Planning a Weekend Trip to Disneyland Paris: The Complete Guide
Dreaming of a magical weekend at Disneyland Paris? With two theme parks, dazzling shows, character encounters, and European charm, Disneyland Paris is one of the best short-break destinations from Paris and across Europe. This guide shows you exactly how to plan a weekend trip to Disneyland Paris—from choosing the best time to go and buying tickets to a two-day itinerary, budget tips, and where to stay. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, with friends, or as a family, you’ll find practical, up-to-date advice to make the most of every minute.
Weekend at a Glance
| Key Info | Quick Facts |
|---|---|
| Distance from central Paris | Approx. 32 km east; RER A to Marne‑la‑Vallée/Chessy |
| Travel time | RER A: 35–45 min from Châtelet–Les Halles; TGV from CDG: ~10 min |
| Parks | Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park |
| Ideal trip length | 2 days (weekend) with Park Hopper |
| Skip-the-line option | Disney Premier Access (per ride or bundle), Single Rider lines |
| Early entry | Extra Magic Time for Disney hotel guests and select passholders |
Best Time to Visit Disneyland Paris
Choosing when to visit can dramatically affect crowds, prices, and the overall feel of your weekend. Here’s a season-by-season look.
| Season | Crowds | Weather | Why Go | Watch Out For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan–Mar | Low–Moderate | Cold; occasional rain | Lower prices, shorter queues | Shorter park hours; some refurbishments |
| Apr–Jun | Moderate–High | Mild–Warm | Longer days, spring blooms, great for photos | School holidays can spike crowds |
| Jul–Aug | High | Warm–Hot | Late openings, full show schedules | Peak pricing and queues; hydrate and plan breaks |
| Sep–Oct | Moderate | Mild | Pleasant weather; Halloween season is fantastic | Popular weekends for special events |
| Nov–Dec | Moderate–High (holidays) | Cold; festive | Iconic Christmas decorations and shows | Weekends near Christmas are very busy |
Getting to Disneyland Paris
From Paris
- RER A to Marne‑la‑Vallée/Chessy (the station is at the park gates). Typical travel time: 35–45 minutes from central hubs like Châtelet–Les Halles.
- Taxi or ride-hailing services take around 45–60 minutes depending on traffic.
From the Airports
- Charles de Gaulle (CDG): TGV trains run from Terminal 2 to Marne‑la‑Vallée/Chessy in around 10 minutes. Coaches such as Magical Shuttle also operate between CDG/Orly and Disney hotels.
- Orly (ORY): Shuttle coaches and private transfers are convenient; driving is around 40–60 minutes.
From the UK and Europe
- Eurostar: Travel to Paris Gare du Nord or Lille, then connect via RER/local rail to Disneyland Paris. Currently, direct Eurostar services to Marne‑la‑Vallée are not regularly scheduled—check the latest before you book.
- Driving: Follow the A4 motorway; well signposted. On-site parking is available for a fee.
Disneyland Paris Tickets and Reservations
Buying the right tickets ahead of time saves money and stress—especially on a weekend.
- Dated tickets: Usually cheaper when purchased in advance on the official site or app. Choose 1- or 2-day tickets; add Park Hopper to switch between parks.
- Premier Access: Pay-per-ride (Premier Access One) or bundled access (Premier Access Ultimate) to join a faster queue for popular attractions. Prices vary by day and ride; buy in the app after entering the park.
- Dining reservations: Book table-service restaurants up to ~2 months in advance via the Disneyland Paris app—essential for popular venues at peak times.
- Extra Magic Time: Guests of Disney Hotels (and select passholders) can enter the parks earlier. Use this for headliner rides.
Where to Stay: On-Site vs Off-Site
Both options can work well for a weekend. On-site hotels include perks and immersion; off-site properties often cost less and may offer bigger rooms.
| Stay Type | Pros | Cons | Who It’s For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disney Hotels (On-Site) | Walkable/bus to parks, Extra Magic Time, themed immersion, package deals | Higher nightly rates, books up during holidays | First-time visitors, families, convenience lovers |
| Partner/Val d’Europe (Off-Site) | Better value, larger rooms/apartments, quick RER or shuttle | No Extra Magic Time, slightly longer commute | Budget-conscious, groups needing space |
Popular Picks
- On-site: Disney Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel (premium, walkable), Disney Newport Bay Club (mid-to-upscale, nautical theme), Disney Sequoia Lodge (cozy, great for families).
- Off-site: Val d’Europe area hotels and apartments are one RER stop away; look for properties with free shuttles or near the RER station.
Suggested 2-Day Disneyland Paris Itinerary (Weekend)
This plan assumes a Saturday–Sunday visit with Park Hopper tickets. Adjust times to match the official schedule in the app.
Day 1: Disneyland Park Focus
- Rope Drop and Early Hours
- Arrive 45–60 minutes before opening; if you have Extra Magic Time, head straight to a headliner like Big Thunder Mountain or Peter Pan’s Flight.
- Hit Discoveryland: Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain and Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast while queues are low.
- Late Morning
- Adventureland: Pirates of the Caribbean.
- Fantasyland classics: “it’s a small world” (if open), Mad Hatter’s Tea Cups, and Le Carrousel de Lancelot.
- Lunch Ideas
- Table Service: Bistrot Chez Rémy (book ahead) or Captain Jack’s – Restaurant des Pirates (unique ambiance).
- Quick Service: Au Chalet de la Marionnette or Casey’s Corner for speed.
- Afternoon
- Catch the parade (often mid-afternoon) along Main Street, U.S.A.; arrive 20–30 minutes early for a good view.
- Use Single Rider (where available) or consider Premier Access for Big Thunder Mountain or Peter Pan if queues are long.
- Evening
- Dinner near the hub or in the Studios Park if you plan to hop.
- Nighttime spectacular at Sleeping Beauty Castle with projections and fireworks (schedule varies seasonally)—arrive 45+ minutes early on busy weekends.
Day 2: Walt Disney Studios Park Highlights + Park Hopping
- Morning
- Headliner strategy: Crush’s Coaster often has the longest queues—do this first or consider Premier Access.
- Avengers Campus: WEB Adventure and Avengers Assemble: Flight Force.
- Worlds of Pixar: Ratatouille: L’Aventure Totalement Toquée de Rémy and Toy Story Playland rides.
- Lunch
- Bistrot Chez Rémy (table-service; iconic themed dining).
- Stark Factory or quick-service options for speed.
- Afternoon
- Check stage shows and character meet schedules in the app.
- Park Hop back to Disneyland Park for any missed attractions or favorite repeats.
- Evening
- Relax with shopping on Main Street, U.S.A.; grab snacks and pick up PhotoPass pictures.
- Enjoy the nighttime show if you missed it on Day 1 or want a second viewing.
Smart Tips to Maximize Your Weekend
- Download the Disneyland Paris app: See real-time wait times, show schedules, restaurant availability, and buy Premier Access.
- Arrive early, break midday, stay late: Crowds dip at rope drop and after 7 pm; take an afternoon rest if needed.
- Use Single Rider lines: Great for teens/adults willing to split up for faster access.
- Rider Switch: If you’re visiting with small children, ask Cast Members about Rider Switch so both adults can ride with minimal extra waiting.
- Pack for the weather: Paris weather can change quickly; bring layers and a compact rain jacket.
- Hydration and snacks: Refillable water bottles are allowed; find fountains around the parks. Small snacks are fine; for picnics, use the designated area outside the gates.
- Accessibility: Guests with disabilities may qualify for Priority or Easy Access Cards; check requirements on the official site and apply in advance if possible.
- PhotoPass+: Consider if you want ride photos and character shots bundled—particularly useful for families.
Dining at Disneyland Paris: What to Know
- Book table-service restaurants up to ~2 months in advance via the app for prime times.
- Allergies and dietary needs: Many venues offer vegetarian, vegan, and allergy-friendly options—ask for detailed menus.
- Budget savers: Early lunch (before noon) or late lunch (after 2 pm) to avoid queues. Share large portions where possible.
- Snacks to try: Mickey-shaped beignets, crepes, popcorn, and seasonal treats around Main Street, U.S.A. and Fantasyland.
Sample Weekend Budgets (2 Adults)
| Style | Stay | Tickets | Food | Premier Access | Total (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frugal | Off-site hotel, 1 RER stop away | 2-day dated, 1 park/day or Hopper if deals | Quick service + snacks from supermarket | $0–$40 (maybe 1–2 rides) | $550–$750 |
| Smart Value | Mid-range off-site or Sequoia Lodge | 2-day Hopper | Mix of quick + 1 table-service | $60–$150 (select headliners) | $900–$1,300 |
| Splurge | Disney Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel | 2-day Hopper | Table-service both days, character meal | $150–$300 | $1,800–$2,600+ |
Notes: Prices vary by season, availability, and currency. Book early for best rates and check official offers.
Packing Checklist for a Disneyland Paris Weekend
- Comfortable walking shoes + blister plasters
- Layered clothing, compact rain jacket, hat/sunscreen (summer)
- Refillable water bottle
- Portable charger and charging cable
- Light daypack (avoid hard-sided coolers)
- Printed or digital reservations, tickets, ID
- Small umbrella and hand sanitizer
- Autograph book and pen for character meets (optional)
Case Study: A Couple’s Weekend That Hit All the Highlights
Sophie and Max arrived Friday evening and stayed at a Val d’Europe apartment to keep costs down. They reached the gates by 8:15 am Saturday, used Early Magic Time (by booking a Disney hotel package for a previous trip they had experience—but this time they relied on arriving at regular rope drop), and prioritized Big Thunder Mountain and Hyperspace Mountain before queues grew. They had a quick lunch at Casey’s Corner to save time, then booked Premier Access for Peter Pan’s Flight and Big Thunder Mountain in the afternoon. After the parade, they took a 90-minute rest back at their hotel, returned for dinner at Captain Jack’s, and secured a parade-side view for the nighttime show.
On Sunday, they started at Walt Disney Studios Park, rode Crush’s Coaster first, then WEB Adventure and Ratatouille. They grabbed a late lunch at Bistrot Chez Rémy (reservation made 6 weeks in advance) and hopped back to Disneyland Park for repeats and shopping. They left after sunset, catching the RER A back to Paris. Their takeaways: arrive early, pick 2–3 “must-dos” per day, and use Premier Access selectively.
Practical Essentials and Policies
- Security and entry: Allow time for bag checks at the entrance esplanade.
- Lockers and storage: Guest Storage is available near the park entrances for a fee; strollers can be rented inside the parks.
- Weather back-up: Some outdoor shows and parades may be delayed or canceled in bad weather.
- Souvenirs shipping: In-park purchases can often be collected later the same day—ask at the register for options.
SEO Quick Tips for First-Timers
- Search for “Disneyland Paris weekend itinerary,” “best time to visit Disneyland Paris,” and “Disney Premier Access tips” to compare up-to-date advice and offers.
- Set alerts for hotel deals near Val d’Europe and look for dining booking windows about two months out.
- Use “RER A to Disneyland Paris” when mapping routes from central Paris.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is two days enough for Disneyland Paris?
Yes—two days is ideal for a weekend: one day primarily in Disneyland Park and another in Walt Disney Studios Park, with Park Hopper for flexibility. Longer visits give you more time for repeat rides and shows.
Is Park Hopper worth it?
For weekend trips, usually yes. Hopping lets you dodge crowds, catch a show in one park, and ride headliners in the other without waiting until the next day.
How far is Disneyland Paris from Paris city center?
About 32 km. The RER A takes roughly 35–45 minutes from central Paris to Marne‑la‑Vallée/Chessy, right at the park gates.
Can I bring food and drinks into the parks?
Small snacks and bottled water are fine. Large coolers or picnic-style setups aren’t allowed inside the parks, but a picnic area is available outside the gates near the parking area.
Which rides are best for Premier Access?
It depends on your preferences and the day, but Big Thunder Mountain, Peter Pan’s Flight, Crush’s Coaster, Ratatouille, and WEB Adventure commonly benefit from Premier Access on busy weekends.
Do I need the Disneyland Paris app?
Highly recommended. You’ll check wait times, view maps, make dining reservations, buy Premier Access, and see live show times.
Conclusion: Your Magical Weekend Awaits
Planning a weekend trip to Disneyland Paris is easy when you know the essentials: choose the right season, buy dated tickets in advance, consider Park Hopper, and arrive early to hit headliners. Stay on-site for Extra Magic Time and immersion, or book off-site for value and space. With a flexible two-day itinerary, smart use of Premier Access, and a few strategic breaks, you’ll experience the best of Disneyland Paris—from classic attractions to spectacular evenings under the castle lights. Pack your comfy shoes, charge your phone, and prepare for a weekend that feels both effortless and unforgettable.