Advice for adding 1st ever DLP trip after (non-Disney) European cruise

[lindsay314]

Hello everyone!

My friends and I (we all live in the USA) have booked a cruise in late June/early July 2026 that will leave from and return to Southampton. I have some extra vacation days so I was thinking after I get off the ship, possibly taking the train down to Disneyland Paris for a couple days. How feasible would this be? Looking at train tickets it appears that I would have to switch trains in London proper, which is fine with me. I have already visited Paris, but not Disneyland (I have visited the 4 parks in Florida and the 2 in California). Could I cover the park highlights in 2 days? Any attractions I shouldn't miss? (I enjoy all types of rides.) And is there a program similar to Fastpass/Lightning Lane?

I haven't been to Europe for 2 years and it's been even longer since I've been to France, so I would love any advice you all have!

TIA!

 

[Mathmagicland]

@Karin1984 has put together this wonderful thread for first timers, or anyone looking for great insights - may have most if not all of the info you are asking about…and more!

https://www.disboards.com/threads/karin’s-disneyland-paris-first-timer-tips-2024.3950886/

 

[zavandor]

It's not a train change. You'd have to take the traine to London Waterloo station, then the tube to Saint pancras and then the train to DLP. You have the option to change at Lille, or to go to Paris and take the RER (with one change). Feasible but not exactly a relaxing journey. If you have a lot of luggage, you will not like the experience.

I would do it, when will you have the opportunity to visit DLP again? A part from the complexity of the travel, the thread linked above is your first read, then if you have any question ask here.

 

[Teamubr]

Do it!

We did this 2 years ago. Finished a 12 day tour around Europe. Ended in Rome and flew back to Paris for 3 days at DLP.

The train may be a pain with luggage. Did you consider flying to Paris?

j

 

[tink2424]

Disneyland Paris is definitely worth it is you are a Disney fan. Truly a gorgeous park and has the best version of Big Thunder of all the parks. You will have a great time if you go.

Just remember you can use other countries websites to book your vacation if you plan to stay onsite. Generally it is cheaper to book on those pages so look through and find the best deal. I got free half-board staying at the Disneyland Hotel and it let me eat in the nicer on-site restaurants for free. Saved over 200 Euro a day with that.