Disney Paris: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting

Disneyland Paris is one of the most visited destinations in Europe and the most famous theme park on the continent. Located just outside Paris, it’s a magical trip for both adults and children. If you're planning a visit to the French capital, adding Disney to your itinerary can be a great idea—and this guide will help you include it in a practical and stress-free way.

Our blog posts offer complete information about each country and city to make your experience even richer. If you want to jump straight to the itinerary, click here or choose one of the sections in the list below.

Basic Information about France

• Language: France's official language is French, widely spoken throughout the country. English is used in tourist areas, but not everyone speaks English.
• Capital: Paris is the capital of France and one of the most visited cities in the world, known for its art, culture, and history.
• Currency: The official currency is the Euro (EUR). It is recommended to check the latest exchange rates before traveling.
• Time Zone: France follows the GMT+1 time zone (Central European Time), making it easier to adjust for travelers from other European countries.

Documents Required to Enter Europe

• Passport: To enter Europe, which is part of the Schengen Area, you need a valid passport. The passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your return date. Make sure it is in good condition and has enough pages for the entry stamp.
• Return ticket: In addition to your passport, you will need to present a return ticket. This is required to prove your intention to leave the country at the end of your stay as a tourist for up to 90 days.
• Financial Proof: In some cases, you may be asked to provide proof of sufficient financial means to support yourself during the trip. This can include bank statements, proof of income, or other financial documents that demonstrate your ability to cover expenses during your stay.
• Accommodation Proof: You will need to provide proof of accommodation, such as a hotel reservation, hostel booking, or an invitation letter from a host in Europe. This document ensures that you have a place to stay during your visit.
• Travel Insurance: Don't forget to purchase travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, accidents, and other unforeseen events. Insurance is mandatory for travelers to the Schengen Area and ensures assistance in case of health issues, accidents, or trip cancellations, providing greater security during your stay. Find your Travel Insurance here!

How to Get to France

France has excellent transportation infrastructure, with airports well connected to major European cities. Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) in Paris is the main entry point.

• Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) – The largest and busiest airport in France, with direct connections worldwide and easy access to central Paris by train or bus.
• Orly Airport (ORY) – Located closer to the center of Paris, ideal for national and international flights.
• Nice Airport (NCE) – The main airport on the French Riviera, with flights to various parts of Europe.
• Lyon Airport (LYS) – Ideal for those wanting to explore the Alps region and cities in inland France.
• Marseille Airport (MRS) – Perfect for accessing southern France and the Provence region.

In addition to airports, France has the TGV high-speed rail network (Train à Grande Vitesse), which connects Paris to cities such as Lyon, Bordeaux, and Marseille in just a few hours. It is also possible to travel by train from neighboring countries like Spain, Germany, and Italy.

How to Get Around Paris

Paris has a well-structured and efficient public transportation system, including metro, trains, buses, and trams. RATP (Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens) is responsible for the operation of public transport, including the metro (Métro), train (RER), bus, and tramway.

Fares and Tickets

Tickets can be purchased at automatic machines at stations, ticket counters, or through mobile apps like Bonjour RATP or IDF mobilités.

Single Tickets

• Single ticket (t+): Valid for travel on the metro, bus, tram, or RER for 1h30. The cost is approximately 2.50 euros.
• Single ticket (bus or tram only): Valid for travel on the bus or tram for 1h30. The cost is approximately 2 euros.

Daily and Weekly Tickets

• 1-Day Pass (Navigo): Offers unlimited access to all transportation for one day for the price of 12 euros.
• Weekly Pass (Navigo): Valid from Monday to Sunday for unlimited travel. It costs around 31.60 euros for all zones.

Important Tips:

1. Ticket Variety:
There are different types of tickets, including options for traveling to and from the airport. For more information, visit the official website.

2. Mandatory Validation:
Be sure to validate your ticket before boarding and keep your ticket to exit the metro.

Where to Stay in Paris

Paris offers a wide variety of accommodations for all budgets and preferences, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels and rental apartments.

For a luxury experience, Le Meurice is one of the most sophisticated options, offering exquisite accommodations and a prime location. For a mid-range and affordable option, ibis budget Paris La Villette 19eme offers a good and comfortable experience for those looking for something more affordable while still close to public transportation. And also Grand Hotel Nouvel Opera, with a good location and lower prices.

To explore these and more options, click here!

Where to Eat in Paris

• Le Meurice Alain Ducasse: A Michelin-starred restaurant offering fine French cuisine with a modern twist.
• Le Procope: The oldest restaurant in Paris, founded in 1686, famous for classic dishes like coq au vin and escargots.
• Chez Janou: A charming restaurant in the Marais, specializing in Provençal dishes and famous for its all-you-can-eat chocolate mousse.
• L'As du Fallafel: Famous for its delicious falafel, it’s a must-visit in the Marais district.
• Angelina: A famous tearoom known for its thick hot chocolate and Mont-Blanc, an iconic dessert.

Where is Disney Paris located

Disneyland Paris is located in Marne-la-Vallée, about 35 km (22 miles) from central Paris. Despite the name, the complex is outside the city, in a planned area that includes two parks, hotels, restaurants, and a train station.

The Marne-la-Vallée – Chessy station is right at the entrance of the parks, making it very convenient for those arriving by train. The location was chosen for its easy transportation access and the space needed for the Disney infrastructure.

How to get to Disney Paris

The easiest and most affordable way is to take the RER A train to Marne-la-Vallée – Chessy. The trip takes about 35 to 40 minutes from central Paris stations like Châtelet – Les Halles or Nation.

Besides the train, there are options such as shuttle, bus, and car, but the RER A is the most practical and fastest option for most visitors. Since 2025, all zones have a flat fare of €2.50, including the trip to Disney. So a round-trip costs €5 per person. You can buy the ticket directly from the station machines; it's called Ticket t+.

TIP: Buy the round-trip ticket at the station machine beforehand to avoid long lines on the way back from Disney, especially at night.

How much do Disney tickets cost?

The Disney Paris complex includes two main parks: the Disneyland Park, filled with classic magic and the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle, and the Walt Disney Studios, offering more modern attractions, live shows, and interactive experiences.

You can buy tickets for just one park or choose a combo ticket that gives access to both parks on the same day. For first-time visitors, we recommend focusing on the Disneyland Park since it features the most iconic attractions. Visiting both parks in one day is only worth it during low season (like February and March) when you can arrive early and make the most of your time.

Prices vary depending on the time of year, age, and type of ticket, so it’s worth researching and booking in advance to avoid lines and get better deals.

Just so you know, when we visited in May and booked in advance for one park only, the ticket cost around €83 per person.

You can buy tickets directly from these official websites:

• Buy your Disneyland Paris ticket on the official Disney website
• Buy your Disneyland Paris ticket on GetYourGuide

Official Disneyland Paris App

Download the Disneyland Paris app before your visit. It offers an interactive park map, show and parade schedules, restaurant and shop locations, and real-time wait times for attractions. You can also order food from your phone and schedule character meet-and-greets. Using the app helps organize your day and avoid unnecessary lines, making the most of every moment.

The app also sends notifications about special events, schedule changes, and important announcements, which is very helpful to stay updated during your visit.

Shows, Parade, and Fireworks

At the end of the day, the Disneyland Park hosts two unmissable events: the Disney Stars on Parade, a charming parade with floats, classic characters, engaging music, and lots of interaction; and the nighttime show at the castle, a true celebration of Disney magic. Featuring movie projections, lights, fireworks, and a moving soundtrack, the show takes place in front of the Sleeping Beauty Castle and is, for many visitors, the highlight of the day.

These events usually follow fixed schedules but may vary depending on the season or weather conditions. That’s why it’s essential to download the official Disneyland Paris app before your visit. With it, you can check the real-time schedules for parades and shows, view the park map, see wait times, find nearby restaurants, and more — helping you enjoy every minute in the park to the fullest.

TIP: Arrive at least 40 minutes early for the nighttime show and find a good spot in front of the castle. The area fills up quickly, especially on weekends and during school holidays (June to August).

Frequently Asked Questions

• How much time do I need to visit Disneyland Paris? Ideally, set aside at least one day for each park. If you only have one day, prioritize Disneyland Park, which has the most iconic attractions.
• Do I need to speak French? No. All attractions offer instructions in English, and staff usually speak English and often Spanish as well, making it easy for international visitors.
• Can I bring food? Officially, large meals are not allowed, but small snacks and water bottles are permitted, which can help you save money during your visit.
• Is it worth it for adults without children? Absolutely! Disneyland Paris is magical for all ages, offering incredible shows, themed restaurants, ambient music, and an atmosphere that enchants every visitor, regardless of age.
• Is there parking for those driving? Yes, the complex offers paid parking near the park entrances. It’s a practical option if you prefer to drive, but consider the cost and availability, especially during high season. Click here for parking rates.
• What are the cheapest months to visit? Off-season months like February, March, and November tend to be less crowded with milder weather, making for a more pleasant visit with shorter lines.

Visiting Disneyland Paris can be one of the most unforgettable experiences of your trip. With good planning, the visit becomes smooth, magical, and hassle-free. Bon voyage!