How to Visit Disneyland Paris with Toddlers: The Complete Guide for Happy Little Travelers
Visiting Disneyland Paris with toddlers can be pure magic—if you plan smart. From gentle rides and stroller-friendly routes to Baby Care Centers, character dining, and nap breaks, this guide covers everything parents need to know for a smooth and memorable visit. Whether it’s your family’s first trip or a return with new little Mouseketeers, you’ll find practical tips, a sample itinerary, and the best toddler-friendly choices across both parks.
Quick Key Takeaways
- Best time to visit Disneyland Paris with toddlers: midweek and outside school holidays for lower crowds.
- Stay at a Disney Hotel to leverage Extra Magic Time (early park entry) and short stroller-friendly walks.
- Use the Disneyland Paris app for wait times, show schedules, and dining info; consider Premier Access for peak days.
- Bring or hire a stroller; use the Baby Care Centers for feeding, warming, and quiet breaks.
- Top toddler-friendly rides include It’s a Small World, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Casey Jr., Le Pays des Contes de Fées, Disneyland Railroad, and Ratatouille: The Adventure.
Best Time to Visit Disneyland Paris with Toddlers
The best time to visit Disneyland Paris with toddlers is when crowds are manageable and weather is mild. These windows work well:
- Midweek (Tuesday–Thursday) in spring and fall for fewer queues and space to stroll.
- January–March for low crowds (dress warmly; Paris winters can be chilly and damp).
- May–June and September for longer daylight and pleasant temperatures.
If you visit during school holidays, arrive early for Extra Magic Time (available to Disney Hotel guests and some annual passes) and plan midday breaks to keep everyone fresh.
Tickets, Planning, and the Disneyland Paris App
- Buy dated tickets in advance—you’ll usually save versus gate prices and secure guaranteed entry on busy days.
- Children under 3 enter free; ages 3–11 often have reduced child rates.
- Use the official app for live wait times, maps, show schedules, and meeting points for characters.
- Premier Access is the paid skip-the-regular-queue option. “One” covers individual attractions; “Ultimate” covers multiple rides once each. It’s helpful if you’re visiting on a peak day with a toddler’s limited patience.
- Single Rider exists on select attractions and works for adults when one person stays with the toddler. Combine with Baby Switch (Rider Switch) to avoid double-queuing when one adult rides while the other stays with the little one.
Getting There and Getting Around with Little Ones
Transport to Disneyland Paris
- RER A Train: Direct to Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy station—just a short walk to both parks and Disney Village.
- High-speed trains (TGV/OUIGO): Some services stop at Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy, ideal for regional or cross-country visitors.
- Airport shuttles: Dedicated services run from CDG and ORY to the Disney area. Prebook for strollers and car seats if needed.
- Driving: Paid parking is available. Consider staying onsite to ditch the car and walk or shuttle.
Strollers, Baby Care, and Essentials
- Stroller rental (pushchairs) is available near the entrances of both parks for a fee; bring a strap/tag to identify yours easily.
- Baby Care Centers in each park offer changing tables, microwaves/bottle warmers, high chairs, and quiet areas.
- Changing tables are also available in many restrooms across both parks and Disney Village.
- Locker rental near the entrance can store bulky gear or spare clothes.
Where to Stay Near Disneyland Paris with Kids
Staying onsite makes a huge difference with toddlers—short walks (or shuttles), Early Entry, and easy midday breaks. Top family-friendly choices:
- Disneyland Hotel (luxury; steps from the gates; character dining and princess theming)
- Disney Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel (stylish, great for little superhero fans)
- Disney Newport Bay Club (lakefront, nautical theme, popular with families)
- Disney Sequoia Lodge (cozy, woodland vibe, good value for families)
- Disney Hotel Cheyenne and Hotel Santa Fe (budget-friendly, fun theming, regular shuttles or walkable)
- Disney Davy Crockett Ranch (bungalows with kitchens; best if you have a car)
Partner hotels around Val d’Europe can be good value with shuttles, but factor in extra travel time for naps and early nights.
What to Pack for Disneyland Paris with Toddlers
- Lightweight stroller with rain cover and sun shade
- Layers, waterproof jacket, and spare outfit
- Snacks, sippy cup, and refillable water bottle (fountains available)
- Baby wipes, diapers, travel-size sanitizer
- Small blanket or muslin for naps and shows
- Portable phone charger and zip bags for small items
- ID wristband or card with your phone number
- Noise-reducing earmuffs if your child is sensitive to fireworks
Toddler-Friendly Rides and Attractions
Disneyland Paris shines for families with young children. These gentle rides and experiences typically suit toddlers; always check posted advisories and consider your child’s temperament.
| Attraction | Park | Min Height | Why Toddlers Love It |
|---|---|---|---|
| It’s a Small World | Disneyland Park | None | Bright colors, gentle boat ride, catchy song |
| Dumbo the Flying Elephant | Disneyland Park | None (with adult) | Control the up/down; great views |
| Le Pays des Contes de Fées | Disneyland Park | None | Miniature storybook scenes by boat |
| Casey Jr. – le Petit Train du Cirque | Disneyland Park | None | Whimsical train that feels “big” but stays gentle |
| Peter Pan’s Flight | Disneyland Park | None | Flying pirate ship through Never Land; dark but magical |
| Disneyland Railroad | Disneyland Park | None | Relaxing loop; perfect for rests and transport |
| Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast | Disneyland Park | None | Interactive targets; sit together and play |
| Ratatouille: The Adventure | Walt Disney Studios Park | None | Trackless ride with oversized “kitchen” fun |
| Cars Road Trip | Walt Disney Studios Park | None | Scenic drive with playful effects |
| Disney Junior Dream Factory (show) | Walt Disney Studios Park | None | Dancing, singing, very toddler-friendly |
Note: Some popular attractions have no height restriction but may be dark, loud, or include small drops (for example, Pirates of the Caribbean). Assess your child’s comfort and use ear protection if needed.
Smart Queueing with a Toddler: Baby Switch, Single Rider, and Premier Access
- Baby Switch (Rider Switch): Ask a Cast Member at participating attractions. One adult queues and rides while the other waits with the child, then swap without re-queuing.
- Single Rider: Handy for an adult to ride quickly while the other adult stays with your toddler.
- Premier Access: Consider for Peter Pan’s Flight, Ratatouille, or other high-wait rides if you’re visiting on a busy day.
- Line-friendly tricks: Use snacks, small toys, or the app’s interactive map to keep little ones engaged. Arrive early and hit Fantasyland first.
Eating with Toddlers: Baby Care Centers, Snacks, and Character Dining
Food and Facilities
- Baby Care Centers offer high chairs, microwaves, and quiet feeding spaces—ideal for nursing or bottle feeding.
- Outside food is generally allowed in small quantities. Avoid glass and large coolers. Pack easy snacks and a sippy cup.
- Most quick-service restaurants have high chairs and kid menus with familiar options.
Character Dining
Character dining is a big toddler win—food plus guaranteed character time without queueing.
- Plaza Gardens Restaurant (Disneyland Park): Character breakfast and dinner; classic buffet; book early.
- Auberge de Cendrillon (Disneyland Park): Princess dining in a fairytale setting; magical but pricier.
- Disneyland Hotel restaurants often feature character appearances and premium theming—check current offerings when you book.
Nap and Rest Strategies
- Stroller naps are easier if you time a scenic loop: Disneyland Railroad, Le Pays des Contes de Fées, or a calm wander through the covered Liberty and Discovery Arcades on Main Street, U.S.A.
- Quiet corners: The paths behind Fantasyland, the gardens near Sleeping Beauty Castle, and benches along the Rivers of the Far West are calmer during parades.
- Indoor breaks: Head to Videopolis (Discoveryland) for covered seating or catch a Mickey and the Magician show in Walt Disney Studios Park for a relaxing sit-down.
- Hotel break: If you’re staying onsite, a short mid-afternoon rest at the hotel can reset the day.
Parades and Nighttime Shows with Toddlers
- Parades: Aim for curb spots 30–45 minutes early for the best views. Pick a location with easy stroller exit.
- Nighttime spectacular: If your toddler handles late nights, the castle show is unforgettable. Bring earmuffs for noise, and stand slightly back to reduce crowd pressure.
- Backup plan: If bedtime calls, skip the nighttime show and enjoy a quieter hour in the hotel—rested toddlers mean a better next day.
Sample 2-Day Disneyland Paris Itinerary for Families with Toddlers
Day 1: Disneyland Park (Fantasyland Focus)
- Rope drop/Extra Magic Time: Head to Peter Pan’s Flight and Dumbo first while waits are low.
- Mid-morning: Do It’s a Small World, Le Pays des Contes de Fées, and Casey Jr. Snack and water break.
- Late morning: Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast or Meet Mickey Mouse (photo op).
- Lunch: Quick service in Fantasyland or Discoveryland; look for indoor seating and high chairs.
- Early afternoon nap: Stroller nap via Disneyland Railroad or hotel break.
- Afternoon: Explore Alice’s Curious Labyrinth and Main Street vehicles if available; grab a parade spot.
- Evening: If energy allows, catch an early dinner and one more gentle ride. Consider skipping the nighttime show on Day 1.
Day 2: Walt Disney Studios Park + Favorite Repeats
- Morning: Go straight to Ratatouille: The Adventure. If queues grow, consider Premier Access.
- Late morning: Cars Road Trip and Disney Junior Dream Factory (or seasonal toddler-friendly shows).
- Lunch: Early to beat the rush; choose somewhere with indoor seating and space for the stroller.
- Nap break: Hotel or stroller siesta; then hop back to Disneyland Park for repeats of your child’s favorites.
- Evening: Character dinner at Plaza Gardens or a relaxed meal in Disney Village. If everyone’s rested and it’s not too late, try the castle show tonight.
Budget and Money-Saving Tips for Families
- Watch for packages that bundle hotel, park tickets, and meal plans—convenient with toddlers.
- Bring snacks and breakfast items to reduce food costs and minimize lines.
- Set a souvenir budget and shop at the end of the day to avoid hauling bags.
- Under 3s are free; plan around your toddler’s age for savings if you’re close to a birthday.
Safety and Comfort
- First Aid centers are available in both parks; don’t hesitate to ask a Cast Member for directions.
- Lost children: Teach your child to find a Cast Member. Use an ID band with your phone number.
- Height and health advisories: Always check posted signs; when in doubt, ask a Cast Member.
- Weather readiness: Paris weather changes quickly. Pack rain cover, layers, and sun protection.
- Photos: Consider PhotoPass+ for easy family photos at character meets and select attractions.
FAQ: Disneyland Paris with Toddlers
Is Disneyland Paris suitable for 2-year-olds?
Yes. Many rides have no height restriction and the parades, shows, and character meets are perfect for little ones. Under 3s enter free.
Can I bring a stroller into the parks?
Absolutely. Strollers are common and recommended. Rentals are available; bring a rain cover and a tag to identify yours.
What about food for picky eaters?
Most restaurants offer kid-friendly menus and high chairs. You can bring snacks and use Baby Care Centers to heat bottles or food.
Do I need Premier Access with toddlers?
Not always. If you arrive early and plan around naps, you can do a lot. On busy days, buying Premier Access for 1–2 key rides can save time and stress.
Mini Checklist: Before You Go
| Task | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Book dated tickets and hotel | Guarantees entry and secures Early Entry |
| Install the Disneyland Paris app | Live waits, maps, and showtimes |
| Reserve character dining | Guaranteed character time without long queues |
| Plan a nap strategy | Happier afternoons, fewer meltdowns |
| Pack smart toddler essentials | Saves time, money, and stress |
Conclusion: Make the Magic Easy and Toddler-Approved
Disneyland Paris with toddlers is more than possible—it’s wonderful with the right plan. Choose quieter dates, stay close for breaks, lean on Baby Care Centers, and focus on toddler-friendly rides in Fantasyland and beyond. A flexible itinerary, a few time-saving tools like Premier Access, and well-timed naps will keep smiles wide and memories sweet. With these tips, your little one’s first Disney trip will be as magical (and stress-free) as you imagine.

