Help! It’s My First Time at Disneyland Paris!
So you’ve decided to take the holiday of a lifetime and head to Disneyland Paris what now? Follow this simple guide to make your first time at Disneyland Paris the best time!
Before You Go
Measure Up
Some rides are height and age restricted so check the Disneyland Paris website for details on what height restrictions apply. It’s a good idea to measure little ones before you go to avoid disappointment.
Some of the most popular height restricted rides are:
Big Thunder Mountain: 1.02m
Crush’s Coaster: 1.07m
Indiana Jones: 1.40m
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster: 1.20m
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror: 1.02m
Pre-Book Any Table Reservations
If you read my Disneyland Paris Tips & Tricks post you’ll know that I’m a big advocate for eating outside the parks if possible however that being said if you want to have the privilege of dining with Disney company then pre-booking the following is essential:
Plaza Gardens Restaurant
Auberge de Cendrillon
Inventions
Please check the links for times, prices and characters.
Lock It up
If you plan on taking buggies, prams or wheelchairs etc that you may want to leave unattended whilst you go on the rides it’s a good idea to purchase a bike lock before you go.
Download the Disneyland Paris App
This will help plan your ride itinerary and give you an idea of where everything is. Maps are also available on the website.
Make Lists
Whether its items you need to pack, rides you want to go on or characters you want to meet. Having a plan of some sort helps keep you organised.
Download the Programme
The Disney programme changes weekly download the programme for your visit before you go from here.
Dress Up Your Little Ones
If your little ones like to dress up as their favourite character it is actively encouraged. It is not guaranteed but at a Cast Members discretion children who are dressed up can get to use fast pass lanes etc so worth doing! It’s worth noting that adults are not allowed to wear costumes unless it is a Halloween event.
When You Arrive in Paris
Get Familiar
Make sure you know how you are getting from your accommodation to Disneyland Paris. If your hotel uses a shuttle service find out where and when pick up is. You can then plan what time you will do breakfast etc.
The Early bird Catches the Worm
It doesn’t matter whether you go in peak times or off peak times your hotel will likely be busy for breakfast. The best way to beat the rush is to get up early. We would get up, freshen up then eat breakfast before going back to our room to change. We managed to miss the hustle and bustle this way.
Your First Time at Disneyland Paris
Have your Bags Ready
Bags get checked before entering the park. The process is relatively simple but you’ll save time by having your bags ready and checking in advance that you aren’t carrying prohibited items.
Take Water Bottles
There are several water fountains located around Disney and they are free to use. Filling up your bottle at these points could save you a lot of money.
Tickets
If you have pre booked tickets read them carefully to find out if you need to exchange them for park tickets before entering the park. This will prevent queuing in the wrong queue and just delaying you. If you need to exchange your tickets you can do this at a kiosk or ticket machines located on the way in to the park.
Find Out
Find out what time the parade is on so you can get there nice and early. Any location offers a good view of the parade but if you can aim to stand close to where the parade will start, then once it has passed you can go back to the rides whilst other people are still watching.
If there was anything else you were unsure of such as locations for things ask a Cast Member in advance.
Go Anti-Clockwise
Naturally the crowd moves clockwise around the park. Go against the majority and you’ll find the areas much quieter.
Use the Fast Pass Facility!
I can’t stress this enough. If you want to avoid queuing then this is essential.
Take Regular Breaks
Disneyland is a whole load of walking and standing around. Particularly if it’s hot you need to make regular pit stops. There are ample benches to take a five-minute break and your feet will thank you for it.
Don’t Forget to Head Under the Castle
Our first time at Disneyland Paris we had no idea about the hidden gem under the castle. On our second trip we stumbled on it by chance! I definitely recommend a stop in though.
Take in All the Magic and Have Fun
Enjoy every second! If you go with the awareness that you will be queuing for a long time then those rides where the wait is short will feel like a bonus. I always think: ‘I’d rather be queuing in a line in Disneyland Paris than back at home!’
What tips would you suggest for someones first time at Disneyland Paris?
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You really got me hooked! I got 2 kids and I’m sure they would love it. Great pictures by the way. xx Simone from Zurich, Switzerland
I would love to go to Disneyland Paris one day! It looks really cool, even for an adult (college girl) like myself.
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Yes if you ever get the chance you’ll love it!!! x
I never thought about going counter clockwise to avoid crowds. Great tip! Shanghai Disney opened last year and I have been dying to go. Hopefully sometime soon!!
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Yes that sounds lovely xxx
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Early is an absolute must!! x
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I’ve been to both and there is something quaint about the Disneyland Paris one xxx