We just got back from our very first visit to Disneyland Paris! As Walt Disney World frequenters, we went into this trip with low expectations (as recommended by many people). And honestly, overall we were pleasantly surprised with how much we enjoyed it! I wanted to make a post of must-do’s for anyone who is currently planning a trip or considering going themselves. While DLP isn’t as sprawling as WDW, you still can’t do and see it all in just one day.
If you haven’t already, check out my Ultimate Guide to Disneyland Paris for Americans. And click here to watch our vlog of our first day in DLP. Without further delay, here are the things as Americans we think are MUST-DO’s at Disneyland Paris!
Before You Go: Key Things to Book
If you’re visiting Disneyland Paris, these are the things I recommend booking before your trip:
- Disneyland Paris Hotels – I’d highly recommend staying at a Disney-owned, on property hotel
- Park Tickets – Book your tickets ahead of time, since they do sell out
- Paris → DLP Transportation – We used this private service to head from our Paris hotel to DLP and it was fantastic!
1. Must-Do Hotels: Disney-Owned Hotels
Just like at Disney World, I recommend staying at a Disney-owned hotel at Disneyland Paris. There are options for every budget, plus the ease of getting into the parks and the extra magic hour in the morning makes it worth it! That extra hour in the morning allows you to get so much done without the stress of large crowds.
To have quickest access to the parks, opt for the Disneyland Hotel, Hotel New York, or Newport Bay Club.
2. Must-Do Show: TOGETHER: A Pixar Musical Adventure
One thing we were excited for at Disneyland Paris was the stage shows. We had heard a lot about The Lion King show at DLP, which in our opinion was good, but not great. However, the Pixar musical, TOGETHER, was amazing! It features a live band, a unique storyline, stunning costumes, and some awesome choreography. It was truly unlike anything we have in America, which is part of the reason why I loved it.
This show also offers paid guaranteed seating, which I would HIGHLY recommend! Even when we went during the slower months, all of the shows we saw were packed, and they can turn you away if you’re in the stand-by queue. If you do not have the guaranteed seating I’d recommend arriving at least 45 minutes early.
Unlike in the American parks, it’s common practice for DLP shows to go on extended breaks throughout the year – but often they come back! That being said, this show will break from mid-April through July according to Disneyland Paris’s website. But if this show is on during your trip – don’t miss it!
3. Must-Do Restaurant: Walt’s Restaurant
When researching for this trip, we were told not to expect a ton from Disneyland Paris food, which I agree with. But we were also told the best food at DLP was at Walt’s Restaurant, so we knew we had to go.
Walt’s is an “American” restaurant dedicated to Walt Disney’s favorite dishes. The menu includes explanations of how each dish is connected to Walt, which I loved. I’ll be writing a full review soon, but this is truly a must-do!
The food was all delicious and the ambiance was great. The restaurant is on the top level of Main Street and the decor and ambiance mirror that as well. Plus, you get three courses for only €55. Highly recommend!
4. Must Do Rides: Unique to Disneyland Paris
While we are Walt Disney World frequenters, we’ve been to Disneyland California a few times as well. One thing we always have on our must-do list is to go on rides that are unique to that park, or differ slightly from WDW. Disneyland Paris has plenty of rides that fall under this list!
Here are ones I think you won’t want to miss:
-Hyperspace Mountain (goes upside down!)
-Tower of Terror (creepier than WDW)
-Pirates of the Caribbean (overall similar but their’s is better)
-Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril (outdoor coaster)
-Crush’s Coaster (a bit overrated but still a must-do)
-Phantom Manor (ride it at night)
5. Must-Do Walk-Through Attractions: All of Them!
Disneyland Paris was filled with walk-through attractions, which is something we don’t see a ton of at Disney World. We personally love exploring things like this and really enjoyed these elements of DLP. Here are a few you don’t want to miss:
-La Tanière du Dragon (the animatronic dragon under the castle)
-Les Mystères du Nautilus (20,000 Leagues Under the Sea walk-through)
-Alice’s Curious Labyrinth (hedge maze)
-Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough (go into the castle and up the stairs)
-Le Passage Enchanté d’Aladdin (the story of Aladdin)
-Adventure Isle (explore caverns and suspension bridges)
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I hope you enjoyed this post and found it helpful! Whether you’re actively planning a trip to Disneyland Paris or just dreaming, feel free to reach out with your questions. While I am no expert on DLP, I think getting help from a fellow American tourist can be super helpful. Be sure to subscribe to my email list to be notified the next time I post. And find me over on Instagram.
Cheers!
xoxo
Jayme
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