Disneyland Paris
Dive into the magic of childhood and experience a fairytale adventure at Disneyland Paris, the kingdom where dreams come true!
Located just 32 km east of central Paris, this one-of-a-kind leisure complex in Europe transports you to an enchanted world, blending thrilling rides, breathtaking shows, and unforgettable encounters with your favorite Disney characters.
Whether you're with family, friends, or your partner, Disneyland Paris is an unmissable getaway for all ages. Get ready to explore two theme parks, stay in one of the six Disney hotels, or enjoy the many amenities of the resort. Follow the guide to discover everything about this legendary destination!
Location and access: just a stone’s throw from Paris
Disneyland Paris is located in Coupvray, in the Seine-et-Marne department (77), in the Île-de-France region. Its exact address is Boulevard de Parc, 77700 Coupvray, but the resort also extends into the neighboring towns of Chessy and Serris.
Thanks to its proximity to Paris, the park is easily accessible by car, train, or shuttle. From central Paris, it takes about 35 to 45 minutes by car via the A4 motorway (towards Metz/Nancy). Paid parking is available on-site, with rates varying by season.
For a stress-free journey, take the RER A: the Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy station is just 2 minutes on foot from the park entrance. Direct trains connect Paris (Châtelet-Les Halles station) to Disneyland Paris in around 40 minutes. Shuttle buses (such as Magical Shuttle) also serve the site from Paris airports (Orly and Charles de Gaulle).
A bit of history: from dream to reality
The Disneyland Paris adventure begins in 1985, when The Walt Disney Company seeks to establish itself in Europe. After feasibility studies, the site of Marne-la-Vallée is chosen for its strategic location, close to Paris and its transport infrastructure.
The project, initially named Euro Disney Resort, is launched in 1988 with a colossal budget of 22 billion francs (around 3.3 billion euros). The park opens its doors on 12 April 1992, after three years of titanic construction work. From its inauguration, it attracts millions of visitors, quickly becoming one of Europe’s most visited tourist sites.
Despite a difficult start (criticism, financial issues), the complex recovers thanks to massive investments and an adaptation to European public expectations. In 1994, it is renamed Disneyland Paris to strengthen its identity. Today, it is Europe’s top paid tourist attraction, welcoming over 15 million visitors per year.
The Disneyland Paris resort: so much more than a theme park
Disneyland Paris is more than just a theme park: it is a true leisure complex spanning 2,230 hectares (including 194 hectares dedicated to theme parks). It features two theme parks, a shopping area (Disney Village and Val d’Europe with its shopping centre, where French art of living shines), six Disney hotels, a golf course and a convention centre.
Nearby, the Val d’Europe and its shopping centre (one of the largest in Europe) complete the offering, making Disneyland Paris an ideal destination for a multi-day stay. Discover in detail each component of this enchanted kingdom!
1. The two theme parks: double the magic
Disneyland Paris is home to two distinct theme parks, each offering a unique experience. The Disneyland Park (the original park) and the Walt Disney Studios Park (opened in 2002) complement each other to cater to all tastes and ages.
a. Disneyland Park: the heart of the magic
Inspired by the original Disneyland in California, the Disneyland Park is the crown jewel of the resort. It is divided into five themed "lands", each offering attractions, shows, and a unique atmosphere:
Main Street, U.S.A.: An early 20th-century American street, complete with shops, restaurants, and a retro vibe. Don’t miss the Disney Stars on Parade, which parades daily down this central thoroughfare.
Fantasyland: The realm of fairy tales, where young and old alike meet their favorite characters. Ride Peter Pan’s Flight, explore the Sleeping Beauty Castle, or embark on a journey aboard It’s a Small World.
Adventureland: Dive into adventure with Pirates of the Caribbean, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril, or The Swiss Family Treehouse. This land blends exoticism and thrills for an unforgettable experience.
Frontierland: A journey into the American West, featuring attractions like Big Thunder Mountain (a legendary roller coaster) and Phantom Manor (a breathtaking haunted house).
Discoveryland: A futuristic land inspired by the visions of Jules Verne and Leonardo da Vinci. Don’t miss Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain (a space roller coaster) or Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast.
The Sleeping Beauty Castle, the park’s emblem, is one of the most beautiful Disney castles in the world. With its stained glass windows, tapestries, and a hidden dragon in its dungeons, it’s a must-see for photography enthusiasts and fairy tale lovers.
b. Walt Disney Studios Park: Behind the Scenes
Opened in 2002, the Walt Disney Studios Park immerses visitors in the world of Disney film and television. The park is divided into four themed areas, each dedicated to a different aspect of audiovisual production:
Front Lot: The park’s entrance, with its Hollywood-style sets and Studio 1, a recreation of a giant soundstage. This is where you’ll find the Disney Studio Theater, screening films and behind-the-scenes footage.
Toon Studio: A tribute to Disney and Pixar cartoons. Don’t miss Crush’s Coaster (a dark ride featuring characters from Finding Nemo) or Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, an immersive 4D experience.
Production Courtyard: A behind-the-scenes dive into Marvel and Star Wars films. Experience Avengers Assemble: Flight Force (a thrilling roller coaster) or Star Wars: Hyperspace Mountain (a reimagined version of the classic Disneyland Park attraction).
Backlot: A zone dedicated to special effects and stunt shows. Catch spectacular performances like Moteurs... Action! Stunt Show Spectacular, where stunt performers recreate action movie scenes.
The Walt Disney Studios Park is constantly evolving, with new attractions regularly added to match cinematic releases. In 2024, a new Frozen-themed area opened, featuring an attraction and sets inspired by the kingdom of Arendelle.
2. Disney Village: Shopping, Dining and Entertainment
Located between the two parks and the hotels, Disney Village is a commercial and entertainment area open to all, free of charge. With its shops, restaurants, and shows, it’s the perfect place to extend the magic after a day in the parks.
Among the must-sees at Disney Village:
World of Disney: Europe’s largest Disney store, featuring thousands of merchandise items (clothing, toys, accessories).
Lego Store: A paradise for Lego fans, with giant builds and children’s workshops.
Rainforest Café: A jungle-themed restaurant with animatronic animals and immersive sound effects.
Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show: A horse-riding show featuring cowboys, Native Americans, and animals (bison, horses). A must for Wild West enthusiasts!
PanoraMagique: A hot-air balloon that rises 100 meters in the air, offering breathtaking views of the resort.
Disney Village is also the meeting point for themed evenings, such as Disney Illuminations (a fireworks and lakefront projection show) or live concerts.
3. Val d’Europe and its shopping center: the art of French living
Just 5 minutes by car from Disneyland Paris, Val d’Europe is a new town that was developed alongside the Disney resort. It is home to one of Europe’s largest shopping centres, featuring over 190 shops, restaurants and entertainment.
Among the flagship stores in the mall:
Galeries Lafayette: A high-end department store offering luxury brands and French products.
Primark: For affordable clothing and accessories.
Sephora: A paradise for beauty enthusiasts.
Lego Store: A second, larger Lego store than the one in Disney Village.
Where to stay to visit Disneyland Paris: The official Disneyland Paris hotels – magic within reach
To extend the Disney experience, nothing beats a stay in one of the resort’s six official hotels. Each offers a unique theme, premium services and exclusive perks for guests (such as early park access). It’s an immersive experience that prolongs the park’s magic. Here are the 7 official hotels at the resort, ranked by level of comfort and price, along with their exclusive benefits:
1. Disneyland Hotel – 5★ Luxury (Premium Hotel)
Theme: A fairy-tale-inspired palace with elegant architecture and royal touches. Located at the entrance of Disneyland Park, it is the most prestigious hotel in the resort.
Comfort: Spacious rooms (starting at 40 m²) with premium bedding, luxurious bathrooms, and some suites offer views of Sleeping Beauty Castle. The hotel features a spa, an indoor heated pool, and a fine dining restaurant (California Grill).
Exclusive Benefits:
Early park access (1 hour before official opening).
Free shuttle to the parks (though the hotel is just a 5-minute walk away).
Disney concierge service to organize your stay.
Meet-and-greets with Disney characters at the hotel.
Average Price: Expect between €600 and €1,500 per night, depending on the season and room type. Suites can exceed €2,000.
For whom? Families seeking luxury, couples on a romantic getaway, or visitors wanting a 100% premium experience.
2. Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel – 4★ Superior (Themed Hotel)
Theme: A tribute to New York and the Marvel universe, featuring original artworks, superhero statues, and a modern, trendy decor.
Comfort: Stylish rooms (from 30 m²) with comfortable bedding, flat-screen TVs, and contemporary bathrooms. The hotel offers an indoor pool, a fitness room, and a comic-inspired restaurant (Manhattan Restaurant).
Exclusive benefits:
Early park access (30 minutes before opening).
Free shuttle to the parks (10-minute ride).
Permanent Marvel exhibitions in the hotel.
Themed evenings (such as meet-and-greets with Spider-Man).
Average price: Between €300 and €700 per night, depending on the season. Themed suites (such as the Avengers Suite) can reach €1,200.
For whom? Marvel fans, New York design lovers, and families who enjoy modern atmospheres.
3. Disney’s Newport Bay Club – 4★ (Nautical Hotel)
Theme: Inspired by 1920s American seaside resorts, featuring colonial architecture, blue and white tones, and a chic maritime ambiance.
Comfort: Spacious rooms (from 32 m²) with views of the lake or park, plush bedding, and functional bathrooms. The hotel features an outdoor heated swimming pool, a buffet restaurant (Cape Cod), and a lounge bar.
Exclusive benefits:
Early park access (30 minutes before opening).
Free shuttle (10-minute ride).
Fireworks views from select rooms.
Family-friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
Average price: Between €250 and €500 per night, depending on the season. Lake-view suites are more expensive.
For whom? Families seeking great value for money, fans of a retro and elegant ambiance.
4. Disney’s Sequoia Lodge – 3★ Superior (Nature Hotel)
Theme: A lodge inspired by American national parks, featuring giant cedars, stone fireplaces, and warm wood décor.
Comfort: Cozy rooms (from 25 m²) with comfortable bedding and simple bathrooms. The hotel offers an indoor heated swimming pool, a buffet restaurant (Hunter’s Grill), and a cabin-style bar.
Exclusive Benefits:
Early park access (30 minutes before opening).
Free shuttle (10-minute ride).
Cozy and intimate atmosphere.
Perfect for nature lovers.
Average price: Between €200 and €400 per night. Rooms with forest views are in high demand.
For whom? Families seeking a natural and peaceful setting, or travelers wanting an authentic and friendly stay.
5. Disney’s Hotel Cheyenne – 3★ (Far West Hotel)
Theme: A village inspired by the American Wild West, featuring wooden buildings, saloons, and a cowboy atmosphere.
Comfort: Simple yet functional rooms (starting at 22 m²), with basic bedding and compact bathrooms. The hotel offers a buffet restaurant (Chuck Wagon Café) and a saloon for themed evenings.
Exclusive Benefits:
Early park access (30 minutes before opening).
Free shuttle (10-minute ride).
Fun and relaxed atmosphere.
Perfect for kids (Western-themed decor, outdoor games).
Average price: Between €150 and €300 per night. An excellent value for families.
For whom? Families with children, Western fans, and those seeking affordable and thematic accommodation.
6. Disney’s Hotel Santa Fe – 3★ (Road Trip Hotel)
Theme: Inspired by American road trips and the movie Cars, featuring desert scenery, iconic routes, and vintage cars.
Comfort: Basic rooms (from 20 m²) with simple bedding and functional bathrooms. The hotel offers a buffet restaurant (La Cantina) and a drive-in cinema in summer.
Exclusive benefits:
Early park access (30 minutes before opening).
Free shuttle (10-minute ride).
Immersive decor (perfect for Cars fans).
Very affordable prices for a Disney hotel.
Average price: Between €120 and €250 per night. One of the cheapest hotels in the resort.
For whom? Families on a tight budget, Pixar fans, and those seeking simple but thematic accommodation.
7. Disney’s Davy Crockett Ranch – 3★ (Wooden Cabins)
Theme: A wooden cabin village inspired by American trappers, nestled in the forest, 15 minutes by car from the parks.
Comfort: Independent cabins (from 35 m²) with a kitchenette, living room, bedroom, and bathroom. Some feature a terrace with a barbecue. No on-site restaurant, but a supermarket and an outdoor pool are available.
Exclusive benefits:
Early park access (30 minutes before opening).
Free shuttle (15-minute journey).
Natural ambiance and independence (ideal for large families).
Great value for spacious accommodation.
Average price: Between €150 and €350 per night for a cabin (up to 6 people). Excellent value for money for groups.
For whom? Large families, travelers seeking nature and privacy, or those who prefer to cook on-site.
All Disney hotels offer “stay + tickets” packages, including park access, breakfasts and sometimes perks like Disney Express (bag drop and delivery straight to your hotel room).
Partner and nearby hotels: practical alternatives
If Disney hotels are fully booked or beyond your budget, don’t worry! Many partner hotels and independent options are nearby, particularly in the Val d’Europe area, offering more affordable rates while remaining close to the parks.
These hotels, located less than 15 minutes from the parks, provide some Disney benefits (such as early park entry) and free shuttle services.
a. Radisson Blu Hotel Paris, Marne-la-Vallée – 4★
Address: 2 Allée de la Mare Houleuse, 77700 Serris.
Comfort: Modern rooms (from 28 m²) with premium bedding, indoor pool, fitness centre and restaurant. Some rooms overlook the lake.
Perks: Free shuttle, early park entry, generous breakfast buffet.
Average price: Between €150 and €300 per night.
b. Vienna House Dream Castle Hotel – 4★
Address: 40 Allée de la Mare Houleuse, 77700 Serris.
Comfort: Elegant rooms (from 25 m²) with contemporary décor, indoor pool, spa, and gourmet restaurant.
Benefits: Free shuttle, early access, chic and relaxed ambiance.
Average price: Between €130 and €280 per night.
c. Adagio Marne-la-Vallée Val d’Europe – 3★
Address: 42 Cours du Danube, 77700 Serris.
Comfort: Family apartments (from 30 m²) with kitchenette, living area, and separate bedrooms. Ideal for longer stays.
Benefits: Free shuttle, early access, attractive prices for families.
Average price: Between €120 and €250 per night
And why not stay in Paris?
This is also another option, as transport from the city center to Disneyland takes just 30 to 45 minutes. And there, you’ll find the range of hotels that suits you.
What makes Disneyland Paris unique and unmissable
Disneyland Paris is more than just a theme park: it’s an immersive experience that leaves a lasting impression. Here’s what makes it a one-of-a-kind destination in Europe:
Disney magic, European-style: Unlike its American counterparts, Disneyland Paris offers attractions and shows tailored to European tastes, with a touch of French romance (such as Sleeping Beauty Castle).
World-exclusive attractions: Some rides, like Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure or Crush’s Coaster, can only be found at Disneyland Paris. The park also features reimagined versions of classic attractions (such as Big Thunder Mountain or Phantom Manor).
Breathtaking shows: Parades, fireworks, and performances (like Disney Illuminations) rank among the most spectacular in the world, featuring cutting-edge technology and jaw-dropping special effects.
Perfect accessibility: Located just 35 minutes from Paris, Disneyland Paris is one of the most easily accessible Disney parks from a European capital. Plus, the RER A train makes it easy to reach without a car.
A complete resort: With its two parks, six hotels, Disney Village, and shopping center, Disneyland Paris is a destination in itself, perfect for a multi-day getaway.
Seasonal events: Throughout the year, the park offers special entertainment for Halloween (Disney Halloween Festival), Christmas (Disney Enchanted Christmas), or Easter. Each season provides a unique experience!
Practical tips to make the most of your visit
To enjoy a magical, stress-free experience, here are some practical tips to follow:
Book your tickets in advance: Online tickets are often cheaper and save you from waiting in line at the ticket counters. Consider “2 Parks” tickets to enjoy both theme parks.
Choose weekdays: The parks are less crowded on weekdays, especially outside French school holidays.
Use the Disneyland Paris app: It gives you access to real-time wait times, interactive maps, and show schedules.
Arrive early: The parks typically open at 9:30 or 10:00 AM. By arriving at opening, you can enjoy attractions with shorter wait times.
Wear comfortable clothing: You’ll be doing a lot of walking (plan for 15,000 to 20,000 steps per day), so choose suitable shoes and light clothing.
Stay hydrated and eat lightly: Park restaurants are often crowded. Bring a reusable water bottle and snacks to avoid long lines.
Make the most of "Extra Magic Time": If you’re staying at a Disney hotel, you’ll have early park access (30 minutes before official opening). It’s the perfect time to enjoy top attractions without waiting!
Plan your visit: With two parks and dozens of attractions, it’s impossible to do everything in one day. Make a must-see list and prioritize the attractions with the longest wait times.
In conclusion: a magical getaway not to be missed
Disneyland Paris is so much more than an amusement park: it’s a dream destination that has been enchanting children and adults alike for over 30 years. With its two theme parks, six themed hotels, Disney Village, and shopping center, it offers a complete experience for unforgettable holidays.
Whether you're a fan of fairy tales, cinematic adventures, or thrilling rides, Disneyland Paris has something to captivate you. And with its proximity to Paris, it’s the perfect getaway for a weekend or family vacation.
So, ready to experience the magic? Book your tickets, put on your Mickey ears, and let yourself be transported to a world where dreams come true! 🎢✨
For more information, visit the official website: www.disneylandparis.com.