Welcome to the most magical place on earth – Disneyland! As a parent, you want to make sure that your kids have the time of their lives, but with so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming. Fear not, for we have compiled the top 15 tips and tricks to make your family’s trip to Disneyland the best it can be! But, before you get to that, we’re also giving you some pointers to plan your trip to Disneyland Paris.
Preparing for Your Trip to Disneyland Paris
The key to a successful trip to Disneyland Paris with kids is preparation. Here are some things to consider before you leave:
- Choose the Right Time to Visit
Choosing the right time to visit Disneyland Paris can make all the difference. Consider factors such as school holidays, special events, and the weather. While visiting during peak season means longer queues and bigger crowds, it also means that there will be more events and activities to keep your kids entertained.
- Plan Your Itinerary
Planning your itinerary is essential when travelling with kids. Make a list of the attractions you want to visit, and plan your days accordingly. Consider booking fast passes for popular rides to avoid long queues.
- Pack Accordingly
Make sure you pack accordingly for your trip to Disneyland Paris. Bring comfortable shoes for walking, hats, sunscreen, and rain gear, depending on the weather forecast. Consider bringing a backpack with snacks, water, and other essentials for your kids.
The top 15 tips and tricks to make your family’s trip to Disneyland
1.Plan ahead
One of the most important things you can do is plan ahead. Before you even leave for Disneyland, research the park and make a list of the attractions you and your kids want to see. Make a rough schedule for each day, taking into account ride wait times, meal breaks, and parade times. This will help you make the most of your time in the park and reduce the stress of trying to decide what to do next.
2.Arrive early
The early bird gets the worm, or in this case, the shortest lines! Arrive at the park before it opens to avoid the crowds and long wait times for popular rides. Plus, you’ll have more time to explore before the midday heat sets in. Make sure to also take advantage of Magic Hour, where certain guests can enter the park an hour earlier than the general public.
3.Bring snacks and drinks
Bring snacks and drinks Food can be expensive at Disneyland, so pack your own snacks and drinks to save money and avoid hangry meltdowns. Pack easy-to-carry items such as granola bars, fruit, and water bottles. You can also bring a cooler and store it in a locker outside the park.
4.Take breaks
Disneyland can be overwhelming, especially for little ones. Make sure to take breaks throughout the day to rest, eat, and recharge. There are plenty of shaded areas, quiet corners, and benches to sit on throughout the park. You can also head back to your hotel for a nap and a swim before returning to the park later in the day.
5.Meet characters strategically
Meeting characters is one of the highlights of a Disneyland trip, but the lines can be long. Plan to meet characters during meal times or during parades when lines may be shorter. You can also download the Disneyland app to find out when and where characters will be appearing throughout the day.
6.Stay for the night-time shows
Disneyland’s night-time shows are not to be missed! Whether it’s the fireworks or the parade, make sure to stay until the end of the night to catch the spectacular displays. Find a good spot early and settle in with some snacks and drinks.
7.Use FastPass
FastPass is a great way to avoid long queues for popular rides. You can book FastPass tickets for certain attractions, which allow you to skip the regular queue and enter through a dedicated FastPass entrance. Be sure to book your FastPass tickets early in the day, as they are limited.
8.Take Advantage of Extra Magic Hours
If you are staying at a Disneyland Paris hotel, you can take advantage of Extra Magic Hours. This means that you can enter the park earlier than the general public and enjoy select attractions before the crowds arrive. Check the daily schedule for Extra Magic Hours, and plan your visit accordingly.
9.Book a Character Breakfast
A Character Breakfast is a great way to meet your favourite Disney characters without queuing. Enjoy a delicious breakfast while your kids get up close and personal with Mickey, Minnie, and friends. Character Breakfasts can be booked in advance, so be sure to do so. Kids will love it!
10.Take Breaks
Disneyland Paris can be overwhelming, especially for young children. Be sure to take breaks throughout the day to rest, hydrate, and recharge. Consider taking a mid-day break for lunch or a nap, and plan activities accordingly.
11.Bring Your Own Food and Water
Food and drinks can be expensive inside the park, so consider bringing your own snacks and water. You are allowed to bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks into Disneyland Paris, as long as they are not in glass containers.
12.Dress for Comfort
Comfort is key when visiting Disneyland Paris with kids. Dress your kids in comfortable clothes and shoes, and bring layers for changing weather conditions. Consider bringing a stroller or carrier for younger children, and be sure to label all your belongings.
13.Take Advantage of Child Swap
Child Swap is a great feature for families with younger children. This allows parents to take turns riding the more thrilling attractions while the other watches the children. Simply ask a Cast Member at the entrance of the attraction, and they will provide you with a Child Swap pass.
14.Download the Disneyland App
The Disneyland App is a valuable tool for parents visiting the park with their kids. It provides real-time information on attraction wait times, character meet and greet locations, show schedules, and dining options. You can also use the app to book dining reservations, view park maps, and even order food from select restaurants.
15.Bring a stroller or rent one at the park
If you have young children, a stroller is essential for navigating the park. It’s a great way to keep your little ones comfortable and save their energy for all the fun rides and attractions. You can either bring your own stroller or rent one at the park. Stroller rentals are available at the Disneyland Resort Main Entrance, and the cost is around £15 per day. Just make sure to keep your stroller tag with you at all times to avoid it being removed by park staff.
We hope these tips and tricks will help make your Disneyland trip a magical one! Remember to stay flexible and have fun – after all, it’s Disneyland!
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