a little piece of Disney magic without paying anything extra.
I absolutely love this area for everything it offers. It’s perfect for a more affordable meal, depending on where you eat, and provides a wider variety of themed restaurants to suit any taste. So, don’t feel like you’re limited to just the food inside the parks—take a walk over to Disney Village and see what they have to offer for breakfast, snacks, lunch, or dinner.
The food options in Disney Village range from traditional French dishes to American grab-and-go favorites. Here are just a few of the options:
McDonald's
Five Guys
The Royal Pub
Billy Bob’s Buffet
The Steakhouse
Starbucks Coffee
Earl of Sandwich
Brasserie Rosalie
Comptoir Rosalie
Rainforest Café
Abette’s Diner
Sports Bar
Vapiano
To check out menus, food offerings, costs, and locations, visit the Disneyland Paris App and look under the “Restaurants” section for Disney Village. It will give you all the details to help you choose the perfect place to eat during your visit.
10. Utilize the Disneyland Railroad
The Disneyland Railroad is the perfect sit-down, exploratory ride that Disneyland Paris has to offer. I know that walking around the park all day can leave your legs and feet tired. That’s why my family always makes sure to ride the Railroad at any Disney park we visit. This is especially true at Disneyland Paris, where the park requires a bit more walking, with two parks connected to a central plaza. I highly recommend taking time to enjoy the Railroad, give your feet a break, and take in the scenic views of the different lands around Disneyland Paris.
The Railroad is the perfect ride to relax! A couple of my family members even took the opportunity to catch a quick power nap on the train, especially during the afternoon slump. It worked wonders! The train ride is beneficial for everyone—kids, adults, and even older individuals—as it provides both rest and entertainment.
The best time to ride the Railroad is usually in the afternoon, between 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm. Wait times are generally lower, so you can often walk right on and find a seat right away. Plus, let’s face it, a lot of people get tired in the afternoon, making the train the perfect way to pass some time while getting a brief cool down.
The Railroad is convenient, with three stations around Disneyland Paris Park where you can hop on: Main Street Station, Frontier Depot, Fantasyland Station, and Discoveryland Station. My only tip is to check the Disneyland Paris App before or when you arrive at the park to ensure the train is running and not temporarily closed for renovations. This will help you plan your day and make sure you don’t miss out on this ride.
Bonus: Do a Mix of Traditional Rides and Walk-Through Attractions
Disneyland Paris has a great selection of ride attractions, but what makes the park extra charming is its variety of immersive walk-through experiences. Blending both types into your visit allows your inner child to fully enjoy the magic and wonder that Disneyland Paris has to offer.
When my family visits Disney parks, we are big fans of the rides. They're exciting, creative, and bring beloved stories to life in such fun ways. Disneyland Paris is no exception—the rides are just as thrilling and magical. But what we’ve come to really appreciate are the walk-through attractions that invite you to slow down, explore, and discover details you might otherwise miss if you're only focused on getting to the next ride.
Some of the best moments came when we wandered through beautifully designed areas tucked into the park—things like the Sleeping Beauty Castle walkthrough (La Galerie de la Belle au Bois Dormant), the Dragon’s Lair underneath the castle, Alice’s Curious Labyrinth, or the winding caves and paths of Adventure Isle. These experiences offer quieter, more intimate ways to enjoy the park and are perfect for recharging while still staying immersed in the magic.
If you only do the rides, you miss a lot of what makes Disneyland Paris feel so special and unique. So take time to mix in the walk-through attractions—you’ll discover new favorites, get great photo opportunities, and enjoy the park from a more relaxed perspective.
