A FIRST TIMER’S GUIDE TO DISNEYLAND PARIS IN 2026
A First-timer’s Guide to Disneyland Paris and what you need to know before you even start planning your trip.
Before you even start planning your trip and wondering when the best time to visit is or how to get there, it is a good idea to know the basics and what is on the resort and where everything is in proximity to each other, as this can determine where you want to stay and for how long.
Planning a trip to Disneyland Paris for the first time can be daunting and I’m sure you will have a lot of questions such as, is the resort walkable? The answer is yes, the whole resort is walkable in about 20 minutes.
It is one of the reasons I love Disneyland Paris and how it is set up to be so convenient that even from the closest Paris airport you can literally be in the parks in 15 minutes, enabling more time in the theme parks and less travelling time. How crazy is that?
Below this guide to Disneyland Paris covers the two theme parks, where you can stay on the resort, the Disney Village and how to get there.
A GUIDE TO DISNEYLAND PARIS AND WHAT IS AT THE RESORT
If you are thinking about a trip to Disneyland Paris for the first time and wondering what Hotel you can meet Spiderman at or which park you can step aboard a swashbuckling adventure with some pirates then keep reading this post for more information.
AN INTODUCTION TO THE DISNEYLAND PARIS RESORT
The Resort opened in 1992 as Euro Disney and changed its name to Disneyland Paris in 1994. It is Europe’s most popular tourist destination attracting well over 10 million visitors a year.
Situated in Marne La Vallee which is 32 kilometres (20 miles) east of Paris it is conveniently located for a short break from the UK, and less than a 2 hour flight from most European destinations which is one of the reasons Paris was chosen when deciding on a new location for a Disney Park.
DISNEY VILLAGE
Disney Village is an entertainment complex located next to the theme parks. Here you will find shops such as the World of Disney where you can purchase all sorts of Disney Merchandise, the Disney Store and a very large Lego store.
Restaurants include some of the big chains like Rainforest Cafe, Mcdonalds, Starbucks and Five Guys plus some independent choices too. You can also find bars, a cinema or even take off in a hot air balloon.
If you still have energy after spending all day in the parks the Disney Village stays open until after the parks close.
Anyone can enter the village as a ticket is not required and this is a great option to go and have a look around on your arrival day if you are not planning on doing the parks until the following day.
A FIRST TIMER’S GUIDE TO THE DISNEYLAND PARIS PARKS
This is where the fun begins!
Located next door to each other the two theme parks are a complete contrast to each other. Being different sizes and themes, the parks offer so much for all ages.
With big thrill rides and family rides to meeting your favourite Characters and finding your favourite Disney snacks you will be immersed into a magical World as soon as you enter through the gates.
DISNEYLAND PARK
The main Park is the Disneyland Park or in French Parc Disneyland which is the larger of the two parks spanning 140 Acres and is the park we all associate with Disney as it has the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle.
Fun Fact: Did you know each Disney Castle around the World has its own Royal Residency with Disney in California also having Sleeping Beauty’s Castle and Orlando and Tokyo having Cinderella’s Castle?
Divided into 5 lands (Adventureland, Discoveryland, Fantasyland, Frontierland and Main Street USA) with the Castle in the centre, each land has its own rides, attractions, shops and restaurants themed to its land.
With around 40 attractions in the park including parades, shows, rides and character meets you will never be short of things to do.
TOP ATTRACTIONS AT DISNEYLAND PARK
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Buzz Lightyear’s Laser Blast
- Disney Parade
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- Phantom Manor
- Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain
- Character Meets
- It’s A Small World
- Disney Illuminations Night Time Show
WALT DISNEY’S STUDIO PARK
The newest of the Disney Paris Parks opened in 2002 and is currently undergoing renovation works including a new Frozen Land due to open sometime in 2026.
Set to include Elsa’s Ice Castle, a Frozen Themed Attraction and Nordic Village this is an exciting addition to the Studios Park.
Themed around the magic of the movies and with four themed Production Zones to explore (Marvel Avengers Campus, Front Lot, World Premiere Plaza, Worlds of Pixar) it is smaller than its neighbouring park but still provides plenty of entertainment for young and old alike.
TOP ATTRACTIONS AT WALT DISNEY’S STUDIO PARK
- Crush’s Coaster
- Ratatouille The Adventure
- Cars Road Trip
- Twilight Tower of Terror
- Stitch Live
- Avengers Assemble
- Spider Man W.E.B Adventure
🫱Check out my tips on How To Spend Less Time In The Queues for rides.
MARNE LA VALLEE – CHESSY STATION
This is the stop you will need to look out for if travelling by train.
Located at the heart of the resort it links Central Paris, Charles de Gaulle Airport and is the arrival station if travelling by Eurostar from London (changing in Lille). It is so easy for arrivals and well organised as you can just step off the train and walk into Disney Village or the Theme Parks from here.
Alternatively the Disney Bus Service is located outside and you can just hop onto one of the shuttle buses to your Hotel.
Quick Tip: If you are coming by train and want to head straight to the parks (and who doesn’t), then there are lockers to leave your luggage at the station or alternatively the Disney parks also have luggage storage – both options charge a fee.
A GUIDE TO THE DISNEYLAND PARIS HOTELS
There are six on site resort Hotels and 1 off site Hotel all themed to a different part of America.
Located no more than a 20 minute walk away from the parks (or a quick shuttle bus ride away) except the Davy Crockett Ranch which is about a 15 minute drive away they all have their own dining options and range from budget to luxury.
There are benefits to staying in a Disney Hotel such as the Magic Hour which lets you into the parks a whole hour before the general public. A great benefit to get on your favourite ride and beat the queues.
However they can work out expensive especially in peak season, alternatively you can stay off site to save some £££ and a lot of the off site Hotels have a shuttle bus service to the parks.
A QUICK GUIDE TO THE DISNEYLAND PARIS HOTELS
Disneyland Hotel
The 5* Disneyland Hotel is the most expensive & luxurious of all the Disney Hotels, located at the entrance to the Disneyland Park this is also the closest. There is a swimming pool and spa for guests plus you can dine at the Royal Banquet with Disney Characters.
Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel
A 4* Marvel themed Hotel where you can meet Marvel Super Heroes. Just a 10 minute walk to the parks (or free shuttle bus ride) it has both an indoor and outdoor pool plus dining at the very popular Downtown restaurant.
Disney’s Newport Bay Club
A New England themed 4* Hotel located next to Lake Disney. A 15 minute walk to the parks (or free shuttle bus ride), it is the largest of the Disney Hotels with an indoor and outdoor pool and two restaurants named the Yacht Club & Cape Cod.
Disney’s Sequoia Lodge
Themed on the American National Parks this 3* Hotel is a 15 minute walk to the park (or free shuttle bus ride) featuring an indoor and outdoor pool and kids play areas and a cosy bar with a huge fireplace.
Disney’s Hotel Cheyenne
A 20 minute walk to the parks (or free shuttle bus ride) the rooms here are Toy Story themed and the 3* Hotel looks like you are in America’s Old Wild West with a restaurant called the Chuck Wagon Cafe and the Red Garter Saloon.
Disney’s Santa Fe
The most affordable of the on site Disney Hotels and a 20 minute walk to the parks (or free shuttle bus ride) this 2* Hotel with rooms themed on Pixar’s Cars has a buffet restaurant, an American themed diner and a Starbucks.
Disney’s Davy Crockett Ranch
Not a Hotel but a campsite where you stay in 2 bedroom log cabins sleeping upto 6 people, a great choice for larger families. There are loads of facilities including a pool with slide, quad bikes, tennis and even an adventure rope course.
Located a 15 minute drive away from the parks you will need your own transport or car hire to stay here as there are no buses to the parks.
Staying Offsite
If you are looking at options to stay off site then Val d’Europe is a great choice. A town designed by Disney it is only a 5 minute drive from Disneyland Paris or one stop on the train taking only 2 minutes.
With a huge shopping centre, a Sealife Aquarium and a large Auchan supermarket you can stock up on snacks for the parks. You cannot go wrong staying here as an alternative to the Disney Hotels. Check the following guide for family friendly Hotels nearby:
8 Best Family Hotels Near Disneyland Paris
DISNEYLAND PARIS: FAQS
Is Disneyland Paris open all year?
Yes it is open everyday of the year including Christmas Day. Opening times vary according to the season and special events.
How to get to Disneyland Paris from the UK?
You can either get the Eurostar from London with a quick change at Lille, drive using the ferry or Le Shuttle or fly to Paris from many regional airports in the UK.
Do I need a Passport?
Yes you will need a valid passport to go to Disneyland Paris. For British Citizens check for up to date passport & visa info here.
Useful Info: Be sure to arrange travel insurance before you leave, and also obtain a Global Health Insurance Card. You can apply here:
What payment methods are accepted at the resort?
Accepted payment methods include cash (Euros), and major credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard and American Express. Just check with your card issuer as they sometimes charge fees for paying in a foreign currency.
Do they speak English?
Yes most of the Cast Members speak very good English and the signage is in both English & French. Some of the attractions & shows will alternate between both languages and menus will be printed in both languages too.
CONCLUSION: A FIRST TIMER’S GUIDE TO DISNEYLAND PARIS IN 2026
Disneyland Paris has grown in the 30 plus years from when it first opened and it’s going to get even more exciting next year with the expansion. With so much to do across the two parks, Disney Village and the themed Hotels, a trip to Disneyland Paris is a truly magical experience.
Now you have the first timer’s guide to Disneyland Paris, and what there is to see, do and where to stay, you can start planning your practically perfect trip.
