Hey, it’s Wes and Chanda here, and welcome to DinkLife! We’re sitting at Disneyland Paris waiting for the Halloween parade and thought it’d be the perfect time to share some quick tips and tricks. If you’re used to visiting other Disney parks, there are a few differences here that might catch you off guard, so let’s get into it.
1. Forget About Cash First things first: you don’t need cash here at all. Everything from food stands to medallion machines takes credit cards. We didn’t bother getting cash at the airport, and it turned out to be the right call. This is super convenient if you’re like us and prefer to keep it simple with card payments.
2. Missing Iconic Rides Before you come, check out the ride list because a few iconic Disney staples like the Tiki Room, Jungle Cruise, and Country Bear Jamboree aren’t here. It’s not bad—just different. On the flip side, they have some unique attractions that make up for it, so it’s a trade-off worth noting.
3. Bring Your Own Bag When shopping in the stores, there are no free plastic bags. If you don’t bring one, you’ll need to purchase a reusable bag. These bags are high-quality, branded with Disney Paris, and make for great souvenirs. It’s a small cost, but totally worth it compared to the flimsy bags at Disney World.
4. Bag Rules on Rides Unlike Disney parks in the U.S., you can’t keep a fanny pack or small sling bag on your body during rides. There aren’t storage nets or compartments on most rides either, so your bag will have to sit on the floor. This isn’t ideal since the floors can be dirty, but it’s a strict rule here. On some rides, like the Marvel-themed coaster, there’s absolutely no storage option, so plan accordingly.
5. Personal Space (or Lack Thereof) Crowds here are a bit different. Personal space is minimal, and people can be pushy. Don’t be surprised if someone brushes past you without a word. While it’s frustrating, one upside is that there’s no yelling or arguing like you might see in U.S. parks.
6. Walkways and Traffic Flow Navigating the park can feel chaotic. People walk at different paces and often take up the whole path. It’s just something to be prepared for—a lot of folks are here to enjoy life at a slower pace, which might feel odd if you’re used to the hustle of Disney in the States.
7. The App Is a Mess The Disneyland Paris app is… not great. It’s clunky, and you’ll need to log in constantly. Finding reservations or tickets can be confusing, so we recommend screenshotting everything—from dining reservations to event confirmations—just in case.
8. Communication Challenges Speaking of confusion, there seems to be some inconsistency in cast member communication. On our first day, we were told we could buy dining passes at Guest Services, only to find out later that it wasn’t true.
9. Extra Magic Hours If you’re staying on property, take full advantage of the Extra Magic Hours. These give you access to the park one hour early, and it’s totally worth it. We managed to hit three rides before the park officially opened, making the most of our mornings.
10. Embrace the Differences Finally, while there are differences, Disneyland Paris is beautiful and offers its own unique charm. The landscaping is stunning, the attractions are fun, and it’s an experience worth having. Just go in prepared, and don’t let the small stuff ruin your day.
That’s it from us for now. As always, whatever you decide to do, just get out there and do it! Until next time, enjoy your adventure.
DinkLife 