Thinking about heading to Disneyland Paris with a baby or toddler? Keep scrolling for my best tips for Disneyland Paris as a Paris day trip.
This post about fun things to do in Disneyland Paris was written by family travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Look, I’m not gonna lie to you. Our first trip to Disneyland Paris in 2017 was kind of a disaster.
We lost our tickets within the first hour (more on that nightmare later), I underestimated how FREEZING it would be in November, and my 3-year-old melted down approximately 47 times.
But we went back in 2022 because apparently we’re gluttons for punishment, and you know what? It was SO much better.
Because by then I’d figured out what actually matters when you’re dragging little kids to a European Disney park.
So before you book that adorable Disneyland Paris hotel room and start planning your perfect family vacation, let me tell you what actually happens when you take babies and preschoolers to Disneyland Paris.
The Stuff Nobody Tells You (That I’m About to Tell You)
1. Walt Disney Studios Park Is Getting a Massive Makeover (And It’s Opening March 29, 2026)
Okay, this is HUGE and changes everything about how you should plan your trip.
Starting March 29, 2026, Walt Disney Studios Park is officially becoming Disney Adventure World.
They’re opening this massive World of Frozen expansion with an actual life-size Arendelle village, Elsa’s Ice Palace on top of a 118-foot North Mountain, and a Frozen Ever After boat ride.
If your kids are Frozen obsessed (and whose aren’t?), this is the time to go. Like, book your trip for late March or April 2026 and you’ll get to see it right when it opens.
They’re also adding Adventure Way – this whole new promenade area with 14 new restaurants and the first actual bar inside a Disneyland Paris park.
Plus a new nighttime show called Disney Cascade of Lights that apparently uses 379 drones. My kids would lose their minds.
Just know that if you’re going in early 2026 before March 29, you’ll be visiting right before this huge change. Studios Park is still great (Marvel Avengers Campus is really cool), but Frozen World isn’t open yet.
2. Tickets Are Expensive and Super Confusing
Let me just save you some time: buy your tickets directly from Disneyland Paris. Don’t try to be smart about it like I did the first time.
Right now in 2026, tickets start around ā¬56-62 for low-demand weekdays but can jump to ā¬105 if you buy them AT THE PARK on a busy day. That’s insane. Book ahead.
You need to decide:
- 1 park or 2 parks per day (hopper)
- How many days
- Dated tickets (cheaper, locked to specific dates) or undated (more expensive, more flexible)
For little kids, honestly? One park per day is plenty. They’re gonna be exhausted anyway. We did 2-park hoppers our first trip and my 3-year-old was just…done by 2pm.
My recommendation: Get dated 2-day tickets, spend one day in each park. If you’re going after March 29, 2026, you HAVE to do Disney Adventure World to see Frozen.
You can check current prices and book through Expedia, Viator, or Get Your Guide, but honestly the official site usually has the best deals for hotel packages.
3. FastPass Doesn’t Exist Anymore (Welcome to Premier Access)
Remember free FastPasses? Yeah, those are dead.
Now it’s called Disney Premier Access and you PAY for it. There are two options:
Premier Access Ultimate: One price (ā¬90-ā¬190 depending on the day) gets you one-time access to like 16 major attractions across both parks. No time slots, just scan and go when you want.
Premier Access One: Pay per ride (ā¬5-ā¬18 per person per ride). You get a specific time slot.
Is it worth it? With little kids… maybe?
If you’re doing a one-day trip and your kids are tall enough for most rides, Ultimate might save your sanity.
We didn’t buy it in 2017 and waited 90 minutes for Crush’s Coaster while my baby screamed.
In 2022, we splurged on Ultimate for one day and honestly? It was kind of awesome.
But if you’re doing multiple days and your kids are too small for half the rides anyway, save your money. Just get there at rope drop and hit the big stuff first.
4. Getting There from Paris Is Easy (Until Your Kid Has to Pee)
The RER A train from central Paris to Marne-la-VallĆ©e/Chessy takes about 40 minutes and drops you RIGHT at the park entrance. It’s stupid easy.
The problem? There’s no bathroom on the train. And the bathrooms at some of the Paris RER stations are… rough.
Also, that train gets PACKED. Like, uncomfortably packed. We had a stroller, a diaper bag, two kids, and approximately 400 other families with the same idea. It’s not fun.
If you can swing it, stay at a Disney hotel or nearby hotel in Marne-la-VallƩe. You can walk or take the shuttle and skip the RER madness entirely. We stayed at Explorers Hotel the second time and it was so much less stressful.
Find hotels near Disneyland Paris on Expedia
5. November Is Beautiful and Also You Might Freeze to Death
Our 2017 trip was mid-November and I swear I’ve never been that cold in my life.
I’m from Seattle. I KNOW cold and rain. This was different. It was like 35Ā°F with this damp wind that cut right through our jackets. We were miserable. My baby’s hands were ice cubes even with gloves.
If you’re going in winter, layer like you’re going to the Arctic. I’m talking:
- Base layer
- Fleece or warm sweater
- Waterproof jacket
- Hat, gloves, scarf for everyone
- Extra socks in your bag
- Hand warmers (buy them before you go, they’re expensive in the parks)
The upside? Shorter lines. We basically walked onto Pirates of the Caribbean. In July? You’d wait an hour.
6. Bring a Stroller Even If Your Kid “Doesn’t Use Strollers Anymore”
I don’t care if your 4-year-old walks 5 miles a day at home. Bring the stroller.
Disneyland Paris is HUGE. You’re going to walk 7-10 miles in a day easily. Your kid will be done by noon, and then you’re stuck carrying a 40-pound child who’s having a meltdown because they’re tired but won’t admit it.
We brought our double stroller in 2017 even though my 3-year-old insisted she didn’t need it. By 1pm, both kids were strapped in and passed out. Best decision we made.
Plus strollers hold all your crap. Jackets when it warms up, snacks, water bottles, the stuffed animals you just bought, that second jacket you need when it gets cold again…
7. The Baby Switch System Is Actually Pretty Great
If you have a baby or toddler who can’t ride the good stuff, use Baby Switch (called Rider Switch in some Disney parks, but same idea).
Here’s how it works: Adult #1 waits in line and rides while Adult #2 stays with the baby. Then Adult #2 gets to go through the Premier Access line without waiting again. The baby doesn’t have to wait in line twice, nobody misses out.
We used this for Big Thunder Mountain and it was seamless. Honestly one of the better systems Disney’s come up with.
8. Character Meet-and-Greets Are WHERE THE LINES ARE
Everyone thinks the rides will have the longest waits. Nope. It’s the characters.
Want to meet Mickey? Cool, that’ll be 60 minutes. Elsa and Anna (once Frozen World opens)? Probably 90 minutes.
The character lines are brutal, especially for toddlers who don’t understand why they can’t IMMEDIATELY hug Minnie Mouse right this second.
Here’s what worked for us:
- Go to character meets first thing in the morning before lines get crazy
- OR go during parade time when everyone else is watching the parade
- Set expectations with your kids about waiting (“We have to wait a little bit, but then you’ll get to hug Mickey!”)
- Bring snacks and your phone loaded with games
Also worth knowing: Character dining exists!
You pay more, but characters come to your table while you eat. Way less waiting, and your kids are contained in high chairs with chicken nuggets. Book character dining directly through Disneyland Paris.
9. The Food Situation Is… Fine
Disney food is Disney food, you know?
It’s not gourmet. It’s chicken nuggets and burgers and pizza. But my kids ate it and didn’t complain, which is the bar I’m working with.
What IS nice: Disneyland Paris has actual table-service restaurants with real French food if you want it.
We did Bistrot Chez RĆ©my (the Ratatouille restaurant in Studios Park) and it was genuinely good. Like, I would eat there even without the kids.
There’s also a bunch of quick-service places where you can mobile order through the app and just pick it up. Game changer with little kids.
Pro tip: Bring snacks from outside the park. Disneyland Paris lets you bring in food (unlike some other parks). We packed granola bars, fruit pouches, and crackers. Saved us so much money and so many meltdowns.
10. Small World Is the Best Ride for Babies (And Also You’ll Want to Die)
If you have a baby or young toddler, It’s a Small World is your friend. No height requirement, indoor, peaceful, you can hold your baby…
It’s also 15 minutes of that SONG on loop and you’ll be singing it in your nightmares for weeks.
But your baby will love it! Ours stared at all the dolls with this look of pure wonder. It was cute as hell.
Other good baby-friendly rides:
- Dumbo (classic, though the wait can be long)
- Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast (dark ride, fun for slightly older toddlers)
- Le Carrousel de Lancelot (pretty carousel in Fantasyland)
- Casey Jr. Circus Train (gentle train ride)
11. The Parade Is Actually Worth It
I’m not usually a “stop everything for the parade” person, but the Disneyland Paris parade is really good.
The floats are huge, the costumes are gorgeous, and if your kids are into Disney characters, they’ll lose their minds. We caught it by accident in 2017 and my daughter still talks about it.
Just stake out your spot like 20 minutes early if you want a good view. Or don’t stress about it and just let your kids see it from wherever you are. They’re three. They’ll be thrilled either way.
12. The Lost Ticket Disaster (And What to Do If This Happens to You)
Okay, story time.
On our first day in 2017, I had everyone’s park tickets in my jacket pocket. We got through the entrance, walked about 100 feet, and I reached for them to check something.
Gone.
I IMMEDIATELY panicked. These tickets cost like ā¬200. I ran back to the entrance, retraced our steps, checked every pocket 47 times…
Nothing.
So here’s what you do: Go to Guest Services/Guest Relations right inside the entrance. Tell them what happened. They’ll ask for your confirmation email or booking info (KEEP THIS ACCESSIBLE ON YOUR PHONE).
They can reissue your tickets. It took about 20 minutes and they didn’t charge us. I almost cried with relief.
Lessons learned:
- Take photos of your tickets/confirmation
- Have your booking confirmation saved offline on your phone
- Maybe use a lanyard or keep tickets in a zippered pocket?
13. The Disney Hotels Are Nice But You’re Paying for Convenience
We didn’t stay at a Disney hotel in 2017 and regretted it. The commute with little kids was exhausting.
In 2022 we stayed at the Disneyland Paris Hotel. It’s like a 5-minute walk to the parks. It has a pool (kids loved it) and breakfast included (we actually ate it, which saved money).
The official Disney hotels are beautiful and you get Extra Magic Time (early park entry), but they’re expensive. Like, $300-500/night expensive depending on which one and when you go.
If you have the budget, Hotel Cheyenne or Hotel Santa Fe are the “cheaper” Disney options (still not actually cheap) and they’re themed really cute. Kids love them.
Or do what we did: Stay nearby, save money, and use that savings for Premier Access or character dining or that ā¬40 Elsa dress your kid is gonna beg for.
14. Download the App Before You Go (And Fully Charge Your Phone)
The official Disneyland Paris app is actually useful:
- Real-time wait times for rides
- Mobile food ordering
- Interactive map (lifesaver)
- You can buy Premier Access through it
- Character meet-and-greet locations
My phone died at 2pm our first day in 2017 and I felt SO lost. Bring a portable charger.
15. Lower Your Expectations and You’ll Have a Better Time
Here’s the truth: Disneyland Paris with babies and preschoolers is not going to be like your pre-kids Disney trips.
You’re not going to ride every ride. You’re going to spend 30 minutes in a bathroom because someone had an accident. Someone will cry because you said no to a $50 stuffed Olaf.
You’ll probably argue with your partner about whether your toddler really NEEDS a nap or if you can “just power through.”
And that’s okay.
The magic is in the moments between the chaos. It’s your kid’s face when they see Mickey for the first time. It’s sharing those overpriced Mickey-shaped waffles. It’s the way your baby falls asleep on your shoulder during the parade, totally exhausted and happy.
It’s not perfect. But it’s pretty great.
Planning Your Trip? Here’s What I’d Actually Do
If I were booking a Disneyland Paris trip with little kids right now, here’s exactly what I’d do:
When to go: April-May 2026 (right after Frozen World opens) or September-early October (better weather, smaller crowds)
How long: 2-3 days. One day per park minimum, three days if you want to slow down and not rush.
Tickets: Book dated tickets directly from Disneyland Paris or through Viator. Get 2-park hoppers only if your kids are older than 4.
Premier Access: Skip it unless you’re doing a one-day trip or going during a super busy time (summer, Christmas, school breaks).
Hotel: Stay within walking distance of the parks. Check hotel options here. Budget option: Explorers Hotel or B&B Hotel. Splurge option: Disney Hotel Cheyenne or Newport Bay Club.
Travel: If you’re coming from Paris, take the RER A train or just stay in Marne-la-VallĆ©e and skip Paris entirely. It’s easier with little kids.
Want More Help Planning?
Look, planning a Disneyland Paris trip can be overwhelming. Especially if you’re also trying to figure out Paris itself.
I have a whole 5-day Paris with kids itinerary that includes Disneyland Paris as day 4. It’s honestly the easiest way to combine both.
Or if you want someone else to do the planning FOR you, check out my free Paris planning email course. Five days of emails walking you through exactly how to plan your trip, what to book when, how to avoid tourist traps, all of it.
Because you don’t need more blog posts. You need someone to just TELL you what to do. So that’s what I do.
Hi!!! what a magic post! wonderful! I would love to go to Disneyland as soon as possible. I am not father but I have a niece and a nephew so your advices will help me a lot if I go there!! Good job!!!!
I’m sure it would be fun as an adult without kids. You’d move a lot faster!
Some great tips. I especially like how you point out that travelers shouldn’t expect things they are familiar with at home should not expect the same customs when they travel, especially orderly lines.
Yes! Adjusting expectations is key to a lovely trip!
Hey! Thanks for your great trip report. Can I ask how old your baby is and did you have any issues taking your baby onto the rides with cast members? I am also about to go with our baby and toddler and am a little worried about that. Thank you!
Always love reading about disneyland š It’s such a happy and fun place to go to, at any age.
Me too! It’s such a fun place!
it sounds amazing!
My daughter just returned from a 10 day trip to France and Italy and they missed their chance to go o Disney Paris because they scheduled the trip incorrectly, but we will definitely be scheduling a Family trip for next summer š
Sounds like a great trip, though! Hopefully you can hit it next summer!
The kids must have been so happy. Even I would like to visit Disneyland.
It’s so much fun as an adult!
This is a great post and has really made me want to take my three-year-old to Disney now! (Even though I’m trying to hold out on that expense for now!!)
I particularly loved seeing your itinerary and it’s amazing you managed to pack in so much with two little ones. Loved your tips too!
Three is a really awesome age to do Disney because it’s still so magical for them!
These are great tips! I haven’t gone on a trip with my LO yet but these will be great to think of when we do!
Traveling with kids is a trip (pun intended!)
When I lived in England (my dad was Air Force) we went to Disneyland Paris in January 2001. I had a blast! I went with my Girl Scout troop. We raised enough funds for a fund raiser. My mom was my troop leader. ‘My dad paid for himself and my brothers so they could come to. It was amazing! I can’t wait to take my kids to Disney here in the states.
How fun to go with your Girl Scout troop!
Oh my heavens! I want to go. First off, those ears are so cute! Loved your tips and totally agree with them. Man, we just went to Disney World (and the six hours flying was long enough for my toddler and preschooler) and we got off schedule from day one. They just can’t keep up a fast pace. I think slowing down is best because it keeps it magical for everyone!
I think you nailed it when you said slowing down keeps it magical for everyone. I mean, that’s the whole point of Disney, right?
I’m saving your itinerary. Someday I hope to go there and I want to do it like you, sans the baby! š
I’m a Disney mom too ? Great tips!! I would love to go to Disneyland Paris one day,!
I’m a total Disney addict now!
It’s definitely not easy to travel with young children, especially to a major theme park abroad. These are great tips for new parents to navigate the park and still have a great time.
Thanks! I feel like the more tips/tricks the easier it is to actually take them abroad!
I get nervous about going to Disneyland, CA with my 6 year old son. I can’t even imagine how nerve wracking it would be to go to Paris with 2 young kids. But it looks like you had an amazing time and everything under control! I envy you.
My husband is a huge help when we travel! Disneyland Paris was less chaotic in many ways that Disneyland CA.
I never knew how beautiful Disney Paris was. And those mini ears. I’ll be dreaming of those ALL night. <3 We would love to our small family back to europe, and this will be added to the future itinerary.
The ears are my favorite! Looking forward to wearing them in Disneyland this summer!
I want to take my kids to Disney so bad! You’re brave taking them so young! I have an 8 year old, 4 year old and 2 year old. Maybe because it’s we’re outnumbered, but we’re just not ready yet. Maybe when my youngest is 3-4…..
I would be hesitant too, if I was outnumbered š
My family and I went to California adventure for the first time last year but didn’t have enough time to go into actual Disneyland so we may be going this fall ! I had no idea there was even a Disneyland in Paris . It sounds like a blast ! Seriously great advice and such thorough itinerary. Thanks for sharing !
It was originally called Euro Disney and I didn’t realize it was in Paris until we started planning our trip. California Adventure is super fun!
I would love to visit Disneyland Paris one day! I am sad to hear that it doesn’t seem to live up to the standards we have for it here in the states, but it looks very pretty!
It’s still a great time! We just had to adjust our expectations and then we embraced it!
I love how detailed this post was! I love everything you shared. So full of tips for someone headed there! We’re headed to disney world next year ? so Disney posts are always a read it make sure to gather tips from. Thaaaanks
Ive only been to the Disneyland in America but if I ever did go to Paris, I would totally go here if my kids are coming! I’ve always wanted to visit! It looks like you all had a blast and managed any issues with your adventure with kids in tow!
It was super fun! I’m hoping to add side trips to Disney when we travel abroad now!
Great idea! We have not been to Disneyland yet with our whole family, but I can see where it would be a lot of planning with a baby and preschooler in tow.
Okay I didn’t even realize Disneyland existed outside of the US. I am too sheltered. Ha!! This is amazing though! I hope to take my kids to Disney in the next few years. Thanks for the tips!
Oh it’s global! I really want to do Disneyland Hong Kong next time we visit family there!
What a dream!! I love all things Disney and would love to take my kids there one day!
If I could just get past the 20 hour plane ride to get there š
Thanks for the detailed tips!
Yes, a 20 hour plane ride would be a deterrent š
Absolutely love your pictures and it looks like you’ve had a wonderful time!! Although I’m not a mum I have to say that this post is such a brilliant idea and will definitely help many mums out there! You’ve put so much time and effort into it x
This is a magic place, not only for the kids, but also for the grown up. I know I would be over the moon if I were there. I might even surpass the excitement of the little ones š
I think I’m more excited to meet Mickey than my kids š
ah it’s been 2 years since I went to Disneyland Paris with my family including 2 young kids and a baby. You’re right, we adjusted our trip and went at a pace that would make the kids cranky and took a few breaks. Even if the weather was wet we had a good time. Glad to see what works for you.
Every family travels differently. It’s so hard for me to slow down our pace, but that’s what works well for our kiddos!
Don’t you just love Disneyland in Paris? Madison and I had so much fun when we were there! It’s really important that we try as much as we can to make the trip convenient for them so that when we get to the park, they’re going to have loads of energy.
It’s been a long time since I last visited Paris. I don’t think I’ve ever been to the Disneyland there! These tips are very helpful especially for families who are planning to go there for the first time.
It was a fun day trip before we started sightseeing!
This is awesome. I cannot wait to head to disney myself with my kiddos but I will admit I have always been terrified to even attempt when my kids are smaller.
we hope to get to DL later this year. these tips will save me so much!
It’s such a fun vacation destination!
Those were great tips! It’s not easy travelling with kids but as long as you are prepared, it goes a bit smoother. I was glad I brought my double stroller to Disneyland when I brought my 3 year old and 6 month old at the time. It’s also a good idea to bring snacks. Proper foot wear is also a must. I was wearing non water resistant shoes and it was raining at disneyland! It’s good to check the forecast ahead of time!
Yes! I wish we would have checked the forecast! I would have brought a heavy jacket!
Oooo so many great tips!!!! I have always wanted to go to Disney Land Paris. Glad I know how to prepare ect if I ever make the trip
It’s so much fun and a great way to break up the sightseeing!
Disneyland is a sure winner for kids and adults alike. But traveling with kids takes a lot of patience and needs more preparations than traveling alone or with friends. I don’t have kids of my own but I’ve got nieces and nephews so I can still use your helpful tips. š
Traveling with kids is a whole other game! But, still enjoyable!
I loved this post! As a former Cast Member in California, I love your tips and wished that I saw more people taking advantage of the buttons or the Baby Centers! They truly are wonderful and can make or break your day. I don’t have kids of my own, but I love taking my nieces and nephew to the parks. And your photos are super cute!!
Yay! We’re heading to Disneyland CA in a few weeks. Any other things we should be taking advantage of?
We have a two year old so this is so useful.. Some things I never considered or knew about before! Like the disney app, will look into that for sure
Yes, the app is essential for any Disney trip!
The lines at Disney Paris for food were outrageous. I think I waited almost an hour for a cotton candy. Your kids are troopers! I would be wiped after a long day of excitement (hopefully the kids were too and slept well:)
Hahaha! They crashed hard!
This is a great post for parents needing some advice on visiting Disneyland Paris. A shame you missed out on the studio side of things and that you didn’t have another day to do it all justice. However it is clear you really enjoyed sharing the magic of Disney with your kids and got some great photos to help cherish the memories.
Thanks! I’m hoping we can go back in a few years and do it right!
It looks like you had a great time at Disney! And to see it through the eays of children is so nice! What’s toon town otherwise?
Toon Town at Disneyland CA has Minnie’s & Mickey’s houses (where you can explore the houses and take photos with Minnie & Mickey), several cars for kids to climb on, lots of fun photo ops, play spaces, etc. It’s just a low-key area for kids to explore and meet their favorite classic Disney characters.
These are fantastic tips! I don’t have young children myself, but having traveled with my younger cousins, I know how hectic that can be. That’s great to see that the train pulls right up to the Disney park. I’m also very glad to hear that the staff was so accommodating when you were trying to get photos with Mickey. Those are memories that last a lifetime, and I’m so glad that they made those memories easy and carefree. Great post!
I feel like the Mickey “handlers” are always the creme de la creme of employees! They really added the magic to our trip!
I really loved reading your post, I have been to Disneyland in Los Angeles when my lil one was just days old and I really had an amazing time then and this post reminded me of those days š
Whoa! That’s impressive!
This is such a comprehensive and useful post. I will share it with my friends who travel with small children. And the pictures are so lovely. I want to go back to Disneyland right now!!!
Disneyland is ALWAYS a good idea š
Wow!! You are a Disney pro for sure. I give you so much credit. I am not big into Disney but I know that I ever have kids then I will live and die by the posts of pros like you. Thanks for a great share.
I love your detailed itinerary! I always try to have a planned out itinerary whenever I go somewhere new, so I’ll definitely save yours!
Yes, I think Disney is always a bit better with a plan!