Disneyland Paris VS Walt Disney Studios
I’m beyond excited to share the magical adventure my partner and I just had with our two young sons, ages 6 and 2, at Disneyland Paris. It was hands down the best two days we’ve spent together as a family, filled with wonder, excitement, and Disney magic around every corner! From a smooth Eurostar journey that made travel a breeze, to a warm and welcoming stay at the family-friendly Grand Magic Hotel (located just minutes from the parks), our trip was nothing short of perfect. Picture this: from our boys’ first glimpse of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle to their squeals of joy on the rides, every moment was filled with awe and adventure.
Whether you’re planning your own Disney getaway or simply looking for inspiration, this guide will take you through the ultimate two-day itinerary for families with young children—packed with tips to make the most of your time, must-do attractions, and insider tricks to keep everyone happy. Let’s dive in!
Also check out what you can do in Paris with your kids!
Best time to visit Disneyland Paris
The best day to visit Disneyland Paris is typically mid-week, with Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday being ideal for avoiding crowds. These days tend to have fewer visitors, especially outside of school holidays, allowing you to enjoy shorter lines and more relaxed experiences. If you’re planning a trip, it’s best to avoid weekends and public holidays when the park is busiest. For those looking to visit during special events, such as Halloween or Christmas, mid-week during these seasons can still offer a festive atmosphere with smaller crowds.
As for the best month to visit Disneyland Paris, September is a top choice due to its pleasant weather and lighter crowds following the summer rush. Early spring (March) or late fall (November) are also excellent options, offering mild weather and fewer visitors. If you want to experience the park’s seasonal magic, October is perfect for Halloween festivities, while December offers an enchanting Christmas atmosphere, though these months can attract more guests.
Tips for visiting Disneyland Paris
Planning your visit to Disneyland Paris can be stress-free with a few smart strategies. First, always purchase your tickets online. I personally always buy mine with GetYourGuide, and this time was no different. They often have great promotions, making it one of the cheapest ways to visit Disneyland Paris. Plus, GetYourGuide offers a hassle-free cancellation policy, so if your plans change, you’ll get a quick and easy refund. Buying tickets in advance also helps you avoid long lines at the entrance and any last-minute price hikes.
To make your experience even smoother, I highly recommend getting Disney Premier Access (Fast Pass). This allows you to skip the regular queues for the most popular rides, cutting your wait time to around 10 minutes instead of an hour or more. It’s a game-changer, especially if you’re visiting during peak times. And when it comes to the best age to visit Disneyland Paris, kids aged 4-10 tend to get the most out of the magic, but even our 2-year-old son had an amazing time. He absolutely fell in love with Mickey Mouse, and watching his excitement was priceless. With a bit of planning and these tips, you’re guaranteed to have a magical trip!
Another crucial tip is to download the Disneyland Paris App before your visit. The app is an invaluable tool for navigating the parks with ease. It features a detailed map, real-time ride wait times, and show and parade schedules, so you can plan your day efficiently. Additionally, the app allows you to store your park tickets, make meal reservations, and more, making your day at Disneyland Paris as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
The Fastest Way to get to Disneyland Paris
For our recent trip to Disneyland Paris, we decided to take the Eurostar from Brussels Midi, and it turned out to be an excellent choice. The journey was just 1 hour and 29 minutes, whisking us directly to Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy, right next to the park entrance. Eurostar, the high-speed train connecting cities like Paris, Brussels, and London, made our travel seamless and stress-free.
Traveling with young kids, I really appreciated how easy it was. Children up to 4 years old travel for free, and those from 4 to 11 get a reduced fare. The train’s amenities, including changing tables, a sink, and a bottle warmer, were incredibly convenient for our little ones. It made the trip smooth and comfortable, setting a great tone for our Disneyland adventure!
Visiting Disneyland Paris
Since you might only have one day in each park, it’s essential to have a list of the top rides, attractions, and experiences you want to prioritise. Make sure to decide in advance what’s most important to you and your family, so you can focus on enjoying those highlights.
On our first day of our Disneyland Paris adventure, we decided to dive straight into the magic. Entering Disneyland Paris for the first time was nothing short of exhilarating. The moment we stepped through the gates, a wave of excitement swept over us as the park’s whimsical world unfolded. We decided to dive right into the magic by snapping a picture with the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle, and discovering the impressive dragon lair underneath added an extra layer of enchantment.
With the thrill of the day ahead, we started our adventure with Dumbo the Flying Elephant. Our 6-year-old was absolutely thrilled, his laughter echoing as he soared high above the park. Afterward, we made our way to Pirates of the Caribbean. The immersive ride through swashbuckling scenes was a family favorite, and exploring the caverns and treehouses at Adventure Isle on the way was an adventure in itself.
We then enjoyed a scenic ride on the Disneyland Railroad, which offered a relaxing and charming way to see the park. Although we only rode it once, it provided a delightful break. We continued our day with a visit to Alice’s Curious Labyrinth, where wandering through the whimsical maze was pure fun.
A highlight was definitely indulging in ice cream shaped like Mickey Mouse—a sweet treat that made for perfect photo ops. In Adventureland, we revisited Pirates of the Caribbean and explored spooky Adventure Isle further. Over in Frontierland, the Rustler Roundup Shooting Gallery was a big hit with the kids, and the peaceful cruise on the Thunder Mesa Riverboat offered a nice change of pace.
The cherry on top of our magical day was the extraordinary Disney Parade, which started around 5 pm and wound its way through the main streets of Disneyland Park. Watching all the beloved Disney characters parading by, with their vibrant costumes and infectious energy, was the perfect finale to an unforgettable day. Each moment added to the wonder of our visit, making Disneyland Paris an enchanting adventure from start to finish.
Places to Eat at Disneyland Paris
- Pizzeria Bella Notte: Savour traditional Italian dishes inspired by Lady and the Tramp.
- Auberge de Cendrillon: Dine with Disney Princesses in this elegant French restaurant.
- Captain Jack’s – Restaurant des Pirates: Enjoy Caribbean cuisine in a pirate-themed setting.
- Casey’s Corner: Grab a classic American hot dog or a refreshing soft drink on Main Street, U.S.A.
Visiting Walt Disney Studios Park
Our visit to Walt Disney Studios Park turned out to be even more enchanting than we anticipated. This park, while smaller and more compact than Disneyland Paris, proved to be incredibly family-friendly and easy to navigate—perfect for traveling with kids. The shorter queues meant we could enjoy more rides and attractions without spending too much time waiting in line.
One of the highlights was definitely the Mickey and the Magician show. The musical performance was truly spectacular and touched me deeply—I even dropped a tear during the breathtaking finale. The show was a testament to Disney’s magic and creativity, leaving us with memories we’ll cherish.
We also enjoyed the Together: Pixar Musical Show, which brought beloved Pixar characters and stories to life in a vibrant and engaging performance. For thrills, we tackled The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, an exhilarating drop ride that added a bit of adrenaline to our day. The Ratatouille ride was another standout, set in a charming little French village that was full of delicious delicacies.
Our 6-year-old was over the moon with Crush’s Coaster, which provided an exciting underwater adventure. Meanwhile, my partner and our son went wild for Avengers Assemble: Flight Force, where they experienced a high-energy ride that left them both buzzing with excitement. We also had the chance to see Iron Man!
We grabbed a hot dog for a quick bite, but wished we had arrived earlier to experience even more of what the park has to offer. We arrived a bit after 12 pm, so there were some attractions we didn’t have time to explore. The good news is that Walt Disney Studios Park is continuously evolving, with new rides and experiences on the way. We left with a sense of wonder and excitement, knowing that our next visit will offer even more magic and adventure.
Places to Eat at Walt Disney Studios
- Bistrot Chez Rémy: Experience fine French dining in a Ratatouille-themed restaurant.
- PYM Kitchen: For unique dining, head to PYM Kitchen, where oversized and miniature food creations bring the world of Ant-Man and The Wasp to life.
- Walt’s – an American restaurant: An elegant eatery celebrating Walt Disney’s legacy, with a sophisticated menu of American and international dishes.
- Laugh’N’Go!: A casual dining spot with tasty snacks and light meals in a fun, vibrant atmosphere, perfect for quick bites.
Where to stay at Disneyland Paris
If you’re already planning a visit to Disneyland Paris and are ready to splurge a little, staying at one of the iconic hotels can truly enhance your magical experience. We decided to stay at the Grand Magic Hotel, and I must say, it was a fantastic choice—one I’ve never quite experienced before.
Tip: Check the prices here. You will definitely find the cheapest option!
What makes the Grand Magic Hotel special is its enchanting ambiance and unique features. The hotel boasts whimsical décor that brings the Disney magic to life with its vibrant colors and playful designs. One standout feature is the nightly show projected on the hotel walls, which adds a touch of magic and wonder to your stay. It’s an immersive experience that captivates both kids and adults, creating a memorable end to the day.
Additionally, the hotel offers a heated swimming pool that’s perfect for kids of all ages. Whether you’re looking to relax or let the little ones splash around, the pool provides a great way to unwind and have fun.
However, while the hotel itself was impressive, there were a few hiccups. The hotel offers a free shuttle service to Disneyland Paris, but finding it was a bit of a challenge. The shuttle, which also serves other nearby hotels, was often super full, leading to crowded conditions that made the experience less enjoyable.
Additionally, the service at the Grand Magic Hotel could use some improvement. We encountered difficulties reaching staff by phone, and both check-in and check-out processes were less smooth than we would have liked. The hotel seemed to be short-staffed, and it felt like the focus on guest experience was lacking.
Despite these challenges, the Grand Magic Hotel remains a magical place to stay, offering a unique Disney experience with its enchanting theme and delightful amenities. Just be prepared for some minor inconveniences, and you’ll be sure to have a memorable stay immersed in Disney’s magic.
If you are planning to visit Paris also check out this itinerary!
