A GUIDE TO DISNEYLAND PARIS FROM LONDON

GUÍA A DISNEYLAND PARÍS DESDE LONDRES
 DISNEYLAND PARIS FROM LONDON
Disneyland Paris From London

If you are reading this it’s because you are seriously considering crossing the pond just to enter the magical world of Disneyland in it’s European version. No one is ever too old for Disneyland. Not only that — I personally believe it is actually healthy for all of us to visit every now and then. I’ve been to Disneyland Paris from London three times already and as soon as I leave I already want to go back again. It’s actually very easy to do — so let’s dive in.

VISITING DISNEYLAND PARIS FROM LONDON: THE ESSENTIALS

Transport / Disneyland Paris is easily accessible with excellent transport links. For a quick and direct option, book the Eurostar from London to Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy. For those flying, use Skyscanner to compare flights to Charles de Gaulle or Orly airports. If you prefer driving, book your rental car through DiscoverCars for convenience and flexibility.

Tickets / Here’s the most popular ticket options:
Disneyland® Paris 1-Day Ticket
Disneyland® Paris 2/3/4-Day Ticket
Disneyland® Paris Tickets and Shuttle Transport
Disneyland® Paris 1-Day Flexible Date Ticket

Stay / These are the best hotels in Disneyland Paris for all budgets:

Disneyland Hotel $$$
Disney’s Newport Bay Club $$$
Disney’s Sequoia Lodge $$
Grand Magic Hotel $$
B&B Hotel Disneyland Paris $$
Le Vieux Puits $$
Dream Castle Hotel $$
Explorers Hotel $$

Connect / You’ll need mobile data while you are in France, I always recommend using an eSIM (there’s absolutely no need for a physical one!) – here’s some eSIM options for France.

Get Insured / Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.

HOW LONG TO VISIT DISNEYLAND PARIS FROM LONDON

Disneyland Paris has two parks: Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park. If you have been to Disney World, Disneyland Park is the equivalent to the Magic Kingdom Park and Walt Disney Studios Park to Hollywood Studios.

It is totally possible to visit both Disneyland Paris parks in a weekend if you are coming from London, it is also possible to visit both Disneyland Paris parks in just one day leaving Sunday free to visit Paris a bit and to go back home to London. I have done that in three occasions and left feeling satisfied. I was able to visit all the adult friendly rides this way and some kid friendly ones that seemed fun.

If you want to visit the parks properly though, going into almost every attraction, I would recommend one and a half or two full days. But honestly, one day is value for money if you are visiting as an adult and have the energy to rush through games quickly, take short lunches, etc.

Of course, if you have kids (I do have a kid now!) then it’s worth the two day visit and taking things a bit easier.

 DISNEYLAND PARIS FROM LONDON
Disneyland Paris From London: The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

HOW TO GET TO DISNEYLAND PARIS

There are several options to go from Disneyland Paris to London. I’ll list them here and explain the pros and cons from each. Disneyland ticket prices don’t vary as much and rarely sell out, so if you want to avoid spending a fortune in your trip to Disneyland Paris from London book your transportation as cheaply as possible first.

  • Eurostar from London to Disneyland Paris (Marne-la-Vallée): This is the most direct option for Disneyland Paris from London. Trains take around 2h 45 min and 3h 20 min if there is a stop at Lille. One of limitations it has is that there are far less trains from London to Disneyland Paris than from London to the centre of Paris so if you are planning to go after work on a Friday it may not work out. It also might not be best if your hotel is not in Marne-La-Vallee but in between Paris and Disneyland Paris. Last, you may want to return from Paris if you plan to spend some time in the city so a return train from Marne-La-Vallee might not work out. What I have done in the past is to take the Eurostar to Disneyland Paris from London on my way there, but from Paris centre on my way back. Book your Eurostar here.
  • Eurostar from London to Paris centre (Gare du Nord): This option has a 2h 20 min duration to Paris and then requires you to take a 30-40 minute RER train(s) costing 3-4 EUR to Disneyland Paris or your Disneyland hotel. The good thing is that there are many more Eurostar trains to Gare du Nord so it might be the best option in terms of price and timing — it generally was for me. At least taking the train back from Gare du Nord allows you to visit Paris on the day you are coming back to London, maybe eat in a nice restaurant and take yet another picture of the Tour Eiffel. Book your Eurostar here.
  • Flights from London to Charles-de-Gaulle or Orly airports in Paris: This is by far the least preferable option due to the added hassle of traveling to and from airports. And even if the ticket seems really cheap, you have to add in the costs of traveling to and from the airports which at least in London can be a lot. This option only makes sense in the event that you decide to make the trip to Disneyland with little anticipation and Eurostar tickets are over the roof which is not unusual if you are booking less than three weeks in advance. I always use Skyscanner to find the cheapest prices and in this case to compare prices to Eurostar.
DISNEYLAND PARIS FROM LONDON
Disneyland Paris From London: Toy Story Land

BUYING DISNEYLAND PARIS TICKETS

If you have booked your London to Disneyland Paris transportation already, then it’s time to book your Disneyland Paris tickets! You can buy 1 day or up to 5 day tickets. The most popular is the 1-day 2-parks ticket. You can also buy a flexible ticket valid from one year since you buy it.

Contrary to what one might think the official Disneyland UK website is not where you get the cheapest tickets. I usually just use GetYourGuide as the explanations on what each ticket is are very straightforward and you can also book tickets with transport. Book your tickets here.

DISNEYLAND PARIS FROM LONDON
Disneyland Paris From London: Le Vieux Puits

WHERE TO STAY IN DISNEYLAND PARIS

When I first visited Disneyland Paris from London I thought about staying in one of the Disneyland hotels. As an adult, it’s not essential but I thought it would be nice. But then I saw the prices and I instantly pivoted from that idea. Turns out there are other hotels around the area that are a lot cheaper, but most of them where budget chain hotels and that’s not really my style. So I’m so glad I found Le Vieux Puits – a B&B located in quiet Bry-sur-Marne only about 20 minutes from Disneyland by RER. What’s most special about this B&B is that you can stay in a gypsy caravan on the garden of the property which was magical in its own way. You are also supporting a local entrepreneur which is always nice. You can read my full review about Le Vieux Puits and book it here.

Nowadays, with a baby, I would prefer to splurge stay in the Disneyland Paris hotels. Whichever your budget, these are the best hotels to stay in when visiting Disneyland Paris from London:

  • Disneyland Hotel $$$: The flagship Disney property, located at the park’s entrance, offering Victorian-inspired luxury, themed dining, and exceptional service.
  • Disney’s Newport Bay Club $$$: A nautical-themed hotel with a charming lakeside location, spacious rooms, and great amenities like a pool and fitness center.
  • Disney’s Sequoia Lodge $$: A cozy, rustic retreat inspired by American national parks, offering comfortable accommodations and proximity to the parks.
  • Grand Magic Hotel $$: A family-friendly property features vibrant decor, spacious rooms, and excellent facilities, just a short ride from the park.
  • B&B Hotel Disneyland Paris $$: A budget-friendly option just a short shuttle ride from the park, offering clean, modern rooms and complimentary breakfast.
  • Le Vieux Puits $$: A charming bed-and-breakfast located in a peaceful village near Disneyland Paris, offering personalized service and a tranquil atmosphere.
  • Dream Castle Hotel $$: A castle-themed hotel with spacious rooms, a spa, and convenient shuttle service to the parks.
  • Explorers Hotel $$: A pirate-themed family hotel featuring unique amenities like a water playground, cinema, and themed rooms.

HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR VISIT

Once you have transport and accommodation figured out it’s now time to think about how to experience it to the maximum.

Entering the Disneyland parks and opening times

The Disneyland Paris parks now generally open at 9:30 AM and close between 7:00 PM and 11:00 PM, depending on the day and season. Guests staying at official Disneyland Hotels or select partner hotels can access the parks during Extra Magic Time (formerly known as “Magic Hours”), which allows entry from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM. However, note that only certain attractions are operational during this time.

To stay updated on park hours and any changes, consult the official Disneyland Paris website or mobile app.

DISNEYLAND PARIS FROM LONDON

Disneyland Paris attractions and minimising waiting times

Before your visit, download the Disneyland Paris mobile app. The app provides a map, live attraction waiting times, show schedules, dining options, and more. It’s a must-have tool for planning your day efficiently. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the parks, though the connection may vary in crowded areas.

Disney Premier Access (FastPass Replacement)

Disneyland Paris has replaced the traditional FastPass system with Disney Premier Access, which allows you to skip the standby queue for select attractions by purchasing access to a shorter queue.

  • How it Works: Purchase Premier Access for specific attractions via the app on the day of your visit. Prices vary by ride and demand.
  • Availability: Limited slots are available, and popular attractions like Ratatouille: The Adventure and Avengers Assemble: Flight Force can sell out early.

Single Rider Queues

For certain attractions, single rider queues are available and can significantly reduce your wait time if you’re willing to ride separately from your group. Popular attractions with single rider options include Ratatouille, Hyperspace Mountain, and Crush’s Coaster.

Food in Disneyland Paris

There are numerous food options in the parks, but most are priced higher than average, and many focus on fast food. Here are some tips:

  • Reservations: For table-service restaurants, book in advance through the app to avoid long waits.
  • Pack Food: Bringing your own sandwiches or snacks can save both time and money. Use longer queues as an opportunity to eat.
  • Dietary Needs: Disneyland Paris has improved its offerings, but options are still limited and expensive. If you’re vegan or have dietary restrictions, consider packing food as a backup.

What to bring to Disneyland Paris

  • A small backpack. You’ll be able to bring a small backpack on most of the rides and may run into trouble if it’s too big. 
  • Weather appropriate clothing — including a raincoat and/or umbrella if rain is expected. You’ll be most of the time outside and many of the queues involve queuing in open air.
  • Comfy shoes as you will be standing most of the time and also walking quite a lot.
  • Sunblock and sunglasses depending on the season as you won’t need these in winter.
  • A water bottle that you can refill on the drinking stations in the bathrooms.

DISNEYLAND PARIS FAQs

When is the best time to visit Disneyland Paris?

  • Off-Peak Times: Weekdays during school terms (January, May, September) tend to be less crowded.
  • Seasonal Events: Consider visiting during Halloween (October) or Christmas (November–December) for special decorations and shows.
  • Weather Considerations: Spring and early autumn provide mild weather, ideal for outdoor activities.

How do I get to Disneyland Paris from London?

  • By Train: Take the Eurostar from London St. Pancras to Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy (adjacent to the park). The journey takes around 2 hours 59 minutes. Book here.
  • By Plane: Fly to Charles de Gaulle or Orly airports, then take a train, shuttle, or taxi to the parks. Book here.
  • By Car: Driving from London involves crossing the Channel via Eurotunnel or ferry and takes approximately 6-7 hours.

Can I do Disneyland Paris in one day? Yes, it’s possible to visit both parks in one day if you prioritize key attractions, use Disney Premier Access, and arrive early. However, for a more relaxed experience, two days are recommended.

Can I bring food into the parks? Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks, as long as they comply with park rules (no alcohol or glass containers). Bringing food is a great way to save money and time.

Are there any must-see attractions unique to Disneyland Paris? Yes, some highlights include:

  • Ratatouille: The Adventure (Walt Disney Studios Park)
  • Phantom Manor (Disneyland Park, a unique version of Haunted Mansion)
  • Big Thunder Mountain (Disneyland Park, with a unique layout crossing the water)

How can I meet Disney characters? Disney characters are available for meet-and-greets at designated areas. Check the app for updated locations and schedules. Character dining experiences are also available at select restaurants.

Is Disneyland Paris suitable for adults? Absolutely! Disneyland Paris offers thrilling rides like Hyperspace Mountain and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, fine dining experiences, and exclusive events like Disney’s Halloween Party and New Year’s Eve celebrations.

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10 Comments

  1. Thanks for this guide! I’m a huge Disney fan in the US, and have visited Disneyland Paris a couple of times! Great recommendation with the B&B you found! If you go back again I would love to see more reviews of the restaurants. They don’t just offer fast food from what I’ve heard, and I’d like to hear what your thoughts would be!

    1. They were fast food ish / low quality food for me. And expensive, I didn’t like them. Even on the outside area (ie Planet Hollywood) food was terrible. and SO expensive!

  2. Great post! I adore Disneyland Paris and try to get there as often as I can. I love that the Eurostar offers a direct train from London to Disneyland Paris. It is so convenient! But you definitely have you buy your tickets in advance before they sell out. I hadn’t heard of Eurostar Snap before but will be checking it out next time I use the Eurostar! Thank you for the great post and advice.

  3. Great travel tips, I absolutely loved reading your awesome travel tips to London. I will keep visiting to read more new blogs.

  4. I found beneficial tips from your website. I’m thankful for such a detailed post. It gives a pretty good idea of efficiently planning a trip to London. And I’m pretty excited to go to London.

  5. Thank you Pau, for sharing your travel experience with us. This will be helpful for the readers who love traveling and interested in visiting Disneyland Paris.

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