Entering Disneyland Paris opens us up to a world of magic, of dreams, of the characters who filled our childhood and shaped our lives. But it’s also a park with Europe’s most cutting-edge attractions where you might find Mickey strolling hand in hand with Minnie along the main avenue, waving to children and adults.
- When Disneyland opened
- Which parks are part of Disneyland Paris
- Where Disneyland Paris is and how to get there
- Must-do attractions by age
- Restaurants and dining options
- Tips to make the most of your visit
When Disneyland opened. A brief history of the castle and its magic
It was in 1987 when the collaboration agreement was signed to build the great Disney theme park in Europe. Several possibilities were considered, including locations in Spain, but it was Paris that achieved this feat that changed the world of travel and theme parks.
Work began in 1988 in Marne-la-Vallée, 35 kilometres from the French capital, and four years later everything was ready for the grand opening on 12 April 1992.
At that time, Disneyland Paris consisted of one theme park, some hotels and the entrance area with restaurants, shops and entertainment venues in what was called Disney Village.
Ten years later, Europe’s most famous theme park grew with the opening of Walt Disney Studios, which has added more and more adventures and attractions with Toon Studio, Ratatouille: L’Aventure and the latest area to open, Avengers.
Which parks are part of Disneyland Paris: magic versus adventure
Right now there are two theme parks at Disneyland Paris with separate entrances and atmospheres. The original Disneyland Park hosts attractions linked to the studio’s classic tales, the great castle, Mickey’s house and the classic rides with two major guests: Star Wars and Pirates of the Caribbean.
Then there’s Walt Disney Studios Park, which is the one that has grown most recently and focuses on attractions and themed areas inspired by cinema, with large zones dedicated to Pixar and Marvel. In fact, the latest attractions to open have been the Avengers ones with Spider Man and Superman as the protagonists.
Between the two parks is Disney Village, which has many restaurants, cinemas, shops and leisure venues for a break and souvenir shopping.
Where Disneyland Paris is and how to get there: the train, the best option
The Disneyland Paris parks are located in Marne-la-Vallée, 35 kilometres from the French capital and the main airports. That’s why you need to plan how to get there.
The best option is the RER A train, a kind of suburban line that departs from several Paris stations such as Châtelet–Les Halles, Auber, Nation and Gare de Lyon. It’s very popular because it takes only about 35 minutes, and it’s much cheaper than other transport, around eight euros per ticket. You need to get off at Marne-la-Vallée – Chessy station.
You can also drive, there’s an exit on the A4 motorway marked Parcs Disneyland, there are car parks but you have to pay for them.
A taxi or private transfer from central Paris will take at least 40 minutes and can cost between 60 and 100 euros.
From the airports and other parts of the capital, there are buses but they’re slower and less frequent.
Must-do attractions by age: the plan for babies, children and adults
Disneyland is a perfect plan for every member of the family, there are attractions for everyone and you can’t miss the incredible parades where music and magic fill the park.
For under-threes, It’s a Small World is one of the prettiest and can be found in every park. Among the gentlest rides are Dumbo the Flying Elephant and Peter Pan’s Flight, one of the most popular. You’ll need to visit Mickey Mouse in his very own house.
For older children up to seven, the best are Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast and the laser battle, Pirates of the Caribbean and Autopia where they drive small cars.
Once they’re a bit taller, children aged between eight and 12 can dial up the adventure and ride Big Thunder Mountain, the Star Wars flight simulator, Ratatouille: The Adventure, with 4D glasses and Phantom Manor, a haunted house suitable for all ages.
For teenagers and adults there are the big attractions full of excitement and speed: Avengers Assemble: Flight Force, one of the most recent to open; Star Wars: Hyperspace Mountain, with loops; The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, a haunted drop, and one of the most surprising rides, Crush’s Coaster, where the queues are huge.
Restaurants and dining options: something quick or a themed establishment
Disneyland has everything to offer when it comes to eating. One option is to grab something informal and quick like a burger, hot dog or nachos served in places like Casey’s Corner, Café Hyperion, one of the biggest, Hakuna Matata Restaurant and Fuente del Oro.
If you choose a restaurant to sit down and relax, it’s best to book, and you could go for Bistrot Chez Rémy, one of the most sought-after ones because you can see the Ratatouille attraction while you eat, or Walt’s, where they serve Walt Disney’s favourite dish.
To dine with a character, the most popular places, where booking is essential, are Mágico, Auberge de Cendrillon, Plaza Gardens or Royal Banquet, inside the Disney hotel.
Tips to make the most of your visit: where to start and the importance of timings
The first thing to make the most of our time at Disneyland is to download the app, which will tell us the show times, attraction wait times and bookings.
Bear in mind that it’s worth getting up early and heading straight to the most in-demand attractions like Crush’s Coaster or Flight Force, especially if you haven’t paid for Disney Premier Access.
The best thing on day one is to start at the back of the park, since many people linger on Main Street. Also, if you don’t mind riding separately you can make use of the single rider queues, which tend to move faster.
Make sure you pack water and snacks so you can keep moving, and if you want a proper meal, make sure you book a table.
Many people use the queues to eat and take strategic breaks on quieter rides.
Depending on the weather, don’t forget sun cream, gloves or a raincoat.
