Disneyland Paris from Manchester: Halloween & Christmas Travel Deals

We have chosen a selection of low priced Disneyland Paris deals for Halloween and Christmas, all departing from Manchester.  Prices start at just £104 per person per night  which includes flights, hotel, breakfast and Disneyland Paris Tickets!!

Keep reading to get all the details!

How to go to Disneyland Paris for Cheap

The cheapest way to visit Disneyland Paris is to build your own trip, purchasing flights, booking a hotel and then adding Disneyland Paris tickets separately.

We've handpicked some deals for the upcoming months to give you some inspiration. On our Disneyland Paris page you can search and build a trip to suit your own dates. 

We also have a selection of guides where we give you our top tips for doing Disneyland Paris on a Budget 

Don't forget to check out our blog listing everything new that's coming to Disneyland Paris in 2025/26- there's some really exciting new attractions and developments happening!

Best Time of Year to Visit Disneyland Paris

The answer is anytime!

All year there is something different going on at Disneyland Paris, so there really is no 'best time' to go.

From 1st October to 2nd November 2025 the Halloween season in full swing.

This is followed shortly by Christmas, which is 8th November 2025 to 6th January 2026. 

Of Course from June to September, you have the benefit of the warmer days and the Parks staying open later too. 

Throughout the year Disneyland Paris also offer various other spectacular's that are for a limited periods such as themed parades, drone shows and musical theatre productions. 

For more info on the best times to visit check our our blog here

Disneyland Paris Castle What type of ticket options at Disneyland Paris Prices of tickets

New night time show in Disney Adventure World 

 

Cheapest time to go to Disneyland Paris

In terms of price, the cheapest times to go to Disneyland Paris are usually January-March (excluding February Half Term), early October, November and early December. 

We've put together a selection of deals below to include a range of seasons and prices.

Getting From the Airport

In this particular post, the deals are all departing from Manchester Airport.

There are two main airports that serve Disneyland Paris- Charles De Gaulle and Orly. 

Both airports are roughly the same distance to Disneyland Paris by road (50 mins) and both offer Magic Shuttle Transfers. 

From CDG you can also get the TGV high speed train from Terminal 2  which takes 10 mins and arrives directly at the park gates (Marne-la-Vallee-Chessy). The train must be booked in advance and costs approximately £15-£20 per person each way. 

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How it Works

Build a Break is a self serve platform that provides readers with the ability to search for various elements such as flights, accommodations, activities, and services that they can book at their convenience.

We occasionally find and publish deals that we think may interest you, like the ones below.  

When using Build a Break, no elements are booked through our site. Your relationship for booking these elements is solely with the respective suppliers. We may receive a small commission in exchange for their promotion, which helps to support our site. Please note prices are correct at time of publish, however, they are subject to change at any point. 

*All prices were last checked and updated 12:00pm BST 5th July 2025- prices are subject to change and will fluctuate. 

All prices quoted do not include luggage or seats together. EasyJet usually sit families together at no extra as long as you check in 30 days before hand, however this is not guaranteed.

For short breaks, especially in summer, with some clever packing tricks a backpack can be enough and save you £££'s. Luggage can be added at an extra cost.

Halloween Deals to Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris Halloween Deals
Disneyland Paris Halloween Deals

Christmas Deals to Disneyland Paris

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disneyland paris christmas

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Prices are correct are the time of Publish.  Build a Break is a platform that provides clients with the ability to search for various elements such as flights, accommodations, activities, and services that they can book for their convenience. It is important to note that when using Build a Break, no elements are directly booked through our site. Your relationship for booking these elements is solely with the respective supplier. Build a Break acts as a facilitator in connecting you with the desired services, ensuring a seamless booking experience. 

Please note that Build a Break is not responsible for any cancellations, alterations, or failures to supply by the third-party suppliers that you choose to book through our platform. While we strive to connect you with reputable and reliable service providers, any issues regarding the services provided, including but not limited to cancellations, modifications, or quality of service, should be addressed directly with the supplier in question. Build a Break serves as a means to facilitate bookings and does not assume any liability or responsibility for the actions or omissions of the suppliers.

How to Get the TGV from CDG Airport to Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris is one of the most accessible Disney resorts in the world, thanks to its proximity to major transport hubs like Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). 

If you’re flying into CDG airport and want to jump straight into the magic, the TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) is the fastest way to get to Disneyland Paris- taking an impressive 9 minutes, with the station exit being directly next to Disneyland Paris Park gates!

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Road options to Disneyland Paris via hire car, Bolt/Uber or private transfer take approximately 50 minutes, to travel the 46km journey. 

The regular metro (RER), is cheaper but it will take you around 1hr 20 mins. 

Just a quick note before we begin- some posts on this blog contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely love or believe will be helpful in your trip planning journey. Thanks for supporting my work and happy planning!

How to Get the TGV from Charles De Gaulle Airport to Disneyland Paris

Step 1: Arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport

Once you’ve landed at CDG and cleared passport control, follow the signs to the TGV/RER station. 

The TGV station is located in Terminal 2, so if you’re arriving at a different terminal, you may need to use the airport shuttle service to get there.

how to get to Disneyland Paris from CDG Airport

For Terminal 1 or 3 arrivals: Take the free CDGVAL shuttle train to Terminal 2.

Look for the signs marked “Gare SNCF” (French for train station).

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Step 2: Buy Your TGV Ticket

You can purchase your TGV ticket in advance or upon arrival. Tickets can be bought: 

Online: Through the official SNCF website or apps like Omio/Trainline.

At the Station: Use ticket machines or visit the ticket counter.

Cost: TGV tickets to Disneyland Paris typically range from €17 to €35, depending on how far in advance you book.

where is the train station in charles de gaulle airport

The train station name for Disneyland Paris is Marne-la-Vallée Chessy. At peak times there is up to 3 trains an hour, however, for most parts of the day, there is just one TGV an hour. 

Personally, I would only recommend purchasing your TGV ticket after clearing security and being in terminal 2. Train tickets are purchased for specific trains and aren't refundable or transferable. CDG airport is very large and of course, it can be very hard to reliably predict just what time you will land. 

For return journeys back to the airport, I would recommend purchasing in advance to save money.

Step 3: Board the TGV Train

Once you have your ticket, check the departure boards for your train to Marne-la-Vallée Chessy.

Travel Time: 9 minutes – the TGV is the fastest train in France, reaching speeds of up to 320 km/h (200 mph). Don't worry about finding a seat, Disneyland Paris is literally the next stop! 

Luggage: There’s plenty of space for suitcases and pushchairs. 

Comfort: TGV trains are modern, spacious, and comfortable. 

how to get the high speed train to disneyland paris

Step 4: Arrive at Marne-la-Vallée Chessy Station

The train stops directly at Marne-la-Vallée Chessy, the official station for Disneyland Paris.

Exit the station, and you’ll find yourself at the heart of the resort. Disneyland Park, Walt Disney Studios Park, and Disney Village are all just a few minutes’ walk away. This is literally the quickest way to reach Disneyland Paris!

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Benefits of Taking the TGV to Disneyland Paris

Speed: At 9 minutes, it’s the fastest way to get to Disneyland Paris

Convenience: No need to deal with road traffic or transfers

Stress-Free: The station is right in the heart of Disneyland Paris, so there’s no additional travel required.

Price: The TGV is the cheapest way to get to Disneyland Paris for a solo traveller, if you exclude the regular RER, which takes you to central Paris, before bringing you back to Disneyland Paris- not an option I would personally consider. 

how to get the TGV train from Paris airport to Disneyland

Why Consider a Private Transfer to Disneyland Paris Instead of the TGV?

While the TGV is undoubtedly fast, a private transfer offers several advantages that might make it the better choice for certain travellers: 

Flexibility for Delayed Flights: Unlike the TGV, where missing your train may mean buying a new ticket, private transfer drivers typically monitor your flight and wait for you if you’re delayed. This eliminates the stress of rushing through the airport. 

Convenience of Pre-booking: A private transfer can be booked well in advance, giving you peace of mind that your ride is sorted before your trip begins. As mentioned earlier, we wouldn't recommend pre-booking your outbound TGV trip. 

Cost-Effective for Larger Families: For families or groups, private transfers often work out cheaper than buying individual TGV tickets. Prices average around €80 per party, making it an economical option for larger groups. 

Ease for Travelers with Small Children or Disabilities: Navigating the TGV with pushchairs, wheelchairs, and luggage can be challenging, particularly if you’re managing steps to board the train. Private transfers allow you to load everything directly into the car with assistance from the driver, requiring minimal effort from the passenger. 

A Restful Start for Young Children: The journey in a private transfer often allows young children to nap, helping them arrive at Disneyland Paris rested and less cranky- an essential benefit for a smooth start to your magical adventure and one reason why we always chose a private transfer, over the TGV when our children were small.

Door-to-Door Service: A private transfer takes you directly from the airport to your hotel or Disneyland Paris gates, skipping the need for any further navigation or walking with your luggage. If you're not wishing to go straight in to the parks, from taking the TGV, you'd then need to get a hotel shuttle, walk or take a taxi to your accommodation. 

Final Thoughts

Arrive Early: Give yourself extra time to find the TGV platform, especially if it’s your first time at CDG.

Check Schedules: TGV trains don’t run as frequently as local trains, so plan ahead.

Pack Light: If possible, pack efficiently for easier boarding and disembarking.

 

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When is the Best Time to Visit Disneyland Paris?

As a family who has visited Disneyland Paris on 18 occasions at the last count, we’ve explored the park during every season, and experienced its magical events like Halloween and Christmas. 

Disneyland Paris Castle What type of ticket options at Disneyland Paris Prices of tickets

We were also annual pass holders for a period, so we know the perks and challenges that each month can bring.

Disneyland Paris is a special destination all year round, but each month brings unique advantages and some drawbacks. 

If you’re wondering when is the best time to visit Disneyland Paris in 2025, or which months are best for affordability or avoiding crowds, this guide will help you plan the perfect trip.

Just a quick note before we begin- some posts on this blog contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely love or believe will be helpful in your trip planning journey. Thanks for supporting my work and happy planning!

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Seasons at Disneyland Paris

 

Disneyland Paris operates several seasonal events that add extra magic to your visit. Usually the theming is far more prominent in the Disneyland Park, than the studios. You'll find the majority of the themed meet and greets, shows and parades in the main park. In the Studio's you'll find more subtle decorations and their normal scheduling. 

If you only have one day to visit Disneyland during one of the special seasons,  it may be worth considering just visiting the Disneyland Park for this reason. 

Here’s a breakdown of the key events: that you can usually being celebrated in the Parks. 

1. Halloween at Disneyland Paris

Halloween Season usually starts around 1st October and lasts until early November. The park transforms with spooky decorations, special parades, and character meet-and-greets in Halloween costumes. This is a popular time to visit, especially on weekends, with crowds peaking closer to Halloween itself.

Halloween at Disneyland Paris

We usually visit during the first week of the Disney Paris Halloween celebrations for a number of reasons. We find the parks to be relatively quiet, prices are cheaper and so far, on every occasion, the weather has been lovely. It tends to be comfortable 18-21 degrees most days, meaning it's still t-shirt weather, which just requires a sweater at night. 

Towards the end of October the temperature drops and crowds grow (plus prices rise!). 

Which Characters are out at Disneyland Paris for Halloween?

Pumpkin Jack at Disneyland Paris Halloween

The main characters that are out for Halloween are Stitch, Pumpkin Jack, along with the expected classic characters such as Mickey and Goofy all wearing their Halloween attire.  

You'll also find lots of villains throughout the parks including Captain Hook, Anastasia and Drizella, Lady Tremaine, The Evil Queen, Maleficent and Dr Facilier to name a few. 

Specific characters are not guaranteed but it gives you an idea of who has been out in previous years.

During meet and greets at Halloween, each character usually hands out a packet of small Haribo's to each guest too. It's not like the Trick-or-Treating you see in the American parks but it's a nice touch. 

Halloween Disneyland Paris characters
which characters are out in Disneyland Paris at Halloween?

On Halloween itself (31st October), in the past Disneyland Paris has offered special tickets allowing re-entry to the park after closing time for a Halloween party.

For the last two years however, the ticket you purchase for entry on 31st October allows you to experience a full day at Disney with the celebrations now included. Disneyland Paris Park usually extends its opening hours on Halloween itself, and typically closes around 11pm. 

Halloween snacks at Disneyland Paris

Halloween Snacks & Merchandise at Disneyland Paris

Of course, with every main season at Disneyland Paris, there is also themed snacks. These of course, usually change each year but typically Halloween Disneyland Paris snacks consist of pumpkin themed cakes and biscuits, ghoulish toffee apples and unusually coloured burger buns. 

In terms of Halloween merchandise at Disneyland Paris, there are usually Halloween inspired ears, Mickey Pumpkin Trick or Treat buckets and specially themed Halloween themed popcorn buckets which are often in demand with collectors. 

We've had our buckets now about 8 years and they still come out every Halloween. 

Halloween treats and snacks merchandise available at Disneyland Paris
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2. Christmas at Disneyland Paris

Christmas Season at Disneyland Paris starts around the 9th November and ends early January, dates vary each year.

A festive atmosphere fills the park with lights, Christmas parades, themed shows, and a giant Christmas tree on Main Street. The Christmas season is one of the busiest times of the year, with accommodation and ticket prices reflecting the demand.

For the best prices at Christmas, November usually is much lower with weekdays coming out the cheapest. 

Which Characters are out at Disneyland Paris at Christmas?

At Christmas you'll see a range of characters, in their Christmas finery, available to meet and greet.

This year we've seen Winnie the Pooh, Chip & Dale, Goofy all in Christmas outfits. Then Jack Skellington has been available outside of Phantom Manor. Christmas at Disneyland Paris also means that Santa Claus is available to meet- this is located in Videopolis, Discoveryland. 

Other non-Christmas themed characters in the main park include Baloo near to the Hakuna Matata resturant and characters from Alice in Wonderland, have been near the Tea Cups in Fantasyland.  

You'll also find meet and greets available in the studios for Spiderman and Toy Story favourites. 

Christmas at Disneyland Paris Disneyland Paris Christmas Parade

In the Christmas parade you'll also see more characters and this year they've included Mickey, Pluto, Stitch and Tinkerbell to start the parade. There is a float with various princesses on and others walking behind- it was Snow White, Aurora and Cinderella on the float and Tiana, Rapunzel, Jasmine and Ariel walking behind on our visit. There was also the fairy godmothers from Cinderella and Scrooge with Huey, Dewey and Louie.  

Shows at Disneyland Paris this Christmas

Shows at Disneyland Paris for xmas dates disneyland paris christmas
Let's Sing Christmas at Disneyland Paris

Shows at Christmas include Let's Sing Christmas, Princess Aurora's Magical Wish, Holiday Gathering and Let's Sing Christmas. 

Included in the scheduling this year is also Mickey and the Magician, Minnie's Musical Moment, Together: A Pixar Musical,  Lion King: Rhythms of the Pride Lands. 

Christmas Snacks and Merchandise at Disneyland Paris

As with Halloween, Disneyland Paris has special snacks and treats along with themed merch especially for Christmas. 

Treats this year include special Gingerbread Men, Minnie and Mickey themed Cookies, Cake Pops and Toffee Apples- it's all about the red and white!

Merchandise at Christmas includes lots of bakeware, food treats and kitchen items. There's also lots of themed Christmas plushes, ears and decorations.   

Disneyland Paris actually has a Christmas themed shop that is open all year long too!

Disneyland Paris snacks christmas
Photo Credit Andi'sMagicn'Snacks on Tik Tok

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3. Spring at Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris sometimes hosts special events in the spring, such as “Swing into Spring,” featuring colourful flower displays, spring-themed parades, and character appearances. These are typically between March to May. 

These aren't as big as Halloween and Christmas, but you'll still find some special theming around the parks. 

swing into Spring Disneyland Paris
swing into Spring Disneyland Paris

In the past, there has been lots of flower displays around the parks, Spring themed parades and unique meet and greets that don't happen at other times of year. 

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Marie Aristocats at Disneyland Paris

Characters in Spring have included Thumper and Miss Bunny, Marie and the Aristocats and Mary Poppins with Bert and the penguins. 

As more information is released, we will update this section with what is on offer, at Disneyland Paris in Spring 2025. 

At the moment Disneyland Paris' first music festival is scheduled to run between 19th April to 7th September 2025. Disney and Pixar characters will take to the stage for live concerts and dance shows, celebrating Disney's Greatest Hits. 

To stay updated on what's new at Disneyland Paris, check out our Disney News blog below.

Summer at Disneyland Paris

Summer at Disneyland Paris, typically has no real theming despite it being the busiest time for the parks.  In the past they have done Frozen Summer- which included a special Frozen show and Frozen themed slushes and cake lollies. 

Summer is a fantastic time to visit, as you're more-or-less guaranteed great weather. However, in the past we have been during heat waves and it's been unbearable for the kids. I think our 'hottest' visit was around 34 degrees celcius.  Spring and September/October can be more pleasant. 

You'll also find that Summer is the most expensive season and the busiest, with longer ride wait times. 

Disneyland Paris in Summer
Visiting Disneyland Paris in Summer

As mentioned above Disneyland Paris' first music festival is scheduled to run between 19th April to 7th September 2025, so there should be lots of new shows and theming around the parks for this. 

The cheapest Time to go to Disneyland Paris

If you’re looking for the cheapest time to visit Disneyland Paris, avoid school holidays and peak seasons. Here are the months that typically offer the best deals:

January (after the holidays) to Mid-February: Once children go back to school after the Christmas break, ticket prices and accommodation rates drop significantly until the February half-term. This is one of the quietest times to visit.

October (early in the month): Before the Halloween crowds fully arrive, early October can offer good value and relatively lower crowd levels.

June: While still in the summer period, June offers lower prices compared to July and August, which are peak holiday months.

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Most of November: After Halloween but before the Christmas season kicks in, November sees lower prices, except for weekends when some early Christmas events may draw more visitors.

Early December: Before the holiday rush intensifies, the start of December can be a nice window for lower prices and fewer crowds, while still enjoying some festive decorations.

Tickets and Accommodation at Disneyland Paris

Ticket prices and accommodation rates vary greatly depending on the time of year. Off-peak times, such as January, early October, and mid-week in November, will give you the best prices. You can often save even more by booking packages that include hotel stays and park tickets, especially if you book in advance.

Staying in an official Disney hotel comes with perks like early park access, but if you’re on a budget, consider off-site hotels, which often provide free shuttles to the parks and can be much cheaper. Comparing different travel dates and being flexible with your plans will help you save significantly.

Weather At Disneyland Paris

Weather can be a significant factor when planning your trip so it’s important to know how the seasons affect your experience:

Winter (November to February): The coldest months, with temperatures ranging from 2°C to 10°C (36°F to 50°F). Rainfall is common, so pack for wet and chilly conditions, especially if you’re visiting during the Christmas season. While the park looks magical during the holidays, keep in mind that some outdoor rides may be less enjoyable in cold, rainy weather.

when is it hot at Disneyland Paris?

Spring (March to May): Temperatures range from 8°C to 16°C (46°F to 60°F), and while rain is still possible, this is a more pleasant time to visit, especially as flowers bloom and outdoor areas come to life.

Summer (June to August): Warmer months with temperatures from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). Rain is less frequent, but the crowds increase significantly, especially during French school holidays in July and August.

Autumn (September to October): Temperatures cool down to 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F), with a chance of rain, but early autumn can still be quite pleasant for outdoor activities.

what happens when it rains at Disneyland Paris

What happens if it's raining at Disneyland Paris? 

It is very rare that rides close during wet weather. The parks tend to continue as normal. It needs to be pretty extreme to effect the scheduling. 

At writing, this week Disneyland Paris has closed some rides and attractions due to the snow- I can't tell you how pleased I was that we went last week instead!

Are there still fireworks at Disneyland Paris if it rains?

On a whole yes there are! As above it has to be pretty extreme weather for them to be cancelled. 

Which Park at Disneyland Paris is better when it rains?

Personally, I'd say Disneyland Studios due to the amount of shows available in this park, giving you the opportunity to shelter inside. The Studios is also smaller, with rides and attractions located closer together. 

What is the Busiest Time to Visit Disneyland Paris

If you prefer avoiding crowds, steer clear of these busy periods:

School Holidays (French, UK, and other European countries): These are the most crowded times, especially during summer (July-August), Easter, and Christmas/New Year.

Halloween (Late October) and Christmas (December weekends): These are peak times with high demand for tickets and accommodation. The parks can become quite crowded, particularly during special event days.

National Holidays and Bank Holidays: Be mindful of both French and neighbouring countries’ public holidays, as they can cause a surge in visitors.

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The least busy days at Disneyland Paris are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. With the quietest months to go to Disneyland Paris being mid Jan to mid march. 

The Best Time to Visit Disneyland Paris in 2025

So, when is the best time to visit Disneyland Paris? It depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re aiming for lower prices and fewer crowds, January to mid-February and early October are excellent choices. 

If you’re after special seasonal events, you can’t beat the magic of Halloween or Christmas, though be prepared for larger crowds and higher costs. 

If you prefer milder weather and a less crowded experience, March, April (excluding Easter), and June are your best bet.

Ultimately, each month brings its own set of advantages and challenges, but with some planning, you can make the most of your Disneyland Paris adventure!

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How to do One Day at Disneyland Paris this Christmas

We decided to treat my daughter, Violet, to a special day at Disneyland Paris for her 9th birthday. I’d previously taken my older daughter on a similar day trip in January, and what you do for one, you have to do for all! Come with us and see our one day itinerary for Disneyland Paris. 

Disneyland Paris in a day

 

Just a quick note before we begin- some posts on this blog contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely love or believe will be helpful in your trip planning journey. Thanks for supporting my work and happy planning!

In January, we took the first flight out of Manchester and the last flight back. It was a wonderful experience, but since we live two hours away from Manchester Airport, we had to stay the night before in Manchester. 

This time, we opted for a different approach. We took a late afternoon flight on Friday, planning to spend the night near Disneyland Paris instead. 

cheapest way to get to Disneyland Paris

It was working out the same cost as 1 night in a Travelodge in Manchester, so made no difference to the overall cost. 

This way, we could start our day fresh and early and avoid the risk of losing time in the parks, in the eventuality of a flight delay. 

getting to Disneyland Paris

We found great flights out of Manchester for just £33 each return. From landing in Paris, to arriving at the park gates, it took only 2 hours and 10 minutes! Security at Charles De Gaulle was quick, the flight lasted just over an hour, and we managed to catch the TGV train with minimal waiting.

The high-speed train took us directly from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Marne-la-Vallée station in only 9 minutes. We booked the train tickets on our way to the station using the Trainline app, paying £28.91 for one adult and one child.

I'd recommend only purchasing your ticket when you are nearly at the train station. It's quite a walk from some terminals and of course, you don't know exactly when you will land and be through security. TGV tickets can only be used on that specific train and are non-refundable. 

Taxi's are around €60 and private transfers from €75- both taking around 1 hour to reach Disneyland Paris. 

how to get from Paris airport to Disneyland Paris

The TGV therefore, was both much faster and cheaper.

Marne-la-Vallée station is located right next to Disneyland Paris park gates. 

Our flight left Manchester at 3 pm, and by 6:10 pm (adjusting for the 1 hour time difference), we were at the Disneyland Paris gates. If we had known we’d arrive that early, we might have bought a 2-day park pass. But since the parks closed at 8 pm that night, we decided against it as we would have been cutting it fine.

Hotel at Disneyland Paris

Instead, we explored Disney Village and used the time we had to visit some of the shops. We had a meal at Five Guys, which cost €23.25 for the two of us. I always recommend Five Guys as it's a very similar price point to quick service restaurants inside the parks,  however, it feels much better quality. 

After dinner, we took a taxi to our hotel, the Best Western, just a 12-minute ride from the parks. 

Now a word of warning. You will struggle to get a taxi from outside the parks  1 hour, either side of the parks closing time. We tried numerous times to get an Uber but they kept cancelling the bookings as they couldn't meet demand.

There are taxi's outside Disney, however, they all wanted €35 for journeys which should cost around €8-€12 and would only accept cash- that tells you everything you need to know! Disneyland Paris and the train station really should be clamping down as I think 80% weren't even real taxis. 

where to stay for cheap at Disneyland Paris

We usually stay at the Adagio in Val d’Europe or the Explorers Hotel, but these were both £150 for the night we wanted. The Best Western was only £66 and as we'd barely be there, it seemed a better option. 

It turned out to be an excellent choice, with a spacious room featuring a double bed and bunk beds. The rooms were clean and hotel looked like it has recently been refurbished or was new. 

We had a very comfortable nights stay and would highly recommend this option. Although, it may be better suited to those visiting with a car, as there is no shuttle bus to the parks. 

Disneyland Paris Park Tickets

For disclosure, we were gifted the park tickets by Get Your Guide, which made our Christmas day trip to Disneyland Paris truly special. 

After booking we received the tickets instantly and were able to add them to our Disneyland Paris app, allowing us to easily scan in and out of the parks and monitor ride wait times all at once. Alternatively, you can keep just scan the tickets from your Get Your Guide account. 

if you're considering doing Disneyland Paris in a day or even Disneyland Paris in one day at Christmas, Get Your Guide offers a wide range of ticket options, from 1-day, 1-park passes to multi-day tickets- as well as the Magic Shuttle bus tickets, private transfers, and various other activities in Paris.

The tickets for a 1 day/2 park entry for 1 adult and 1 child on the date we visited would have cost £185.08. Prices vary depending on the date booked, but start at £46pp. 

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Getting to Disneyland Paris

The next morning, we enjoyed breakfast at the hotel for €25. We would have normally just ate at the parks, but my daughter was so excited for the day ahead, that we were up at 4am and therefore really hungry by around 7am.

The buffet had plenty to offer, including pastries, pancakes, toast, cereals, cheese, meats, and even hot options like sausage, bacon, and scrambled eggs. It was more than enough to fuel us for the day and meant we could hit the ground running once we got to parks.

We checked out and ordered an Uber from the hotel lobby, which arrived immediately, taking us back to Disneyland Paris in 12 minutes for €15.35. 

We went through bag check at 8:55 am and were at the Disneyland Park entrance for 9am.

The park opening was at 9.30am, so we had a little wait, but they opened the park for normal ticket holders at 9.20am which was great.

The park opens for Disneyland hotel guests and annual pass holders at 8.30am, so whilst we were waiting I was able to check some of the ride times for the ones that were already operating. 

Disneyland Paris in one day at Christmas

Park Opening

We headed straight to Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast, which had only a 10-minute wait. This was Violet's one must-do ride, and frequently the wait for it, is around 1 hour so we wanted to get it completed whilst it was quiet. 

Tip: Make sure to download the Disneyland Paris app before your visit—it’s a lifesaver for checking wait times and planning your route.

buzz lightyears Laser Blast ride wait time

After Buzz, we then headed up to Fantasyland where all the ride times were currently showing as 5-10 minutes. 

We managed to do Dumbo The Flying Elephant, It's a Small World, Mad Hatter's Tea Cups and Le Carrousel de Lancelot all by 10.40am. After a quick stop at the toilets and to refill our water bottles, we hopped on Casey Junior, the last ride we wanted to do in Fantasyland, which opened at 11am.

We then spent some time at the castle, visiting the dragon beneath it (a hidden gem!) and snapping photos. Violet wanted to shop for Star Wars merchandise, so we made our way to Discoveryland to the Star Traders shop to find her some Grogu goodies using her birthday money.

Lunch and Studio Park Adventures

By 11:40 am, we decided to switch over to Walt Disney Studios Park. The food stalls outside the Ratatouille ride looked tempting and we were peckish by then, so we grabbed two Nutella crepes for €10. The Ratatouille ride had a long wait time, so we chose to do the single rider option, getting on in just 10 minutes.

The Studios Park felt much more crowded than the main park, probably due to construction work going on and many areas being unavailable.

We still managed to enjoy several rides with short wait times. We went on Cars Road Trip, Cars Quatre Roues Rallye, Slinky Dog Zigzag Spin, and the Parachute Drop, which we lucky to walk straight onto just as it reopened after a technical issue.

Disneyland Paris Studios
What to do in Disneyland Paris Studios

After ticking off everything we wanted to do in the Studios Park, we decided to head back to Disneyland Park around 2 pm. We skipped the shows this time in the Studios, as we’ve seen them before and they’re better suited for younger kids or Marvel fans (which Violet isn’t).

Afternoon Magic and Parade

With the sun shining, we took more photo of all the beautiful Christmas decorations lining Main Street and the incredible huge Christmas tree. 

one day at Disneyland Paris at Christmas time
Disneyland Paris at Christmas time
Disneyland Paris at Christmas time

We treated ourselves to ice cream and a Mickey beignet for €9- we weren't hungry but who can resist the snacks at Disneyland Paris though?!

We then decided we needed actually eat something savoury, so we stopped at Casa de Coco in Frontierland- a Mexican style restaurant based on the 'Coco' movie. Violet just wanted some of the zig zag fries, while I enjoyed a delicious beef burrito, one of the best things I’ve ever eaten at Disneyland Paris. The total bill with a large soft drink came to €16.89.

 

Disneyland Paris snacks Mickey Beignet with tickets for disneyland paris from getyourguide

We decided to try the Premier Access service for Big Thunder Mountain (basically the new fast pass system at Disneyland Paris). It cost €16 each, but it was totally worth it-especially as it was Violet’s first roller coaster! We were on the ride in under 5 minutes.

christmas decorations disneyland paris 2024

By 4:30 pm, we made our way back to Main Street to secure a spot for the parade. Even 40 minutes early, Main Street was packed with guests. The parade started at 5:20 pm and reached where we stood by 5:40 pm. 

Watching the magical floats with snow falling was a truly enchanting experience and one I'll never forget- just so magical.

Christmas at Disneyland Paris Disneyland Paris Christmas Parade
Mickey's dazzling Christmas Parade Disneyland Paris

Heading Home

After a bit of last-minute shopping on Main Street, we slowly made our way to the train station around 6:20 pm. We had pre-booked our TGV tickets back to the airport for 6:50 pm. The flight departed on time and we were tucked up in bed at 12.30am. 

The whole day was filled with magical moments, and it was the perfect way to celebrate Violet’s birthday. With a bit of careful planning, we made the most out of our short but sweet trip to Disneyland Paris.

Our aim with the day trips is never to do it all. There was a couple of Christmas shows we would have liked to have seen,  but with it being a Saturday, crowd numbers were high and seats for shows were gone 1 hour before. We didn't feel the wait was worth it, with only having a day in the parks. We chose to include our favourite rides, see the parade and eat some Disney snacks and we completed everything we set out to do.  

Of course, we also didn't get to see the fireworks but in all our trips, we seen them around 20 times at least, so it wasn't a great forfeit. 

Is it worth going to Disneyland Paris for one day?

If you're thinking of planning a Disneyland Paris day trip from the UK and wondering, “Is it worth going to Disneyland Paris for one day?”, the answer is definitely yes! 

You won't get everything done in a day and to be honest this is our 16th visit and each time we tick off a new ride or attraction that we haven't done before. Pick out your favourite rides and make a plan to visit those first before the park gets busy. After 5pm ride wait times also decrease. We managed to include both Disneyland Park and Disney Studio's, but you could choose to just focus on the one. Make full use of the Disneyland Paris app to see ride times before making your next move and be flexible. 

How much does it cost to go to Disneyland Paris for one day?

For those curious, we spent £33pp for the flights, £34pp for the hotel, then £30pp for the TGV high-speed train to/from CDG airport. Tickets for the date we visited would have been £92 each so a total of £189pp- this would have been cheaper if we'd opted for just a 1 park ticket instead of 2 and not visited on a weekend. 

Disneyland Paris tickets are usually cheapest between January to March and you'll often find fewer visitors in the parks then too. 

If you live near an airport, you can also eliminate the cost of the hotel too and go there and back in a day like we did in January. 

How much can you do at Disneyland Paris in one day?

Despite it being a weekend and Christmas season we were really pleased in what we managed to do in just one day at Disneyland Paris.

We rode 12 rides- Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast, Small World, Mad Hatters Tea Cups, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Casey Junior, The Carousel, Ratoutille, Parachute Drop, Slinky Dog, Cars Road Trip, Cars Quatre Rallye and Thunder Mountain. 

We also did a few walk through attractions, stopped for food three times, visited a few shops and took time out to enjoy the decorations then the main parade. If we'd have skipped the parade, we probably could have managed at least another 5 rides. 

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Disneyland Paris on a Budget: Our Ultimate Top 10 Tips

 

Disneyland Paris on a Budget: Our Top 10 Tips

 

Disneyland Paris on Budget- our top 10 tips

Looking to go to Disneyland Paris on a budget? A stay at Disneyland doesn't have to break the bank!  With the right tips and some careful planning you can have the most magical time.

When it comes to planning your trip, our website offers a wealth of features and tools to help you organise and book your Disneyland Paris adventure, all while saving money along the way.

Don't forget to check out our latest deals we've found for Disneyland Paris our other Disneyland Paris blog posts.

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Here are our top 10 tips (in no particular order) to do Disneyland Paris on a Budget!

 

1. Cheapest Way to Book Disneyland Paris

After 18 years of visiting Disneyland Paris on a budget and being an ex-travel agent too, I can confidently say that putting the trip together yourself is in nearly all cases, MUCH cheaper than booking a package deal.

Look for cheap flights, then book a hotel and purchase tickets. On our platform we have the tools to search just this, take a look here 

For flights choose Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly (ORY) Airports which are both around 50 minutes drive to Disneyland Paris.

Avoid Beauvais (BVA) airport which usually has the cheapest flights, however, is 1hr 30 minutes from Disneyland Paris.

Unfortunately no Disney shuttles or direct trains run from here and you'll find the cost of a taxi/private transfer outstrips any money saved. 

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2. Cheapest Time of year to Visit Disneyland Paris?

Travelling during off-peak times can give you significant savings on flights, accommodation, and tickets.

Disneyland Paris on a Budget

Avoid school holidays and look at dates in January (7th onwards), late September, early October, November and early December for the cheapest prices.

Disneyland Paris Tickets

 

3. Cheapest Place to Stay at Disneyland Paris?

Staying off-site near Disneyland Paris is usually much cheaper than booking a Disney hotel.

There are a group of hotels that are Disney Partner Hotels,  these offer considerable value and usually include free breakfast, free WiFi and free shuttle buses to and from the Parks. They are all located within 10 minutes of the parks by bus so you'll still be in the heart of the magic. 

The best hotels for those on a budget include Explorers, Hotel B&B at Disneyland, Adagio Marne-la-Vallee,  Campanile Val de France,  Grand Magic and Dream Castle

 

4. Eating at Disneyland Paris 

Disney is notorious for being expensive for food. Consider staying in apartments with kitchen facilities, enabling you to shop at the local supermarket in Val d’ Europe and prepare your meals in your accommodation.

Alternatively, in the local area there are also bakeries, sandwich shops and restaurants where you can purchase food.

Disney Village (located just outside the park gates) also has some cheaper options such as McDonald's and The Earl of Sandwich. 

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5. Taking Food in to Disneyland Paris 

Continuing from the previous tip, packing sandwiches and bringing them into the parks can be a cost saver.  Contrary to popular belief, Disneyland Paris permits outside food and drinks; they only restrict full picnics. 

 

6. Water Fountains in Disneyland Paris 

Save money and stay hydrated by bringing your own water bottle and mini dilute squirtable squash to Disneyland Paris (available from Aldi and various other supermarkets).

Water fountains are conveniently located throughout both parks, you can easily refill your bottle and quench your thirst without the need to constantly purchase pricey drinks. Find the location of the fountains using the Disneyland Paris App. 

 

7. Buy Disney Costumes and Ears before Going to Disneyland Paris 

Purchasing Disney ears and costumes second-hand from platforms like Vinted or eBay before your trip to save money.

Merchandise can be quite expensive, especially if you're travelling with multiple children. Princess dresses start around the £60 mark without any accessories extra.

Ears usually around £25 per pair. Just purchase a  cheaper alternative beforehand and pack them in your luggage.

We've put together a list of our more budget friendly finds!

Disneyland Paris on a Budget

 

8. Cheapest Options for Getting from the Airport to Disneyland Paris

When planning your transfers to/from Disneyland Paris consider your party size. While the Magic Shuttle Bus may seem like the most cheapest option, sometimes for groups of four or more, a private transfer could actually work out less and be more convenient.

Again if there's only two of you travelling, the TGV train directly from the airport to the park gates in under 10 minutes may be a similar price to the Magic Shuttle. 

Search for train tickets here 

For discounted private transfers search here

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9. How do I meet the Characters at Disneyland Paris without Paying?

Opting for character meets in the park over character dining can lead to substantial savings, especially considering that character dining experiences at Disneyland Paris can cost up to €100 per person.

However, if you do plan on choosing a character dining option, it’s worth noting that the breakfast at Plaza Gardens offers the most affordable choice.

Additionally, the breakfast menu is more child-friendly compared to the lunch or evening options.

Five Guys Disneyland Paris

 

10. Be the First to Hear About Cheap Flights and Bargain Finds

Join our Facebook Group- we have a dedicated group on Facebook where we post any low prices we find!

Find all our other socials HERE 

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