Euro Disney, also known as Disneyland Paris, is one of the most popular theme parks in Europe. Located only twenty miles from Paris, it is easily accessible and has a wide range of attractions to keep the whole family entertained. It is worth planning before your visit to make the most of your holiday by finding tips to save money and avoid long queues.
Reducing Queuing Times
Disneyland Paris is so popular that there are often long queues. Luckily, there are ways to shorten the time spent standing in line and enjoy a magical time at Euro Disney without the wait. There is a free Fastpass system for many of the busier rides. Inserting your park ticket in a Fastpass machine will book a time slot later in the day; you simply return and enter the ride via the Fastpass entrance, which has a much shorter line. Another tip to avoid long queues is to try and arrive as soon as the park opens, and head straight for the back of the park. Most visitors will go on the nearest rides, and these get busier earlier than the more distant attractions. The rides are always quieter when the big parades take place, or during the mid-day lunch hours between 12 and 2 pm when a lot of people leave the rides. If you can take lunch earlier or later in the day, you will find the restaurants quieter, too.
Accommodation
There are many Disney hotels, and while it may be tempting to stay close to the parks, they are often very expensive. The beautiful city of Paris is only a short train ride away, where there is a much wider choice of accommodation to suit all budgets. A stay within central Paris also gives the opportunity to visit many other wonderful tourist destinations, and enjoy world-class cuisine and historical sights.
Visiting with Children
Many children love to dress as their favourite characters when they visit Disney. Plan ahead and pack dressing-up clothes to take with you, as the prices for costumes in the park shops are much higher than those at home. Younger children will often enjoy meeting the Disney characters as much as going on rides. There are scheduled Meet and Greet sessions every day, and it is worth checking to see if a favourite character is making an appearance during your visit.
Dining Tips
The restaurants within the park get very busy, and reservations are usually necessary, particularly at peak times. Consider eating at one of the Disney hotels. These restaurants are often far quieter, as people do not realise that you do not need to be a hotel guest to eat there. You can have your hand stamped and leave the park to eat, returning to visit the amazing Disneyland Paris whenever you like. Save money on buying expensive soft drinks by taking water bottles with you, as there are numerous drinking fountains around the park that provide fresh, cold water for free.
Disneyland Paris is a magical and exciting place for adults and children alike. Follow these hacks to make sure you make the most of your visit and don’t spend your day waiting in queues.
