What I learned from my trip to Disneyland Paris – and what I’ll do different next time

In August 2024, me, Matt, Ida (4), and Martha (2) went to Disneyland Paris.

We had the most incredible time. You can read my thoughts on:

Now I’ve had a month to digest Disneyland Paris, I’ve thought about the things I’d do different next time. I’ve also thought about ways to save money, have more energy, and stay up for the fireworks.

Here are my tips for Disneyland Paris based on what I learned the first time.

Disneyland Paris tips and tricks

Stay in an Airbnb

We stayed with family for the first and last night, and spent a night at the Disney Cheyenne Hotel. Next time, I’d get an Airbnb near the park.

An Airbnb will give you the freedom to cook food, make a picnic, and have a decent breakfast. It also means that if you have the energy, you can stay up for a little while after the kids go to bed.

IMO, the Disney Hotel wasn’t really worth it. We were so tired when we got there at 9 pm that we were all asleep by 10 pm. Then we woke at 7 am and were back on the road by 8 am. So not even 12 hours in the room. However, park tickets were included in the price (£620 for the room and 2 days in the park).

If you stay in an Airbnb near the park, you can make a packed lunch rather than eat in the park. More on this later.

Bring food with you

The food you get at Disneyland Paris isn’t going to make you feel energised. There’s lots of chips, burgers, pizzas, waffles, potato and cheese. It’s not great, and it’s expensive. Also you’ll likely have queues around main meal times.

Next time, I’ll be pre making a picnic. Thinking fruit, salad, couscous, sandwiches. If you are staying in a hotel outside the Disneyland site, you could always pop to a local supermarket and get some pre-made salads and sandwiches. This will save you money for sure.

Disco Nap

We didn’t make the fireworks. We planned on staying but the girls were close to meltdown. When we were in bed, I heard them going at 10:30 pm. In the winter months I think it is earlier.

Next time, we will head back home to the Airbnb/hotel for few hours around 3 pm and have a power nap or just a chill out before you head into the evening. This will help you be able to stay up for fireworks.

Disneyland Paris is pretty overstimulating. Having a quiet cup of coffee and a chill in a dark room is welcome! The kids will need it, too.

Comfortable bag

Matt in his comfortable bag and Ida’s ears

Take a bag that you and your partner are okay carrying. Something comfortable that you both like. You’ll need a biggish bag. You need to pack food, hand gel, wipes, nappies (possibly?), spare clothes. Make sure the bag is comfortable to carry for long periods. Think cushioned shoulders and chest straps, like you’re going on a hike. Your back will thank you.

I also had a bum bag this year and I’ll 100% be taking that again. It was good to have tickets and phones within easy reach (and lollies!)

Porta Potty

We spent lots of time in the toilets, or looking for toilets, or changing Martha after an accident

If you have a little one either just out of nappies, or a preschooler, you might want to think about taking a portable potty. There are lots of toilets at Disneyland Paris, but someone always needed a wee URGENTLY and they were just a little too far away.

Drink beer at lunch

Matt got to drink a beer at lunch. I was very jealous being 6 months pregnant! Next time, I’ll be having a little tipple at lunch for sure.

Get fast track

We didn’t need to get fast track passes last time as I had the pregnancy wristband. Yes, it’s expensive. I think 90 Euros PP. However, it will save you so much time waiting around with tired kids who don’t want to queue.