Disneyland Paris

A brief history of Disneyland Paris

Formerly known as Euro Disney, Disneyland Paris first welcomed its guests in 1992. The park officially changed its name on 1 October 1994 and has hosted over 320 million visitors in the first 25 years of operation. It’s the 2^nd Disneyland theme park to be opened outside of the USA, with Tokyo Disney Resort snagging the first spot.

Disneyland Paris covers over 1,942 hectares, comprising 2 theme parks, including Walt Disney Studios Park which opened in 2002. The park also plays host to a variety of hotels, Disney Nature Resorts, guest establishments for shopping, dining, and entertainment, as well as an onsite golf course.

What are the highlights of Disneyland Paris?

Over 50 rides are available at Disneyland Paris, allowing guests of all ages to enjoy their favourite choices. From thrill rides like the Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain rollercoasters to kid-friendly attractions like Sleeping Beauty Castle, this theme park ensures you’ll create perfect family memories. Selected rides may feature designated height restrictions for your safety, which you can check by the attraction’s entrance.

One of the must-try attractions is the 4D attraction known as the Ratatouille: The Adventure. It allows guests to imagine themselves in the position of Remy the rat while sitting in a trackless mouse-shaped ride. Lines often run long for this attraction, but you could always skip the queue with a special FASTPASS. They’re available in limited numbers daily – you can get one by scanning your entry tickets at the FASTPASS machines next to the ride.

Come nightfall, you’ll want to be ready by the Sleeping Beauty Castle for the daily Disney Illuminations show. It’s a closing ceremony that lasts approximately 20 minutes each evening, featuring fireworks and art projections for everyone to enjoy. Weather changes may affect the show’s availability, so do check with any of their friendly cast members to know if there will be a show in advance.

Good to know about Disneyland Paris

For guests looking to reach Disneyland Paris by train, you can hop off at the Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy station. The station is just by the gates of the park, making it easy for tourists and locals who get around by public transport.

To make the most out of your trip to Disneyland Paris, consider booking a stay at one of their 16 affiliate hotels. Most hotels are either onsite or within 25 minutes from the park. Some even offer free shuttle services to the park entrance. Guests staying at these partnering hotels may also enjoy an early entrance to the park known as ‘Extra Magic Time’. During this period, the park is not open to the public, giving you a VIP-like experience.

If you're visiting Disneyland Paris on your birthday, pick up a special ‘Birthday Badge’ from the City Hall upon arrival at the park. While you may not get a discount on your ticket, cast members and meet-and-greet characters may sing you a birthday song or wish you when they spot the Birthday Badge.