A Parent's Guide To Disneyland Paris

When I thought of taking our kids on a Disney holiday, I imagined the massive parks in California or Florida. I had never considered the alternative of a European gem that offers all the magic in a more intimate, quaint and manageable package, paired with the magic of Paris.

Disneyland Paris is located just 45 minutes from the heart of the city, giving you the unique opportunity to combine an authentic Parisian adventure with the joy of a Disney stay. For Canadian families looking for a less overwhelming, but equally enchanting, experience, Disneyland Paris is a truly special destination.

My family recently had the magical opportunity to visit Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney Studios Paris, and what we discovered was a beautifully crafted experience that felt perfectly suited for families with young children. Disney Paris is smaller and more condensed than the North American parks. It means less time walking and more time enjoying the attractions. The entire setup feels intentionally designed for a family wandering and exploring at a kid’s pace and interest. And it doesn’t take away from the quality and quantity of incredible rides for every age and preference.

Our family is the perfect example of a huge range of interests. We have a thrill-seeking, never-fearful eight-year-old who was tall enough to go on every single ride in the park. He was constantly looking for the next big adventure and always ready to try out the next scariest experience. On the other end of the spectrum is our very cautious five-year-old, who preferred to stick to the whimsical rides, frolic through playgrounds, and sample the Euro-inspired treats and snacks. Disneyland Paris catered to both of them beautifully.

The area is split into two parks—Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park. Each park has its own vibe and attractions. The parks, along with the hotels and a bustling shopping district, are all set around a beautiful lake, making everything conveniently accessible on foot.

But before you start dreaming of meeting Mickey and sampling crêpes, it’s important to create a plan of attack. Disneyland is super special, but I was surprised by the effort and organization needed to maximize that magic. Here’s everything you need to know before you experience the enchantment of Disneyland Paris.

Where to stay

Staying at one of the Disney-owned hotels is the best way to experience Disneyland Paris. Not only does it allow for maximum time at the parks, but it also provides a convenient home base for afternoon naps or a quick change of clothes after a messy ice cream cone. The best perk of all is the early access—registered hotel guests can get into the parks a full hour before they open to the general public, allowing you to hit a few popular rides with almost no wait.

My family and I stayed at the Newport Bay Club Hotel just steps from the parks. It is a sizable nautical-themed hotel that sits right on the lake. The accommodations were modest and comfortable, but the standout feature was the pool area.

It was expansive, with both an indoor and outdoor section, offering a perfect place for the kids to burn off some energy or cool down on a warm afternoon. Other hotel options are just a short walk away, and of course, there’s the iconic Disneyland Hotel, a luxurious pink castle-like hotel situated directly at the park’s entrance—a dream stay for any Disney fanatic. All of the hotels have different restaurants, so if you are in the mood to try some fun themed cuisines, be sure to check out the dining options on the Disneyland Paris app.

Must-do rides for every age

One of the great things about Disneyland Paris is the surprisingly low minimum height requirements on many of the thrilling rides. Our five-year-old, for example, could have gone on Big Thunder Mountain, though she very adamantly refused. Our eight-year-old, however, conquered nearly everything.

For the thrill-seekers

Disneyland Park

• My eight-year-old’s absolute favourite was Hyperspace Mountain. He loved the thrill of the amazing ambiance, loops, twists, and turns, all while feeling like he was flying through a real Star Wars battle.
• Big Thunder Mountain is a classic, high-speed runaway train that lives up to its reputation.
• Indiana Jones et le Temple du Péril is a high-octane roller coaster that will get your adrenaline pumping.

Walt Disney Studios Park

• Avengers Assemble: Flight Force is an intense coaster that launches you from 0 to 60 miles an hour in three seconds and is a must for any Marvel fan.
• The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is a drop ride that is genuinely terrifying but totally worth it.
• Crush's Coaster, a spinning turtle shell ride through the world of Finding Nemo, is a crowd favourite with a notoriously long wait time.

For the little ones (and the big kids who are young at heart)

Disneyland Park

• "It's a Small World" was the undisputed favourite for our five-year-old. The simple, joyful boat ride through different countries, singing the catchy theme song, never gets old.
• Other must-do classics include Peter Pan's Flight, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, and the beautiful Carousel de Lancelot.

Walt Disney Studios Park

• Les Tapis Volants—Flying Carpets Over Agrabah is a fun, gentle ride that lets you control the height of your carpet.
• Slinky Dog Zigzag Spin is another cute ride that’s perfect for little ones.
• Cars ROAD TRIP takes you on a slow-moving tram tour of some fun Cars-themed sights.
• Our family fave had to be the Ratatouille ride, which takes you on a journey through the thrilling (and giant) kitchen from the perspective of a rat!

Parades and character encounters

While the sheer eagerness of Disney fans and photographers means characters are rarely seen just walking around the parks, there are still amazing opportunities to meet them. You can use the Disney Paris app to sign up for the virtual queue for different character experiences throughout the day.

We loved the daily parade, which was the perfect way for us to see all the Disney stars. We experienced the spectacular Disney Stars on Parade, which runs daily at 11:30 a.m. It's an impressive and exciting event that nearly brought us to tears. With everything from acrobats performing on the floats to a fire-breathing dragon, it is an experience that should not be missed.

For a unique character encounter, especially for Star Wars fans, we found a great hideaway. The Light Speed Lounge, located in Discoveryland above the Starport, was an epic little spot for a midday break. The best part? We were able to get a cold drink and meet Chewbacca and a few sassy stormtroopers who were more than happy to interact with the kids.

Must-try treats and dining

The dining scene at Disneyland Paris offers a unique blend of classic Disney food and a touch of European flair. The hotels all have restaurants that require reservations well in advance and can be quite pricey, but for a one-of-a-kind full French experience, you must try Chez Remy in Walt Disney Studios Park.

The restaurant is meticulously themed to make you feel as though you've shrunk down to the size of a rat, with huge matchboxes and spools of thread acting as decor. It’s an immersive dining experience that is just as impressive as the ride it's based on. We also found it convenient to eat in the Disney Village, where a variety of restaurants are available and close to the hotel for quick breaks.

Our absolute favourite food experience was found in the many small stands dotted throughout Walt Disney Studios. These stands sell regional European fare that is both delicious and reasonably priced. We loved trying the savoury pretzels and sausages, indulging in sweet and savoury crêpes (including a delightful duck confit crêpe), and, for the adults, even enjoying a glass of French wine.

Tips for a flawless trip

Disneyland Paris, like any major theme park, is an even better experience when you plan ahead. Here are a few hot tips to ensure your family's trip is as magical as possible.

• The app is everything: The official Disneyland Paris app is the ultimate time-saver. Get it as soon as you book your trip. You can use it to store your tickets, view wait times for all attractions, make ride bookings via the Premier Access pass, place mobile food orders to avoid long lines, and get notifications so you don’t miss any of the scheduled events or parades. It's the key to an efficient and stress-free day.
• Get premier access: Purchasing the Premier Access Ultimate pass makes the entire experience so flawless and easy. For my family, instead of waiting 70 minutes for a ride, we were on in about five. On a famously long queue like Crush's Coaster, which had a 90-minute wait, we were on in under ten minutes. The pass grants you access to each ride once per day and is well worth the investment if you want to see and do it all.
• Embrace the hotel perks: Make the most of your hotel’s early entry. By getting into the park a full hour before it opens, you can ride a few of the most popular attractions with a minimal wait. Then, head back to the hotel for a relaxing lunch and a chill afternoon before returning for the evening festivities, like the parades and fireworks.
• Pack smart: It's a long day, so you need to come prepared. Wagons are a must-have for families. We used a collapsible, cabin-size camping wagon with a 200kg capacity. Wagons aren’t allowed at Disney Parks in North America, but small strollers and wagons are at Disneyland Paris. It was a lifesaver for lugging snacks, water bottles, and our tired kids around the park. Water bottles are also essential, as there are many water refill stations throughout the parks. Don’t forget sunscreen, small books or games for waiting in line, and a portable battery pack to keep your phone charged.
• Star Wars fans rejoice: For our kids, who have a serious weakness for Star Wars, the experiences and shopping were a major highlight. My eight-year-old saved up for months to build his own lightsaber. There are also amazing stores both in the park (very cute and themed) and in the village (which has a larger variety of products).

Whether you’re a die-hard Disney fan or visiting for the first time, Disneyland Paris is a magical experience that your family will never forget. With a bit of prep and a lot of joy, it’s a holiday that feels uniquely special, intimate, and ideally suited for creating lasting family memories.