Opened in 1992, Disneyland Paris became the second Disney park to operate outside the United States, following Tokyo. Located 32 kilometres east of the French capital, around Marne-la-Vallée, the resort brings together several communes within the Seine-et-Marne département.
Today, it remains one of Europe’s most iconic family destinations, attracting millions of visitors each year with its blend of fantasy, nostalgia and cinematic magic.
The resort is divided into two main parks: Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park. Together, they offer more than 22 square kilometres of attractions, rollercoasters, live shows, parades and themed dining experiences. To ensure you make the most of your visit—and avoid spending more time in queues than on rides—it’s worth planning ahead and following a few practical tips.
How to get to Disneyland Paris
Reaching Disneyland Paris is quite simple thanks to excellent transport links from central Paris and both major airports. If you’re staying in the city, the easiest option is the RER A train line, which takes around 35 minutes from central stations such as Charles de Gaulle–Étoile, Auber and Châtelet–Les Halles.
The fare is around 10 euros for adults, 5 euros for children aged 4–10, and free for children under 4. The final stop, Marne-la-Vallée, is just a few steps from the entrance, and free shuttle buses connect the station with nearby hotels.
Another convenient choice is a panoramic coach excursion that includes entry to one or both parks. These coaches depart from Place des Vins at 8:00 or 8:30 and drop you right at the gates. For airport connections, the Magical Shuttle operates from both Charles de Gaulle and Orly, taking passengers directly to Disney hotels.
If you’re travelling as a group, a private transfer is often the most cost-effective and comfortable option, offering door-to-door service at a price lower than a standard taxi.
Where to eat at Disneyland Paris
Unless your hotel stay includes full board—which generally isn’t recommended unless you intend to return to the hotel for every meal—you’ll find over 50 dining options spread across the resort.
Choices range from hot-dog stands and salads to well-known fast-food chains such as McDonald’s, all for under €10. At the other end of the spectrum are themed restaurants where you can dine with Disney characters, often costing around €80 per person.
Some of the most popular spots include Café Mickey, Agrabah Café, Bistrot Chez Rémy, Walt’s – An American Restaurant, Billy Bob’s Country Western Saloon and Captain Jack’s. Because these restaurants fill up quickly, booking in advance—either when reserving your hotel or directly online—is essential.
For a true fairytale experience, Auberge de Cendrillon is the most coveted option, offering princess meet-and-greets, table-side dances and a magical atmosphere. A more budget-friendly alternative is the character breakfast at Plaza Gardens Restaurant.
If you’re hoping to save money, you can always bring a packed lunch for a picnic in designated areas. Several water fountains are available throughout the park to refill bottles.
To avoid long waits, steer clear of dining between 12:00 and 14:00, when restaurants are at their busiest. And with so many themed restaurants and unique dining spots across the resort, you almost feel as though you’re on a Disneyland food tour—the kind of experience that would rival even a classic Paris food tour.
That being said, and if you’re visiting Disneyland Paris as part of a longer trip around France, it’s well worth taking some time to explore the food scene in the capital too.
A food tour can be a lovely way to discover local flavours and soak up the atmosphere before heading back to the world of Disney magic.
Where to stay: choosing the right hotel
One of the best ways to save money when visiting Disneyland Paris is to book accommodation well in advance and regularly monitor price changes. If you’re spending one or two nights at the resort, it’s worth dedicating at least one full day to each park and staying at an official Disney hotel.
Top choices include Disney Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel, Disney Sequoia Lodge, Disney Hotel Santa Fe, and Disney Hotel Cheyenne. These hotels are located just a 15-minute walk from the parks, passing through the lively entertainment district of Disney Village. They also offer several perks:
- Extra Magic Time, allowing guests to enter the parks up to two hours before the general public.
- Free parking and shuttle buses to both parks.
- Complimentary delivery of purchases to your hotel until 15:00.
If you’re travelling on a tighter budget, nearby hotels such as Radisson Blu Hotel or Dream Castle Hotel Marne-la-Vallée provide free transport to the parks and often offer lower rates.
Exciting news
This year, Disneyland Paris announced an unprecedented expansion inspired by The Lion King. Following the approval of construction permits, the new area—known internally as Project Sun—will feature a water-based attraction centred around Pride Rock. Visitors will journey through iconic scenes from Simba’s life, complete with themed dining, exclusive shops and immersive landscapes.
Plans reveal a spectacular 52-foot drop and an exploration route beneath Pride Rock, blending cutting-edge technology with Disney’s storytelling heritage. The project promises a richly detailed environment that fully transports guests to the African savannah.