Who Should & Shouldn’t Visit Disneyland Paris
I’ve had the pleasure of visiting all the Disney theme parks—except the one in Shanghai, which has still eluded me.
As such, friends and family often ask me my opinions on visiting Disneyland Paris. Especially since it’s our closest Disney theme park, being based in the UK.
The answer to whether visiting Disneyland Paris is worth it is… It depends. I know it’s not the answer you were looking for, but it’s the truth.
Like all Disney trips or just trips in general, it depends on what you’re looking for. As a result, I’ve broken this article down into two key sections:
- Who a trip to Disneyland Paris is for
- Who a trip to Disneyland Paris is not for
Who a Trip to Disneyland Paris Is For
A trip to Disneyland Paris isn’t for everyone. However, based on my experience of visiting Disneyland Paris, here’s who I think a trip to Disneyland Paris is best suited to.
Weekend Breakers
A trip to Disneyland Paris only takes two to three days, making it perfect for Europeans looking for a long weekend break.
I often find myself visiting Disneyland Paris over Walt Disney World when I only have a few days spare for a trip. Since I’m based in the UK, I save trips to Orlando for at least a week. Especially given the long flight and time difference.
Disney Fans
If you love Disney, then you’re going to love Disneyland Paris. I mean, what Disney fan doesn’t like a Disney park?
That said, I personally don’t think Disneyland Paris has the wow factor you get from Walt Disney World. But if you’re a European needing a quick Disney fix, Disneyland Paris is the place!
Young Families
Disneyland Paris is an excellent option for young families. I believe the best age for kids to visit Disneyland Paris is between 3 and 10.
At this age, kids still believe in the magic of Disney and everything that goes with it. Plus, they are typically of a height that allows them to go on the majority of rides inside the theme parks.
Last-Minute Getaway Fans
A trip to Disneyland Paris isn’t as intense as a trip to Walt Disney World and doesn’t require as much planning.
This makes a last-minute trip to Disneyland Paris very attainable for Europeans and those on vacation in France.
Couples
I’m often asked whether Disneyland Paris is good for couples, and I say absolutely! In fact, prior to having children, my wife and I visited Disneyland Paris several times.
If you’re a fan of Disney, Disneyland Paris is a great place to visit regardless of your age, parental status, or relationship status.
Who a Trip to Disneyland Paris Is Not For
All that said, a trip to Disneyland Paris isn’t for everyone. My parents took me to Disneyland Paris for the first time when I was around 12 years old, and boy, were they disappointed.
Based on that experience, and many more, here’s who I think a trip to Disneyland Paris is not for.
Relaxing Beach Vacation Lovers
While I mentioned Disneyland Paris isn’t as intense as a trip to Walt Disney World, you’re still likely to walk at least 10,000 steps per day. As such, if you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation, Disneyland Paris isn’t for you.
That being said, Disneyland Paris is only a 2.5 hour drive from the French coast. So you could easily pair a day at Disneyland Paris with a beach vacation if you wanted to.
An Extensive Theme Park Vacation
Disneyland Paris is significantly smaller than Walt Disney World. You can do and see everything in both theme parks in two to three days.
As such, Disneyland Paris isn’t great for those looking for an extensive theme park vacation. That is unless you pair a trip to Disneyland Paris with some of the other French theme parks. Some of my favourites include:
- Parc Astérix
- Futuroscope
- Puy du Fou
French Culture Enthusiasts
While Disneyland Paris is in France, the French culture here is limited. Most restaurants serve fast food, such as burgers and fries, and the majority of signs and announcements are in English, not French.
If you want to experience French culture, I recommend staying in Paris and taking a day trip to the park. This is very doable since Disneyland Paris is less than an hour from Paris city centre.
Budget Holiday Makers
While Disneyland Paris can be done on a budget, that doesn’t make it a budget-friendly holiday. The cost of a trip to Disneyland Paris will vary depending on:
- How many people are travelling
- How you’re getting to / from Disneyland Paris
- How many days you’re visiting for
- Type of travel style (budget, luxury etc.)
Typically, I’ve found that a three-day trip to Disneyland Paris costs the same as a week long traditional family holiday. That’s with the same number of people travelling and the same type of travel style.