Disneyland Paris
Travel Guide
Planning a trip to Disneyland Paris?
We visited Disneyland Paris in February 2024, just before our daughter turned three. The timing was deliberate — go a few days before her birthday and her place was free. It was a good plan, right up until she fell over within the first hour of arriving and cut her lip so badly her tooth moved. We were back in the hotel room by early afternoon, Calpol and ibuprofen on the bedside table, me on the phone to our dentist at home.
We made it back to the park in time for the parade. And I’m glad we did.
We’d spotted people lining the route almost an hour before it started and quickly worked out we needed to secure a spot. You hear it before you see it. The music builds as it gets closer, and there’s something about that moment of anticipation that gets you, even as an adult. Our daughter was up on Jake’s shoulders, and as each float came past, she’d spot a character she recognised. Mummy, there’s Buzz. Mummy, there’s Elsa. For a few minutes, her sore mouth was completely forgotten.
I went to Disney World as a child in 1998, so I came into this with a point of comparison. Disneyland Paris is much smaller, and that’s not a criticism. For a two year old, it’s exactly the right size. Main Street feels more considered than I remembered Disney World being, more chic somehow, and the whole place is designed in a way that doesn’t overwhelm young children. At that age, when the characters are completely real to them, and every parade is genuinely the most exciting thing they’ve ever seen, it works.
We stayed at Hotel Cheyenne for the full three days, which was our first time staying on site at any Disney park. There’s a shuttle bus, but we found walking along the canal at the back was quicker. As one of the more budget-friendly on-site options, it gives you everything you actually need, and being on site makes a real difference when you have a toddler who needs a nap or, as we discovered, an emergency trip back to the room.
This guide brings together everything we learned from that trip, honest and practical, for anyone planning Disneyland Paris with young children.
Disneyland Paris travel essentials at a glance
🗣️ Language: French (English widely spoken throughout the parks and hotels)
💶 Currency: Euro (€)
🕐 Time zone: Central European Time (CET)
🔌 Plug type: Type C & E plugs (standard European two-pin)
💳 Cash or card: Card widely accepted, but small amounts of cash can be useful
📅 Best time to visit: January to March is quieter and better value; spring and autumn offer mild weather; November and December are busy but worth it for the Christmas season
👨👩👧👦 Travelling with kids: Designed with families in mind – particulary good for toddlers and young children
✈️ How to get there: Direct flights from the UK airports to Paris (CDG or Orly), or Eurostar to Marne la Vallée station at the park entrance
🚆 From central Paris: RER A train connects central Paris to the park in around 40 minutes
🍽️ Cuisine: Themed restaurants, character dining, French classics, and child-friendly options throughout both parks
Plan your trip
If you’re in the early stages of planning, start here. These guides cover everything from how many days you need and when to visit, to what it’s actually like on the ground with a toddler, based on our February 2024 trip with a two year old.
Disneyland Paris planning guide
A practical guide to planning your Disneyland Paris trip, including when to visit, how many days you need, and tips for making the most of your time in the parks.
Disneyland Paris in February
Is February a good time to visit Disneyland Paris? Here’s what to expect from crowds and weather to seasonal events and ride queues.
Disneyland Paris with toddlers
An honest review of Disney’s Hotel Cheyenne, including the rooms, location, theming and whether it’s a good choice for families.
Is the Disneyland Paris meal plan worth it?
Is the Disneyland Paris meal plan worth it? My honest review including costs, how it works, and whether it’s good value for families.
Disney’s Hotel Cheyenne review
An honest review of Disney’s Hotel Cheyenne, including the rooms, location, theming and whether it’s a good choice for families.
Disneyland Paris rides we did with a toddler
The best rides at Disneyland Paris for toddlers, including gentle attractions, family favourites and what to skip with little ones.
How to use this Disneyland Paris travel guide
If you’re just starting to plan, the Disneyland Paris planning guide is the best place to begin. It covers how many days you need, when to visit, and how to structure your time across both parks. From there, the February guide, meal plan review and Hotel Cheyenne review will help you shape the practical side of the trip. Travelling with a toddler or young child? The with toddlers guide and rides post are worth reading before you book anything.
This guide will keep growing as we add more from our own experience. Everything here is based on our real visit in February 2024 with a two year old, and there are no recommendations we haven’t tested ourselves.
