Home Ile-de-FranceA day at Disneyland Paris

A day at Disneyland Paris

by Melle Bon Plan
Published: Updated:

Obviously, when you live in Paris like us, there’s a good chance you’ve already been to Disneyland at least once… It can sometimes be several years between visits, but I always rediscover the Disney magic with great pleasure. I revisit the park with stars in my eyes, I marvel at the Sleeping Beauty Castle, and I dream while watching the Disney Illuminations show (daily just before the park closes in the evening). And depending on the season of your visit, whether in summer, around Halloween, or for the end-of-year holidays, the entertainment and decorations in the park are constantly changing.

Sleeping Beauty Castle glimpsed through the trees, Disneyland Paris.
Molly Brown paddle steamer and Phantom Manor illuminated at night at Disneyland Paris.

Our video (by Nicolas Diolez, my favorite photographer) for the blog takes you along with us during our day at Disneyland Paris (made in 2017).

Disneyland Paris

77777 Marne-la-Vallée

Link to the park website


My tips for enjoying your day at Disneyland

Entrance to the Disneyland Hotel at Disneyland Paris with visitors.
  • If you only have one day there, try to arrive early because if you get a pass for both parks, there’s little chance you’ll be able to do everything anyway…
  • Be well-equipped: wear comfortable shoes, bring water and perhaps some snacks (which are allowed in the parks), have a backpack that closes securely for thrill rides (it would be a shame to lose your phone while upside down), and a case for your glasses if you wear them like me (likewise, it would be a shame to lose them on a thrill ride)…
  • I recommend you go see the Mickey and the Magician show, in the Walt Disney Studios park, a very beautiful show with some super fun “musical comedy” sequences!
  • If possible (though I know it’s often complicated, even for me), you should try to avoid the weekend to visit Disneyland; otherwise, you’ll face hours of waiting for some attractions… Another option if it’s too crowded: I also like to stroll through the park, walk around, and enjoy all the details of the sets (I particularly love the pirate cave in the main park, where I love to get lost).

Main Disneyland Park

Waterfall on the skull-shaped mountain at Disneyland Paris.

Disney Adventure World Park


Disney Village

The advantage of Disney Village is that, not being inside the park (but right next to it), access is free! It’s a great tip to enjoy a bit of the Disney atmosphere for free (well obviously without the attractions, let’s not push it either…). Disney Village is an entertainment area offering places to eat, have a drink, go to the movies, shop, and why not try the PanoraMagique tethered balloon. We didn’t do it this time, but I’m taking note of it for a future visit!

Disney Village

Open daily from 7:30 am

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A great spot with a 1950s “Happy Days” vibe where the waiters are on roller skates! On the plate, you’ll find super delicious burgers (no really, I was completely won over!) and killer milkshakes… In short, if you’ve never been, it’s a must-try during your visit to Disney Village.

Annette’s Diner

Disney Village, 77700 Chessy

Prices: Burgers from €21 / Milkshakes from €11

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You know my fondness for this relaxed chain (which I’ve already mentioned on the blog) offering Italian-inspired dishes (pasta, pizza, salads, tiramisu…) surrounded by large oak tables and plant walls. On the menu: daily-made pasta, pizza, and “dolci”, cooked-to-order meals, an herb garden in every restaurant, and even a gluten-free risotto.

The ordering system is quite original, as your order is recorded on a personal card given to you when entering the restaurant. You order what you want at the various counters by registering it on the card and pay the total on the card when leaving (perfect to end the end-of-meal bill calculations among friends!).

Vapiano restaurant interior with customers and open kitchen.

Vapiano Disney Village

Avenue Paul Séramy, 77700 Chessy
open daily


Where to stay near Disneyland Paris?

To extend the magic of your visit to Disneyland Paris, staying a few days at a hotel in Val d’Europe (Marne-la-Vallée) is a great option. Located just 10 minutes from both parks via free shuttles, these hotels offer a lovely green setting right near the attractions.

During my getaways, I had the chance to test the Grand Magic Hotel and the Dream Castle Hotel (with their great pools and relaxation spaces), and there is also the Explorers Hotel which is wonderful for families with kids.

Accommodation tip: Find my detailed review and planning advice in my dedicated article: Where to stay near Disneyland Paris?


Sleeping Beauty Castle illuminated at twilight at Disneyland Paris.

Find below all my articles on Theme Parks:
⇒ All my Theme Park reviews

MY THEME PARK REVIEWS
⇒ Disneyland Paris
⇒ Parc Astérix
⇒ Futuroscope


Photo credits: Nicolas Diolez
Photos not royalty-free, photographer's authorization mandatory before any use

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