Disney really is where the magic happens, and getting there doesn’t have to cost a fortune. We’ve been to Disneyland Paris four times over the past few years, and there are plenty more trips planned.
Here are my top tips for going to Disneyland Paris on a budget – I hope you have as magical a time as we did!
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Visit Disneyland Paris on a Budget – It’s Possible!
A few years ago, myself, my partner and our four children (aged seven, three, two and one at the time) spent three nights and three days in the Explorers Hotel at Disneyland Paris for around €1,400 all in. That figure covered our flights, accommodation, park tickets, transfers, parking at Dublin airport, and even a passport renewal for myself and two of the kids. I had a strict budget to stick to, and with a good bit of research and patience, we made it work.
Here are my top tips for visiting Disneyland Paris on a budget, plus some advice for making the most of your stay.
#1. Book Everything Yourself
To get the best possible price for Disneyland Paris, book everything yourself rather than going through a bundled travel agent package. That means sorting your own flights, accommodation, park tickets and transfers separately.
#2. Shop Around for Flights
You’ll be flying into either Charles de Gaulle or Orly airport in Paris. Compare flights using a site or app like Skyscanner, and book the cheapest direct flights you can find.
Where possible, try to book an early outbound flight and a later flight home so you get the most out of your time at Disneyland.
#3. Compare Across Different Country Websites
When booking accommodation, it’s worth comparing the French, German and other European versions of the Disneyland Paris website, not just the English one. Google Translate will do the job of translating everything for you. Keep an eye on more than one site, as deals and offers can vary – some periods have “kids stay and play free” style promotions, where one paying adult means a child stays free.
Note: these package deals often can’t be booked fully online – you may need to call the number provided once you’ve found a price you like, to confirm the offer.
Top tip: Ask whether park tickets and transfers can be included in the package.
Many of these deals ask for a deposit upfront, with the balance paid off before you travel, so check the current payment terms when you book.
#4. Pre-book Your Airport Transfers
Booking your airport transfer in advance, rather than sorting it on arrival, is usually the cheaper and less stressful option. Check the current operator and prices before you travel, and make sure you have your tickets ready (printed or on your phone) to show the driver.
#5. Avoid UK and French School Holidays
When planning your trip, try to avoid Irish, UK and French school and public holidays. The parks can get seriously busy when schools are closed across the UK and France, so it’s worth cross-checking term dates before you book. The last thing you want is to spend your precious Disney time stuck in long queues.
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#6. Look Into Extra Park Hours
If you stay in an official Disney hotel, you may be able to avail of extra park hours during your stay, letting you enter before the general public. The days and parks this applies to can vary throughout the year, so always check the current details with your hotel reception when you arrive.
#7. Check How to Pre-book Popular Character Meet-and-Greets
Some of the most in-demand meet-and-greets, including with characters like Spider-Man, need to be booked in advance through the park’s official app or booking system. These systems do change from time to time, so check the current Disneyland Paris app before you travel to see what’s bookable and how, and don’t leave it too late once you’re there – popular slots fill up fast.
#8. Look Into Priority Access Options for Popular Rides
Disneyland Paris offers ways to skip some of the longer queues on popular attractions, though the exact system and which rides are included does change over time. It’s worth checking the official app or website before your trip, or asking at Guest Services once you arrive, to see what’s currently available and how to use it. Getting familiar with this before you queue for your first ride can save your family a good bit of standing around.
#9. Bring Appropriate Swimwear for the Pool
If your hotel has a pool, keep in mind that French pools require close-fitting swimwear rather than looser boardshorts, for hygiene reasons – this applies to men, women and children. It’s worth picking up suitable swimwear at home before you travel, as buying it at the hotel on the day will usually cost more.
#10. Pack a Few Key Essentials to Save Money
A few things worth packing to save yourself some cash on the day:
- If you’re travelling to Disneyland in winter, bring raincoats or ponchos with you rather than buying disposable ones in the parks.
- Pack plenty of spare batteries and memory cards for your camera or phone.
- It’s worth bringing your own basic over-the-counter medicines like Calpol or paracetamol from home, as these aren’t always readily available inside the parks themselves – if a child needs something during your visit, leaving the resort to find a pharmacy can eat into your day and your budget.
#11. Try Eating at Off-Peak Times
Where you can, try to avoid the usual lunch and dinner rush at the parks. Queuing for food at 1pm, and then hunting for a free table, can easily eat up a chunk of your afternoon.
Time in Disney is precious, so eating a little earlier or later – or bringing snacks to tide you over – means less time queuing for food. As a bonus, some rides are quieter during the traditional meal rush too, so you may get shorter queues for attractions at the same time.
#12. Bring Your Child’s Favourite Disney Costume
Finally, pack your children’s favourite Disney character costumes or themed outfits before you go. Buying an outfit inside the parks will cost significantly more than bringing one from home.
It’s also worth knowing that kids in costume often get a little extra attention from cast members throughout both parks – a nice bonus for very little effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to do Disneyland Paris on a budget with a family?
Yes. Booking flights, accommodation, tickets and transfers separately yourself, travelling outside school holidays, and packing a few key essentials from home can all make a real difference to the overall cost of your trip.
What’s the cheapest way to book a Disneyland Paris trip?
Booking each part of your trip yourself – flights, hotel, park tickets and transfers – rather than going through a single bundled package tends to give you more control over the price. Comparing offers across different country versions of the official Disneyland Paris website can also uncover better deals.
When is the best time to visit Disneyland Paris to avoid crowds?
Avoiding Irish, UK and French school holidays and public holidays is one of the simplest ways to avoid the busiest, most queue-heavy days in the parks.
Do I need to bring medicine for my kids to Disneyland Paris?
It’s a sensible idea to pack basic over-the-counter medicines like Calpol or paracetamol from home, as availability inside the parks can be limited, and you want to avoid an unplanned trip off-site if a child feels unwell.
Do I need special swimwear for the hotel pool?
Yes – French pools generally require close-fitting swimwear rather than loose boardshorts or baggy swim trunks, for men, women and children alike, so it’s worth packing the right gear before you travel.
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Save These Tips for Later
Planning a Disney trip takes a bit of time, so it’s worth bookmarking this page or pinning it to your travel board so you can come back to it as your booking date gets closer.
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