Planning a Magical Day at Disneyland Paris
If you’ve ever dreamed of walking through a fairytale, Disneyland Paris is the place to make that dream come true. Located just outside the French capital, this enchanting destination is made up of two distinct parks:
- Disneyland Park Paris – the classic, castle-centered park featuring timeless Disney magic.
- Walt Disney Studios Park – a movie lover’s paradise showcasing Pixar, Marvel, and Disney cinematic worlds.
As first-time visitors planning a short trip, we had to decide how to get the most out of one day at Disneyland Paris. We opted for a Park Hopper ticket to cover both parks—and while it’s doable, it’s a tight schedule. If you’re traveling with young kids or a large group, I highly recommend spending one day per park at Disneyland Paris for a more relaxed experience.
Best Rides at Disneyland Paris
Here’s our must-ride list for anyone planning a Disneyland Paris one day itinerary. These are a mix of exclusive attractions and iconic Disney favorites:
- Phantom Manor – A darker, more intense version of the Haunted Mansion, exclusive to Paris.
- Ratatouille: The Adventure – Found only in Walt Disney Studios Park, this 4D ride is perfect for families and Ratatouille fans.
- Big Thunder Mountain – Widely regarded as the best version across all Disney parks (sadly it was closed during our visit. I saved it for next visit) .
- Pirates of the Caribbean – Longer than the one in Magic Kingdom Florida, with extra scenes unique to Disneyland Paris.
- Spider-Man W.E.B. Adventure – A family-friendly, interactive ride where you help Spider-Man catch rogue Spider-Bots. Located in Avengers Campus at Walt Disney Studios Park, it’s perfect for Marvel fans and kids alike. It was similar game to Toy Story Mania-if you are familier with it.
- Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain – A thrilling reimagining of Space Mountain with a Star Wars twist. Blast through space with epic soundtracks and special effects—it’s one of the most intense and unique versions among all Disney parks. I personally enjoyed the ride a lot. It was very intense, but so much fun. It’s one of my favorite ride among Disney theme parks in the world.
- Sleeping Beauty Castle (Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant) – The most beautiful Disney castle, complete with stained glass windows and a hidden dragon in the dungeon.
Disneyland Paris Premier Access Tips
To make the most of your day, here are some tried-and-true Disneyland Paris time-saving tips:
- Purchase Disney Premier Access for top rides. It’s Disneyland Paris’s version of FastPass. Some people may need it depends on the plan but we did not need it as most of waiting time were between 10-40 min.
- Arrive early for rope drop—the first hour offers the lowest wait times.
- Download the Disneyland Paris app to check live wait times, park maps, show schedules, and even mobile food ordering.
Bistro Chez Remy Restaurant Review – Disneyland Paris
We had lunch at Bistro Chez Rémy, a themed restaurant that shrinks you to the size of a rat in a beautifully immersive setting inspired by Pixar’s Ratatouille.
- Meal price: €45 per person for a customizable prix fixe menu. (As of March 2025)
- Ambience: Like walking into a Pixar film—giant spoons, oversized plates, and whimsical decor.
- Service: Excellent, English-speaking staff who made the experience feel extra magical.
If you’re looking for where to eat at Disneyland Paris, this is hands down the best themed dining experience in the parks.
Pro tip: Make a reservation in advance—Chez Rémy is one of the most popular restaurants in Disneyland Paris and walk-ins are rarely available.
The Magic of Disneyland Paris Entertainment
One of the most unforgettable parts of our trip was the Disneyland Paris nighttime show.
The Disney Dreams Spectacular was breathtaking—with drone choreography, castle projections, fireworks, and music from Beauty and the Beast, Frozen, Coco, Encanto and The Lion King. I’ve been to most Disney parks around the world (except the ones in China), and I can say this was the best nighttime show at any Disney park I’ve ever seen.
How to Get to Disneyland Paris from Paris
We stayed near Notre-Dame Cathedral in central Paris and made our way to the park easily via public transport.
- Take the RER A train from Châtelet–Les Halles to Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy station.
- Travel time: ~35–45 minutes
- Cost: Around €3 per person, one way (can buy ticket at the station, or buy it : Bonjour RATP)
- Trains run frequently, making it easy to plan a day trip to Disneyland Paris from Paris.
Pro tip: Book your Disneyland Paris tickets online in advance to save time and sometimes money. Once you arrive at the station, don’t worry—you won’t get lost. As soon as you step off the train, the entrance to Disneyland Paris is right in front of you and clearly marked. You’ll be walking through the gates in no time!
Where to Stay at Disneyland Paris
There are 8 official Disneyland Paris hotels, each offering unique Disney-themed rooms and early park access. If you’re looking for convenience, staying at a Disney hotel makes rope drop and mid-day breaks easier, especially with kids. If you want to enjoy shopping near the Disneyland Paris, I have a good news. There is a premium outlet (La Vallée Village Chic Outlet Shopping®)next station of Disneyland Paris. They have hotels around the area, so it’s definitely worth to consider.
We stayed in Paris and did day trips to both La Vallée Village and Disneyland Paris on separate days. It was very manageable, as both destinations are only a 30–40 minute ride from the city. All metro stations leading to Disneyland have a Mickey Mouse symbol, making it easy to spot the correct train.
Final Thoughts – Is Disneyland Paris Worth It?
Yes—100% yes! Whether you’re a lifelong Disney fan or visiting with children, Disneyland Paris delivers a unique blend of European charm and Disney magic. It’s not just the rides—it’s the immersive experiences, the food, the shows, and those unexpected moments that transport you straight into the stories you love.
- If you only have one day, focus on top Disneyland Paris rides and character experiences.
- Don’t skip Chez Remy or the nighttime show—they’re both unforgettable.
- Book your tickets and dining in advance, and use Premier Access to skip long lines.
- Trains from Paris to Disneyland Paris are easy and budget-friendly.
Have you visited Disneyland Paris? What was your favorite ride, meal, or magical moment? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your thoughts or help with your planning!