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Disneyland Paris resort packages bundle your hotel, park tickets and often travel into one price, which can make planning simpler for UK families. Whether a package is cheaper than booking separately depends on dates, hotel choice and the extras you want, so it is worth comparing both. This guide covers how many days you need, when prices tend to be lower, how to get there from the UK and how to choose a hotel that suits your family.
Prices, hotel names and offers change frequently, so use this guide as a planning framework and check current details with the official resort or a trusted travel provider before you book.
How many days do I need?
Most families find two to three days a good starting point. With two parks and plenty of rides, shows and character meetings, a single day is rarely enough, and many people feel rushed. A three day visit gives time for both parks without trying to do everything.
- 1 day: only really suitable if you are short on time or staying nearby, and you will need to prioritise a few rides.
- 2 days: enough for the main attractions at a steady pace, with a day in each park.
- 3 days: a more relaxed visit, with time to repeat favourites, enjoy shows and take breaks.
- 4 days or more: suits families with young children who need rest, or those who want to add time in Paris.
Think about your children’s ages and stamina. Younger children often need a midday rest, and a shorter schedule with a break at the hotel can be more enjoyable than a rushed full day.
When is the cheapest time to go?
Prices are usually lower outside school holidays and busy event periods. Term time dates in the colder months, such as January and February, and some weeks in the autumn, are often cheaper, but the weather can be cold and some attractions may have limited hours or maintenance closures. Peak periods, including school holidays, Christmas and summer, tend to be more expensive and busier.
If you are tied to school holidays, booking early and comparing several providers helps. Check official resort calendars for events, special seasons and any planned closures, as these affect both price and experience. Our cheap holidays guide has general tips for finding better value, and our last minute holidays guide covers when a late deal makes sense.
Is a package cheaper than booking separately?
Sometimes, but not always. A package can be good value when it bundles hotel, park tickets and perhaps transport at a combined price, and it can also reduce the stress of coordinating several bookings. However, booking separately can be cheaper if you find a good hotel rate, use an off-site hotel or take advantage of flight and ticket offers.
- Compare the total price for the same dates, hotel and number of days.
- Check what is included, such as park tickets, breakfast, transfers and flights.
- Look at cancellation and change terms, as flexibility can be valuable with children.
- Consider off-site hotels, which can be cheaper but may need transport.
- Check financial protection for package holidays, such as ATOL where flights are included.
Use the same dates and room type when you compare, and add up everything you would pay, including transport and meals, to make a fair comparison.
How do I get there from the UK?
Families from the south of England commonly choose between the train, flying and driving.
- Train: a direct service connects London to the Paris area, and a connecting service reaches the resort. It can be convenient and straightforward with children, but fares vary, so book early and check current schedules.
- Flying: flights to Paris are frequent from UK airports. See our holidays from Gatwick guide for tips on planning departures from the south east.
- Driving: using the ferry or tunnel and driving on the continent can suit families with lots of luggage, but check driving rules, tolls and costs.
Allow time for transfers and check-in, and make sure everyone’s passports are valid for travel, with the correct validity requirements. Check current government guidance for entry rules before you go.
Which hotel is best for families?
The best hotel depends on your budget, the age of your children and how much walking you want to do. Official resort hotels often offer convenience and extras, such as early access or themed rooms, but they can cost more. Partner hotels and off-site hotels may offer lower prices, though you may need to use a shuttle or other transport.
- Budget: compare room rates and what is included, such as breakfast.
- Location: check how far the hotel is from the parks, and how you will get there.
- Room size: families may need connecting rooms or larger family rooms.
- Facilities: look for a pool, restaurant options and quiet areas for naps.
- Reviews: read recent guest reviews on independent sites for current information.
Tips for a smoother trip
- Plan your first morning, as arriving early often means shorter queues.
- Check the official app for wait times and show schedules.
- Pack comfortable shoes, rain layers and portable chargers.
- Bring snacks and water bottles where rules allow, to help with costs.
- Agree a meeting point in case anyone gets separated in a crowd.
- Take out travel insurance that covers cancellation and medical care.
Choosing the right time to visit
Disneyland Paris is busiest in school holidays and at weekends, so visiting on a quieter day can mean shorter queues. Winter and early spring can be quieter but cooler, while summer is warm but busier. Check the official calendar for event dates, seasonal shows and any closures, as these vary.
If you are travelling with young children, plan rest breaks and keep your first day flexible. Comfortable shoes, rain gear and snacks make a big difference.
How to compare package options
Packages can include hotel, tickets and sometimes travel. Compare what is actually included, such as park days, meals and transfers, and look at the total cost compared with booking separately. Check cancellation and change terms carefully.
Our cheap holidays guide covers general ways to save, and our city breaks guide is useful if you want to add time in Paris itself.
Before you travel
Check passport and entry requirements for your trip, and arrange travel insurance before you book anything non-refundable. If you are travelling from Gatwick, see our holidays from Gatwick guide for transport tips.
Planning for children of different ages
Disneyland Paris suits a wide age range, but the pace of the day changes with the children you bring. Younger children often enjoy character meetings, gentle rides and shows, while older children and teenagers may want the faster attractions. Check the official park information for height and age requirements before you set expectations, and build in breaks so nobody is exhausted by mid afternoon.
Packing and practical preparation
A little preparation makes a package trip far smoother. Comfortable shoes, a light waterproof layer and a portable phone charger are all sensible. Bring any medication and snacks you rely on, and check the current rules on what you can bring into the parks on the official website.
- Check your passport validity and any entry requirements well before departure.
- Take out suitable travel insurance for the whole family.
- Agree a meeting point in case anyone gets separated in a crowd.
- Download the official app, if available, to see opening times and queue information.
What to look for in the small print
Read exactly what your package includes before you pay. Compare whether park tickets cover every day of your stay, what the hotel offers around breakfast, and how transfers or travel are handled. Look at the cancellation and change terms, and check whether the booking is protected, for example by a recognised UK scheme. If anything is unclear, ask the provider to confirm in writing.
Frequently asked questions
Can I visit just for a day trip?
It is possible from some locations, but with travel time it is a very long day. A short break with at least one night is usually more enjoyable.
Do I need a passport?
Yes, UK travellers need a valid passport for international travel to France. Check the latest validity rules and any entry requirements on the official government website.
Are meals included in packages?
Some packages include breakfast or meal plans, but many do not. Check the details when you compare offers.
Is it suitable for toddlers?
Yes, many families visit with young children, but plan for rest and check height requirements for attractions.
What about Paris itself?
You can add days in Paris to your visit. Read our city breaks guide for tips on planning a city stay.
Making the most of your days at the resort
A little planning helps you get more from a Disneyland Paris trip. Decide your must do rides and shows before you arrive, check the official app for opening times, and agree as a family which attractions matter most. Many families find it works well to do the busiest rides early or late in the day, when queues can be shorter, and leave quieter attractions for the middle of the day.
- Check height requirements in advance so children are not disappointed.
- Plan meal times, as popular restaurants can fill quickly.
- Take a lightweight rain poncho, as showers are common outside summer.
- Use baby care and rest facilities if you are visiting with young children.
- Keep tickets, hotel confirmation and ID easily accessible on your phone and on paper.
- Allow extra time on departure day for luggage, transport and check out.
Finally, build in slack. Children tire easily, weather changes and queues vary, so a relaxed schedule usually leads to a happier holiday than a tightly packed one.
Offers, prices and rules change, so always check current information with the resort and your travel provider before booking.