Disneyland Paris Booking Guide: Step-by-Step for First-Timers (2025)

The best part about Disneyland Paris planning is: there’s no right or wrong way to do it.

It’s easy to assume you need a travel agent to handle everything—because where do you even start, right? I get it.
But I’ve always planned every single one of my own Disney trips, and below is exactly how I do it so you can save your pennies for something more exciting (preferably Mickey shaped).

This guide covers everything step-by-step: booking, tickets, where to stay, what to ride, what to pack—without any of the overwhelming fluff.

✨This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you book through them—at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting First Step Europe!

⏱️ Short on Time? Here’s the Quick Version

✈️ Flights
Use Skyscanner to compare flights into CDG or Orly (avoid Beauvais if you can).
I like Air France,
but EasyJet is great from the UK too.

🏨 Hotels
Going all-in on Disney?
Book direct on the official Disneyland Paris site for
included tickets, Extra Magic Time, and a payment plan.
Mixing Paris + Disney or on a budget?
B&B Hotel is our fave off-site pick with a free shuttle and breakfast.

🎟️Just need tickets?
GetYourGuide offers 1-day or multi-day options
with free cancellation.

Transfers
🚌Magical Shuttle: Reliable and easy for many hotels
🚗Private transfer: Easiest with kids or lots of luggage
🚗 Uber/Bolt: Bolt often gives 20% off first 5 rides!
🚆 Public transport: Cheapest, especially solo—see my CDG and Orly guides

🎢 How Long Do You Need?
You can do Disneyland Paris in a day, but 2+ days is way less rushed. Add more time for character meets, parades, and food stops!

💬 Need More Help?
Come join the conversation in my Facebook group.
No question is silly, and people genuinely want to help—promise.

🧳 First Things First: Travel Insurance

If you’re planning a trip to Disneyland Paris, make sure you’ve sorted your travel insurance before you book anything.

Most policies require it for full cover—and with strikes, delays, and cancellations popping up more than we’d like in France, it’s 100% worth having.

Getting to Disneyland Paris

There’s no single “best” way to get to Disneyland Paris—it really depends on your budget, where you’re coming from, and how you want your trip to run.

Some options are quicker, some are cheaper, and some are just plain less stressful (especially with kids in tow or a pram to juggle).

✈️ Flights

If you’re flying in, you’ll probably land at one of three airports:

• Charles de Gaulle (CDG) – The main international airport with loads of transfer options to Disneyland Paris.
• Orly (ORY) – Smaller and a bit easier to get through, still well connected to the parks.
• Beauvais (BVA) – This one’s much further out.

I usually book with Air France if I can—they get priority in French airspace, which has genuinely saved me from delays more than once (especially when there’s a strike on… which is often). 

But I also see loads of people flying EasyJet from the UK, especially from regional airports. It’s a solid option and worth checking if you’re on a budget.

I’ve used Skyscanner for years—since my very first trips. It compares all the airlines across your chosen dates, so you can see the cheapest and most convenient options in one place. The best part?

Once you’ve picked your flight, they send you to the official airline’s website to book, so you’re not handing over your card details to some random third party.
Safe, simple, and no need to jump between 12 open tabs.

Airport Transfers

Once you’ve landed, the next step is getting from the airport to Disneyland Paris—and some options are definitely smoother than others.

While Beauvais often shows up as the cheapest airport on flight comparison sites, the transfer is long, expensive, and honestly not worth the hassle in my opinion. By the time you’ve sorted transport, you’ve usually cancelled out any savings.

If you’re flying into Charles de Gaulle or Orly, you’ll find plenty of choices for getting to the parks—but timing and convenience can vary a lot depending on when you land and who you’re travelling with.

🧒 Heads up if you’re travelling with kids: On our most recent trip through CDG, we got stuck in the Under 12s passport control queue for over 90 minutes – so factor that into your arrival time if you’re booking a shuttle or transfer. It’s worth giving yourself a buffer.

Here’s a quick look at the main options:

🚌 Magical Shuttle

Runs between both CDG and Orly and most Disney and partner hotels. It’s a decent option if you don’t mind a slightly slower journey (drop-off order can vary), and it’s especially handy if your hotel is one of the official partners listed on the route.

You can either add this on to your official Disneyland Paris package, or book it on GetYourGuide if you are staying off-site.

🚗 Private Transfer

If you’re arriving late, travelling with a group, or just want a no-fuss journey straight to your hotel, this is the one to go for.

It’s more expensive than public transport or the shuttle, but 100% worth it for tired kids, lots of luggage, or early/late flights.

🚗 Uber or Bolt

Both Uber and Bolt are widely available at CDG and Orly. They work just like they do at home—open the app, get a fare estimate, and you’re off. Prices can vary depending on the time of day and how busy the airport is.

💡 Money-saving tip: If you’ve never used Bolt before, they often offer 20% off your first 5 rides when you sign up—well worth grabbing if you’re not already registered. Just make sure to download the app and check the promo before you travel.

🚆 Public Transport

If you’re happy to navigate a few changes, public transport is the cheapest way to get from either airport to Disneyland Paris. It does take longer, but it can save you quite a bit—especially if you’re travelling solo or don’t mind hauling a suitcase or two.

🛤️ I’ve broken down exactly how to do it here:

👉 How to Get from CDG to Disneyland Paris

👉 How to Get from Orly to Disneyland Paris

🚗 Driving Yourself to Disneyland Paris

I’ll be honest—I’ve never driven all the way from the UK to Disneyland Paris myself. But I’ve done plenty of coach trips, and while it’s a long haul, it can be a fun adventure if you’re up for it (or travelling with a group and want to keep things flexible).

Here’s how the drive works if you’re coming from the UK:

🚘 Ferry or LeShuttle?

There are two main ways to cross the Channel with your car:

First is the Ferry from Dover to Calais.This takes about 90 minutes, and is often the cheaper option, especially if you book in advance or use Tesco Clubcard points. You can stretch your legs, grab a coffee, and it’s a nice break in the journey.

You can use websites like FerryHopper to book your tickets and get the best possible prices. 

Then you have the LeShuttle (Eurotunnel) from Folkestone to Calais. This is much faster at around 35 minutes, and you stay in your car the whole way. Super easy and runs regularly throughout the day.

🛣️ Driving in France: What to Expect

• Toll Roads – You’ll hit a few on the way to Disneyland Paris, and they’re not cheap. From Calais, it’s usually around €20–€30 each way. You can pay by card, but I’d always carry a bit of cash just in case. You’ll take a ticket at the first barrier, and then pay when you exit the motorway

• Fuel Costs – France isn’t cheap for petrol. Prices are often higher than the UK, especially at motorway service stations.
  
• Safety Tip – I’ve heard a few stories of break-ins at French motorway services, especially when cars are left unattended. If you’re stopping, try to keep someone in the car at all times or at least avoid leaving valuables visible.

🚄 Eurostar to Disneyland Paris

A few years ago, you could jump on the Eurostar in London and get off right at Disneyland Paris. Sadly, that direct train was scrapped in 2023—and there’s no sign of it coming back anytime soon.

But it’s still totally doable by train—you’ll just need to make one change along the way:

• Via Lille – This is the easiest option. You change at Lille Europe, then hop on a high-speed TGV train to Marne-la-Vallée (that’s the station right outside Disneyland’s gates). Just double-check your transfer time when booking—some connections are really tight, others give you a bit of breathing room.

• Via Paris – The other route is changing at Gare du Nord, then heading across the city to catch the RER A train. It’s a bit more effort—you’ll need to switch to the metro or get a taxi across town—but often cheaper, and useful if you’re planning to spend a day or two in Paris first.

If you’re staying in the city, I’ve got a full step-by-step guide on exactly how to get from central Paris to the parks (including the RER, which is… not as glamorous as the Eurostar).

Check Your Passport Validity

Before you book (or shortly after), double-check your passport. France requires it to be less than 10 years old on your arrival date, and valid for at least 3 months after you leave. It’s one of those rules that catches people out way too often.

Not sure if yours makes the cut? This passport checker from TUI is the easiest way to check:
👉 TUI Passport Checker

Where to Stay for Disneyland Paris

One of the biggest decisions when planning your trip is where to stay—on-site at a Disney hotel or off-site at a nearby partner or budget-friendly hotel.

There’s no right or wrong option here. It just depends on what kind of trip you’re planning, how close you want to be to the parks, and how much of your budget you’re happy to spend in the Disney bubble.

🏰 Stay On-Site if…	🏨 Stay Off-Site if…
You’re going purely for Disneyland Paris and want to be close to the parks	You’re planning to spend a day or two in central Paris during your trip
You want the full Disney experience—theme, music, character meets	You don’t mind a longer walk or using the free shuttle
You’re after Extra Magic Time (early park access before crowds)	You’d rather save money and buy park tickets separately
You’re considering the Disney meal plan 👉 see if this is worth it for you.	You want more flexibility (many off-site hotels include breakfast or kitchenettes)

When you book a Disney hotel through the official Disneyland Paris website, your park tickets are included in the price—and so is the tourist tax. You won’t need to add anything on top. It’s all covered in one go, and you can spread the cost in instalments (including your meal plan, if you’re adding one).

💡 With off-site hotels, tickets are not included—and tourist tax is paid separately at check-in. So factor this in when pricing it up—it may actually work out cheaper to stay on-site, especially if you’re planning to visit the parks every day.

Off-site hotel prices tend to be more stable, but they can still jump during weekends, school holidays, or big Disney events. You’ll usually get the best value by booking early—especially at popular spots like the B&B Hotel, which is one of our favourites. It’s affordable, clean, includes breakfast, and has a free shuttle to the parks.

Sites like Booking.com make it easy to compare prices, check reviews, and reserve with free cancellation in case your plans change.

If you’re not sure which hotels offer a shuttle, I’ve got a full list of them here:
👉 Off-Site Hotels with Free Shuttles to Disneyland Paris

⏰ What Is Extra Magic Time?

If you stay at a Disney hotel and book through the official Disneyland Paris website, you’ll get access to Extra Magic Time—early entry to the parks before the official opening. That means shorter queues for the most popular rides (we’re looking at you, Peter Pan and Crush’s Coaster).

This perk is only available to Disney hotel guests booking direct—not off-site hotels, and not third-party Disney hotel bookings either.

Ticket Types +
Which Disneyland Paris Park to Choose

If you’re staying off-site, you’ll need to buy your park tickets separately—they’re not included in the hotel price like they are with official Disney packages.

🏰 1 Park vs 2 Park Tickets

• 1 Park Ticket: You’ll visit either Disneyland Park (the one with Sleeping Beauty Castle) or Walt Disney Studios Park (where you’ll find Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars areas).
  
• 2 Park Ticket: You can move freely between both parks throughout the day.

If you’re doing just one day, the Park Hopper gives you the most flexibility—but it does cost a little more. If you’re visiting with small kids or want to take things slower, one park might be more than enough for the day.

👉 Not sure which one to choose? Take my Park Picker quiz!

Where to Buy Disneyland Paris Tickets

If you’re not booking a package through the Disneyland Paris website, you’ll need to buy your park tickets separately. I always use GetYourGuide—it’s quick, secure, and you’ll get your e-ticket straight to your phone.

• 🎫 Buy 1-Day Disneyland Paris Tickets (1 or 2 Parks) 

• 📆 Buy Multi-Day Disneyland Paris Tickets (2+ Days, Park Hopper)

Free cancellation is usually included too, which is handy if plans change last-minute.

 Is The Premier Access Pass Worth It?

Yes… and no. It really depends on when you’re visiting.

I’ve done 2-day trips in both January and May and never bought Premier Access once. In fact, I just used the app to check live wait times and hopped between rides based on what looked lowest. It worked a treat—and saved me a good chunk of cash.

Premier Access passes are expensive (especially during peak seasons), and they don’t guarantee a totally queue-free experience either.

You’ll skip the main line, but there’s usually still a short wait. Not a miracle pass—just a helpful one if you time it right.

You can buy Premier Access right up until you go via the Disneyland Paris app, so there’s no rush to decide.

Personally? I say skip it in off-season months like January or early March—it’s usually so quiet that you’d barely save any time. In summer or during events like Halloween or Christmas, it might help… but still, be prepared to queue for big hitters like Crush’s Coaster and Peter Pan.

Best Time to Visit Disneyland Paris

You can go to Disneyland Paris any time of year—but when you go can make a huge difference to how busy (and expensive) things get.

❄️ Winter (Jan–Feb)

This is my favourite time to visit. Yes, it’s cold (pack the layers!)—but it’s also one of the cheapest and quietest times in the parks. Shorter queues, cheaper hotel deals, and less faff overall.

🎃 Halloween + Christmas (mid-Oct to early Jan)

Absolutely magical—but also absolutely packed.
If you’re going for the seasonal shows and decorations, just book as early as you can, and prepare for crowds.

☀️ Summer (June–Aug)

Very busy, very hot, and very expensive.
But if that’s when school holidays are, it’s still doable! Just make sure to book well in advance and plan for longer waits.

🌸 Spring & Autumn (March–May, Sept)

A happy medium. These months bring milder weather, lower crowds (outside of school holidays), and often some great hotel + ticket deals.

❓ Disneyland Paris Booking FAQs

🗓️ How many days do you need at Disneyland Paris?

You can do it in one—especially if you’re visiting off-season or only planning to do one park. But 2–3 days gives you time to slow down, watch the parades, and ride your favourites more than once (without power-walking everywhere).

👉 Read my 1 Day Disneyland Paris Itinerary

💸 What’s the cheapest way to visit Disneyland Paris?

Booking off-site with separate park tickets is usually the most budget-friendly option. Flying with EasyJet or AirFrance into CDG, staying at the B&B Hotel, and packing snacks can save you hundreds. Oh—and avoid Premier Access unless the parks are packed.

👉 Check out my full Disneyland Paris on a Budget Guide

🧳 Can I visit Disneyland Paris as a solo traveller?

Definitely—and I’ve done it myself! It’s actually one of the most peaceful ways to experience the parks. No debates over ride order, no sharing snacks (win), and you can just wander around at your own pace, churro in hand.

👉 Full Guide to Disneyland Paris for Solo Travellers

🎢 What are the best rides at Disneyland Paris?

So many people skip Walt Disney Studios Park thinking it’s not worth it, but it’s home to some of my favourite rides (hello, Avengers Assemble and Crush’s Coaster). Meanwhile, Disneyland Park has the classics—like Big Thunder Mountain and Phantom Manor.

👉 Full List of Disneyland Park Rides
👉 Best Rides at Walt Disney Studios
👉 Fastest Rides at Disneyland Paris

⛈️ Does it matter if I visit during rainy season?

Not at all. Some of my best park days have been in the rain. The crowds are smaller, the queues are shorter, and there’s still loads to do indoors. Just bring a poncho, wear comfy shoes, and maybe skip the white trainers.

👉 Disneyland Paris in the Rain: Tips + Indoor Rides

👗 Can adults dress up at Disneyland Paris?

You can’t wear full costumes (that’s reserved for the kids), but you can DisneyBound. I’ve done it for under £10 using Vinted, Shein, and Primark bits. It’s such a fun way to get in the spirit without getting stopped at security.

👉 How To Disney Bound on a Budget

Ready to Book Your Disneyland Paris Trip?

I know, it’s a lot to take in. Between flights, hotels, transfers, ticket types, and the occasional French toll road surprise, planning a Disneyland Paris trip can feel like a never ending chance for mistakes.

But once your booking’s sorted, everything else becomes so much easier. You’ll know where you’re staying, how you’re getting there, and which parks you’re heading to. From there, it’s onto the fun stuff—rides, snacks, character meets, the works.

You’ve got this. Now go book that magical trip.