Disneyland Paris Guide: Best Things to Do, Rides & Must-See Attractions
Disneyland Paris entrance and Disneyland Hotel with fountains and Mickey Mouse flower display
Originally published after our 2012 visit. Updated August 2026 with current Disneyland Paris planning information
Everything you need to know about DISNEYLAND PARIS GUIDE - best things to do and must see from a Disneyland expert!
If you’re planning a trip to Paris and LOVE Disney, you may be wondering: Is Disneyland Paris worth visiting?
For me, the answer was YES!
I’ve been to Disneyland in California literally hundreds of times, so naturally, when I went to Paris, I had to see how the two parks compared.
There are so many fun things to do at Disneyland Paris, especially if you love spotting the differences between Disney parks. From unique versions of classic rides to Sleeping Beauty Castle (and the dragon hiding underneath!), these are some of the best things to do in Disneyland Paris—plus a few newer experiences I’d add to my list today.
I seriously couldn’t stop taking photos while we were there! From the details of the castle to the Halloween decorations throughout the park, there was something different around every corner.
We visited in 2012 during the Halloween season, so the photos and my firsthand experiences in this guide are from that trip. A LOT has changed since then—including a major transformation of the second park! I’ve updated this guide with current 2026 planning information while keeping all of those original experiences, comparisons and photos.
I couldn't stop taking photos of Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Paris—especially with all the Halloween decorations!
Disneyland Paris at a Glance
Disneyland Paris has two theme parks:
Disneyland Park — This is the classic castle park and the one that feels most like Disneyland in California or Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World.
Disney Adventure World — Formerly Walt Disney Studios Park, the second park has undergone a HUGE transformation and officially became Disney Adventure World in March 2026.
If you only have one day and you’re choosing one park, I’d prioritize Disneyland Park, especially if this is your first visit.
That’s where you’ll find Sleeping Beauty Castle, Big Thunder Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, Phantom Manor and many of the things that make Disneyland Paris unique.
What’s New at Disneyland Paris in 2026?
Okay, this is where my original 2012 Disneyland Paris guide needed a BIG update!
When we visited, the second park was called Walt Disney Studios Park.
As of March 29, 2026, it is officially Disney Adventure World.
The park has undergone a huge expansion that includes World of Frozen, Adventure Way, Adventure Bay, a Tangled-themed attraction and new restaurants and experiences.
There’s also Marvel Avengers Campus, which opened long after my visit. The old Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster that I remember has been transformed into Avengers Assemble: Flight Force.
So if you’re looking at my older photos and wondering why parts of Disney Adventure World look completely different today — that’s why!
How to Get to Disneyland Paris From Paris
One of the things that surprised me about Disneyland Paris was how EASY it was to get there from Paris.
We were staying in Paris and took the RER A train to Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy.
The ride from central Paris takes about 40 minutes, and the station is right by the entrance to Disneyland Paris.
For us, it made Disneyland Paris completely doable as a day trip without changing hotels.
TIP: I wouldn’t rely on old blog posts for train prices (including the original version of this post!). Check current transportation information before your trip since fares can change.
Walt Disney Studios Paris, now Disney Adventure World
Disneyland Park vs. Disney Adventure World
If you’ve been to the Disney parks in the United States, the easiest way to understand Disneyland Paris is to think of it as two separate experiences.
Disneyland Park
This is the classic Disney park.
You’ll find:
Sleeping Beauty Castle
Big Thunder Mountain
Pirates of the Caribbean
Phantom Manor
Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain
“it’s a small world”
Fantasyland
Adventureland
Discoveryland
Frontierland
Main Street, U.S.A.
But don’t assume you’ve seen everything just because you’ve been to Disneyland in California.
Some of the Paris versions are VERY different.
Disney Adventure World
Disney Adventure World is the dramatically expanded second park, formerly known as Walt Disney Studios Park.
Today you’ll find experiences including:
World of Frozen
Marvel Avengers Campus
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Crush’s Coaster
Toy Story Playland
Avengers Assemble: Flight Force
Ratatouille: The Adventure
Adventure Way
Adventure Bay
This park is probably the biggest difference between the Disneyland Paris I visited and the Disneyland Paris you’ll experience today.
WALT AND MICKEY STATUE - Hollywood Tower of Terror PARIS - Disney Adventure World
Best Things to Do at Disneyland Paris
Wondering what you absolutely shouldn't miss at Disneyland Paris? From exploring Sleeping Beauty Castle and its dragon to riding Big Thunder Mountain, Phantom Manor and Hyperspace Mountain, there are plenty of attractions that feel surprisingly different from their California counterparts. These are some of my favorite Disneyland Paris must-dos, plus a few newer experiences I'd add to my list today.
Big Thunder Mountain
If you love Big Thunder Mountain in California, you HAVE to ride the Disneyland Paris version.
It’s one of those rides that’s familiar but different enough to make it exciting.
The biggest difference?
The attraction is located on an island in the middle of the Rivers of the Far West!
That alone makes it worth riding even if you’ve been on Big Thunder Mountain dozens of times in the United States.
Phantom Manor AKA Haunted Mansion in Disneyland Paris
Phantom Manor
Disneyland Paris has its own take on the Haunted Mansion called Phantom Manor.
And I LOVE seeing how Disney reimagines attractions for different parks.
Phantom Manor fits perfectly into Frontierland and has a darker Western feel than the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland in California.
If Haunted Mansion is one of your favorites, don’t skip this one.
SPACE MOUNTAIN MISSION 2, now Hyperspace Mountain at DISNEYLAND PARIS
Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain
When we visited, this attraction was called Space Mountain: Mission 2, and it was one of my favorite rides at Disneyland Paris!
Today, it’s Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain.
Unlike Space Mountain in California, the Disneyland Paris coaster is much more intense. It has a loop and inversions which none of the other parks do.
And here’s another reason my old photos are kind of fun now: Disney has announced that the current Hyperspace Mountain version will eventually give way to a newly reimagined version inspired by the attraction’s original Jules Verne concept.
Skull rock and Peter Pan’s Pirate Ship at DISNEYLAND PARIS
Pirates of the Caribbean
Pirates is another attraction that feels familiar but isn’t exactly the same as its California counterpart.
I always recommend riding Disney attractions that exist at multiple parks because comparing them is half the fun!
Crush’s Coaster
Over in Disney Adventure World, Crush’s Coaster is one of the attractions I’d have on my list.
This spinning coaster is themed to Finding Nemo and is unique to Disneyland Paris.
I wish they had this in California Adventure! You ride with Crush from Finding Nemo in a turtle shell along the EAC. It's fast, it spins, it's fun! We waited about an hour for it, but it was worth it (and dry).
DRAGON UNDER SLEEPING BEAUTY'S CASTLE
Don’t Miss the Dragon Under Sleeping Beauty Castle!
THIS was one of my favorite discoveries at Disneyland Paris.
Sleeping Beauty Castle — Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant — is beautiful on its own.
But underneath it?
There’s a DRAGON.
Head underneath the castle into La Tanière du Dragon, where you’ll find a huge Audio-Animatronic dragon lurking in the cave.
I remember thinking this was SO COOL because there isn’t anything like it underneath Sleeping Beauty Castle in California.
It’s exactly the kind of detail that makes Disneyland Paris worth exploring instead of just running from ride to ride.
If you’re a Disneyland regular visiting Paris for the first time, DO NOT MISS THIS!
BONJOUR BUZZ! Toy Story Playland
Toy Story Playland
Elements of Disneyland Paris felt familiar from the Disney parks back home, but when we walked into Toy Story Playland and were greeted by a GIANT Buzz Lightyear saying “Bonjour,” Disneyland Paris definitely had its own unique charm!
The entire area makes you feel like you’ve been shrunk down to the size of a toy in Andy’s backyard, with oversized toys and larger-than-life details everywhere.
When we visited, we were kid-free, so we didn’t spend as much time on the rides here. Today, Toy Story Playland is part of Worlds of Pixar in Disney Adventure World, and you’ll still find Slinky Dog Zigzag Spin, Toy Soldiers Parachute Drop and RC Racer.
Funny enough, now that I’ve visited different Toy Story-themed lands around the world, I still love comparing them. Disneyland Paris was my first experience with Toy Story Playland, although I personally liked Hong Kong Disneyland’s version the best!
CAR'S LAND CORNER in Worlds of Pixar
What About the Cars Area?
Near Toy Story Playland, we also came across a little taste of Cars. It wasn’t anything like the full Cars Land at Disney California Adventure, but seeing familiar Cars theming in Paris was another fun Disney-parks-around-the-world moment.
This area has changed quite a bit since our visit. Today, the larger Worlds of Pixar area includes several Pixar-themed attractions, including Cars Quatre Roues Rallye and Cars ROAD TRIP, along with Toy Story Playland, Crush’s Coaster and Ratatouille: The Adventure.
If you’re used to Cars Land in California, don’t expect a Paris version of Radiator Springs. Instead, think of it as several Cars-inspired experiences within the much larger Worlds of Pixar area.
Radiator Spring Halloween Makeover Kids Activity
Cars fans at home: After going back through all of my Disney Cars photos while updating this guide, I ended up giving our own Radiator Springs playset a Halloween makeover! We used a few inexpensive pumpkins, lights, trees and spiderwebs to turn it into a mini Halloween town for less than $10.
Indiana Jones et le Temple du Péril - Outdoor roller coaster
Indiana Jones et le Temple du Péril
As a HUGE fan of the Indiana Jones Adventure at Disneyland in California, I was surprised when we came across Indiana Jones et le Temple du Péril at Disneyland Paris.
Despite the name, this is a completely different ride!
Instead of the dark indoor adventure you’ll find in California, Disneyland Paris’ Indiana Jones attraction is an outdoor roller coaster through ancient temple ruins. It actually reminded me more of the coaster-style thrills of Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom than California’s Indiana Jones ride.
It was definitely fun, but when we visited, Space Mountain: Mission 2 was my favorite of the two. Today, that attraction is called Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain, but if you’re trying to prioritize thrill rides, I’d put Hyperspace Mountain ahead of Indiana Jones.
California Disneyland fans: Don’t go into this one expecting the Indiana Jones Adventure you know from Anaheim. They’re VERY different attractions — which is also part of the fun of visiting Disneyland Paris!
Don't Miss the Disneyland Paris Drone Show!
One thing I REALLY wish had existed when we visited Disneyland Paris is the incredible nighttime drone technology they have today!
The newest show is Disney Cascade of Lights at Disney Adventure World. It takes place over Adventure Bay and combines more than 380 aerial and aquatic drones with fountains, water screens, projections, flames and other special effects.
I've seen videos of Disneyland Paris' drone shows all over social media, and they look AMAZING. This is definitely something I'd put on my list for a future trip!
Disney Cascade of Lights takes place in the evening and is included with valid admission to Disney Adventure World. Check the Disneyland Paris app for the showtime on the day of your visit, since schedules can change and the show may be affected by weather or technical conditions.
TIP: Disneyland Paris currently has TWO nighttime spectaculars — and you can't see both on the same night! Disney Cascade of Lights at Disney Adventure World takes place at the same time as Disney Tales of Magic over at Disneyland Park. If seeing both nighttime shows is important to you, Disney recommends planning at least two days.
What’s Different About Disneyland Paris vs. Disneyland California?
This was honestly one of my favorite parts of visiting.
Because I knew Disneyland California so well, I loved spotting all of the differences.
Disneyland Paris isn’t simply Disneyland transplanted to France.
The castle is different.
Big Thunder Mountain is different.
Space Mountain is VERY different. It has a loop!
Phantom Manor has its own story.
And then there are completely unique details like the dragon underneath the castle.
My advice?
Don’t skip an attraction simply because you’ve ridden the “same” ride in California or Florida.
Sometimes comparing the different versions is the most fun part!
🏰 Related Post: Guide to Hong Kong Disneyland
Halloween at Disneyland Paris
We happened to visit during the Halloween season, and I LOVED seeing Disneyland Paris decorated for fall!
There were pumpkins, ghosts, orange decorations and Halloween touches throughout the park. Looking back at these photos is actually one of my favorite parts of our trip.
And Halloween is still a BIG deal at Disneyland Paris.
For 2026, the Disney Halloween Festival runs September 26 through November 1 at Disneyland Park.
Disneyland Park gets covered in colorful pumpkins, lanterns and autumn decorations, particularly around Main Street, U.S.A. and Frontierland.
There are also special seasonal experiences, including:
Mickey’s Halloween Celebration
Disney Characters dressed for Halloween
Disney Villains
Jack Skellington and Sally on select dates
Halloween-inspired food and treats
Seasonal merchandise
Special Halloween decorations throughout Disneyland Park
And I especially love that Disneyland Paris describes its Halloween celebration as family-friendly rather than super scary.
If you already love fall and Halloween, I think this would be an especially fun time to plan a Disneyland Paris trip.
Our photos in this post show the Halloween decorations from our 2012 visit, so the exact decorations and entertainment you’ll see today will be different.
🎃 Related Post: Halloweentime at the Disneyland Resort
Can You Visit Disneyland Paris in One Day?
YES — that’s exactly what we did.
If you’re visiting Paris and mostly want a taste of Disneyland Paris, I think a day trip can absolutely work.
But there’s one big difference between our trip and visiting today:
Disneyland Paris has MUCH more to do now.
With the massive expansion of Disney Adventure World, trying to thoroughly experience both parks in a single day would be a lot.
If I were planning a first trip today, I’d think about it this way:
One day: Focus primarily on Disneyland Park and choose a few priorities at Disney Adventure World if you have a park-hopper ticket.
Two days: Much better if you really want to experience both parks.
Three days: Gives you time to slow down, repeat favorites and enjoy shows and entertainment without feeling like you’re racing through everything.
What Replaced FastPass at Disneyland Paris?
Here’s another major change from our visit.
When we went to Disneyland Paris, we used Disney’s old FastPass system.
That system is gone.
Disneyland Paris now uses Disney Premier Access, a paid service that allows you to access a faster queue at participating attractions.
There are different options, including Premier Access One for individual attractions and Premier Access Ultimate for access to multiple eligible attractions.
Because pricing and participating attractions can change, I’d check the Disneyland Paris app shortly before your trip rather than planning around an old list.
Food at Disneyland Paris
One of the places we ate during our visit was Restaurant Hakuna Matata in Adventureland.
We mainly ended up there because we were hungry, it was raining and we wanted something quick!
Funny enough, Restaurant Hakuna Matata is STILL THERE.
The menu has changed since our 2012 trip, so definitely don’t use my old meal as your current menu guide. Check the Disneyland Paris app for current restaurant menus and opening hours.
If I were planning another trip today, I’d also make dining reservations for any must-do table-service restaurants rather than waiting until we were hungry to figure out where to eat.
Paris Disneyland Hotel and mickey statue with floral arrangement
Disneyland Paris Tips for First-Time Visitors
Here are the biggest things I’d keep in mind when planning:
Download the Disneyland Paris app before your trip.
You’ll be able to see attraction wait times, show schedules, restaurant information and other current park details.
Don’t assume the rides are identical to Disneyland or Walt Disney World.
That’s part of the fun!
Give yourself time to explore the castle.
Don’t just take a picture in front and walk away. Go underneath it and FIND THE DRAGON.
Check attraction closures before your trip.
Disneyland Paris attractions can close for refurbishment, and you don’t want to discover that one of your must-do rides is unavailable after you arrive.
Prepare for weather.
We experienced plenty of rain during our trip. Paris weather can be unpredictable, so pack accordingly.
Consider two days if you want to see both parks.
Disneyland Paris has expanded considerably since our one-day trip.
If you love Halloween, consider visiting in the fall.
Disneyland Paris really embraces the season!
Is Disneyland Paris Worth It?
For a Disney fan?
I think so!
I wouldn’t necessarily sacrifice a huge chunk of a first-ever trip to Paris just to visit Disney. Paris has SO MUCH to see.
But if you have an extra day, you’re traveling with kids, or you’re a Disney fan who loves experiencing the different parks around the world, Disneyland Paris is an incredibly fun addition to a Paris itinerary.
For me, one of the best parts wasn’t simply riding Disney attractions.
It was discovering how DIFFERENT everything could be.
From Big Thunder Mountain’s island location to Phantom Manor and the dragon hiding underneath Sleeping Beauty Castle, Disneyland Paris has its own personality.
And now that Disney Adventure World has completely transformed the second park, there’s even more to experience than when we visited!
ENTRANCE TO WALT DISNEY STUDIOS
Disneyland Paris FAQ
Is Disneyland Paris close to Paris?
Disneyland Paris is outside central Paris in Marne-la-Vallée. The RER A train ride from central Paris takes about 40 minutes and arrives at Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy, right by Disneyland Paris.
How many parks are at Disneyland Paris?
There are two: Disneyland Park and Disney Adventure World, formerly Walt Disney Studios Park.
Is one day enough for Disneyland Paris?
You can absolutely visit Disneyland Paris as a day trip, especially if you focus on Disneyland Park. If you want to thoroughly experience both parks, I’d plan at least two days.
Is Disneyland Paris worth visiting if you’ve already been to Disneyland?
YES! That’s actually what made the experience so fun for me. Attractions like Big Thunder Mountain, Phantom Manor and Hyperspace Mountain are different from their U.S. counterparts, and Disneyland Paris has unique experiences like the dragon underneath Sleeping Beauty Castle.
When is Halloween at Disneyland Paris in 2026?
Disney Halloween Festival runs from September 26 through November 1, 2026 in Disneyland Park. The park features Halloween decorations, seasonal entertainment, Disney Characters and Villains, special treats and other Halloween experiences.
Is Disneyland Paris Halloween scary for kids?
Disneyland Paris describes its Halloween Festival as suitable for the whole family. Expect colorful pumpkins, cute ghosts, Disney Villains and playful Halloween decorations rather than a traditional haunted theme park experience.
What is Walt Disney Studios Park called now?
Walt Disney Studios Park officially became Disney Adventure World on March 29, 2026 as part of a major transformation and expansion of Disneyland Paris’s second park.
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DISNEYLAND PARIS GUIDE
How about more Paris and Disney Posts?
Planning a trip to Disneyland Paris? Discover the best things to do, must-ride attractions, Halloween highlights and what’s different from Disneyland California. I couldn’t stop taking photos along the way—there were so many unique Disney details to see!