Disneyland Paris with kids: the ultimate family travel guide
Once upon a time, a little slice of Disney magic landed just outside Paris – and thankfully for British families, it’s much closer (and usually much kinder on the wallet) than Florida. Disneyland Paris captures all the wonder of Disney’s famous American parks, but it’s far easier to reach for a long weekend or as part of a French family holiday
The excitement of catching your first glimpse of Sleeping Beauty Castle, hugging Mickey Mouse or riding an exhilarating rollercoaster is pure magic for children – and yes, the grown-ups usually find themselves swept up in it too. Add world-class shows, spectacular parades, dazzling fireworks and incredible attention to detail around every corner, and it’s easy to see why so many families describe it as a trip of a lifetime
Whether you’re visiting with toddlers, thrill-seeking teens or three generations of Disney fans, here is how to plan your holiday and squeeze every last sprinkle of pixie dust out of your Disneyland Paris adventure. And if you’d rather leave the planning (and the stress) to someone else, our Tiny Travel Agency experts can help you find the best Disneyland Paris holiday for your family: from choosing the right hotel to arranging flights, transfers and all the little details that make the trip unforgettable
Words: Morag Turner
Published: 28th July 2026 | Last updated: 30th July 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions About Disneyland Paris with Kids
Where is Disneyland Paris?
Disneyland Paris is located in Marne-la-Vallée, around 20 miles (32km) east of central Paris. The resort is home to two parks – Disneyland Park, with its iconic pink castle, and Walt Disney Studios Park (currently undergoing a huge transformation that will eventually become Disney Adventure World). There are also several Disney-themed hotels, a lively shopping and restaurant district called Disney Village and even its own train station
How do you get to Disneyland Paris?
One of the biggest reasons families love Disneyland Paris is that it feels like a proper overseas holiday without involving a long-haul flight
Getting there is relatively easy, and there are several ways to travel depending on your budget and how much luggage you’re bringing
By Eurostar
For many families, this is the easiest option. Although the direct Disney train no longer runs, you can take the Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord, then transfer to an RER A train. The whole journey usually takes around four hours and you’ll arrive right at the gates of Disneyland. No baggage carousel, no airport queues and children generally love travelling on the train
By plane
Flights leave daily from airports across the UK including London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Bristol. You can fly into Charles de Gaulle Airport, which is only about 10 minutes away by high-speed TGV train or around 40 minutes by shuttle or taxi
By car
Fancy turning it into a road trip? Drive to Dover or Folkestone, cross via ferry or LeShuttle, then continue to Disneyland Paris. It’s around a 3½-hour drive from Calais and gives families complete flexibility, especially if you’re packing pushchairs, snacks and far too many cuddly toys
When is the best time to visit Disneyland Paris?
The honest answer? Every season has its own magic
Spring (March-May) is one of our favourites. Flowers are blooming, temperatures are comfortable, queues are generally shorter outside school holidays and the park looks absolutely gorgeous
Summer (July-August) brings the longest opening hours, warm weather and spectacular evening shows. It’s brilliant if your children don’t mind crowds, but expect the busiest queues of the year
Halloween (October) is fantastic for families. The decorations are incredible, villains roam the parks and there’s just enough spooky fun without being too scary for younger children
Christmas (mid-November to early January) is arguably the most magical time to visit. Think towering Christmas trees, festive parades, snow falling on Main Street and thousands of twinkling lights. It’s incredibly popular, but for many families it’s worth every minute spent queuing
If flexibility allows, try to avoid French school holidays and weekends, particularly in summer
How many nights do you need in Disneyland Paris?
Could you do it in a day? Technically yes. Would you enjoy it? Probably not. That’s just not long enough to fit it all in. The average family walks between 10 and 20 kilometres a day at Disneyland Paris – that’s a lot!
For most families, three nights and two full park days is the sweet spot. It gives enough time to experience both parks without racing around from ride to ride
If you’ve got younger children who need afternoon naps or frequent breaks, consider four nights and three park days. Everything becomes much more relaxed and you’ll have time to revisit favourite attractions and feel less pressured
If you’re travelling during busy school holidays when the queues will undoubtedly be longer, three park days can make a huge difference
What age of children is Disneyland Paris best for?
Oh come on! Every age group loves Disney don’t they?! And parents are very much included in that too!
That’s the beauty of Disneyland Paris, it has something magical to offer everyone
Babies and toddlers can meet characters, enjoy gentle rides like the classic It’s a Small World, watch parades and be wowed by all the bright colours and twinkling lights. Lots of rides have no minimum height restriction, so even the tiniest visitors can enjoy them
Preschoolers are arguably at peak Disney age and really get swept up in the fairytale element of it all. They truly believe the princesses are real, happily queue for character hugs and adore Fantasyland
Primary school children often have the best of both worlds. They’re tall enough for many thrill rides but still completely immersed in the Disney magic and aren’t too
Teenagers love attractions like Big Thunder Mountain, Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain, Avengers Assemble: Flight Force and Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. They also appreciate the bigger evening spectaculars and themed dining
Adults? You’ll probably end up loving it just as much as you get to relive your childhood!
One of the questions we’re asked most? ‘Are they still too young?’ There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. We’ll help you choose the right Disneyland Paris holiday based on your children’s ages, interests and your budget, so you can book with confidence. Speak to a Disneyland Specialist
What are the must-see attractions at Disneyland Paris?
There are definitely some amazing rides and attractions to tick off for every age group
Babies & Toddlers
- “it’s a small world”
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- Le Carrousel de Lancelot
- Casey Jr. Train
- Meet Mickey Mouse
- Disney Stars on Parade
- Character dining
Ages 4-7
- Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Ratatouille: The Adventure
- Spider-Man W.E.B. Adventure
- Cars Road Trip
- Alice’s Curious Labyrinth
- Mickey and the Magician
Ages 8-12
- Big Thunder Mountain
- Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain
- Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril
- Crush’s Coaster
- Twilight Zone Tower of Terror (if brave enough!)
- Avengers Assemble: Flight Force
Teenagers
Everything above, plus evening drone and fireworks spectaculars and Marvel Campus
Can you stay at Disneyland Paris?
Most definitely! In fact we would recommend it
One of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning a trip to Disneyland Paris is where to stay. While there are plenty of off-site hotels, apartments and budget options nearby (many with free shuttle buses and lower price tags), there’s something undeniably magical about staying in an official Disney hotel
From the moment you wake up, you’re immersed in the Disney bubble. Think themed bedrooms, surprise character encounters, beautiful pools, family-friendly restaurants and the huge perk of Extra Magic Time, which lets Disney hotel guests enter selected areas of the parks before everyone else. It means shorter queues for some of the most popular rides and a much calmer start to your day
The best bit? You’re never far from the action. Most Disney hotels are within walking distance of the parks or just a quick shuttle ride away, making it easy to head back for a swim, an afternoon nap or a change of clothes before returning for the evening fireworks. If your budget allows, staying onsite adds an extra layer of magic that’s hard to beat
Which Disney hotel is right for your family?
| If you’re looking for… | We’d choose… |
| The ultimate luxury experience | Disneyland Hotel |
| Walking to the parks in minutes | Disneyland Hotel or Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel |
| Marvel-loving tweens and teens | Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel |
| A relaxing resort with a pool | Newport Bay Club |
| Cosy woodland vibes | Sequoia Lodge |
| Great value with lots of magic | Sequoia Lodge or Cheyenne |
| Toy Story fans | Hotel Cheyenne |
| Cars fans | Hotel Santa Fe |
| Self-catering and lots of space | Davy Crockett Ranch |
| Driving from the UK | Davy Crockett Ranch |
Whatever you’re dream Disney trip looks like, our specialist team can help you plan it. Get in touch to create the snowy holiday of a lifetime that suits your family and budget
Can you add a Disneyland Paris into a bigger French holiday?
Of course and many families do. While Disneyland Paris is incredible on its own, it also makes a brilliant addition to a wider French holiday. Thanks to its location just outside Paris and excellent transport links, it’s easy to combine a few magical days with another destination. You may feel like wine tasting in Provence is just what you need after three days in a theme park!
Or why not spend a couple of days sightseeing in Paris before heading to Mickey’s house? Cruise along the Seine, climb the Eiffel Tower, wander through pretty neighbourhoods before swapping city streets for castles, parades and rollercoasters
Or, if you’re craving some beach time after all that excitement, drive or catch a train to the Normandy coast, the Loire Valley or even continue south to the French Riviera if you’ve got longer. Families travelling by car often combine Disneyland Paris with a road trip, stopping off in charming villages and countryside hotels along the way
It’s the best of both worlds – a magical Disney adventure and a proper French holiday all rolled into one – win win for everyone!
Chat to our specialist team who can create a tailor made itinerary that combines Disneyland Paris with a fantastic trip to France
Where to stay at Disneyland Paris?
Where can we stay onsite at Disneyland Paris?
One of the biggest decisions you’ll make when booking Disneyland Paris is where to stay. If your budget stretches to it, we’d almost always recommend staying in an official Disney hotel for your first visit. Being able to stroll back to your room for a swim, a nap or a quick change of clothes is priceless when you’re travelling with children. It also means you don’t have to cram everything into one exhausting day – if little legs (or big ones!) need a rest, you’re never too far from your hotel
But it’s not just the close proximity to the parks that makes these hotels such a brilliant choice. Every official Disney hotel comes with a generous sprinkling of extra magic. From the moment you wake up, you’re surrounded by Disney storytelling, whether that’s cowboy-themed buildings, cosy woodland lodges, elegant nautical décor or luxurious royal-inspired interiors. The excitement starts long before you even reach the park gates, making the hotel a big part of the whole holiday immersive Disney extravaganza. Many of the hotels also have fantastic swimming pools, playgrounds, family-friendly restaurants, themed bedrooms and children’s activities too
All Disney hotel guests receive Extra Magic Time, giving you early access to selected attractions before the parks open to everyone else. It’s one of the biggest perks of staying onsite and means you can tick off some of the most popular rides with much shorter queues. You’ll also enjoy free shuttle buses (if you don’t fancy walking), character encounters (hello Elsa and Buzz) at selected hotels and easy shopping delivery back to your room – and trust us, you’ll be amazed at how much Disney merch you’ll pick up!
Of course, staying onsite isn’t the only option. There are plenty of excellent off-site hotels nearby, many of which are cheaper and offer free shuttle buses to the parks. But if you’re looking for the full Disney experience and want to make every moment of your holiday feel extra special, an official Disney hotel really does add another layer of magic
The Disneyland Paris hotels to know
The Disney Land Hotel
This is Disney’s flagship hotel and, following a spectacular refurbishment, it feels every inch the fairytale palace. Inspired by Disney royalty, expect sparkling chandeliers, elegant décor, marble staircases and plenty of subtle nods to beloved princess stories. It’s luxurious but still wonderfully child-friendly. There’s also a very good chance you’ll bump into Disney Princesses and other royal characters while you are tucking into breakfast
Distance to the parks:
You literally can’t get any closer. The hotel sits directly above the entrance to Disneyland Park. Walk out of reception and you’re just a minute or two from Main Street, U.S.A
Facilities
- Indoor swimming pool
- Spa and wellness area
- Excellent children’s facilities
- Character dining
- Royal-themed play areas
- Multiple restaurants and lounges
- Boutique shopping
Why families love it
The location is unbeatable. If someone needs a nap, a nappy change or simply a break from the excitement, you’re back in your room within minutes. Perfect for families with babies and toddlers who don’t want to spend time travelling back and forth
£££
Disney Hotel New York - The Art of Marvel
Think New York boutique hotel meets Marvel gallery. This large hotel is sleek, contemporary and packed with over 350 pieces of Marvel artwork. Rather than giant superhero statues everywhere, it feels sophisticated, modern and cool. It will really appeal to Marvel fans, older children and teenagers
Distance to the parks:
Very close with around a 10-minute walk through Disney Village
Facilities
- Large indoor and outdoor pools
- Basketball court
- Fitness centre
- Marvel Hero Photo Station
- Super Hero Station for character encounters
- Several restaurants
- Stylish cocktail bar
Why families love it
Teenagers think it’s cool, while parents appreciate that it feels more like a luxury city hotel than a traditional theme park resort
£££
Disney Newport Bay Club
Imagine a grand New England seaside hotel complete with crisp white buildings, navy-and-white interiors and a nautical theme throughout. Arriving back at this elegant property feels like you are stepping into an actual costal resort – a world away from the fun (chaos!) of the parks. If you want the opportunity to relax then this is the place
Distance:
Around 15 minutes on foot around Lake Disney or a short shuttle bus ride
Facilities
- One of Disney’s largest pools
- Indoor and outdoor swimming pools
- Sauna and steam room
- Lakeside walks
- Character breakfasts at certain times
- Multiple restaurants
Why families love it
There’s lots of outdoor space for children to run around and the lakeside setting feels peaceful after a busy day. It’s also often one of the best-value four-star Disney hotels
££
Disney Sequoia Lodge
Think Canadian mountain lodge crossed with a cosy woodland retreat. Open fires, timber beams, rustic décor and subtle nods to Bambi create a wonderfully warm atmosphere, especially during autumn and winter. If you’re booking a festive break, this is the hotel we’d choose. Twinkling Christmas decorations, roaring log fires and the woodland setting make it feel wonderfully special at that time of year. Despite its peaceful surroundings, you’re only around a 15-minute walk from the parks, so it’s easy to pop back for a swim or a rest during the day. It’s a super choice for families who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the parks each evening and return somewhere that feels almost rural by comparison
Distance: Around 15 minutes’ walk to the parks
Facilities
- Indoor and outdoor pools
- Waterslides
- Play areas
- Character meet-and-greets
- Family-friendly restaurants
Why families love it
It strikes a lovely balance between affordability and atmosphere. Many repeat visitors say this hotel feels especially magical at Christmas
££
Disney Hotel Cheyenne
Expect to be greeted with a cheerful “Howdy, partner!” at least three times a day here. Disney Hotel Cheyenne is a charming Wild West frontier town inspired by classic cowboy movies, complete with wooden boardwalks, hitching posts, swinging saloon doors and rustic buildings that make you feel as though you’ve stepped onto the set of an old Western. There are plenty of Toy Story touches throughout too, with Woody, Jessie and their friends adding an extra dose of Disney wow factor. It’s fun without feeling over the top, making it a huge hit with younger children. Outside, there’s plenty of space for little cowboys and cowgirls to run around after a day in the parks, while the chilled out atmosphere and affordable price tag make it one of the best-value official Disney hotels for families
Distance: Around 20 minutes’ walk or a free shuttle bus.
Facilities
- Outdoor play areas
- Pony rides nearby (seasonal)
- Character encounters
- Buffet restaurant
- Western-themed rooms
Why families love it
Children absolutely adore the cowboy theme and parents will be chuffed to hear that it’s one of the more affordable Disney hotels
££
Disney Hotel Santa Fe
Inspired by the Disney and Pixar Cars films, this colourful hotel feels bright, buzzy and full of Route 66 charm. Little ones will love it and families on a tighter budget can enjoy a really fun Disney vibe without the eye-watering price tag. The rooms are themed around Lightning McQueen and friends, while the motel-style buildings and classic American road trip atmosphere make it feel like you’ve just pulled off the road. It’s one of the most affordable official Disney hotels, but still comes with all the perks of staying onsite, including Extra Magic Time and free shuttle buses to the parks. If you’ll be spending most of your days meeting Mickey and riding rollercoasters, it’s a fantastic-value base that’s full of Disney character
Distance: About 20 minutes on foot or a quick shuttle ride
Facilities
- Cars-themed bedrooms
- Buffet restaurant
- Outdoor play areas
- Character experiences
- Large family rooms
Why families love it
It’s usually the cheapest Disney hotel, making it ideal for families who plan to spend most of their time in the parks
££
Disney Davy Crockett Ranch
If you’re travelling by car or have children who need room to burn off energy, this is a great choice. The self catering cabins give everyone much more space than a standard hotel room, and having your own kitchen means flexibility and saving money by not eating out. Here you’ll stay in your own woodland cabin surrounded by trees making it feels much more like a holiday park than a hotel
Distance: Around 15 minutes by car. You can’t walk to the parks, but parking at Disneyland Paris is included for guests
Facilities
- Excellent indoor water park with slides
- Self-catering cabins
- Outdoor adventure playgrounds
- Tennis courts
- Mini golf
- On-site supermarket
- Barbecue areas
Why families love it
Self catering comes with so many benefits and this place feels like a real break from the parks and more of a separate holiday destination in it’s own right
£
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