The complete guide to Disneyland® Paris

No matter how old you are, Disneyland® Paris is iconic.

Since the first park opened in California in 1955, the magic of Disney® has spread worldwide, with different resorts and theme parks springing up across the globe. The magic finally reached Europe in 1992 when Disneyland® Paris opened its doors to the public. In the last 30 years, the park has welcomed more than 250 million visitors and has become the most popular theme park in Europe.

It's easy to see why Disneyland® Paris has continued to attract so many visitors. From posing alongside your favourite cartoon characters, to riding rollercoasters, Disneyland® Paris gives everyone the chance to step inside their TV screen and explore different fictional worlds, all against a beautiful Parisian backdrop.

Where is Disneyland® Paris?

Although known as ‘Disneyland® Paris’, the park is actually in Chessy, 32km east of Paris.

The drive between Paris and Disneyland® Paris is approximately 45 minutes, however this wasn’t the original spot for the European resort. Initially there were plans to put the park nearer the Mediterranean Sea to match the climates of the existing Florida and California parks. Paris was eventually selected because it was estimated to be less than a four-hour drive from over 70 million people.

Driving to Disneyland® Paris from the UK

The journey from Folkestone to Calais takes 35 minutes using LeShuttle. From there, the drive to Disneyland® Paris is around 3 hours and 15 minutes via the A26 and A1. This route will take you via the outskirts of Paris, so if you have some extra time before the magic begins, it’s well worth stopping in this beautiful city.

The two parks that make-up Disneyland® Paris

Similar to the California park, Disneyland® Paris has two parks opposite each other. You can either buy two separate tickets for the parks, or if you want to visit both, purchase a combined ticket that will grant you dual access. The beauty of having two different parks in such close proximity to each other is that it’s very easy to spend time exploring the attractions in both during your trip.

Disneyland® Park

The Disneyland® Park in Paris offers visitors the more ‘classic’ Disney® experiences, including character interactions, parades, and of course the chance to take pictures in front of the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle. If you’re able to, make sure to visit the castle at nightfall where you’ll be able to watch the Disney® Tales of Magic Show that takes place daily. Featuring fireworks and projections, taking 20 minutes to enjoy the spectacle is the perfect way to round out a day in the park. The main Disneyland® Park is particularly good if you’re travelling with younger children who want to soak up the action and meet their favourite Disney® characters at a more sedate pace.

Walt Disney Studios® Park

If you want to meet Pixar characters, or experience the world of Marvel, head to the Walt Disney Studios® Park, there’s plenty to do. The Walt Disney Studios® Park is home to the Ratatouille Adventure attraction, where visitors ‘shrink’ to the size of a rat and follow Remy around his adventures in Paris. There are also plenty of character interactions on offer, including the chance to meet your favourite adventure, or explore the world of Woody and Buzz Lightyear in the Toy Story themed section.

What can I experience at Disneyland® Paris?

From thrilling rides and spectacular shows, to seasonal events and themed activities, a trip to Disneyland® Paris is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Find out more about what the theme park has to offer below!

Thrilling Disneyland® Paris rides

It’s easy to create a Disneyland® Paris experience that’s custom to you and your family thanks to the number of different rides and attractions on offer.

Big Thunder Mountain

Located in the Disneyland® Park in the Paris resort, Big Thunder Mountain is a mine train rollercoaster. Probably one of the most well-known rollercoasters in Disneyland® Paris (it’s also in the California, Florida, and Tokyo parks) Big Thunder Mountain in Paris is built on an island in the middle of the Rivers of the far West. Once onboard, riders dive through a series of tunnels, waterfalls, and steep slopes that make up part of an old mining town where the ride is set. As a popular ride in Disneyland® Paris, it’s worth investing in Disney Premier Access to join the fast-track line if you’re particularly keen to try it.

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

If you’re brave enough to ride, The Twilight Zone of Terror™ offers some of the best views of the Disneyland® Paris Park. The ride is based in the Walt Disney Studios® Park and is themed as a visit to a 1930’s Hollywood hotel. As the second tallest attraction in the park, this ride is not for the faint of heart thanks to the 40m drop and horror story setting.

Pirates of the Caribbean

Part of the Adventureland section of the Disneyland® Park, the Pirates of the Caribbean ride is a fully immersive experience. Set in a battle-scarred forest, the queue runs outside through courtyards before entering a fortress with dungeons filled with the skeletons of pirates. Once you reach the front of the queue, riders board boats that take them on a voyage across the Caribbean Sea. You’ll see the wreckages of pirate pillages on towns, and fans of the films will be delighted to see the characters of Captain Jack Sparrow and Captain Barbosa who feature at different points.

Indiana Jones™ and the Temple of Peril

Another popular rollercoaster in the Disneyland® Park is Indiana Jones™ and the Temple of Peril. The ride was originally opened in Paris in 1993, and is another popular George Lucas inspired attraction in the park. This time, you’ll be taken on an expedition to the lost Temple of Peril through a series of twists and turns. It’s a great option for anyone looking for an adrenaline rush but not quite ready to try Big Thunder Mountain or Star Wars: Hyperspace Mountain.

Avengers Assemble: Flight Force

Avengers Assemble: Flight Force! opened in June 2022, Flight Force in Paris’ Walt Disney Studios® Park is a retheming of the original Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Avec Aerosmith ride. Going from 0-57mph in 2.8 seconds, you’ll experience plenty of twists, including a sea serpent roll as you team up with Iron Man and Captain Marvel to save the world from an intergalactic threat.