Disneyland Paris is one of the magical family holidays that Europe has to offer. Sadly, this does come at a cost; Disney is infamously expensive but well worth it! Here are my top tips on how to enjoy Disneyland Paris on a budget!
Go Off-Peak
Booking for the off-peak season is the best way to save money on your Disneyland Paris trip. If possible, aim to book mid week or outside of the European school holidays. This is when the tickets, hotels, and transport are at their cheapest, helping you budget your Disneyland Paris trip from day one. Additionally, the parks are a lot quieter, and wait times can be shorter, potentially saving any money spent on FastPasses. If you are wanting to know what it’s like to visit during Disneys off-peak season, check out my blog – Disneyland Paris in January.
Top Tip: Be sure to look up school term times for countries close to France (Germany, Spain, and Holland) as well as the UK.
Consider All Methods of Transport
Fortunately, from the UK, we have multiple methods of getting to Paris. Be sure to fully compare flying, the Eurostar, and driving to get the best deal for your Disneyland holiday. One of the most affordable methods of transport is driving via the ferry or Eurotunnel. Prices often depend on the size of the vehicle and the time of year, but driving often works out to be the cheapest. However, if you do enjoy the Eurostar, you can save money on your trip by taking a train to Paris–Du–Nord and then getting the metro to Disneyland Paris. This is works out cheaper than than changing at Lyon but can be difficult to navigate and very crowded (I wouldn’t recommend this route to young families).
Stay Off-Property
We all love a Disney hotel but there is no doubt that staying off property is best way to save you money on your Disneyland trip. Marne-la-Vallée is filled with great value hotels that are within walking distance or offer a shuttle bus service to the parks. Some of my favourites include; Relais Spa Val d’Europe, B&B Hotel Près De Disneyland Paris and Dream Castle Hotel Marne La Vallee. Another money-saving option is a campsite—take a look at the Eurocamp website for all the holiday parks and campsites close to Disneyland Paris.
Enjoy Quick Service and Avoid Restaurants
If you are planning to eat in the parks, save your money by eating at quick-service restaurants as opposed to sit-down restaurants. Although Disneyland Paris has some marvellous restaurants, the quick-service food is fairly similar but at a cheaper price. It’s worth saving a few pennies and enjoying the various food stalls and fast-food options.
Bring Your Own Food
While we are on the topic of food, the most effective way of saving money at Disneyland is to bring your own food. There is no denying that the food in the parks is expensive, and bringing your own food will help to save a lot of money. Unlike the American parks, Disneyland Paris isn’t known for its ‘Instagram-worthy’ food; therefore, you will not be missing out by bringing your packed lunch!
Book Tickets with Third-Party/French Websites
Disney tickets at a reduced rate are hard to come by, but it is always worth comparing different sources . Try looking at a third-party company (Attraction Tickets Direct is one of my favourites). These websites aim to have the best price on the market and it can sometimes work out cheaper than booking directly through Disney. Some Disney-goers have also found success in booking via the French website. Sometimes the exchange rate can help save you a few pennies, but this isn’t always guaranteed.
Plan Your Visit
Disneyland’s merchandise and food prices are no joke! If you want to avoid unnecessary costs, then create your itinerary, research the weather, and plan what you need to bring with you. Save your money on ponchos, umbrellas, autograph books, pens, or even ears by purchasing these before getting to the parks. You could even go the extra mile by planning when to ride the busiest rides. Avoid paying for fast passes by doing these rides first thing or during the parades.
My biggest tip to booking Disneyland Paris on a budget is be organised and doing your research! By following these tips I guarantee you will be able to save some extra pennies on your next Disneyland Paris trip. If you’re planning a Disney holiday soon or just enjoy Disney/travel content be sure to sign up to my mailing list.