Disneyland Paris Tips For The First Time Visitor

After four trips to Disney World, we have decided that we would like to visit Disneyland Paris as well. I am keen not to compare the two and they are both very different. As a first time visitor, I have been asking my fellow bloggers for some Disneyland Paris tips to make sure every one can get get the most of a short stay.

Visiting Disneyland Paris is a magical experience whether you have been once, or multiple times. There’s always something new to see and do. The two parks at Disneyland Paris are Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park.

Why not check out these FREE Disney planning printables to plan your holiday.

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Disneyland Paris Tips

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Disneyland Paris Food and Drink

  • It’s a good idea to book popular restaurants such as breakfast with Mickey before you travel. Otherwise you will probably struggle to get a table when you have arrived. – Tip from Lucy at Momma Mack

Restaurants at Disneyland Paris can be booked 60 days in advance

  • Take snacks with you for during the day which helps to save money and keep the kids entertained whilst in the queues for the rides etc. Taking water bottles which can be filled up at various stations around the park will also help save money. – Tip from Amy at All About Mummy
  • Eating at random times can glean almost empty restaurants by eating lunch and dinner early. – Tip from Beth at Twinderelmo
  • Decide if a meal plan is worth the cost for your family. You can often book packages to include meal plans at various time of the year. It’s worth working out the cost of a counter service meal such as burger and fries, and comparing it to the cost of a meal plan.
  • Grab a quick breakfast from Disney Village on your way into the parks. Starbucks sell grab and go breakfast items.

Related post – Annettes Diner at Disneyland Paris review

Disneyland Paris castle
Image Credit – Boo Roo And Tigger Too

Planning Tips For A Disneyland Paris Holiday

When is the best time to visit Disneyland Paris? If you’re a first time visitor and want to attempt to avoid the crowds, I would suggest visiting out of school holidays.

Remember to check the French school holidays as well, they vary according to regions. You can save time by booking the express luggage service and get straight into the parks when you arrive.

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Slower times of the year at Disneyland Paris will include January and September.

  • If you’re staying in a Disney hotel, then make the most of the extra magic time in the mornings. The park is quieter which means you can get on more rides before the queues start to build. You can get those all important Sleeping Beauty castle photos and a quiet Main Street as well. – Tip from Sarah at Boo Roo And Tigger Too

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Extra magic hours are generally one hour before the park opens

  • Decide if you wish to purchase Disneyland Paris Premier Access for popular rides and attractions to avoid waiting in line. There are also attractions with single rider lines as well if you don’t want to purchase Disneyland Premier Access.
  • Extra Magic Time is also a great opportunity to head to the more popular rides such as Hyperspace Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Crush’s Coaster.

See how Williams World got on during their first visit to Disneyland Paris

  • Plan your days before you visit. You may think you can wing it, but if you want to do certain things such as character meet and greets, or specific rides and shows, then you have to have a plan. – Tip from Cath at Passports and Adventures

Related Post – 10 Family Friendly rides at Disneyland Paris

Planning is part of the fun for me for a Disney trip, and I love planning our Walt Disney World holidays, and have already started thinking about planning our Disneyland Paris trip.

Minnie Mouse at Disneyland Paris
Image credit – My Mummy’s Pennies
  • Plan your outfits to pair with the characters you will be meeting. There is some great interaction from characters when doing this. – Tip from Jen at My Mummy’s Pennies

Pairing outfits to Disney characters is often known as Disney bounding

  • Plan meals around the parade and fireworks to ensure you don’t miss them. It can take up to 30 minutes to get seated even with a reservation. – Tip from Jade at Mummies Waiting
  • Download the virtual queuing app before you go and use to save time in the parks. – Tip from Matt at Matt Meir

Related post – Ultimate Disneyland Paris packing list

Disneyland Paris Mickey Mouse
  • Download the Disneyland Paris app to help you save time in the parks. – Tip from Veronica at My Parenting Journey

The Disneyland Paris app will show you the current wait times for the rides and attractions. It will also save you having to check with the paper maps when in the park.

  • If you’re wanting to meet characters and are staying in a Disney hotel, make sure you check out which Disney character is meeting in your hotel each day. You can save time on queues in the parks.

Disneyland Paris Tips To Save Money

  • Making your own autograph books using a notebook and stickers saves loads of money compared to buying one in the park, and also is a great fun activity. – Tip from Angela at The Inspiration Edit
  • Purchase Disney ears and dress up costumes before you go. – Tip from Lucy at Oreos and Gin
  • Buy the kids their Disney themed gifts before you go in the discount shops to save money in the gift shops in the parks. – Tip from Luschka at Diary Of A First Child

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Check out these items to save money at Disneyland Paris

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