Disneyland Park Paris
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Disneyland Paris - by Thomas Evraert on Unsplash
Description
Disneyland Park is one of Disneyland Paris two theme parks, the other being Walt Disney Studios Park. Together, they form the largest Disney resort outside of the USA and the most visited theme park in Europe. They are complemented by several resort hotels, a Disney Nature Resorts and a dining, shopping and entertainment complex. The whole development is located 32km east of Paris in Chessy. There are 5 zones in Disneyland Park: Main Street USA, Frontierland (incl. Big Thunder Mountain roller coaster), Adventureland (incl. Pirates of the Caribbean and Indiana Jones roller coaster), Fantasyland (incl. It's a small world) and Discoveryland (incl. Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain)
Access & Transport
From Paris, the best way to get there is to take the RER A (45mins) until Marne-la-Vallée Chessy station located next to the entrance gates. There are also buses operated at fixed times from Eiffel Tower or Gare du Nord / Opera / Chatelet between 8h20-9h00 but those take longer than the train. From CDG airport you can take one of the TGVs that goes around Paris before heading south - some make a stop at Marne-la-Vallée Chessy station (check properly). Alternatively, there are shuttle buses from both CDG (8 per day) and Orly airports (3 in the morning and 3 in the evening). Finally, coming by car, you will be arriving on the A4 or A104 motorways and should take exit 14.
Instructions & Recommendations
It is best to book ahead of time to chase for discounts. A visit to either park will take your entire day and you may consider tacking on a 2nd day and stay in one of the resorts (a little pricey) if your budget allows. The food is better in Paris though.
Environmental & Social
On the environmental front, the park has made notable improvements on water consumption (reduction in volume and building of a wastewater treatment plant in 2013 to increase reuse). The carbon emission and energy intensity figures are not disclosed, and any improvements would start from an extremely high watermark. As for the food related "healthy" initiatives they bear little correlation with the concept of selling unhealthy fast foods with high margins. The hotels (out of scope of the rating) all score A or B (scale goes to E) in the French National Program for Environmental Footprint for Hotels. More details can be found at the following link: https://disneylandparis-news.com/en/our-commitments/ In terms of CSR policies, the park scores well, especially with respect to diversity and inclusion.
Conclusion
Most people will ignore this conclusion and will already have decided that they are going, and another camp will have little interest in themed parks. So just in case you are reading this, our opinion is that if you budget is limited, it is a waste to come to the Paris region and spend it there: Paris is unique, not theme parks which can be built anywhere in the world with whatever rides. That being said, if you already visited Paris and your budget allows, Disneyland Park is enjoyable - in particular as a family - but avoid French school holidays and weekends, and be prepared to wait in line.
Key positive
Great Disney atmosphere and decoration
A wide range of rides for different ages
The only Disney Park in Europe
Key negative
Long waiting lines
Expensive tickets and poor value on a "per ride" basis
Limited healthy food options and F&B is egregiously priced
Suitability
All ages welcome but best for families. Visitors with disabilities (mobility, visual, hearing) have access to special services but may not be able to enjoy all rides.
About this Rating
TYPE
Onsite
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:1h 10m
est. visit time:7h
Start of Season 1:Apr, 01
MONDAY09:30 - 23:00
TUESDAY09:30 - 23:00
WEDNESDAY09:30 - 23:00
THURSDAY09:30 - 23:00
FRIDAY09:30 - 23:00
SATURDAY09:30 - 23:00
SUNDAY09:30 - 23:00
Start of Season 2:Oct, 01
MONDAY09:30 - 21:00
TUESDAY09:30 - 21:00
WEDNESDAY09:30 - 21:00
THURSDAY09:30 - 21:00
FRIDAY09:30 - 21:00
SATURDAY09:30 - 21:00
SUNDAY09:30 - 21:00