A Fairytale Trip to Disneyland Paris
Disneyland Paris – a magical world of fantasy is not merely a theme park. It is, in fact, a fantastical getaway to revisit your childhood with Mickey and his friends. If you have ended up on this post, chances are you are already aware of how exciting a trip to this magical land of wonder and imagination can be.
So, without further ado, let’s head straight into how to make the most out of your 2-day trip to Disneyland Paris.
The Basics of the Trip
Disneyland Paris is filled with thrilling attractions, shops and restaurants for all ages. If you are planning to spend one night and two days at Disneyland, here’s how you can plan it:
- Day 1: Disneyland Park
- Day 2: Morning to afternoon at Walt Disney Studios, and afternoon to night at Disneyland Park
Personally, I prefer spending 2 days so I can enjoy the parks and the shows without rushing or running. One day is still ok though, after all, it depends on your budget and priorities.
What to Do at Disneyland Paris
A trip to Disneyland Paris is unique to everyone and allows them to create an unforgettable experience of their own. That said, there are some recommendations that I cannot help from passing on to you from my personal experience.
Some things that you cannot miss out on your trip to Disneyland Paris are parades, exploring the park on foot, shopping from one of the many shops inside the park for souvenirs, some of the most thrilling rides, and lastly, the Disney illuminations show 🎆.
Which Rides Not to Miss?
It seems that imagination keeps spreading its wings at Disneyland Paris. With new upcoming rides and attractions planned for the year (Marvel , Starwars, Frozen) it is always difficult to decide what to skip on your 2-day trip to Disneyland. While it is difficult for me to suggest definitively to cross out any rides on your list, there are some that I would recommend you not to miss. First, after entering through the gates, get your fast-pass for the most popular rides so you don’t have to compromise a lot of time waiting in long queues.
Big Thunder Mountain
For all the thrill-seekers, this is one of the best rides to go on. You might have to hold tight as a mine train will speed you wildly around a haunted mountain. Enjoy the barren landscape of the Old West and experience the supernatural force that dwells within the mountain.
Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain
The next up on my recommendation list is Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain. If you are a star wars fan like me, you would definitely love every bit of this thrilling ride as you blast off through the battle with the evil empire. No space mountain rides will ever give you the same thrill once you have a taste of this one.
Ratatouille
Shrink down to the size of Remy the rat and enjoy the 4D experience in the dark around the gigantic kitchen and restaurant with characters from the movie.
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Enter the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and find the horrors beyond life’s edge face-to-face. Let the tower of terror take you to darker depths of three new horrors; The Malevolent Machine, The Shaft Creatures and the 5th Dimension.
Phantom Manor
Take a slow tour through the dark and eerie Phantom Manor, a haunted mansion that will definitely make your hair stand on end.
Pirates of the Caribbean
The last recommendation is a boat ride through the time when pirates ruled the Caribbean. You will absolutely love the audio animatronics of rowdy pirates with Captain Jack Sparrow and many infamous faces on board.
What to Eat?
I’ve come across a lot of complaining online, mostly by Americans, about the food at Disneyland. While it might be true that the food at Disneyland Paris is not as good as the food in Disneyland USA, I still feel strongly that you need to know where to look. That said, the decor at most dinning spaces is awe-striking, but the food can be wildly expensive.
I personally loved the Grilled Steak with Ratatouille and Fries from Bistrot Chez Rémy. For snacks I went for almost everything from the marshmallow head of Mickey, dipped in chocolate and topped with coconut, Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream from The Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor to popcorn and the Nutella crepes from carts.
Where to Stay?
If your budget is not too tight, we recommend you opt for the on-site Disney hotels. The six on-site Disneyland Paris hotels allow you easy access to the parks and make going back to the hotel for a quick rest easier as well. Among the six on-site Disneyland Paris hotels, Disney’s Sequoia Lodge is our top recommendation for spending the night.
Sequoia Lodge is a welcoming mountain retreat just a short walk away from the parks. Surrounded by lush pines, the Sequoia Lodge has all the wonderful ways to unwind after a tiring day of walking and adventure. At around 180€ you can book a room for a night separately, or you can get Disney Paris packages that include accommodation, Disney Park tickets, extra time in the Parks and other surprises.
The lodge has two restaurants, a hotel bar, a swimming pool and other leisure facilities. If you find your way to this beautiful forest lodge, do not forget to take a leisurely walk by the Disney Lake at the heart of nature.
If you choose to stay, to a hotel outside Disneyland, here is our complete review about all available options around Disney parks.
Final Word
A trip to Disneyland Paris is a lifetime experience for all, no matter young or old. A few things to consider are to plan the trip in terms of time and always avoid the weekends if this is possible.
Make sure to arrive early at the gates as they often let you in before the official opening time. Get your tickets beforehand, as purchasing tickets at the entrance can be considerably more expensive.
Lastly, download the Disney App to get real-time updates on queues, show and parade times, and ride closures.
So, put on your Mickey ears and get ready to experience the fantasy world where imagination and characters spring to life!
For your perfect information, have a look on our “Disneyland Paris on a budget” guide and find some cool tips on our “How to buy cheap Disneyland Paris tickets ?” post 😉