Karin’s Disneyland Paris First Timer Tips - 2024

[Teamubr]

In Disneyland Paris the hotels are very much a place to sleep. If you go to the hotel, you go to your room. A small part will go to the hotel bar, but there aren't many other places to just sit and relax.

We love resort hopping in Florida, but still did it at DLP. I was surprised how empty the bars and lobbies were. We had a good time chatting with the bartenders at Marvel. Could barely find them at Sequoia. It was middle of the afternoon, but I doubt they are any busier in the evening.

We still enjoy checking out the decor and theming, so I'm sure we will spend some time doing it on our next trip.

j

 

[flav]

I noticed that some Friday in July are cheaper (by a few €/£) than other days of the week. Could you please let us know if you think that means that park hours or night shows could be reduced?

 

[Karin1984]

I noticed that some Friday in July are cheaper (by a few €/£) than other days of the week. Could you please let us know if you think that means that park hours or night shows could be reduced?

No, don't think so. In Paris firework shows are on every night, unless the weather is extremely bad. Even when it's just raining or a bit windy, they cancel the drones but the rest will happen.

And as it's the summer holiday for most of Europe, the park will be open till late.
At the moment the park has a 22:40 (10:40pm) closure, as due to new regulations the fireworks have to be done by 23:00 (11:00pm). That will be the same all summer.

 

[helenb]

So we purchased a package with Disney for 1 night of hotel, including 2 days of park tickets and premiere access.

- Do we need to check into the hotel before going to the parks? If so, are we able to check in early (7 am?) to get our park tickets and premiere access?

- Are the park tickets and premiere access going to automatically show up on the app? Or do we get paper tickets/passes at check in? If it's on the app, can I have both guests on one app?

- I understand that it is okay to take snacks and drinks into the parks. Is it okay to take a ziploc bag of ice too? (since ice is banned in the US parks, I'm not sure if it is also banned in Paris)

Thanks for any help people here can give!

 

[Karin1984]

1. If you have your tickets on the app, you can go straight to the parks, but you can also check in at the hotel first. You cannot go into your room, but you can get all the paperwork done, drop off your bags etc.

2. To my knowledge when purchased through Disney, everything should be on the app. However, I would ask for physical tickets at check in, because the app is slow and annoying when it comes to pulling up your tickets & reservations. It just speeds up the process getting through the gates. The people behind you in line will appreciate it and yes, everyone on the reservation can be in one app.

3. I think the only real consumable thing to be banned in Paris is alcohol. But anything else is fine.

I am curious: why is ice banned in the US?

 

[Karin1984]

Thanks for any help people here can give!

See above, forgot to quote you!

 

[helenb]

Thank you, Karin! That helps a lot! Are there also paper premiere Access tickets, or is that 'included' on our paper tickets?

I can't recall why ice is banned in the US. There was a reason... and I don't remember any longer.

Oh, and speaking of ice... is ice available in the Disney hotels? I know it's an 'American' thing.

 

[helenb]

Oh, here's the answer on the ice ban at US parks. (AI summary)

***

Disney Parks have implemented a ban on bringing 'loose ice' for coolers primarily for safety, cleanliness, and operational efficiency reasons. Here are some key points:

1. Safety Concerns: Loose ice can create slippery surfaces, posing a risk for accidents and injuries in crowded areas. By prohibiting it, Disney can help maintain safer walkways.
2. Cleanliness and Waste Management: Loose ice can melt and create water spills, leading to messes that require frequent cleaning. This can disrupt the park experience for guests and complicate waste management efforts.
3. Operational Efficiency: Managing large amounts of loose ice can complicate security checks and the overall guest flow into the parks. It simplifies the entry process when guests are limited to specific types of food and drink containers.
4. Encouraging On-Site Purchases: By restricting loose ice, Disney may also encourage guests to purchase food and beverages within the parks, which is a significant revenue source for them.

Overall, the ban aims to enhance the overall guest experience while maintaining safety and cleanliness within the parks.

 

[Karin1984]

Thank you, Karin! That helps a lot! Are there also paper premiere Access tickets, or is tha'included' on our paper tickets?

I can't recall why ice is banned in the US. There was a reason... and I don't remember any longer.

Oh, and speaking of ice... is ice available in the Disney hotels? I know it's an 'American' thing.

Ah, so the ice is a liability issue in the US. In France you won't need to keep things cold for most of the year!

Yes, there should be a couple of ice machines in the hotels.

And to my memory Premier Access is only available in the app. Not a plastic version.

 

[helenb]

Thank you!

 

[Mathmagicland]

You're welcome! Late 2026 won't be available for booking till late 2025.
But if you have any questions, feel free to ask!

This is a wonderful thread, thank you so much!

Are the packages released approximately a year in advance? Such as, for June 2026, would those be released around June or July 2025?

 

[Bad Pink Tink 2.0]

This is a wonderful thread, thank you so much!

Are the packages released approximately a year in advance? Such as, for June 2026, would those be released around June or July 2025?

Yes that is correct, I booked an October 2023 hotel and tickets package in December 2022 . The restaurant reservations open around the same time and I did mine in January 2023

 

[Karin1984]

This is a wonderful thread, thank you so much!

Are the packages released approximately a year in advance? Such as, for June 2026, would those be released around June or July 2025?

The next release is 9 september for April 2026 and beyond.

 

[Psymonds]

I have been giving tips throughout the years and decided to compile them all in a thread. This is especially aimed at those who are used to the US parks.

My track record:
Disneyland Paris AP holder (highest tier) for over a decade. I do 3-5 trips a year, my trips are usually 2-3 days.
WDW: 3 visits (2012, 2015, 2022)
DL: 2 visits (2014, 2024)
Asia: 1 visit (2017)
DCL: 3 visits (2019 Bahamas, 2022 Transatlantic, 2023 Alaska)
I know Disney trips ;-)

I have threads like this before, but I thought it was time for a new one. This is an evolving thread, I'll add tips when I think of them.

Contents:
- Planning
- Culture
- Hotels
- Food & drinks
- Getting to the parks
- Rides
- Entertainment
- Premier Access
- Guaranteed Access
- Disability Access
- Merchandise
- Weather
- Miscellaneous

Can I just say thank you for putting this together!

we had a great two days in the park just by following htis.

 

[Karin1984]

Can I just say thank you for putting this together!

we had a great two days in the park just by following htis.

That is great to hear! Exactly what I hoped it would do.

 

[Eeyore's the Best]

When can you buy the special fireworks and parade viewing? I have booked in app, staying two nights at Marvel but the option doesn't come up to book? We are going in November.

 

[flav]

Thank you @Karin1984 for this thread. It was super useful for planning our one day, two parks visit from Paris.

We arrived half an hour before the official opening, rode BTMRR, Phantom Manor and Indiana Jones before watching the parade at 11:30. We reserved lunch while waiting for the Lion King to start. We saw a bit of the Music Festival and then hopped to the Studios at around 14:00 to catch our Premier Access for Crush. We saw Mickey the Magician and rode all the main rides by 17:30. The Mickey Ice Cream bar was good, not as great as the US parks one. After more of the Music Festival we went for an early dinner at Rainforest Cafe, which was great for someone with a gluten allergy. We tackled some of the Discoveryland and Fantasyland before taking a spot to enjoy the amazing fireworks.

We had one bad experience that we want to share : When the train (RER) arrived at the station at the end of the day, people turned into a mob and started pushing towards it. People trying to get out of the train were squished. We were lucky to be far enough to recognize the danger and walk away from it. We were terrified for people, especially those with young ones. If every night is like that, it is a matter of time before someone get seriously injured. Our suggestion is to wait for the next train, 20 minutes later.

It was a fantastic day at a new to us Disney park!

 

[mommy2mrb]

Thank you for putting together all of this great info. My DD and I will be arriving next September (after a river cruise). We couldn’t pass up a visit to DLP! We are avid DL and WDW visitors and excited to finally experience DLP! Will be staying 2 nights, thinking of staying at Newport bay or sequoia