Disneyland Paris with kids: planning your days

Here are the minimum heights for the thrill rides at Disneyland Paris. In Disneyland Park: Autopia 0.81 m, Star Tours and Big Thunder Mountain 1.02 m, Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain 1.20 m, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril 1.40 m. In Disney Adventure World: Toy Soldiers Parachute Drop 0.81 m, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 1.02 m, Crush’s Coaster 1.07 m, Avengers Assemble: Flight Force and RC Racer 1.20 m. The other rides have no height restrictions, which makes them ideal for families with young children.

The cost of a trip varies a lot depending on the hotel you choose. For a 2-day, 1-night stay for 2 adults and 2 children with park tickets included, expect around €600 at the cheapest official Disney hotel and up to €1,100 at the most upmarket one. On top of that, you need to add meals: the amount depends on the type of restaurant, but I suggest allowing at least €300 for breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack and dinner over the 2 days. In total, budget between €900 and €1,400 for this kind of trip. For a day visit only, the 1-day 1-park ticket starts at €49 per adult with a Bon Plan ticket: allow a budget of at least around €400 for a one-day visit for 2 adults and 2 children, meals included.

Rider Switch (formerly Baby Switch) lets two adults take turns on a ride with a height restriction (or one that’s not recommended for someone) without queuing twice. Explain your situation to the Cast Member at the ride entrance. One adult rides while the other waits with the child. When they come back, the adult who stayed outside goes straight through the priority queue or Premier Access, depending on the instructions given. The service is free and works on most rides with height restrictions in both parks.

As early as possible. Disneyland Paris prices are dynamic: the earlier you book, the less you pay. For dated tickets, aim for at least 3 months ahead, and 6 to 9 months for a Disney hotel on very popular dates (French school holidays, French bank holidays in May, Halloween, Christmas). Booking calendars often open even further ahead, so as soon as your dates are certain, book. For table service restaurants, you can book up to 2 months ahead in the official app if you’re visiting for the day, and up to 1 year ahead if you’re staying in a Disney hotel.

One day is enough to see the highlights of a single park if you pick your priorities. Two days is ideal to visit Disneyland Park and Disney Adventure World at a relaxed pace, one day per park. Beyond that, the pace becomes more laid-back and you can go back on your favourite rides. For a first visit with kids, I recommend 2 nights / 3 days.