Disneyland Paris – two words that will give any parent a sudden jolt of anxiety. This is understandable, as this immensely popular theme park in France’s capital can be stressful and chaotic as hundreds of overexcited youngsters rush around. It is popular for good reason, though, and can be a fun-filled place for both children and parents – provided that you plan ahead and have done your research.
Check out our guide to Disneyland’s attractions here!
Considered to be the pinnacle of children’s entertainment, this theme park is suitable for all ages, and there is enough to keep everyone happy and amused. Here is some advice for an unforgettable, safe and enjoyable experience!
Planning Ahead
Just as for many other things in life, planning ahead is the key to success here. Follow these tips to minimise stress, save money and get the most out of your stay.
Book online: If you don’t book in advance, the queues for the rides won’t be the only long queue you are waiting in, as you will be stuck at the entrance gate for a lengthy period. Instead, book online for quicker access and this could also help you to make big savings on multi-day tickets. You can either book directly from Disneyland Paris or through a third-party seller, who may also include travel, accommodation and more.
Off-Peak: If possible, arrange your visit so that you are there off-peak. If possible, try to avoid weekends, public holidays and school holidays (these differ to those in the UK, so check before you book). In addition to enjoying a much more peaceful environment, this also means that you don’t have to queue as long and can go on more rides.
FASTPASS: No one likes standing in a queue, which can be lengthy at Disneyland Paris during peak times. However, a FASTPASS ticket allows you to skip the queues on the most popular rides. Standard FASTPASS tickets are offered on a first come, first served basis and are available for free next to the rides, whilst a premium FASTPASS provides fast access to all rides throughout the day.
Schedule: Since the theme park is so big and there’s so much to do, it can feel a little overwhelming when you step through the gates and the kids are overcome with excitement. Instead of rushing around like headless chickens, it is smart to research ahead and plan what rides and shows you want to tick off. This will allow you to create a schedule and pick a route (and can also be helpful if you ever get separated). Your day may not go entirely according to plan, but it should allow you to make the most out of your visit.
Food & Drink: There is plenty of food and refreshments to enjoy inside, but this can be very expensive. If you want to save a bit of money, consider bringing your own food and drink in. This is allowed, but a full hamper will need to be eaten in the grounds outside.
Insider Tip: Carry empty bottles with you and fill them up at the fountains. This will help prevent dehydration, which can occur easily in summer!
Hidden Gems
There are lots of fantastic rides here and the main highlights, including Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean and Indiana Jones & The Temple of Peril, are certainly worth the wait. What’s more, there are many of hidden gems to enjoy. Here are a few of my favourites.
The Castle: The castle is an iconic landmark and certainly a sight to behold, but there are a few hidden gems within, too. Go upstairs and you will find Sleeping Beauty’s story, snoring knights and a changing rose in the magic window, whilst you can see a dragon underneath the castle.
Drawing Activities: If your kids love to draw, be sure to head to the Art of Animation, where there is an art class with a host of drawing activities – you can also keep the picture that the talented Disney animator draws.
Dapper Dan’s: Need a trim? There is an actual old-school barber inside Dapper Dan’s where you can get haircuts most days of the week. This is certainly a memorable experience and quite unlike your regular barbers.
How to Get There
Travelling with energetic kids can be stressful, but fortunately the trip to Disneyland Paris is pretty straightforward. You will want to fly into Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), which takes about an hour from London. The theme park is approximately 45 minutes from the airport and the quickest and easiest way to complete the trip is with a Shuttle Direct transfer. Pre-book online, and one of the experienced local drivers will be waiting to whisk you and the kids off to this magical paradise. Adventure awaits!
About Shuttle Direct
We are one of Europe’s most trusted transfer providers and can provide fast, safe and comfortable travel to and from airports, hotels, train stations, cruise terminals and other areas of interest. We have a simple online booking form, so book today and leave the rest up to our team of experts.
