Disneyland Paris is a magical destination for families. From the moment you arrive, the magic is everywhere – whether it’s meeting Mickey and Minnie Mouse, catching a first glimpse of the Sleeping Beauty Castle, enjoying the attractions or the pure joy of watching your children’s faces as they explore the parks, it’s certain that you will make memories to last a lifetime.
Here are 10 fantastic things to do with kids that are sure to make your visit unforgettable!
1 | Stay at a Disney Hotel on-site
Staying in one of the onsite Disney hotels is a real treat at Disneyland Paris and we love staying onsite with our children. With 6 hotels to choose from you can stay at the heart of the action and enjoy a magical Disney experience – check out the Disneyland Paris hotels here!
Check Disneyland Paris Hotel prices here!
There are so many benefits of staying at a Disneyland Paris hotel making it well worth staying onsite:
Extra Magic Time: one of the greatest perks of staying onsite at Disneyland Paris is Extra Magic Time. As a Disney hotel guest, you are granted early access to both Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park an hour before the regular opening time.
Hotel Character Meets: another awesome perk is the hotel-specific meet and greets. Every morning or evening, a Disney character visits 4 of the onsite hotels to meet with guests. Disney Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel and Disneyland Hotel have exclusive meet and greets with timed slots for their hotel guests.
Walk to park/free shuttle: we love being able to walk to and from both of the Disneyland Paris Parks. Disneyland Paris’ Disneyland Hotel is right at the entrance to Disneyland Park and The Art of Marvel is less than 10 minutes walk, Newport and Sequoia are a 10 to 15-minute walk and Cheyenne and Santa Fe are around 15 minutes. The hotels all run frequent (and free) shuttles to and from the park if you prefer the bus option – the shuttles usually run every 12 minutes.
2. Watch the Parade
Catch one of the daily parades that bring Disney magic to life. There are beautifully decorated floats, beloved characters, and enchanting music and performances. This is a must-see experience where kids can marvel at their favourite characters in a vibrant, lively atmosphere.
The parades are dependent on when you visit but recent highlights have included the Disney Stars on Parade and the special seasonal Halloween and Christmas parades.
What to Do:
- Arrive early to grab a good viewing spot. We love the Central Plaza in front of the Castle and along Main Street, U.S.A.
- Encourage your kids to wave at the characters as they pass by — they might even wave back!
Recommended Age: All ages
3. Meet Disney Characters, Marvel Super Heroes and Disney Princesses!
Meeting Disney characters is a highlight for many children. Whether it is Mickey or Minnie Mouse, Darth Vader, a Disney Princess or Spider-Man, character meet-and-greets provide an unforgettable experience that will leave your kids starstruck.
What to Do:
- Check the Disneyland Paris app for up-to-date character meet-and-greet schedules.
- Visit designated meet and greet locations like the Princess Pavilion and Meet Mickey Mouse in Fantasyland for magical photo opportunities.
- Character dining offers a fantastic opportunity to meet Disney characters or Princesses.
- Bring an autograph book and a camera for keepsakes – you will also find PhotoPass photographers at many of the meet and greets.
Recommended Age: All ages
4. Explore Alice’s Curious Labyrinth
This whimsical maze in Fantasyland is perfect for little ones to run, laugh, and explore. Based on Alice in Wonderland, it’s a playful adventure through hedged pathways, quirky statues, and delightful surprises.
What to Do:
- Challenge your kids to find their way to the Queen of Hearts’ castle.
- Enjoy the views of Fantasyland from the castle’s lookout.
Recommended Age: under 5’s
5. Enjoy Magnificent Stage Shows
A variety of captivating stage shows are performed at Disneyland Paris and these are a wonderful way to see all your Disney favourites as they star on the stage. Kids and adults alike will be mesmerized by these Disney productions.
What to Do:
- Don’t miss The Lion King: Rhythms of the Pride Lands, Together: a Musical Adventure or Mickey and the Magician for incredible live performances.
- Frozen: a Musical Invitation is a wonderful experience for Frozen fans.
- Arrive early to secure good seats.
Recommended Age: 2+
6 | Ride the Disneyland Railroad
Hop aboard the Disneyland Paris Railroad for a lovely journey around the park. Departing from stations in Main Street, U.S.A., or Frontierland, this leisurely ride offers a unique perspective of the park as it passes iconic attractions like Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril and Pirates of the Caribbean. This classic Disney experience is perfect for families wanting to relax while soaking in the magic.
Recommended Age: All ages
7. Have Fun in Worlds of Pixar
In Walt Disney Studios Park, Worlds of Pixar has an area dedicated to Toy Story and attractions themed to Finding Nemo, Ratatouille and Cars.
The Toy Story area is one of our favourite parts of the park and is designed to make guests feel like they’ve shrunk to the size of a toy and are part of Andy’s collection! There are themed attractions – Slinky Dog Zigzag Spin and Toy Soldiers Parachute Drop – and character meet and greets.
What to Do:
- Snap photos with the giant Rex and Buzz Lightyear.
- Ride Cars Quatre Roues Rallye and Cars ROAD trip, both are a treat for Cars fans.
- Head over to Disneyland Park for more Toy Story fun on Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast.
Recommended Age: all ages
8. Explore Sleeping Beauty Castle
Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant is the crown jewel of Disneyland Paris. Located at the end of Main Street, U.S.A., this fairytale castle encapsulates the magic of Disneyland Paris.
What to Do:
- Visit La Galerie de la Belle au Bois Dormant upstairs to see stunning stained glass windows telling the story of Sleeping Beauty.
- Dare to venture into the dungeon to find the massive animatronic dragon lurking beneath the castle.
- Snap iconic family photos in front of the castle for memories that last a lifetime.
Recommended Age: All ages
9. Ride the Child-Friendly Attractions
Disneyland Paris is a treasure trove of child-friendly attractions that ensure even the youngest guests have an unforgettable time. Gentle rides like It’s a Small World and Dumbo the Flying Elephant are perfect for babies and toddlers, while interactive experiences such as Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast engage children of all ages.
Don’t miss Fantasyland’s classic carousel, Le Carrousel de Lancelot, or the whimsical train ride on Casey Jr. – Le Petit Train du Cirque, the perfect first rollercoaster. These attractions are designed to delight and entertain families together.
Recommended Age: All ages
10. End the Day with Disney Illuminations
Wrap up your Disneyland Paris visit with the breathtaking Disney Illuminations show. Featuring fireworks, projections, and music, it’s the perfect way to close out a magical day.
What to Do:
- Find a viewing spot near Sleeping Beauty Castle for the best experience.
- As a special treat, we purchase tickets to the reserved fireworks viewing area so our children are guaranteed a great view of the fireworks. The reserved area regularly sells out so make sure to reserve early – Disney hotel guests can book a spot as part of their package and reservations open to all other guests 7 days in advance.
- Bundle up with blankets or jackets for added comfort during cooler evenings.
Recommended Age: All ages
Pro Tips for Families with Kids
- Download the Disneyland Paris App: Stay updated on wait times, schedules, and maps.
- Use the Disney Premier Access Service: Skip the lines for popular attractions and maximize your time in the parks.
- Plan Around Peak Times: Visit off-peak or utilise the early or late hours in the day to avoid crowds and enjoy shorter queues.
- Bring Snacks and Water: Keep energy levels high and avoid unnecessary waits at food carts.
