8 things I wish I knew before visiting Disneyland Paris

Planning a magical trip to Disneyland Paris? Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, there are a few things you’ll wish you knew before you arrived. At Buzz Off Travel, we specialise in crafting stress-free, family-friendly Disneyland Paris packages and today, we’re sharing the inside tips to help you get the most out of your adventure!

1. Arrive early for the best rides ⏰

Get to the parks at least 30–60 minutes before opening. Lines for top attractions like Crush’s Coaster, Ratatouille Adventure and Avengers Assemble: Flight Force are much shorter early in the morning. Pro tip: the parks also get quieter around dinner time, as families head back to rest before the evening shows.

2. Download the Disneyland Paris App 📱

This is your digital magic wand. Use the app to:

Check live wait times
See character meet & greet locations
View show schedules & parade times
Book restaurants or reserve firework viewing areas
Even navigate the park with interactive maps!

It’s a must-have for any visitor.

3. Use Baby Switch (Rider Swap) 👶

Travelling with toddlers or little ones? Don’t queue twice. Disneyland Paris offers Rider Switch, allowing one adult to ride while the other stays with the child, then swap without waiting again. Just ask a Cast Member at the ride entrance. It’s free, fast, and perfect for families.

4. Stay for the Castle finale 🎇

The night-time firework and drone show at Sleeping Beauty’s Castle is pure magic. It usually starts between 8:30–9:30pm, depending on the season. Arrive at least 30 minutes early for a great view or reserve a VIP viewing area via the app for approx. €19pp. It's worth it!

5. Don’t skip Walt Disney Studios 🎬

Think Disneyland Paris is just princesses and parades? Think again. Walt Disney Studios Park is full of epic thrill rides and movie-themed magic, especially for Marvel and Pixar fans.

Don’t miss:

Ratatouille: The Adventure
Avengers Flight Force
Crush’s Coaster
Tower of Terror
Cars Road Trip
Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain

Heads up: Many rides have a height restriction of 120cm.

6. Book restaurants early or dine smart 🍽️

If you’re staying in a Disney hotel, you can book dining reservations up to 12 months in advance, ideal for popular spots like Bistrot Chez Rémy.

Looking to save?

Try Disney Village for more budget-friendly options
Order Uber Eats to your hotel
Or bring your own food, it’s allowed in the parks!

7. Choose the right hotel for your family 🏨

We’ve curated some amazing Disneyland Paris packages with hand-picked hotels to suit every family.

✨ Stay onsite to enjoy:

Early Magic Hours (08:30–09:30am entry)
Themed rooms and immersive Disney vibes
Walkable access to both parks

✨Or stay offsite to save money!

Many nearby partner hotels come with free shuttle service straight to the park gates and still offer that Disney magic, with themed rooms, character touches, and fun family-friendly features. Our experts will help you find the perfect fit!

8. Final tip: be comfy & embrace the magic 👟

There’s a lot of walking, so wear comfy shoes.
Bring a power bank, your phone will be working overtime.
And most of all, wear the ears, take the photos, soak up every detail. From hidden Mickeys to surprise parades, Disneyland Paris is packed with unforgettable moments.

Book your Disneyland Paris adventure with Buzz Off Travel!

We make planning your Disney trip easy, affordable and magical. Whether it’s your child’s first visit or a big family celebration, we’ve got you covered.

Our family-friendly packages include:

✅ Park Passes
✅ Flights & Accommodation
✅ Private Airport Transfers
✅ Luggage Allowance

All you need to do is pack the ears — we’ll handle the rest.

📞 Call: 028 2752 5575
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📍 Or pop into our store for a personalised quote!