What Is Disneyland Paris Premier Access?

Disneyland Paris Premier Access is the official “skip-the-line” option that replaces the old FastPass system. It gives you faster entry via a dedicated queue on select attractions across both Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park. You can buy it directly in the Disneyland Paris app on the day of your visit (and occasionally earlier, subject to availability).

Important to know:

• It’s not included with park tickets, hotel stays, or Annual Passes by default.
• It’s limited in availability and uses dynamic pricing based on demand, date, and attraction.
• Premier Access uses a dedicated queue that is usually much shorter than standby. Actual wait can still be a few minutes at merge points.

Premier Access One vs Premier Access Ultimate

There are two products. Here’s a quick, skimmable comparison:

In short: Premier Access One is great if you only need a few strategic shortcuts. Premier Access Ultimate is a time-saver bundle for busy days or short visits.

How Premier Access Works (Step-by-Step)

Before you arrive

• Download the Disneyland Paris app and create/login to your account.
• Link your park tickets or hotel package by scanning the barcode/QR code for each guest.
• Enable payments in the app (credit/debit card, and mobile pay options vary by region).

On the day of your visit

1. Open the app and tap the attraction you want. You’ll see live standby wait times and Premier Access availability.
2. Choose Premier Access One (for that specific ride/time) or, if offered, Premier Access Ultimate for broader coverage.
3. Select who is riding (each person needs their own entitlement), then confirm and pay.
4. At your chosen time (or any time for Ultimate within the day’s valid window), go to the attraction and enter via the Premier Access entrance. Show the QR code in the app to the Cast Member.

Good to know

• Availability and time slots can sell out, especially for headliners.
• Some attractions offer Single Rider queues (free) as an alternative if your party can split up.
• Hotel guests with Extra Magic Time can combine early entry with Premier Access for a very efficient morning.

Prices and Value: What You Should Expect to Pay

Pricing for Disneyland Paris Premier Access is dynamic. It fluctuates by attraction, date, crowd level, and season. Typical price guidance:

• Premier Access One: commonly ranges per person, per ride, with lower prices on off-peak days and higher during peak holidays and weekends.
• Premier Access Ultimate: priced per person as a bundle for a set of included attractions; you can expect a significantly higher cost, reflecting its broad coverage and convenience during busy periods.

Always check the Disneyland Paris app on your dates for current rates. Prices can change at short notice.

Rule of thumb for value

• If you plan to buy three or more Premier Access One selections for different headliners on a peak day, compare the total cost with Premier Access Ultimate.
• For off-peak weekdays, you may not need any Premier Access—good planning can beat the crowds for free.

Attractions Typically Included

The lineup can change. However, Disney Premier Access generally covers select popular attractions in both parks. Examples include headline rides such as:

• Disneyland Park: Big Thunder Mountain, Peter Pan’s Flight, Star Wars: Hyperspace Mountain, Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast, Star Tours, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril, and others.
• Walt Disney Studios Park: The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Ratatouille: The Adventure, Avengers Assemble: Flight Force, Spider-Man W.E.B. Adventure, and others.

Not every attraction participates, and some fan-favorites may have long queues but no Premier Access. Always verify the current list in the app on your travel dates.

Time-Saving Tips and Best Strategies

When to buy Premier Access

• Peak periods: summer, Christmas/New Year, Easter, French school holidays, Saturdays—consider Premier Access Ultimate or a few One selections.
• Off-peak weekdays: you can often skip Premier Access and use rope drop, Single Rider, and late evenings to ride more with less waiting.
• Check wait times first: open the app and monitor real-time standby. Only buy when queues start to spike.

Smart ride order

• Start with a headliner at rope drop during Extra Magic Time if you’re staying at a Disney Hotel.
• Use Premier Access for the hardest-to-ride attractions you can’t fit into rope drop or late-night windows.
• Save nearby attractions in clusters to minimize walking back and forth between parks.

Budget-savvy moves

• Run the math: if you only need two headliners, Premier Access One might be cheaper than the Ultimate bundle.
• Leverage Single Rider queues where available—perfect for teens/adults who don’t mind splitting.
• Use the app’s live map to pounce when a typically long queue unexpectedly dips.

With kids or mixed ages

• Check height requirements before buying Premier Access for thrill rides.
• Ask about Baby Switch (Rider Switch) to avoid double queuing when a child can’t ride.
• For little ones, consider using Premier Access on rides with notoriously long family queues (like Peter Pan’s Flight).

Real-World Scenarios: Is It Worth It?

Scenario 1: Peak Saturday in August, family of four

You have one long day and want to cover as many top rides as possible. Standby waits hover between 45–90 minutes. In this case, Premier Access Ultimate often delivers substantial time savings. You’ll likely ride each included headliner once with minimal queues, then use standby for lower-demand attractions. The upfront cost is higher, but you’ll reclaim several hours—especially valuable with kids in tow.

Scenario 2: Midweek in January, couple

Standby waits fluctuate between 10–35 minutes. You can time rides around meal breaks and shows without buying anything extra. If you hit one choke point (e.g., a surprise 60-minute wait at Ratatouille), a single Premier Access One might be all you need.

Scenario 3: Two-park hop, late start

You arrive after lunch and want to do three headliners before dinner. Buy Premier Access One for the two longest queues and leave the third for late evening when lines shrink. This hybrid approach balances cost and time.

FAQs: Rules, Refunds, and Fine Print

Do kids need their own Premier Access?

Yes. Premier Access is per person. Link everyone’s tickets in the app to purchase for the whole party at once.

What if an attraction breaks down?

If the ride is unavailable during your Premier Access window, the app typically updates your entitlement for later use or provides guidance at the attraction. Policies can vary; check the app and ask a Cast Member. Refunds are generally limited.

Can Annual Passholders use Premier Access?

Yes—but it’s not included. AP holders still need to purchase Premier Access One or Ultimate if desired.

Do I need to be inside the parks to buy?

You’ll need valid park admission linked to your account. Same-day purchase in the app is the norm; availability can sell out. Guest Services can assist if you have issues with the app.

Is Premier Access a separate entrance?

Most rides have a Premier Access entrance leading to a merge point near the loading area. You typically wait far less than standby, but expect a short queue at merge.

Does Premier Access guarantee instant boarding?

No. It’s designed to reduce waiting, not eliminate it entirely. Actual wait depends on operations and crowd flow.

Quick Pros and Cons

Sample One-Day Strategy Using Premier Access

1. Rope drop a headliner in Disneyland Park (e.g., Big Thunder Mountain) using standby.
2. Book Premier Access One for Peter Pan’s Flight if the standby spikes early.
3. Hop to Walt Disney Studios Park before lunch and ride Ratatouille standby if the line dips; otherwise use One for it.
4. Reserve your longest remaining queue for evening when crowds thin; save Premier Access for a mid-afternoon time crunch.
5. If visiting on a peak day with many must-dos, consider Premier Access Ultimate instead for maximum flexibility.

Conclusion: Is Disneyland Paris Premier Access Worth It?

Disneyland Paris Premier Access is a powerful tool for cutting wait times when crowds surge. If you’re visiting during peak season, have a tight schedule, or traveling with kids who tire easily, the time saved can be worth the cost—especially with Premier Access Ultimate. On quieter days, a couple of Premier Access One selections targeted at the longest queues may be all you need. And when crowds are light, smart planning, rope drop, Single Rider, and late evenings can often replace Premier Access entirely.

Bottom line: check real-time waits in the app, compare prices for One vs Ultimate, and buy only as much Premier Access as your day truly requires. That’s the most practical way to maximize magic and minimize queues at Disneyland Paris.