How To Plan A Trip To Disneyland Paris (In 10 Easy Steps)

Thinking about how to plan a trip to Disneyland Paris might sound like a big, complicated task but really, it doesn’t have to be.

I’ve been booking Disney trips since my kids were little (and now my youngest is 16), so I’ve learned a lot about what works and what doesn’t over the years.

One question I get asked all the time is: “Can I book a Disneyland Paris trip myself?” And the answer is yes absolutely you can. You don’t need a travel agent to make it happen (unless you want one, of course).

With a bit of planning and the right information, you can put together a brilliant trip that works perfectly for your family, your budget, and your style of travel.

Below is the 10 steps I take when planning my own trips, simple, practical things that help me stay organised, save money where i can, and make sure we get the most out of every visit.

Follow these, so you too can plan your trip to Disneyland Paris with confidence (and hopefully you find it can be fun too). 👇

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1) Do Some Research

The first thing you’ll want to do when planning your Disneyland Paris trip is a bit of research. Just getting a feel for how everything works will make the rest of your planning so much easier.

If it’s your first time visiting Disneyland Paris, taking some time to understand the basics of the resort will really help everything else fall into place.

Disneyland Paris is the number one tourist destination in Europe , and it’s made up of two theme parks:

• Disneyland Park
• Disneyland Adventure World

Each park has its own vibe, so it’s worth knowing what’s in each one before you decide how to spend your time.

Altogether, there are over 50 attractions, so there’s a lot to fit in whether you’re into big thrill rides or more relaxed, family-friendly experiences.

On top of that, you’ve got seven Disney-themed hotels, the Disney Village entertainment complex, numerous places to eat, drink and shop, plus a train station with really great connections from Paris and Lille (Eurostar) plus Charles De Gaulle Airport and other cities.

Getting around is easy as the whole complex is walkable with the exception of one Hotel which is offsite.

Basically, the more you know before you go, the smoother (and more fun) your trip will be. Even just a little bit of research now can save you time, help you avoid overwhelm when you arrive, and make sure you don’t miss anything you’d really love to do.

2) Who Is Joining You On Your Trip

When it comes to planning a trip to Disneyland Paris, one of the first things to think about is who you’re going to take with you. It might seem like a simple decision, but sorting this early on can make the rest of your planning so much easier especially when it comes down to where to stay.

Is it just your household going or perhaps you would like to bring the grandparents along too so they can share those magical moments with the kids as well. Also having an extra pair of hands here and there can be a lifesaver especially with young children.

Or maybe you’re thinking of inviting other family members or friends. If they’ve got kids around the same age, even better it makes the whole experience more fun for everyone.

And a nice bonus of travelling as a group? You can split things like accommodation and transfer costs, which definitely helps.

Disney Isn’t Just For Kids

Disneyland Paris isn’t just a childhood dream it’s actually a fantastic destination for grown-ups too. There’s honestly so much for adults to enjoy too.

You’ve got the big thrill rides and adventure attractions, amazing shows, and loads of great places to eat both in the parks and over at Disney Village. In the evenings, it really comes alive with things like the fireworks shows, a few bars for a relaxed drink, and plenty of shops to wander through.

And if you fancy mixing things up a bit, you can always combine it with a trip into Paris, which makes the whole getaway feel even more special.

Some Adult only trips to consider are:

• Solo Trips
• Couples
• Friends
• Groups
• Hen Do’s

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3) Check Passports

Once you’ve figured out who’s coming, it’s time to dig out those passports, seriously, do it now! It might feel a bit early, whether your trip is in a couple of months or next year, but trust me on this one.

We all say, Yes it’s fine, there’s loads of time left on them,” (without actually checking) but I’ve heard so many stories of people leaving it until a week before and realising their passport has expired then having a mad rush to renew it… or even worse, finding out at the airport that it’s not valid.

So please don’t let that be you, have a quick check now while you’re in planning mode. Grab your planner, jot down everyone’s expiry dates, and note if anything needs renewing or applying for. It’s such a simple step, but it’ll save you a lot of stress later on and means there are no last-minute surprises.

Cost Of A UK Passport (April 2026)

UK Adult (16 and over) Passports are valid for 10 years and cost £102
UK Child Passports are valid for 5 years and cost £66.50

These prices are if you are applying online only. For paper applications or last minute applications the fee increases.

Checking If Your UK Passport Is Valid

• Check the passport rules for the country you are visiting (France)✅
• Is your passport still in date✅
• Your passport must have a date of issue less than 10 years before the date you arrive✅
• Does it have 3 months left on it after the day you return✅

Do UK Passports Holders Need A Visa For France?

Currently no – but this is set to change soon although no date has been confirmed yet for the ETIAS application, so check for updates before you go.

4)How To Plan A Trip To Disneyland Paris On A Budget

Let’s be honest Disney trips aren’t cheap, and the costs can add up fast if you’re not keeping an eye on things. The good news though? You can absolutely do Disney on almost any budget.

The key is deciding early on what you’re comfortable spending, so you’re not still paying it off months after you’re back home.

When you’re planning your budget, make sure you’re covering all the basics. It’s not just the tickets, you also need to factor in:

• Getting to and from Disneyland Paris
• Accommodation
• Park tickets
• Food and drinks
• Souvenirs
• Extras like character dining, skip-the-line passes, or meal plans

Use the Disney handy calendar to compare prices across the different Hotels and dates.

Once you’ve figured out what you’re happy to spend, everything else starts to fall into place. It’ll help you decide things like:

• When to go
• How you’ll get to Disneyland Paris
• Whether you want to stay on-site or off-site
• And how many days you want to make a trip of it

5) Pick Your Dates

Choosing when to visit Disneyland Paris for most people really comes down to when you are able to get time off work and if you are bringing school aged kids then you’ll most likely have to plan your trip around school holiday dates.

Main factors to consider when choosing the best time to visit are:

Budget – If you want to do Disneyland Paris on a budget then consider choosing dates outside of school holidays and major events such as Halloween and Christmas. As well as lower prices you will have the advantage of shorter queue times too.

Crowds – The Disney Parks can get crowded and reach full capacity on some dates. With crowds come longer lines for rides and character meets and more competition for dining reservations.  If you are wanting to avoid the large numbers then travel in low season January to March and try to stick to midweek breaks rather than weekends and avoid French Public Holidays

Weather – Paris weather is just as unpredictable as the UK weather and  choosing when to visit comes down to personal preference.

January-February are the coldest months but also the least busiest
June-August can see some hot temperatures. Consider choosing a hotel with a pool to take a break in the hot afternoon sun.
May and September offers milder and more comfortable weather and the best months to visit in mid season.
October – December brings cooler weather, shorter days and special seasonal events.

Just note that it can rain anytime of year in Paris so be prepared and pack that poncho for those unpredictable downpours.

6) How Many Days Do You Need At Disneyland Paris

If you’re heading to Disneyland Paris for the first time, I’d say stay as long as your budget allows. Most standard packages range from one to four nights, but I would suggest a minimum of 3 days in the parks.

That way you can spend a full day in each park and still have an extra day to go back and catch anything you missed, or just ride your favourites again.

If you are wanting to do Disney at a more relaxed pace or planning on having a non park day maybe sightseeing in Paris then aim for a 4 or 5 day trip if possible.

We like to spend a couple of days in the parks then on day 3 grab a pass for Centre Parcs which is nearby and spend the whole day in their amazing pool complex, which was such a nice break.

7) How To Get There

Next up, you’ll want to figure out how you’re actually getting there. Depending on where you live, you might have a few different options.

Flying To Disneyland Paris

Most people choose to fly, mainly because there are loads of flight options into Paris from all over the world.

If you’re in the UK, you’ve also got plenty of regional airports to pick from, which can make things a bit easier (and sometimes cheaper too).

Paris Has Three Main Airports:

Charles de Gaulle (CDG) is the main one and it’s the closest to Disneyland Paris. You can get to Disney in about 10 minutes on the TGV, so it’s super quick. For more info on transfer options from Charles De Gaulle to Disney click here.

Paris Orly (ORY) is the second closest. There’s no high-speed train, but you’ve still got other transport options. It’s a smaller airport too, so it’s usually easier to get around and quicker through security.

Paris Beauvais (BVA) – This one’s quite a bit further out (about 78 miles / 125 km, or roughly 1.5 hours by car). You’ll often find cheaper flights here as Ryanair uses it a lot but it’s worth thinking about the extra time and transfer costs before you book.

Flying is definitely the most convenient option for a lot of people, but don’t forget to factor in how you’ll get from the airport to Disneyland Paris as that’s an extra step (and cost) you’ll want to plan for in advance.

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Taking the Eurostar To Disneyland Paris

This is hands-down my favourite way to get to Disneyland Paris, and once you’ve done it, you’ll see why. It just feels so much easier. You’ve got more space, it’s comfortable, and the whole process is usually far less stressful than flying.

Check-in is usually quicker, there are no extra fees for luggage, and you don’t have to pay to pick your seats, which is always a bonus. Plus, the train takes you right into the station at Disney, which is just so convenient.

Is there a direct Eurostar from London to Disneyland Paris?

Sadly no, the direct train stopped running a few years ago. But don’t let that put you off. Even with one change, I still think it’s one of the easiest ways to get there.

You’ll start at London St Pancras, and then you can either change trains in Paris or Lille.

If you go via Paris, you’ll have more train options throughout the day, which is great, but it does mean navigating the Paris Metro to get to Disneyland Paris. It’s usually the cheaper option, but it can be a bit busy, and if you’re not a confident traveller, figuring out tickets and routes can feel a bit overwhelming.

I always try and book to go via Lille if it’s available. It’s a really straightforward connection, and your onward train is already booked as part of your ticket, so there’s less to think about. It can be a bit more expensive and there are fewer train times to choose from, but for me, the ease and simplicity make it totally worth it.

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Driving To Disneyland Paris

Driving to Disneyland Paris is actually a really popular option, especially if you’re based in the South East of England and not too far from Folkestone or Dover. That said, even if you live further up the country, it’s still totally doable, you might just want to plan a stopover to break up the journey.

There are a few reasons why driving can be a great choice:

• It can often work out cheaper than flying or taking the Eurostar, especially for a family of four
• You can stop whenever you fancy (essential with kids)
• You’ve got the flexibility to choose between the ferry or Le Shuttle
• And you can pack way more without worrying about luggage limits

How long does it take?

If you’re trying to picture the journey, here’s a rough idea:

• Folkestone to Calais on Le Shuttle takes about 35 minutes
• Dover to Calais by ferry is around 1.5 hours
• Then it’s roughly a 3-hour drive from Calais to Disneyland Paris

All in all, it’s pretty manageable, and quite a nice road trip if you take your time.

What to know before you go

There are a few practical bits to keep in mind:

• France has toll roads, so you’ll need to budget for those
• Make sure you’ve checked the legal requirements for driving in France before you set off
• You will need to bring a travel kit for driving abroad
• And double-check what you can and can’t take into France (things like meat and dairy are not allowed)

If you’re thinking driving might be the right option for you then check out this site. It is a really useful and in depth guide for what to know about driving in France.

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Taking A Bus To Disneyland Paris

This is definitely the longest way to get to Disneyland Paris (you’re looking at around 10 hours). But if you’re trying to keep costs down, it’s absolutely worth considering. You can sometimes find fares from as little as £26 per person one way, which is hard to ignore.

I actually did this journey from Disneyland Paris back to London Victoria when Eurostar prices were just ridiculous and honestly, I’d do it again. It was much better than I expected.

Here’s why this option might work for you:

• The fares are really budget-friendly
• No extra charges for luggage
• The bus leaves directly from Disneyland Paris, so no need to pay for transfers
• It’s usually an overnight service, which means you get a full final day in the parks before heading home
• It’s a direct route so no changing (apart from getting on and off the ferry )

It’s not the quickest or most comfiest option, but if you’re happy to trade a bit of time for a cheaper trip, it can actually be a really practical choice.

8) Where To Stay

This is probably the trickiest part of planning your trip, mainly because there’s so much choice. The first thing to ask yourself is: do you just need a base, or do you want your hotel to be part of the experience?

If you’re planning to spend all day in the parks and only use your hotel to sleep and shower, then honestly, you’re better off booking a budget place off-site. I’d recommend Reidhome Val d’Europe for that.

But if you want to actually enjoy your accommodation and spend some time there, then the next decision is whether to stay in a Disney hotel or off-site.

The Disneyland Paris Hotels

Disney hotels are more expensive, but they’re worth it if you’re after things like:

• fun themed Hotels
• character meet-and-greets
• being able to walk to the parks
• early access with Magic Hour
• meal plan options

If you’ve got younger kids, I always think staying on-site is the best choice. They’ll love the character interactions, and being able to pop back to the hotel during the day for a nap, a swim, or just a break from the crowds is a huge bonus.

That said, my kids are older now, so they’re not fussed about meeting characters or getting up early for Magic Hour. We tend to stay in the parks from mid morning to closing, so for us, spending a lot on a hotel we barely use just doesn’t make sense.

Disney has six themed on-site hotels and one off-site option, with a range of budgets:

• Santa Fe – 2★, Cars-themed
• Cheyenne – 3★, Toy Story-themed
• Sequoia Lodge – 3★, Inspired by US National Parks
• Newport Bay Club – 4★, New England style
• Hotel New York – 4★, Marvel-themed
• Disneyland Hotel – 5★, Royal/Luxury theme

There’s also Disney Davy Crockett Ranch, which is about a 15-minute drive away. You’ll need your own car as there’s no shuttle, but it’s great for bigger families since the cabins sleep up to six.

Staying Off Site

If you decide to stay off-site, there are loads of options nearby to suit different budgets and preferences. You’ll find things like:

• self-catering apartments
• hotels with pools
• family-friendly facilities
• breakfast included
• free shuttle buses to the parks
• larger rooms
• even spas

If you’re still not sure, check out my guide to the 8 Best Family Hotels Near Disneyland Paris as it might help you narrow it down.

9) Do You Need To Plan An Itinerary

Not at all. I always think going with the flow is the most relaxed and fun way to enjoy Disneyland Paris. Of course having a loose plan in place in advance will save time and stop that “what do we do first?” overwhelm when you arrive. But you don’t need to schedule every minute or even every hour of your day.

What I’d do is make a simple list before you go of what everyone wants to do — rides (check height restrictions!), shows, meeting characters, and any bookings you want to make. That way you know what matters most each day without overplanning it.

I always say you can’t plan the following so just:

• Eat when you’re hungry🍔
• Rest when you’re tired 🪑
• Grab a drink when you’re thirsty🍹
• Get an ice cream when you’re hot🍧
  
  Basically just go with the moment.

10) Book Your Trip

Now you have:

• Decided who is going☑️
• Checked your passports☑️
• Worked out a rough budget☑️
• Sorted your dates and duration☑️
• Know how you are getting there☑️
• And chosen your accommodation☑️
  
  Congrats you now know how to plan a trip to Disneyland Paris and you’re ready to book your holiday! 🎉

I’d do it as soon as you can because prices can jump around pretty quickly. A lot of companies let you just pay a deposit upfront and then sort the rest closer to the time, which makes it a bit easier.

It’s also worth keeping an eye out for any deals or special offers. And if you’re wondering who I usually book with, whether it’s better to go for a package or book things separately, or what extras are worth it I’ve got a booking guide coming soon that’ll cover all of that.

I hope you have found this guide helpful and you feel ready to start planning your trip.