Bienvenue à planDisney, Kathryn!
I'm delighted you stopped by with your question about planning a visit to Disneyland Paris! It sounds like you might be Walt Disney World Resort Annual Passholders, so you already know a thing or two about planning a Disney vacation. And, as a Disney Vacation Club Member, you appreciate all the magic that comes from staying in a Disney Hotel. These are both helpful starting points for planning your Disneyland Paris adventure!
Now, I've visited Disneyland Paris as a resort hotel Guest and as a day guest. Both are great ways to experience the theme parks, but I much prefer staying in a Disney Hotel for the same reasons I enjoy Walt Disney World Resort hotels. Being immersed in the Disney experience for the entire stay along with perks, such as Extra Magic Time in the parks, adds pixie dust to your vacation. If you are visiting for the day,
train transportation from central Paris is quick and easy. I suggest getting an early start so you don't miss a minute of the
theme park hours. On a recent day visit, my daughter and I arrived at Walt Disney Studios Park when it opened and stayed until Disneyland Park closed! You can easily walk between theme parks using the Disney Parks Esplanade so I think a 2-Park Ticket is worth it.
Remember, you will need to
purchase your park tickets in advance since tickets are not available for purchase at the parks. If you purchase an undated ticket, you must also make a Park Reservation in advance. Special ticket offers are often available, so be sure to check those out on the website before making your purchase.
There are ways to enhance your visit, too (for an additional fee)!
Disney Premier Access Ultimate allows you to enter the fast lane on many attractions without selecting a specific time slot, while Disney Premier Access One allows you the option to select a specific attraction during a specific time period. I've used both options on my vacations and found that Disney Premier Access One is a better value for our family on days when the parks are not busy. The good news is, you can decide on the day of your visit. Another great option is purchasing guaranteed access to any of the four indoor theatre shows. These amazing shows are included with your theme park ticket, but seats are limited.
One of my favorite aspects of Disneyland Paris is the variety of dining options. If you prefer a table service meal, two of my favorites are Captain Jack's - Restaurant des Pirates (in Disneyland Park) and Bistrot Chez Rémy (in Walt Disney Studios Park). These are both very popular, so you should
book a table in advance. You can book on the website or using the official
Disneyland Paris mobile app. If a quick service meal is more your speed, you can use
Click & Collect mobile ordering. My family loves Casa de Coco – Restaurante de Familia right next to our favorite attraction, Big Thunder Mountain, which is the best version of any of the Big Thunder Mountains, in my opinion (don't tell the others!).
There is
so much more to share with you Kathryn, but I've run out of space! Visit planDisney again with other questions you may have!
Wishing you many magical memories,
Shannon