An unforgettable experience: Weekend at Disneyland Paris

Are you looking for adventures, laughter, and the best memories with your family in France? Save on your favorites in this travel guide that we made for you. Because here you will find the magic formula to have an unforgettable weekend at Disneyland Paris with your family. Enjoying an enchanting resort that combines the best Disney attractions and the charm of France, promises an experience like no other.

Planning your Disneyland Paris weekend breaks with your family

The best time to visit Disneyland in Paris

If you plan your weekend trip to Disneyland Paris in advance, you can enhance your experience, as peak seasons, such as summer and holidays, attract more people and lead to longer wait times. The best time to visit this place, whether with family or your partner, is from late September to early November, or from mid-January to mid-March. Since these dates are low season, you won't find as many visitors and will be able to enjoy all the attractions without the long lines that are usually inside the park.

Ticket options & information

This tourist complex has two parks that you must visit: Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park. Within the first park, you can find various attractions and shops themed around different movies, such us Star Wars or Pirates of the Caribbean. On the other hand, the second park gathers all the magic from the different Disney, Pixar, and MARVEL studios. You should keep in mind that the two parks differ in themes when you purchase tickets to enter each of them:

• You can buy tickets -only online- for one or both parks, dated for 1-4 days or 1 day undated. You have to register your visit before going.
• Special rates for kids.
• Also exist annual passes for regular users.

Check the official Disneyland Paris website for the latest prices and special offers.

Different ways to get there

If you're getting there from Paris, you have to know that the parks can be reached in 35 minutes with the RER A regional train, to the closest station: Marne la Vallée/Chessy/Parcs Disneyland. However, if you arrive with Eurostar from Gare du Nord, you can take the RER B regional train to Châtelet Les Halles, then the RER A regional train to Marne-La-Vallée Chessy train station, with 1 hour of travel.

But, if you want to rent a car and drive, you have to take the A4 towards Metz/Nancy. Leave the A4 at exit 14 towards Disneyland Paris.

Top attractions and activities

Taking into account that the parks are gigantic, the best thing to do to make the most of your visit is to prioritize the attractions you want to visit on your weekend in Disneyland Paris. There are countless proposals for all ages and here we list some of the most important ones.

Disneyland park:

• It’s a Small World: It is an attraction located in Fantasyland that was created just for the children. People can embark on a journey around the world across the seven seas, where they can learn about different countries and cultures, accompanied by three hundred dolls that represent children from different parts of the world.
• Big Thunder Mountain: It is a roller coaster with a Wild West theme. Brave individuals who dare to ride this thrilling attraction will experience a true cowboy adventure. The cars are designed like a train from that era, traveling through mountains and over a lake on the tracks. According to the rules posted at the entrance of Big Thunder Mountain, children who are taller than 1.20 meters can ride, accompanied by an adult.
• Pirates of the Caribbean: It is an attraction designed for the whole family where you can immerse yourself in the world of the movies. It is a boat ride along a river where you can see all kinds of pirate adventures represented by animatronics.
• Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain: Known as one of the most thrilling attractions in the entire region, it is an indoor roller coaster where you can experience the adventures of Luke Skywalker and Han Solo through the stars. Previously, this attraction was known as Space Mountain, which changed to its current name in 2017. Children who are taller than 1.20 meters are permitted to ride. 
• Peter Pan´s Flight: Riding Captain Hook's ship, visitors can see the city of London from the sky and experience the character's adventures in Neverland from the animated movie. It is a great option to enjoy with the family and remember this wonderful and legendary Disney movie.

Walt Disney Studios Park:

• Cars Quatre Roues Rallye: The little ones in the family can enjoy this attraction themed around the Cars movies. Additionally, before riding, you can enjoy various details, such as the Piston Cup and several rooms themed around Radiator Springs. 
• Crush’s Coaster: Ride on the shell of the cheerful turtle from Finding Nemo and fight against the current to relive scenes from the movie. It should be noted that this attraction is a roller coaster, as many people enter the attraction thinking it is for children. The minimum height to ride is 1.07 meters.
• Ratatouille - The Adventure: In this attraction, the whole family can experience firsthand what it feels like to be Remy being chased by the evil chef. During the ride, various scenes from the movie are shown as you travel through the kitchen as if you had shrunk to the size of the charismatic protagonist from the movie Ratatouille.
• Spider-Man W.E.B. Adventure: In this adventure, you will enter the Stark Industries laboratories, where you will have to help Spider-Man control the well-known Spider-Bots that have gone out of control. At the beginning of the attraction, you will get some context with a fun video starring Tom Holland, who plays the Marvel hero. Then, you will have to ride in a capsule and shoot webs at the Spider-Bots to prevent them from causing more damage inside the facilities.

Seasonal shows and events

On weekends at Disneyland Paris there are always special events and depending on the time of year there will be themed celebrations. For example, in October there is a Halloween parade, and in December there are magical Christmas celebrations. Be sure to check the event calendar on the official website for scheduled performances during your visit.

Dining options in Disneyland Paris

Disney park policy allows you to bring light meals and drinks in small quantities, which is good news to plan your Paris family vacation.  But it also offers a range of quick snack and dinner options that you can consider when visiting the place.

• Casey’s Corner: Step up to the plate at Casey's Corner, sponsored by Coca-Cola. The essence of traditional baseball is brought to life here with exquisite hot dogs, crispy fries, and refreshing drinks, all served in a classic setting complete with old baseball memorabilia and vibrant ragtime music. Casey at the Bat, a Disney animated short film, inspired an all-American eatery, which is popular among baseball enthusiasts as well as those who prefer comfort food.
• Market House Deli: A mouthwatering sandwich loaded with your favorite ingredients can be found at the Market House Deli, which is located on Main Street in the United States of America. The sandwich may be filled with everything from robust meats and cheeses to crisp, fresh salads. This beautiful restaurant, which is located in the center of Disneyland and features a setting that is reminiscent of the 1920s, provides a pleasant taste of traditional New York deli dishes. As a result, it is the ideal place to recharge your batteries before continuing your magical experience.
• Cookie Kitchen:When you visit the Cookie Kitchen at Cable Car Bake Shop, you will have the opportunity to indulge in some of the most delicious freshly made cookies and pastries that Disneyland has to offer. These treats are crafted to perfection, providing the ultimate in sweet enjoyment. Every nibble is a taste of enchantment, and they are excellent for a fast pick-me-up while you are on your Disney vacation. From warm, chewy cookies to scrumptious pastries, every bite represents a wonderful experience!

Fine dining experiences on your Disneyland Paris weekend trip

Disneyland Paris has several eating choices that blend good cuisine with Disney-themed surroundings to enhance your vacation. Every meal on your vacation will be different since each area has its own specialties. Some outstanding restaurants: 

• Bistrot Chez Rémy: In every detail, this real Parisian bistro recreates the enchantment of Ratatouille, the iconic Disney-Pixar film. This immersive eating experience lets you see the world via Rémy, the renowned small chef, in a larger-than-life environment. Large champagne corks, jam jar lid seats, cocktail umbrellas, and cutlery create a surreal environment that makes you feel like you're in Rémy's little but spectacular world.
• Downtown Restaurant Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel:  This breakfast buffet is well-rounded and suits all tastes. Choose from fresh pastries, breads, yogurts, cereals, and seasonal fruits. The smorgasbord includes cold meats, cheeses, scrambled eggs, and more for savory eaters. For the perfect morning, serve your meal with fresh fruit juices or hot drinks. Offers vegan breakfast choices, including dairy-free milk and carefully selected foods. Fueling up before a beautiful day at Disney is ideal. It’s the ideal way to fuel up before a magical day at the Disney Parks.
• Auberge de Cendrillon:  provides an exciting dining experience in which visitors may enjoy a royal feast with their favorite Disney Princesses.This storybook setting, located in a stately medieval banquet hall with massive stone vaults, exquisite pavilions, and vivid stained glass windows, serves as the ideal background for a really unforgettable evening. Designed to thrill families and parties celebrating important milestones, the environment is both royal and friendly, making every moment seem unique.The menu and warm atmosphere thrills families and groups celebrating milestones, making every occasion distinctive. The menu offers well-prepared French delicacies to suit even the pickiest palates, making your dinner a memorable element of the celebration. Younger guests are encouraged to dress in royal garb to enhance the fantasy and make the meal unique for everyone.

Tips for a successful visit on a weekend at Disneyland Paris

Avoid the crowds and endless lines

If you want to make the most of your time and not waste it waiting in the endless lines, we recommend arriving early at the park, preferably before it opens. This way, you will be able to get to your favorite attractions before many more people arrive. In addition, Disneyland Paris offers you other options to make sure you don't spend too much time waiting between rides. One of them is the Disneyland App, a downloadable application for your cell phone with which you can observe the waiting times of the attractions, in addition to co-buying the well-known Fast Pass, which is the other option we recommend. It is a system that allows the owner of the  to avoid long lines, since in each of the attractions there is an access for visitors who have it.

Essential packing list

It is highly recommended to enter the park the more comfortable the better, as you will be spending the whole day there. To be prepared for any circumstance, it is best to wear comfortable shoes and light clothing, as you are likely to be on your feet or walking most of the day. Also, it is best to bring a portable charger so you don't run out of battery on your cell phone when taking a picture or using the Disneyland App. Finally, it is preferable to always stay hydrated on warmer days and to wear warmer clothing on cooler days.

Where to stay

Disneyland Paris offers accommodations in its facilities, but they are not highly recommended for those families who want to reduce travel costs. So you can consider staying in some of the NH Hotels in Paris. Since they offer easy access to Disneyland, being near to other tourist attractions in the city. These hotels offer modern amenities and comfortable accommodations designed for families, and they are conveniently located near public transportation options to Disneyland.

Nearby attractions to NH Hotels in Paris

NH hotels offer a wide range of facilities because it has 3 locations around Paris: NH Paris Champs-Elysées, NH Paris Gare de l'Est and NH Paris Opéra Faubourg. epending on your choice, you can be close to attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, Sacré Cœur Basilica, and the Luxembourg Gardens, among others. Or, if you have extra time, consider venturing beyond Disneyland Paris to the outsides of the city. Remember, the region offers beautiful châteaux, such as Château de Fontainebleau and Château de Versailles, both easily reachable by train or car.

Summary

Planning a Paris family vacation will always be a challenge for those who want to ensure memorable memories for the little ones in the house. If you want to travel for a weekend at Disneyland Paris add this to your itinerary, don't hesitate. Because these parks ensure an enchanting experience full of magic and adventure. Especially if you plan in advance the right time to visit, purchase tickets, prioritize attractions, and think about food so your family can enjoy every moment. We hope you can take advantage of this travel guide to take into account every detail of your family's experience in the world of Walt Disney.

FAQs 

Is 2 days enough to visit Disneyland in Paris?

Indeed, it is possible to visit Disneyland in only two days without feeling hurried while doing so. Due to the fact that it is difficult to see all of the sites in a single day, it is something that is highly recommended.

Is Disneyland Paris crowded on weekends?

Indeed, weekends at Disneyland can be rather busy, particularly during the busiest times of the year. As a result, it is recommended to go during the off-season and to get up extremely early in the morning.

What is the best month to plan a Disneyland Paris weekend break?

During the months of late September to early November and mid-January to mid-March, there are often less people around, and the temperature is typically moderate.

What age is best for Disneyland Paris?

How many attractions are there at Disneyland Paris?

There are more than 50 attractions in both parks, specially designed for children, teenagers, and adults.

Are there special experiences for adults at Disneyland?

If there are, remember that Disney has many movies aimed at all types of audiences so the attractions can be very exciting for adults who are fans of them. Additionally, these parks offer other dining and entertainment experiences that may seem boring to kids but are exciting for adults.

Conclusions on the best sales in Paris

We hope this guide has helped you to understand why this city is an amazing shopping destination that you should visit at least once in your life and where to shop in Paris to get the best deals or an exclusive experience. Paris is an awesome destination where you can find great deals on luxury items, unique products and a large number of quality products of any style and budget. So don’t hesitate to explore the different places that we review and discover the surprises that this city has for you in each of its corners.

FAQs about where to shop in Paris

What are the best shopping districts in Paris?

The best districts for shopping in Paris are Champs-Élysées, Le Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Rue de Rivoli, Grands Boulevards and Boulevard Haussmann. In them, you will find a large number of luxury stores, artisan stores, large chains, among others. So they are a destination that you should visit if you are looking for specific products at a very good price.

Where can I find luxury boutiques in Paris?

The main luxury boutiques sales in Paris are located on Champs-Élysées, Saint-Germain-des-Prés and Place Vendôme, but you can find them in many parts of the city.

Are there recommended vintage stores in Paris?

Yes, in the Le Marais area you will find several vintage stores, such as Kilo Shop and Free'P'Star. But at the Saint-Ouen Flea Market you can also find a large number of antiques, vintage clothing and furniture, as well as works of art.

What is the Paris Shopping Pass?

It’s a Parisian card that offers discounts in shops and restaurants, access to attractions and trips on public transport, and more. It’s ideal for shoppers planning a week of shopping in Paris.