Dreaming of visiting Disneyland Paris but worried about the cost? Disneyland Paris is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, but when you add up ticket prices, accommodations, and dining options, a trip to the park can quickly add up.
Luckily, there are ways to experience the magic of Disneyland Paris on a budget and I’m here to help! In this guide, I’ll share my top tips for enjoying Disneyland Paris on a budget.
From planning your trip with a smart budget in mind to choosing the best time to visit, and from staying in stylish yet affordable accommodations to savvy dining and souvenir shopping, you’ll have what you need to plan your dream trip to Disneyland Paris!
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Visiting Disneyland Paris on a budget
Plan Ahead and Set a Budget
Planning ahead and setting a budget are two important steps to take before visiting any destination, and this is especially true when it comes to visiting Disneyland Paris. The park offers a wide range of attractions, entertainment, and dining options, and having a plan and budget in place can help you make the most of your visit while avoiding overspending.
First, decide on the length of your stay and which attractions and experiences you want to prioritize. Disneyland Paris has two theme parks, so it’s important to plan which rides and shows you want to see in advance. Research the park’s website and look at the attraction list to help you prioritize.
Next, you want to set a realistic budget that includes transportation, accommodation, park tickets, food, and souvenirs. Be sure to factor in the cost of meals and snacks while at the park, as well as any souvenirs or merchandise you might want to purchase.
Before you start planning, check out this post on how to plan a trip on a budget. It will save you some time and money during the planning process.
Choose the Best Time to Visit
Choosing the best time to visit Disneyland Paris is important in order to maximize your enjoyment and avoid long lines and crowds. You’ll want to consider weather, school holidays, and special events while planning your trip.
One of the busiest times to visit Disneyland Paris is during the summer months, when schools are on break and families are taking vacations. If you have flexibility in your schedule, consider visiting during the off-season, which typically runs from January to March and from September to November. During this time, the park is typically less crowded and you may find better deals on accommodations and tickets.
We visited at the end of March and although it was cold and somewhat cloudy the parks were definitely not at capacity. There were of course still crowds, but it was much more manageable than during the busiest time of year.
You’ll also want to check the park’s calendar for any special events or seasonal offerings that may impact your visit. For example, the park hosts Halloween and Christmas celebrations that include special parades, shows, and decorations. These events can be popular and attract large crowds, so it’s important to plan accordingly.
Lastly, consider visiting the park on weekdays rather than weekends, as weekends tend to be busier with larger crowds. We visited on a Wednesday and Thursday, prices shot up during Friday-Sunday.
Don’t stay on Disney property and use public transportation
First off, Disneyland Paris is not technically in Paris. It’s located outside of Paris in Chessy, France. We took the TGV high speed train from CDG airport to Chessy. It’s the first stop and takes about 12 mins. The ticket was 19 euros each.
Staying on Disney property can be a magical experience, but it can also be very expensive. Choosing to stay at a hotel or accommodation outside of the park can be a great way to save money during your visit to Disneyland Paris.
One great option is to stay in Val d’Europe, a nearby town that’s only one stop away from Disneyland Paris on the RER train. We chose to stay at the Moxy Paris Val d’Europe, a stylish Marriott property located only a five-minute walk from the train station. This option allowed us to save a lot of money, while still being close to the park.
The Moxy is not only affordable but also unique and trendy. Their check-in process takes place at the bar, and they even offer complimentary welcome drinks. The overall vibe and decor of the hotel are also really nice for it being so affordable.
If you’re considering staying outside of Disneyland Paris, make sure to look for accommodations near an RER train station. The RER train system provides direct access to Disneyland Paris from the Paris city center, with trains running frequently.
You may also want to consider purchasing a Navigo Pass, which provides unlimited access to public transportation throughout your stay in Paris. Make sure the pass is valid for the dates of your stay before purchasing. Choosing to stay outside of the park can be a great way to save money, without sacrificing convenience or comfort.
Bring Your Own Snacks and Drinks
When visiting theme parks, there are usually many food options available, but they can be expensive and add up quickly. Bringing your own snacks and drinks is a great way to save money while still enjoying your visit to the park.
At Disneyland Paris, the food may not meet the expectations if you are used to the food at Walt Disney World. However, there are some good options available, such as a quick service spot on Main Street that serves decent sandwiches and salads.
Unfortunately, we were disappointed when we tried the sit-down buffet-style Pym Kitchen in the Avengers Campus at Walt Disney Studios Park. The food was either not appetizing or too Americanized (American food should not exist outside of America), and it was quite expensive. If you’ve already been to the Pym Kitchen in California Adventure, you should skip this one.
To save money, it’s best to bring your own snacks, such as fruit, granola bars, sandwiches, and crackers. However, there are some restrictions on outside food and drinks within the park, such as glass containers and alcoholic beverages, so it’s important to check the park’s policies before bringing anything in.
Don’t Overdo Souvenir Shopping
I know that it’s tempting to buy a bunch of souvenirs when visiting at Disney park, but this can easily add up since of course everything is super expensive.
To avoid overspending on souvenirs, I’d recommend setting a budget for yourself before your trip and stick to it. Maybe restrict yourself to one big purchase and one small purchase for the trip. But don’t go buying stuff that you can get at any Disney park.
Before your trip, check out what they have on Shop Disney. You may be able to find some stuff on sale and pay through a shopping portal like Rakuten or Topcashback to save some money by getting cash back.
Essentials for Disneyland Paris
When visiting Disneyland Paris, you should be prepared with the right essentials to make your trip as enjoyable and stress-free as possible. Here are some must-have items to pack for your visit:
Comfortable Shoes – You’ll be doing a lot of walking and standing, so wear comfortable shoes.
Weather-Appropriate Clothing – Check the weather forecast before your trip and pack a poncho in the case of rain. I also like to bring extra socks, sweats and undies in case I get wet on a ride.
Sun Protection – the worst is coming home with a sunburn from standing in the sun all day.
Backpack or Bag – Bring a reasonably sized backpack or bag to carry your stuff, such as snacks, drinks, and souvenirs.
Phone Charger – Phone batteries die fast at theme park even if you think you won’t be using it that much. So, bring a portable charger or extra charging cable.
Cash or Credit Card – You won’t need a lot of cash as pretty much every place in the park will take credit card, but it’s good to have some on hand in case your card does not go through. You won’t need to pay to use any of the toilettes on Disney property.
Is Disneyland Paris as good as Florida?
As an annual pass holder for Walt Disney World in Florida, I will say that Disneyland Paris is absolutely not as good as Florida.
But with that being said, it’s not fair to compare. Both Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney World in Florida offer unique experiences and have their own charm.
Walt Disney World in Florida is significantly larger than Disneyland Paris, with four theme parks, two water parks, and a plethora of other attractions and activities. The sheer size and scale of Walt Disney World are pretty overwhelming, but it also means that there is a lot more to see and do.
Although Disneyland Paris may not have as many attractions as Walt Disney World, its smaller size and more compact layout can make it feel more manageable and easier to navigate. Additionally, the park’s blend of European and American influences creates a unique atmosphere that sets it apart from other Disney parks.
Ultimately, whether Disneyland Paris is as good as Walt Disney World in Florida depends on what you’re looking for. You’ll find attractions at Disneyland Paris that you won’t find at Walt Disney World in Florida and vice versa.
But do yourself a favor and don’t compare Disneyland Paris to Walt Disney World in Florida. You’re just setting yourself up for failure.
Is Disneyland Paris cheaper than Florida?
The cost of visiting Disneyland Paris versus Disney World in Florida can vary depending on several factors, such as travel dates, the type of tickets purchased, accommodation choices, and dining options.
Compared to Disney World in Florida, Disneyland Paris generally tends to be less expensive. This is in part due to its smaller size and fewer parks and attractions, which can result in lower ticket prices and other costs.
However, it’s important to note that Disneyland Paris has fewer on-property accommodations, which can make lodging costs more expensive compared to some options at Walt Disney World in Florida.
But as we’ll discuss in this post, there are ways to get around how expensive Disneyland Paris can be.
Is one day enough for Disneyland Paris
Figuring out whether one day is enough for Disneyland Paris largely depends on your individual plans for the trip. If you’re primarily interested in experiencing the attractions unique to Disneyland Paris, you may be able to fit everything into one day.
However, if you’re looking to fully immerse yourself in the park’s atmosphere, enjoy the various shows, and take your time exploring, you may want to consider extending your trip. We did both Disneyland Paris parks in one day and honestly, that was more than enough for me (I was ready to explore more of France), but again we’re annual passholders for Walt Disney World so that was a huge factor.
Is Disneyland Paris worth a trip?
If you’re a Disney fan and have ambitions to visit all the parks around the world, then Disneyland Paris is definitely worth the trip.
For those who haven’t had the opportunity to visit Disney parks in the U.S., Disneyland Paris is also worth the trip.
But if you have been to the parks in the U.S. and are hoping for a similar experience at Disneyland Paris, you may be disappointed. In this case, it may be best to skip the park, particularly if you have limited time to explore Paris and France.
If I could do it again, I would purchase a one-park ticket to the Disneyland Park to see the iconic castle and enjoy the spectacular fireworks and light show. The castle is stunning and I loved that you can walk around inside. Plus, there’s a dragon underneath the castle, which is also fun.
However, the Walt Disney Studios park may not be worth a visit, especially if you’ve already experienced the Avengers campus in California Adventure. Ultimately, it’s important to manage expectations and prioritize the experiences that are most important to you.
Looking for more posts on Disney?
- Best places to eat at Walt Disney World on a Budget
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