Dreaming of a magical adventure across the pond? Join me as I share my first-time experience traveling from the U.S. to Disneyland Paris—from navigating international travel to exploring the parks, trying the food, and soaking up all the Disney magic with a French twist! Was it worth the trip? What surprised me the most? Here’s everything you need to know before planning your own Disneyland Paris adventure!
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Our First Visit to Disneyland Paris
Taking my family to Disneyland Paris for the first time was seriously a dream come true! From the second we got there, the magic totally swept us away—every little detail, the rides, the character meet-and-greets, all of it was just unforgettable.
Staying at the Disneyland Hotel, literally steps from the park, made it feel even more special. We were right in the middle of the magic from the moment we woke up to the time we crashed at night.
Sure, there were a few bumps—like the language barrier and one of us getting sick—but those little hiccups actually made the trip more memorable. It reminded us that the Disney magic isn’t just in the fireworks or castles, but in all the small, meaningful moments too.
If you’re dreaming of your own Disneyland Paris adventure, I’ve got all the tips and tricks to help make your trip just as magical (hopefully with fewer surprises!).
My friends at Get Away Today would love to help you plan a visit to DISNEYLAND® Paris. Call them at 855-GET-AWAY or tap the button below to get a FREE quote and be sure to mention Mommy Mouse Clubhouse sent you!
Booking a Disneyland Paris Vacation
Let's start from the very beginning. I have always wanted to visit Disneyland Paris, but never had a serious reason to book one. I came across an amazing deal posted by Flights from Home for a roundtrip flight from Salt Lake City (SLC) to Paris and figured it would be a great time to plan a Disneyland Paris trip. So I jumped at the opportunity and purchased five Economy Tickets on United Airlines.
This flight required us to fly from SLC to San Francisco. We had a hard time finding something to eat for lunch in the International terminal, but ended up getting baguettes and pizza from Napa Farms Market. We then boarded our 10.5 hour flight to CDG airport.
If you want to find a deal on flights, I suggest signing up for your favorite airline's credit card (I have a Delta American Express card and a Southwest Visa card) to accumulate miles. I like to charge all of my expenses on these cards and pay them off in full each month, to avoid interest charges.
You can also sign up for a service similar to Flights from Home or use Google Flights to monitor flight prices from your local airport to your desired destination.
After securing our flights, I contacted my travel partner Get Away Today to begin the booking process for our Disneyland Paris package. The great thing about booking with them, is that they can make any changes or adjustments to your package, without you having to use international rates to call Disneyland Paris yourself!
If you're interested, get a no obligation quote by calling 855-GET-AWAY and mentioning Mommy Mouse Clubhouse sent you.
Choosing the Perfect Disney Hotel
Picking the right Disney hotel was a big deal for us, and after some research, the Disneyland Hotel felt like the perfect fit—especially after its stunning refurbishment. Staying in a Deluxe Room wasn’t just about having a comfy place to sleep; it was about being fully immersed in the magic of Disneyland Paris from the moment we woke up.
We had the option of superior or deluxe rooms, and we went with deluxe for the awesome perks—like complimentary breakfast, drinks, snacks and early park access. The hotel itself has serious Grand Floridian vibes, and being right at the park entrance made everything so easy. Plus, the early park entry was a total game-changer, letting us enjoy the magic before the crowds rolled in.
Sure, it wasn’t the cheapest choice, but for us, it was worth every penny. It wasn’t just a hotel—it was part of the Disney experience, making our trip even more unforgettable!
Other Disney Hotels to Consider:
- Disneyland Hotel
- Disney Hotel New York - The Art of Marvel
- Disney Newport Bay Club Hotel
- Disney Sequoia Lodge
- Disney Hotel Cheyenne
- Disney Hotel Santa Fe
- Disney Davy Crockett Ranch
Superior vs. Deluxe Rooms
Choosing between a superior or deluxe room at the Disneyland Hotel is a fun little dilemma. The superior rooms are a solid choice—they’re comfortable, practical, and won’t break the bank. You’ll get all the essentials for a great stay without going over budget.
But if you’re after a little extra magic, the deluxe rooms really step it up. Think complimentary drinks, access to the Deluxe Lounge for breakfast and tea time, and all-around more comfort and luxury. Of course, with that extra magic comes a higher price tag, but if you’re looking to really elevate your experience, it’s totally worth it.
It really comes down to what you’re looking for in your Disney getaway. If you just need a comfy place to crash after long days at the parks, a superior room will do the trick. But if you want that extra sprinkle of Disney magic and more perks, a deluxe room could make your trip feel even more special!
Journey to Disneyland Paris
Our Disneyland Paris adventure kicked off with a flight from Salt Lake City on United Airlines, and we couldn’t wait to get there! After landing, we had everything lined up with Prestige Transfer, which made the whole arrival process super smooth. We got to relax in a comfy Mercedes Van—a family of five, all buzzing with excitement.
When we pulled up to the Disneyland Hotel, we were instantly wowed by its pink beauty, kind of like the Grand Floridian but with its own unique Disney magic. Stepping inside, we felt the Disney enchantment right away—it was the perfect way to kick off our time at the parks. The excitement was unreal, and we knew we were in for an unforgettable experience!
Disneyland Paris totally blew us away! With Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park, there was so much to explore, and even as longtime Walt Disney World and Disneyland California fans, we found plenty of new magic to love.
At Disneyland Park, we hit up classics like Big Thunder Mountain and took a spooky dive into Phantom Manor. While similar to their U.S. versions, these rides had their own unique twists that made them feel fresh and exciting. It was such a cool experience seeing familiar favorites with a Parisian flair!
Walt Disney Studios Park felt like stepping straight into a movie set, and the Avengers Assemble: Flight Force ride totally blew us away. It threw us right into the Marvel universe with heart-pounding action and a seriously cool vibe—definitely a big change from the dreamy, fairytale feel of Disneyland Park.
This ride was unlike anything we’ve seen at other Disney parks and really showed off how creative and cutting-edge Walt Disney Studios Park is. When we looked at both parks side by side, each had its own kind of magic.
Disneyland Paris gave us that classic Disney feel we love, but with this elegant European twist that made it all the more special. The mix of the familiar and the new made the whole trip unforgettable.
Experiencing the Attractions
Hyperspace Mountain blasted us straight into a galaxy far, far away—and honestly, it totally holds its own against the versions in the U.S. We loved the adrenaline rush! And Phantom Manor? So spooky and cool. It had the same creepy vibe as Haunted Mansion, but with its own eerie twist that made it feel fresh and different.
- Big Thunder Mountain had us flying through the wild frontier—total thrills and seriously awesome views along the way.
- Indiana Jones was a wild ride—literally! With sharp turns and sudden drops, we were hanging on for dear life and loving every second.
- Pirates of the Caribbean was a chill cruise through some epic pirate scenes—familiar enough to bring on the nostalgia, but with a few cool surprises.
- Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast turned into a full-on family showdown—we were blasting targets left and right, all trying to beat each other’s scores.
Each of these rides brought something totally unique to the table and reminded us why Disneyland Paris has its own kind of magic—a fun mix of old favorites and cool new surprises. They were definitely some of the biggest highlights of our trip, and checking them off the bucket list made the whole experience feel even more special.
Dining at Disneyland Paris
Figuring out where to eat at Disneyland Paris felt like planning out our ride schedule—so many awesome options, it was hard to choose! I was especially excited about the table service spots like Bistrot Chez Rémy and Captain Jack’s. Each one had its own fun theme and Disney magic, so picking where to eat felt like part of the adventure too.
We had reservations at a bunch of spots—Walt's American Diner, Bistrot Chez Rémy, Captain Jack's, and PYM Kitchen—but as the trip went on, we realized we just wanted to keep things easy and go with the flow. In the end, PYM Kitchen totally won us over. The buffet was super creative and fun, and the laid-back vibe made it the perfect fit for our busy Disney days. It ended up being one of our favorite meals of the whole trip!
We thought about checking out Disney Village for meals, but we ended up sticking with the park’s food spots—they just had that extra bit of Disney magic. Seeing characters pop up while we were eating made those moments even more special. Each meal felt like a little adventure of its own, and honestly, Disneyland Paris brought its own unique kind of charm to the whole dining experience.
Utilizing the Disneyland Paris App
The Disneyland Paris app totally saved the day on our trip. I downloaded it a few weeks before we flew out from Salt Lake City, and once we got there, I realized just how handy it really was. It wasn’t just for checking park tickets or finding our way around Disney Village—it helped us plan everything on the fly, in real time. Total game changer.
Booking a table at Bistrot Chez Rémy—or even grabbing a quick bite next door—was super easy with the app. I could check available times right from my phone, which meant no standing in long lines and more time soaking up the Disney magic.
The app also showed wait times for rides like Big Thunder Mountain and Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast, so we could plan our day smarter. We skipped the busy times, which meant more rides and even a surprise meet-and-greet with Mickey!
The language barrier didn’t feel so tough with the app. It had plenty of info in English, which made everything feel familiar and easy. It was like the app had its own magic, helping us skip long lines and giving us more time for everything we wanted to do. Honestly, it was like having a secret guide right in our pocket!
Benefits of Staying at Disney's Hotels
Staying at a Disney hotel was definitely a smart move for us. The Disneyland Hotel's location couldn't be better – we were just a few minutes away from the park gates, which made mornings so much easier. It was especially great with kids, since we didn't have to deal with long commutes or rushes.
The early park entry perk was like a sprinkle of Pixie Dust! We were able to hit up a few rides before the crowds showed up. It really gave us a head start, leaving us with more time to enjoy and explore. Those first few hours felt like the park was all ours.
Staying at a Disney hotel really keeps the magic going all day long. From the moment we woke up to when we went to bed, the enchantment was always there. The hotel felt like an extension of the park, with Disney characters greeting us and magic around every corner.
It made the whole experience feel even more special, showing that staying on-site isn't just convenient—it's a key part of fully diving into the Disneyland Paris adventure.
I was a bit worried about a language barrier at Disneyland Paris, but it turned out to be no big deal. Most of the cast members spoke some English, which made everything easier.
We also used our high school French to say "Bonjour" when we greeted people and finished with a friendly "Merci." It definitely helped bridge any language gaps and made our interactions feel even more special.
Navigating Disneyland Paris can feel a bit tricky if you're not fluent in French, but the Disneyland Paris app was a lifesaver. Plus, the bilingual signs all around the parks and Disney Village made it super easy to get around without any stress.
It was definitely helpful to learn a few basic French phrases before our trip. It made a huge difference, making us feel more at home and helping us get around the parks, restaurants, and gift shops with ease. It really showed that, at Disney, the magic isn’t just in the rides—it’s in the connections you make, even with a simple "Bonjour!"
Daily Itinerary Highlights
We spent a total of three nights at the Disneyland Hotel and three days in both Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park. Below is an overview of our trip itinerary. All times are approximate.
Day One
10:30 AM: We arrived at Charles de Gaulle Airport from our United Airlines flight. I had previously booked transportation to our hotel through Prestige Transfer. Our driver was waiting at baggage claim with our name on an iPad. We traveled in a large van that comfortably fit my family of five. The service we received from Prestige Transfer was great and I highly recommend them.
11:30 AM: Our private transfer dropped us off at the Disneyland Hotel, our accommodation for the next three nights. We reserved a Deluxe room with two double beds (Queen Size) and a fold-out couch. We proceeded to the Deluxe Reception area to get checked in. After providing our information, we dropped our bags at Bell Services as our room was not ready yet.
12:00 PM: We headed to the Deluxe Lounge for drinks. This lounge is available for guests staying in Deluxe rooms and is similar to staying "Club Level" at Disney resorts in the United States.
1:00 PM: During check in, we were given our Magic Passes which were our tickets for the park as well as room keys. We next went to Disneyland Park. The first thing we saw was Sleeping Beauty Castle, and it was breathtaking to view in person. We had lunch at Market Street Deli which included a Croque Monsier, Mickey Pretzel Sandwich, Mickey Beignet, and Pan Au Chocolat. After lunch we went to Adventureland to ride Pirates of the Caribbean with a 45 minute wait.
3:00 PM: By this time our room was ready, so we went back to the hotel. My husband and son were tired from travel and went to bed. My other two boys and I went to get tea time snacks in the Deluxe Lounge then went swimming in the hotel's pool. After that we went to bed as well.
Day Two
7:30 AM: My youngest son woke up with the stomach flu, so I stayed with him while my husband took my other boys to breakfast.
8:30 AM Following that, they went to Disneyland for early entry and were able to ride Hyperspace Mountain, Phantom Manor (Haunted Mansion), Big Thunder Mountain, and Indiana Jones. It was raining, so they wore rain coats that I had purchased from Amazon.
11:00 AM: They returned to the hotel room, and I went back to Disneyland with my two kids who were not sick, while my husband stayed with our youngest son. My boys got strawberry ice cream and salted caramel ice cream. We rode Hyperspace Mountain and Phantom Manor then watched the Disney Stars on Parade before getting a cake pop and some fudge.
3:00 PM: We went back to the hotel for a nap, Tea Time in the Lounge, and to look around the hotel. My husband and son went to the pool and sauna at the hotel.
6:00 PM: Following that, my husband took my two sons to Walt Disney Studios Park where they rode Tower of Terror and Avengers Assemble: Flight Force. They picked up dinner in Disney Village at New York Subs. We were not very impressed with our sandwich or Mickey Mouse-shaped pizza. I recommend finding another location to eat in Disney Village.
Day Three
7:00 AM: We woke up early and went to the Deluxe Lounge for breakfast so we could make it to the parks for early entry. Everyone was feeling great that day so my youngest son was able to join us.
8:30 AM: Our family entered Disneyland and rode Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast, Hyperspace Mountain (Space Mountain), Big Thunder Mountain, Indiana Jones, and Phantom Manor.
10:00 AM: We then headed over to Disney Studios and rode Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. It began to rain pretty hard, so we went back to the hotel for a break. The kids took a nap and then went swimming in the hotel's pool
2:00 PM: After our break we went back to Disney Studios to have a late lunch at PYM Test Kitchen, which we enjoyed a lot. After our meal, the kids rode Flight Force.
4:00 PM: The kids wanted to swim again so we went back at the hotel. We also had snacks in the Deluxe Lounge.
6:00 PM: Back at Disneyland Park we saw the dragon under Sleeping Beauty Castle, then walked through Fantasyland to Alice's Curious Labyrinth.
6:30 PM: The line was short for Phantom Manor, so we were able to ride again. It was getting dark at this time, so we headed over to Discovery Land (Tomorrowland) and the kids rode Hyperspace Mountain again.
8:00 PM: The boys were hungry and had wanted to get a hot dog from Casey's Corner during our visit. My oldest son ordered a regular hot dog, my second son had an ice cream bar, and my youngest son ordered a cheese, nacho, hotdog with barbecue sauce.
8:30 PM: We headed back to the hotel to get ready for bed.
Day Four
8:30 AM: We slept in a little bit and went to breakfast in the Deluxe Lounge, then packed up our suitcases to prepare for check out.
11:00 AM: and ordered a taxi on the G7 app to take us into Paris for the rest of our trip.
Challenges and Solutions
Every magical trip has its bumps, and ours was no different during our first visit to Disneyland Paris. The biggest surprise came when my youngest son woke up with the stomach flu. I was a bit worried and disappointed, especially since he had been so excited for the Disney magic. But in true Disney fashion, we made the best of it.
The Disneyland hotel staff were amazing, offering extra bedding and amenities to help him feel better. The language barrier wasn’t an issue either—most cast members spoke English, so we had everything we needed.
We adjusted our plans, making sure the rest of the family could still enjoy the park while giving our son the time he needed to recover. By the next day, he was back on his feet, ready to dive back into the magic of Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park!
Comparing Disneyland Paris to Other Disney Parks
After visiting Disney parks all over the world, our recent trip to Disneyland Paris definitely stood out in our family's story. We've had plenty of magical moments at Walt Disney World and Disneyland in California, but Disneyland Paris adds its own special touch.
It's not just the attractions that make it magical—it's the way Disney storytelling blends with a unique European vibe. The Disneyland Hotel, with its stunning pink facade, gave us a grand entrance into this fairytale world. Inside, the cast members were just as warm and welcoming as any Disney resort we've visited, making the language barrier feel like nothing.
But what makes Disneyland Paris truly special is how it blends French culture with Disney's classic magic, giving us something familiar but also totally new.
When it comes to attractions, Phantom Manor had a creepy vibe that set it apart from the Haunted Mansion at other Disney parks. Space Mountain, reimagined as Hyperspace Mountain, added a thrilling Star Wars twist that really showed Disneyland Paris’s ability to freshen up classic rides.
Whether we were dining at Bistrot Chez Rémy, riding Big Thunder Mountain, or strolling through the beautifully landscaped paths of Disneyland Park, it was clear the park excels at creating immersive experiences. This was the magic of our trip—combining the timeless Disney charm with the unique vibe of Disneyland Paris, making it a must-see for Disney fans and first-timers alike.
My Final Thoughts
Looking back on our trip, Disneyland Paris definitely left a lasting impression on us. Standing at the entrance of Disneyland Park, the excitement hit us right away. The whole experience was a mix of fun, challenges, and pure magic, offering everything a Disney fan could dream of.
Our stay at the Disneyland Hotel was the highlight, with its elegant charm and the pretty pink tones that made us feel like we’d stepped into a fairy tale. It was the perfect base for our adventure, setting the tone for a place where dreams really do come true.
Using the Disneyland Paris app, we planned our days to perfection, from the thrills of Hyperspace Mountain to the spooky fun of Phantom Manor. Each ride created unforgettable memories and balanced out the Disney classics from places like Walt Disney World and Disneyland California. Even the rain couldn’t bring us down—if anything, it made our family adventure even more epic and brought us even closer.
The dining experiences we had, though a bit limited due to cancellations, were still full of unique and delicious moments. Lunch at PYM Kitchen’s buffet wasn’t just a meal—it was a sensory experience. Having Disney characters wandering around the Disneyland Hotel really added that extra touch of Disney magic, turning those brief encounters into special memories.
Choosing the Disneyland Hotel was definitely the right call. Its location made everything so easy, with quick access to the parks, so we made the most of our time there. We got to enjoy cozy evenings in Disney Village and magical mornings with early park access. And even though we had some concerns about language barriers, it was easy to get by with a few 'Bonjour's and 'Merci's, plus the friendly help from the cast members.
Disneyland Paris has this special European charm that makes it feel both familiar and uniquely its own compared to the parks in the U.S. From the classic characters to the exciting rides and immersive experiences, it’s a must-see for any Disney fan.
The magic here isn’t just something you see; it’s something you feel, with every corner of the park telling its own story of adventure and wonder. Our trip was full of laughter, discovery, and family moments that we'll always treasure, reminding us that at Disneyland, every ending is just the start of a new adventure.
My friends at Get Away Today would love to help you plan a visit to DISNEYLAND® Paris. Call them at 855-GET-AWAY or tap the button below to get a FREE quote and be sure to mention Mommy Mouse Clubhouse sent you!
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