100+ Essential Disneyland Paris Tips for First Timers

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Are you planning your dream vacation to Disneyland Paris? If you are getting bored traveling through historic sites in Paris and want to add some fun and spice to your trip, then we have the perfect solution.

Disneyland is it!

In fact, what could be a better spot than this?

But if you’ve never been before, there might be things you don’t know to make the most of the trip.

That’s why, in the following blog, we are going to walk you through the 15 essential Disneyland Paris tips for first-timers. So you can have a memorable adventure, without facing any hassle.

Read on to find out!

Key Takeaways:
Consider both on-site and off-site accommodations based on your budget.
Use the Disneyland Paris app and physical maps for real-time navigation and information.
Plan for special events and parades, booking tickets early during peak seasons.

Planning Tips & Tricks for First-Time Visit to Disneyland

Planning your trip to Disneyland Paris can be a magical experience, full of excitement and anticipation. Here’s how you can make your first visit to Disneyland a memorable and enjoyable one:

• The ideal time to visit Disneyland Paris is during peak season (April-October).
• You can experience better weather and longer daylight hours but with larger crowds.
• Check the park opening time before arriving and the official site of Disneyland Paris to get the exact information.
• Enjoy events like Christmas, the Marvel Season of Super Heroes, and so on.
• Visit Disneyland Paris’s official website to book your park tickets or compare other agencies.
• For accommodations, on-site Disneyland hotels can be a good option but a little expensive, with a minimum starting price of $300.
• Disneyland Park features iconic lands like Fantasyland, Discoveryland, Frontierland, and Adventureland.
• Download the Disneyland Paris map app or grab a free map to navigate your dream day.
• Always pack layers; a light jacket or sweater is perfect for cold mornings and evenings.

Getting to Disneyland Paris

Transportation is one of the main components that will decide whether your trip is going to be smooth or not. After arriving in Paris, there are several transportation options to get there. Such as the following:

• Train: From Paris, you can take the RER A line train; however, it takes only 35 minutes.
• Car: To enjoy France’s scenic route, consider driving on your own. But if you are from the UK, a ferry or tunnel crossing is necessary.
• Shuttle Bus: If you travel by plane, this bus will pick you up from the Paris airport.

Parking Tips

• Arrive early to secure a spot.
• Make sure to download the Disneyland Paris app, so you can get live parking updates.
• Take a picture or note your parking section, row, or a nearby landmark for later.
• Keep your parking ticket safe for payment and exit.

Navigating the Parks

Exploring Disneyland parks can be a beautiful experience, but you have to learn the navigating process is a little bit strategic. From our personal experience of multi-time visits, we have planned simple Disneyland Paris tips for first-timers.

They are:

• Download the designated app to navigate your way around two parks.
• Get the physical map of the park, available at the entrances for guests.
• Open the interactive map in the app, look for rides on your wishlist, and see their wait times.
• Disneyland Paris mobile app offers real-time navigation information, shows wait times for rides, and allows for dining reservations or ordering food.

Tips for Attractions & Entertainment in Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris is a magical world waiting to be explored, especially if it’s your first time! Here are some tips to make your experience even more enchanting:

• Premier Access is a paid service to access rides and attractions. It helps to skip the regular queues and save hours of waiting for select rides and attractions.
• Arrive early, as lines can be long.
• Consider visiting during parades or shows when queues may be shorter.
• Must bring autograph books and cameras ready for signatures and photos.
• Participate in live shows and parades to complete your Disney experience.
• Take your meal to themed restaurants for an exclusive dining experience.
• Try to avoid visiting Paris Disneyland during the off-peak season, and also avoid weekends, holidays, and school breaks.
• Arrive early to beat the crowds.
• Utilize the Disneyland Paris app to check waiting time slots and plan your day strategically.
• When crowds gather for parades and shows, use that time to hit your popular attractions.
• Pack comfortable shoes for walking around the park.

Must-see attractions for first-timers

Disneyland Paris has several must-see attractions and amazing places for day trips, rides, and experiences that you shouldn’t miss. There are some of the best rides in Disneyland Paris for adults to have an amazing experience.

Here’s a list of some of those to help you experience the best so that you can get the most from this dream trip:

• Sleeping Beauty Castle
• Pirates of the Caribbean
• Phantom Manor
• Big Thunder Mountain
•  It’s a Small World
• Ratatouille: The Adventure
• Disney Illuminations
• The Haunted Mansion
• Disneyland Railroad

Dining Tips in Disneyland Paris

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable dining experience, it’s advisable to familiarize yourself with the dining secrets of Disneyland Paris.

Don’t have any idea? Let’s check them out:

• It is highly recommended to book your dining before your visit. You can make the reservation up to 2 months ago from their app or website.
• If your preferred dining time is unavailable, try for an alternate time. Bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day.
• Utilize free water stations located around the park for refills.
• Opt for fruit options like apples or bananas for budget-friendly snacks.
• Bring your snacks, like granola bars, nuts, fruit pouches, cookies, or sandwiches, to save even more.

Accommodation Tips for Disneyland Paris

As a first-timer at Disneyland Paris, it is normal to feel a bit confused because of where to stay and which will be the best choice.

• Disney Hotels: Stay at Disneyland Paris hotels or on-site hotels. They offer some benefits, like; saving time, parking, and so on. Though these are a little expensive.
• Stay off-site: Look for hotels in Val d’Europe that is near the park with RER train station access. There are many hotels from which you can easily choose one.
• Apartments: Consider self-catering apartments that also have a kitchen option. These are the best options for families or groups and are also budget-friendly.
• Package Deals: Find the best deals that include park tickets and accommodation.

Important Note:
Stay close to the park to save more time. Another thing is that off-site restaurants may close early, so plan your meals accordingly.

Souvenir Shopping in Disneyland Paris

Disneyland vacation will not be complete without shopping. Our guidance will help you navigate various stores to find unique pieces of Disney World. Emporium (Main Street, U.S.A.), Disney Store at Both Parks, and Disney Village are the shops for shopping for Disneyland goodies.

• Look for limited edition or exclusive merchandise.
• Visit shops near the specific ride for specialized items.
• Consider personalized items like custom ears or engraved mugs and t-shirts.
• Grab Disney pins with a Parisian twist.
• Check out the Animation Academy for a self-made drawing.

Health and Safety Tips

Preparing for your trip to Disneyland Paris involves more than just packing your bags and buying tickets. The essential part is to prioritize your and your family’s health and safety throughout the trip.

• Carry your water bottles and drink enough fluids throughout the day.
• Apply sunscreen to protect your skin from sunburn and the sun’s harmful rays.
• Wear hats and sunglasses for extra protection.
• Choose comfortable clothing and footwear to enjoy the park’s adventure.
• First aid and baby care centers are available in both parks. They handle every kind of emergency and even provide space with diaper changing stations, feeding areas, and other amenities, etc.

Language and Cultural Tips

Before hitting a new place, it’s always a good idea to learn some basic phrases and culture. Some of the key tips to keep in mind are:

• Respect other’s personal space.
• Don’t break any lines; always maintain queue etiquette.
• Avoid loud or disruptive behavior in public places.
• Tipping is not as common in France; it is included in your bill.

Common Phrases to Check Out

• “Où sont les toilettes?” (Where are the restrooms?)
• “Combien ça coûte?” (How much does it cost?)
• “Où est l’entrée/sortie?” (Where is the entrance/exit?)
• “Merci.” (Thank you)
• “Je voudrais acheter des billets.” (I would like to buy tickets.)

Photography Tips

The best photos always need a good background and a place with proper lighting. Here are some suggestions for spots where you can capture some amazing pictures to keep your Disney dream alive:

• Sleeping Beauty Castle
• Adventure Isle
• Walt Disney Studios Parks
• Frontierland and Main Street, U.S.A.

Now that the background is fixed, let’s move on to capturing the magical moments:

• Arrive early to click photos in the soft morning light and also avoid the crowds.
• Keep your camera ready and capture candid moments and expressions during meet-and-greet sessions.
• Click on the natural light during golden hour, which provides a soft, warm glow perfect for magical shots.
• Find a good spot early for parades and shows that can give amazing views and pictures.

Special Events and Parades

At Disneyland Paris, the seasonal events and parades offer amazing experiences for visitors throughout the year. A few of them are:

• Swing into Spring Parade: Disney characters celebrate the season with vibrant colors and melodies in spring-themed attire.
• The Lion King and Jungle Festival: With music, dance performances, and interactive sessions, this festival honors The Lion King and The Jungle Book.
• Disney’s Halloween Festival: The park is transformed into a spooky wonderland. This festival creates opportunities to meet Disney villains.
• Christmas: It includes Santa Claus and a big Christmas tree lighting ceremony, music, and parade.
• Get Booking in Advance: Book your tickets in advance during peak seasons.
• Arrive Early: Arrive early to get a good spot for parades.
• Wear Comfortable Dress: Dress comfortably for these outdoor parades and events.

Ride Safety and Accessibility

With plenty of options for rides and attractions, Disneyland sets some restrictions to ensure the safety of guests.

• Height Restrictions: Some rides have height restrictions that guests must meet to ride.
• Health Warnings: Rides with intense speeds, sudden drops, or sharp turns are advised against guests with heart conditions, back problems, or other serious medical conditions.
• Age Recommendations: Some attractions require children to be of a certain age for a ride. You will get some of the rides that allow 5-year-old children.

Tips for guests with disabilities or special needs:

• You can rent a wheelchair for disabled guests.
• Priority Card grants priority access to guests with disabilities.
• There are accessible restrooms throughout the parks.
• Transfer boards are available to help guests with wheelchairs get on and off the rides.

Budget-Friendly Tips

When we plan for an international trip, budgeting is something that we must always keep in mind to secure the best deal possible. Such as:

• Travel during off-peak season to avoid crowds and get budget prices.
• Buy tickets online in advance to get discounts.
• Consider accommodations outside the park to save money.
• Bring your food to cut down on meal expenses.
• Set your budget for souvenirs to avoid overspending.
• Carry your water bottles to avoid buying them repeatedly.
• Enjoy free shows and parades included with your park entry.

Wrapping Up

Paris always offers the best for its travelers, but Disneyland offers a little bit more happiness, especially for family travelers. And when you travel with family or maybe alone, then the Disneyland Paris tips for first-timers are the savior for any query.

From budgeting strategies to navigating the parks, this guide has every detail that will contribute to an unforgettable journey. Though it is your first trip to Disneyland, after knowing all these tips, you will be able to manage the trip smoothly. 

So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, set your itinerary, and get ready to experience the beautiful world of Disney.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)