The magic of Disney is something that everyone (child or adult) should experience at least once in their lifetime. You could be experiencing the excitement of the Disneyland Paris rides sooner than you think… as it takes only 55 minutes to reach from Central Paris, less than 3 hours to reach from London (via a Eurostar train), and it’s also close to Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany… this central location makes visiting the theme park accessible for millions of people.
Comprised of two theme parks – Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park – Disneyland Paris is more than just the home of Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. Whether you plan on visiting Disneyland Paris with your family, as a couple or with friends – there are plenty of things to see and do for people of all ages. From taking a ride on one of the many thrilling rollercoasters and water-based rides, to an enchanting visit to the Sleeping Beauty castle, expect to be entertained for the entire duration of your visit.
To build even more excitement for your Disneyland Paris trip, count down the days, hours, minutes & seconds until your trip with our CAN’T WAIT! Vacation & Holiday Countdown App 😊
When we visit this magical park, we get the best prices for our Disneyland Paris tickets by booking with GetYourGuide…
Before you set off on your fun adventure, check out our essential guide to the 10 best things you need to see and do whilst visiting Disneyland Paris…
Table of Contents
1. Visit The Iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle
No trip to Disneyland Paris would be complete without a visit to its iconic epicentre – The Sleeping Beauty Castle!
Known as “Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant” in French, you are actually able to walk through and explore its magical beauty for yourself. Look out for the incredible stained glass windows that tell the story of Sleeping Beauty, against the backdrop of the soundtrack which is played throughout.
Like any good fairytale, the castle is also home to a dungeon called The Dragon’s Lair. Prepared to be truly terrified as it lets out a thunderous roar while you make your way past! Hopefully, you make it out unscathed, but you can never be too sure with a fire-breathing dragon!
This classic attraction is perfect for an afternoon stroll after you’ve been on some of the bigger rides.
2. Meet and Take Photos with Disney Characters that we all Love!
Going to Disneyland and not meeting at least one of these iconic heroes from your childhood is surely a sin, right? There will always be long queues (of around 1 hour) to meet and greet with Mickey Mouse or Minnie Mouse, but you might be lucky enough to see either of them walking through the park! We queued for just 15-20 minutes to have a meet and greet with Pluto in Walt Disney Studios Park.
3. Fly to Neverland on Peter Pan’s Flight
Take flight in this charming visit to Neverland, as you soar across the skies of London before heading to a land where Indian tribes, mermaids and pirates await.
Peter Pan’s Flight will capture the imagination of all those who visit it. This ride is great for toddlers and younger children who aren’t able to enjoy some of the bigger Disneyland Paris rides, but it’s equally as fun for grown-ups too.
Remember to look out for Captain Hook and the odd alligator as you navigate this most magical fairytale.
Must-haves for every city break! Don't forget to pack these travel essentials for your Disneyland Paris trip
4. Join Indiana Jones and Speed Through The Temple of Peril
If you’re ready for some real theme park thrills, head to Adventureland to the Indiana Jones and The Temple of Peril rollercoaster ride.
This rollercoaster will take you through sharp turns as you navigate the ruins that were made famous by the movie franchise.
Hold onto your hats as you twist upside down on this truly exhilarating runaway train, before speeding right back down to Earth. Note: You have to be 140cm tall to ride this rollercoaster.
5. Phantom Manor: Take a Tour of a Haunted Mansion
You don’t have to wait for Halloween to get a little spooky. Head to Frontierland and take a tour of Disneyland’s most frightful attraction… Phantom Manor!
Newly renovated to be even scarier than before, it tells the tale of Melanie Ravenswood. All she wanted was to get married, but her father did not approve of any of her suitors. They all mysteriously disappeared inside the manor. Would you dare to enter, knowing you could possibly suffer the same fate? Note: there is no height restriction for this ride.
6. Travel at Light Speed Through Star Wars HyperSpace Mountain
Blast off on an adventure of a lifetime with the most famous Disneyland Paris ride, which is more commonly known by its former name “Space Mountain”. This indoor and outdoor steel rollercoaster is located at Discoveryland.
To celebrate the park’s 25th anniversary, the ride was rebranded under a Star Wars theme. This updated version of the ride allows you to follow the journey of Luke Skywalker from farm boy to Jedi Knight.
Expect a thrilling light show in what can only be described as an immersive cinematic experience. The new ride also has a lower height restriction, and you need to be 120cm tall to ride on this rollercoaster. Although, this ride still travels upside down, so it’s only for the brave!
7. Take the Rocky Railroad Around Big Thunder Mountain
Head to Frontierland in Walt Disney Studios Park for some mine-digging adventures on Big Thunder Mountain – this is the 2nd most popular of the mountain-themed Disneyland Paris rides (after HyperSpace Mountain).
All aboard as you’ll be surrounded by some incredible scenery that will make you feel like you’re on the set of a western movie. Expect sharp turns, steep dips and plenty of special effects as you dig for gold in this thrilling adventure that takes you up to speeds of 100mph!
This ride is super-popular so it’s worth getting yourselves FASTPASS tickets to avoid long queues. If you’re visiting Disneyland Paris for the first time, this is definitely one not to be missed! Note: you need to be 102cm tall to ride on this runaway mine train!
Ahoy there maties! A swashbuckling crusade awaits on the Pirates of The Caribbean ride over in Adventureland.
Get ready to feel like Captain Jack Sparrow himself, as you take to the seas in your very own ship, navigating your way through terrifying twists and turns, and even a couple of steep drops!
The 17th century scenery and special effects on this dark ride are some of the most theatrical you will find on any of the Disneyland Paris rides. There’s also a hidden photo booth during one of the drops to capture your terror. Try and raise a smile, if you can! There is no height restriction for this ride, so it’s suitable for young children and toddlers.
9. Sing and Dance While Enjoying a Disney Parade
One of the most popular events at any Disney theme park are the various parades that happen throughout the day. This is a chance to see all of your favourite characters, in an all-singing-all-dancing family affair.
The parades change according to the different seasons, but each one is a truly magical experience that encompasses the very best that Disneyland has to offer. From the spooky Halloween parade in the autumn to the enchanting Disney stars parade – it’s something that’s not to be missed. See the current times for all of the shows and parades here: disneylandparis.com/en-gb/entertainment/shows-and-parades-in-disneyland-parks/
10. Explore Walt Disney Studios Park
For a taste of Hollywood, head to Walt Disney Studios Park for thrilling live shows, action-packed rollercoasters and so much more.
Make sure you get discounted Disneyland Paris Tickets that include admission to both parks!
Once you’re in the park, learn how your favourite movies create some of their most spectacular special effects. Plus experience some dazzling entertainment in the Production Courtyard. One of the most terrifying Disneyland Paris rides can be found at the top of the Hollywood Tower Hotel… if you dare to explore it!
This Disney park is worth spending a full day here just in itself, so it is ideal if you’re visiting for a few days. On our recent trip, we enjoyed 1 day at Disneyland Park and 1 day at Disney Studios Park.
11. Buy a Disney Souvenir or Memento
You’ll have plenty of memories to bring home with you from Disneyland, but a physical reminder is always great. Whether it’s a pair of Mickey Mouse ears, a Minnie Mouse hairband, a Disney character drinking bottle or a Disney Princess dress; having a memento at home to remind you of your Disneyland Paris adventure is sure to put a huge smile on your face when you’re back home 🙂
Just picture Nat wearing that Pluto hat around the house!
12. Watch the Disney Illuminations Fireworks Show
At the end of your action-packed day of enjoying the Disneyland Paris rides, head to The Sleeping Beauty castle at night, to finish off your Disney experience in the most spectacular fashion. Incredible light shows with iconic Disney scenes are projected onto the castle itself, while colourful, dazzling fireworks light up the night sky. The Disney Illuminations show begins when the park closes (closing time varies depending on the time of year). During the summer months, this night time show begins at 11pm. During the winter months when it gets dark much earlier, the show begins at either 7pm or 8pm.
Sing along to well-known Disney songs, which play loudly throughout the show. This adds even more drama and spectacle to what is an unmissable event as you bid farewell to Disneyland Paris… until next time!
Plan Your Own Trip to Disneyland Paris
The first thing you should do… Download our Free Go To Paris App for your iPhone, iPad, Android, Apple TV or Amazon Fire TV Stick. This will help you to plan your entire trip in and around Paris itself – from giving you the top 20 restaurants, attractions, nightlife and top things to do in Paris, to giving you access to the best tickets and tours in the city.
We always look for the best deals when it comes to flights, accommodation, tickets and tours. Over the last 19 years of enjoying trips together, we’ve come to rely on a few providers that have saved us money and given us a great service…
CHEAP DISNEYLAND PARIS TICKETS
- GetYourGuide.com – Excellent value multi-day, multi-park tickets so you can enjoy both Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park, across 2 or more days.
DISNEY HOTELS & ACCOMMODATION
- Booking.com offers the lowest prices on a huge selection of Disney hotels and rental properties in Chessy, the Parisian town where Disneyland Paris is located.
FLIGHTS TO PARIS
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CAR HIRE
- TravelSupermarket – Offering car rentals for as little as £2.60 per day (€3.00 or $3.50 USD), TravelSupermarket finds you the cheapest and best deal by comparing car hire prices at Avis, Hertz, Sixt, Budget, Holiday Autos and more
TRAVEL INSURANCE
- World Nomads – Simple, flexible and affordable worldwide travel insurance which includes 24/7 emergency assistance before & during your trip, valuables protection, trip cancellation cover and more
