A Parent’s Guide to Disneyland® Paris: Fun, Tips & Magic
A magical getaway starts with smart planning – here’s how to do Disneyland® Paris with kids.
Ever caught your little one pretending to talk to Mickey Mouse? Or had a child belt out “Let It Go” on repeat in the back seat? Then you already know: Disneyland® Paris isn’t just a theme park – it’s where your child’s imagination comes alive, and your family gets to be part of the magic.
At Thompsons, we know what it’s like to travel with kids – the excitement, the logistics, and the “where’s the closest snack stand?” moments. That’s why we’ve created this family-friendly guide to help you plan a Disneyland® Paris holiday that’s filled with joy, not stress.
Key Takeouts
- Plan your visit during quieter times like spring or autumn to enjoy shorter queues and a more relaxed experience with kids.
- Two days can cover the highlights, but adding extra days helps keep the pace comfortable for little ones.
- Choose from a variety of family-friendly hotels with kid-friendly amenities and menus to make your stay easier.
- Contact Thompsons for personalised holiday packages and expert advice tailored to your family’s needs and budget.
Why Families Love Disneyland® Paris
Disneyland® Paris is the crown jewel of family holidays in Europe. With two incredible Disney® Parks packed with iconic attractions, thrilling rides, dazzling parades and your favourite characters around every corner, this is a place where children’s storybooks leap into real life.
- In Disneyland Park, you’ll stroll down Main Street U.S.A. toward the shimmering Sleeping Beauty Castle. Hop on family classics like It’s a Small World, join a pirate’s adventure in Pirates of the Caribbean, or fly with Dumbo.
- Over in Walt Disney Studios Park, get ready to meet your favourite characters from Disney, Pixar and Marvel.
Disneyland® Paris is built around storytelling – and your family becomes part of the story. Add in fireworks above the castle, character breakfasts, and themed play areas, and it’s easy to see why kids (and adults) call it their happiest holiday ever.
“Disneyland® Paris is more than just a destination – it’s a memory-making machine,” says Celeste Muir, Marketing Manager at Thompsons Holidays. “There’s no better place to reconnect, laugh, and let kids (and parents) experience true joy together. At Thompsons, we’ve experienced it first-hand, and we’re ready to help you plan every detail.”
We Know What Parents Need
Travelling with children means thinking about the details – and Disneyland® Paris gets that.
Here are a few things families love:
- Easy-to-access baby care centres for feeding and changing
- Stroller rentals so you don’t have to bring your own
- Plenty of quiet spots and shady areas when little ones need a break
- Kid-friendly menus and highchairs at most restaurants
- Helpful, friendly staff who go out of their way to keep kids smiling
And let’s not forget: most attractions are designed with parents in mind too. Think: thrilling rides with rider switch options, family photo ops, and enough entertainment to keep everyone happy.
When’s the Best Time to Go?
You can visit Disneyland® Paris all year but choosing the right time can make all the difference. Here’s what to consider:
- Spring and autumn: Cooler weather, shorter queues, and lovely park décor
- Winter: Full festive charm with snow, lights, and Christmas cheer
- Summer: Longer days, extended opening hours, and more shows (but also more crowds)
Midweek visits during school term are usually quieter. Not sure when to go? Our team at Thompsons can help you find the best time that works for your family’s schedule – and your sanity!
Is Two Days Enough?
With two parks to explore, two days gives you a good taste – especially if you have a game plan. You can hit the highlights, watch a parade, and squeeze in a few character encounters.
But if you’ve got young children or want to experience everything without rushing, consider three to four days. It gives you breathing room for re-rides, snack breaks, and those magical moments that happen when you slow down.
How Much Does a Trip Cost?
The cost of a Disneyland® Paris trip depends on a few things – travel dates, how long you stay, which hotel you choose, and what extras you want to include.
Our advice? Chat with a Thompsons consultant. We’ll help you create a custom package that balances magic with value.
Is Disneyland® Paris Cash-Free?
Most places within the parks accept credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payments. But it’s still a good idea to carry a small amount of cash for things like outdoor snack stands or emergencies. Euros are accepted throughout the resort.
Where to Stay: Our Family-Focused Favourites
Choosing the right hotel can make or break your family holiday – and we’ve done the homework for you. Thompsons offers a range of accommodation options we’ve personally stayed in and approved:
- Themed Disney® Hotels with early park access, character appearances, and fun décor
- Nearby hotels with spacious family rooms, shuttle services, and child-friendly amenities
- Options that include cots, bunk beds, bottle warmers, and even bedtime story corners
- You can view our full selection of family-ready accommodation on our website – or just ask us, and we’ll guide you.
Make the Most of Your Day with the Disneyland Paris App
The official Disneyland Paris app is a valuable tool for families, making your visit smoother and more enjoyable. With real-time updates on wait times, show schedules, and interactive maps, you can plan your day more efficiently – reducing stress and maximising fun.
Other highlights include:
- Mobile food ordering: skip the queues and order ahead at select restaurants (be sure to check the app to see which ones offer it)
- Disney Premier Access: book popular rides in advance
- Character meet-and-greet schedules: never miss a magical moment
It’s one of those small extras that makes a big difference when travelling with kids. Less time standing around, more time soaking up the magic.
We’re Here to Help You Every Step of the Way
We get it – planning a family trip takes time. Between keeping the kids entertained, organising flights, picking the right hotel, and making sure no one forgets their favourite toy, it can feel like a lot.
That’s where we come in.
Thompsons has helped thousands of families plan their Disneyland® Paris adventures. We’ll answer your questions, recommend the best options for your needs, and handle the tricky bits – so you can focus on what really matters: enjoying the moments.
Quick Take-Outs for Parents
- Two Parks = Twice the Fun: Disneyland Park for fairy tales, Studios Park for movie magic
- Plan Around Your Kids: We’ll help you choose the best time for shorter queues and happy little travellers
- Our Hotel Picks Are Parent-Approved: Spacious rooms, family perks, and everything you need to travel with ease
- Personalised, Stress-Free Packages: Built around your family’s needs, budget, and travel dates
Let’s Start Planning
If you're dreaming of a Disneyland® Paris holiday that’s fun, magical, and tailored for your family – Thompsons is ready to help.
Talk to us today, and let’s create a trip your kids will never forget – and one you’ll enjoy just as much.