Disneyland Paris 101: A Planning Guide
Panning a trip to Disneyland Paris? Here is everything you need to know to plan a magical trip:
Table of Contents
Location
Disneyland Paris is located in Chessy, France, about 20 miles to the east of the center of Paris.
It is connected to the city by the railroad with the rail station Marne-la-Vallée–Chessy being only a few minutes walk from the parks’ entrance.
Parks
There are two parks:
| Park Name | “Lands” | Popular Rides |
|---|---|---|
| Disneyland | Fantasyland, Adventureland, Discoveryland, and Frontierland | Big Thunder Mountain, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril, Les Mystères du Nautilus, Phantom Manor, Pirate of the Caribbean, Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain |
| Walt Disney Studios | Toon Studio (includes Ratatouille Courtyard & Toy Story Land), Production Courtyard | Crush’s Coaster, Ratatouille: The Adventure, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror |
See Disneyland park map here.
See Walt Disney Studios park map here.
Disneyland and Walt Disney Studios are located next to each other, which makes it very easy to visit both parks in one day.
Unique Attractions
The attractions below are unique to Disneyland Paris parks:
Walt Disney Studios
- Crush’s Coaster
- Ratatouille: The Adventure (this ride will remain unique to Disneyland Paris only till Summer 2020 when a similar ride opens in Epcot, Walt Disney World)
Disneyland
- Les Mystères du Nautilus: A Guided Tour 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
- Le Passage Enchanté d’Aladdin (Aladdin’s Enchanted Passage)
- La Tanière du Dragon (Dragon’s Dungeon, under the Sleeping Beauty castle)
- Alice’s Curious Labyrinth
Tickets
Pricing
There are three price tiers for one day tickets that are based on the date of the visit:
- Mini, starting at $62 for one park ticket, $92 for two park ticket
- Magic, starting at $82/$114
- Super Magic, starting at $105/$129
You have to have two park ticket if you want to visit both Disneyland and Walt Disney Studios in one day.
Multi-day tickets are not date based.
Buying Tickets
You can purchase the tickets in person at the ticket booth in the parks, however, we recommend buying your tickets online in advance.
You can buy them here:
- Official Disneyland Paris website. If you are US based, check international websites (France or UK) as the the US version has the highest price.
- Voyagin
- Picniq
See our post on how to find the best deal on Disneyland Paris tickets here:
FastPass
FastPass System Overview
The FastPass system allows you to skip the regular line for select attractions. The best part it is free!
Disney Paris is still using paper FastPass system. Meaning you need to scan your park ticket at the kiosks near the rides eligible for a FastPass, and you will get a paper ticket with the return time. Return to the attraction within the time listed on the ticket and join the FastPass queue. Your FastPass ticket will list the time you can get your next Fast Pass.
These are FastPass eligible attractions:
Disneyland
- Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril
- Star Wars: Hyperspace Mountain
- Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast
- Big Thunder Mountain
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- Star Tours
Walt Disney Studios
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
- Ratatouille: The Adventure
Super & Ultimate Fast Pass
If you want to maximize your time in the parks, you can purchase Super or Ultimate FASTPASS that will let you access FastPass lines for select rides (see the table below).
You can purchase them from the website or via the Call Centre up to two days before your visit. Based on availabilities, Super and Ultimate FASTPASS products will also be on sale in the Disney Parks on the day of your visit.
| FastPass Option | Included Attractions | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Super FastPass Family Attractions | Ratatouille, Peter Pan, Buzz Lightyear | Low Season $36/High Season $54 |
| Super FastPass Big Thrill Attractions | Hyperspace Mountain, Phantom Manor, Tower of Terror | Low Season $36/High Season $54 |
| Ultimate FastPass (one time access) | Ratatouille, Peter Pan, Buzz Lightyear, Hyperspace Mountain, Phantom Manor, Tower of Terror, Big Thunder Mountain, Star Tours, Indiana Jones | Low Season $71/High Season $107 |
| Ultimate FastPass (unlimited access) | Ratatouille, Peter Pan, Buzz Lightyear, Hyperspace Mountain, Phantom Manor, Tower of Terror, Big Thunder Mountain, Star Tours, Indiana Jones | Low Season $143/High Season $180 |
VIP FastPass
If you are staying in Suites or Castle Club room type at select Disney Paris hotels, you will get VIP FastPass (unlimited access to the FastPass attractions). This offer is available to guests staying at these hotels:
- Disneyland Hotel
- Disney’s Hotel New York
- Disney’s Newport Bay Club
- Disney’s Sequoia Lodge
Single Rider
If you are enjoying the parks on your own, or don’t mind being split up, you can use Single Rider line to shorten the wait time.
These rides offer the Single Rider line:
Disneyland Park
- Star Wars: Hyperspace Mountain
Walt Disney Studios
- RC Racer
- Toy Soldiers Parachute Drop
- Crush’s Coaster
- Ratatouille : The Adventure
Parades, Fireworks, and Nighttime Shows
Current entertainment offers by park are below. See showtimes here.
Disneyland
- Disney Stars on Parade
- Disney Illuminations (nighttime fireworks/projections show at park closing time)
- Disney Performing Arts OnStage Programme (performance by amateur groups)
Walt Disney Studios
- Frozen: A Musical Invitation
- Mickey and the Magician
- Moteurs… Action ! Stunt Show Spectacular
- Stitch Live!
Disney Village
Disney Village is a mini version of California Disneyland’s Downtown Disney. It is situated right before the parks’ gates making it easy to leave the parks if you are looking for cheaper lunch/dinner options.
Here you can find:
- Cinema
- PanoraMagique (hot air baloon ride)
- Restaurants (including Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show with Mickey and Friends, McDonald’s, Rainforest Cafe, Cage Mickey, Vapiano)
- Stores (including World of Disney, Lego Store, World of Toys)
- and more
See the full list of venues here.
Staying on Property
While both Disney Paris parks are doable in one day, you might want to consider staying in one of the Disney hotels, mainly because of these benefits:
- Extra Magic Time. Enter the Disney Parks before anyone else to meet Disney Characters and get a jump on some of our most popular attractions.
- Shopping Services. Send your purchases to your Disney Hotel’s boutique, where you can pick them up from 8pm.
- VIP FastPass for guests staying in Suites or Castle Club room types.
- Hotel FastPass (for certain room types). Receive one additional FastPass per day and per person.
- Option to book a discounted hotel/ticket/meals vacation package.
See our post on booking a discounted Disneyland Paris package here:
Future Development
In 2018 Disney’s CEO announced $2.5 billion multi-year expansion of Walt Disney Studios park. The park will be adding three new areas based on Marvel, Frozen and Star Wars, along with new attractions and live entertainment experiences.
The multi-year development will roll out in phases beginning in 2021.
See our other 101 Planning Guides:
See our other Disneyland Paris posts:
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