14 July, a special day
14 July is France’s national day (Bastille Day), a public holiday. But don’t worry: Disneyland Paris opens as normal that day.
For tickets, it’s one of the three big dates of the year, along with 31 October and 31 December. You need a ticket dated 14 July, which costs more than most other days. The undated ticket (Billet Liberté in French) isn’t valid that day. I go through the prices in my ticket guide.
On the other hand, don’t expect an out-of-the-ordinary day for entertainment. There are no special decorations for the occasion, and no dedicated parades or shows during the day. As far as the daytime programme goes, 14 July is like any other summer day at the park.
It all happens in the evening. That’s when Disneyland Paris pulls out all the stops, with a fireworks display that’s nothing like the usual night-time show.
Special fireworks, not the usual show
On 14 July, Disneyland Paris is known for putting on one of the best fireworks displays in France. They’re set off over Sleeping Beauty Castle, usually just before the park closes.
It’s a special, spectacular display, far more explosive and pyrotechnic than the usual night-time show. The number of fireworks, the length, the scale: everything is taken further. The result is spectacular.
I particularly love going to see it, almost every year, despite the crowds. It’s one of the few evenings when I make the effort to brave the crowds and settle in facing the castle.
To give you an idea of how ambitious these evenings are: in 2024, Disneyland Paris set a Guinness World Record by forming Mickey with 1,571 drones above Sleeping Beauty Castle, after a previous record of 1,495 drones in 2023. The programme changes every year, but the spirit stays the same: an evening taken much further than usual.
If you want to see how this fireworks display fits into the park’s night-time line-up, take a look at the night-time shows guide.
Normally, a local prefectural order bans fireworks and drone flights after 23:00 in the area. But for the big evenings like 14 July (and New Year’s Eve), a special exemption allows the fireworks to go off later, just before the park closes.
That’s why the 14 July fireworks often start late. Check the exact time in the official app on the day.
On video: the fireworks
Crowds
On 14 July, crowds at Disneyland Paris are usually high to very high. Several reasons add up: the summer season, school holidays across much of Europe, the French public holiday and, in some years, a long weekend.
My advice: come mainly if you can stay several days in a row. That way, you’ll get quieter moments and can see the usual night-time show on another, calmer evening. It’s also a good day if you have an annual pass, as you can come back at other times of the year without any pressure.
To plan ahead, look at the crowd calendar.
To be frank: the only real plus of 14 July is the evening fireworks. During the day, there’s no special entertainment, the crowds are at record levels and the ticket price is high. With young children, bear in mind that the fireworks start late and you have to wait a long time on your feet for a good spot. Go for it if the evening show is really your priority.
Where should you stand?
Ideally, stand in line with Sleeping Beauty Castle, without being too close. The fireworks take up a lot of space on the sides: if you’re right up against the stage, you miss part of the picture.
My favourite spot: just before Central Plaza, between Victoria’s and Casey’s Corner (the two restaurants at the end of Main Street, just before the square facing the castle). You keep the castle nicely centred, with enough distance to see the full width of the fireworks.
For details of the different areas facing the castle and their pros, see my dedicated guide: where to watch Disney Tales of Magic, which covers the same spots.
If you’d rather not deal with finding a spot and waiting, note that a paid reserved viewing area is available: see my guide to the reserved viewing area.
How early should you arrive?
Plan to arrive 1 hour 15 to 1 hour 45 minutes before the fireworks start. The show draws more people every year, and the good spots go quickly.
If you arrive too late, you risk ending up far away or off to one side, with part of the view blocked. Better to put your things down early and wait than to chase a spot at the last minute.
What to bring for the wait
Good news for your budget: like all the night-time shows at Disneyland Paris, the 14 July fireworks are free, included in the price of your entry ticket. You don’t need to book anything to enjoy them.
The only paid option is the reserved viewing area, if you want a dedicated spot and a more comfortable view: see my guide to the reserved viewing area.
Leaving after the fireworks
Plan your journey home before the fireworks even start. The show goes off late and everyone leaves the park at the same time: the exit is packed, the RER A (Paris suburban train) is crammed and the car park empties slowly.
If you’re heading back to Paris by train, keep an eye on the time of the last RER A so you don’t miss it. The most comfortable option that night is to stay on site (a Disney hotel or one nearby) so you can enjoy the fireworks without worrying about getting back.
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Frequently asked questions
01 Is Disneyland Paris busy on 14 July?
Yes. Crowds are generally heavy to very heavy: the summer season, school holidays across Europe, the French bank holiday and sometimes a long weekend all add up. To plan ahead, check the crowd calendar.
02 What time are the 14 July fireworks?
They’re set off in the evening, usually late, often after 23:00 (the park closes later that night). The exact time changes from year to year, so check the day’s programme in the official app or on site.
03 Is it worth going to Disneyland Paris on 14 July?
The real highlight is the evening fireworks, among the best in France. During the day there’s no special entertainment, record crowds and a high ticket price. Worth it if the night-time show is your priority, ideally as part of a stay of several days.
