Want to know what to expect from Disney’s slow season? Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about Disneyland Paris in January!
CHEAPER PRICES
For me, the biggest perk of visiting Disneyland Paris in January is the price. January is Disney’s quiet season, and therefore, their prices drop, sometimes by a significant amount. In fact, January is a quiet season for travel, period. So, you will find cheaper flights, cheaper Eurostar tickets, etc.
RIDE CLOSURES
With it being the slow season, you will find that Disney utilises this period for maintenance, meaning ride and show closures. It’s worth doing your research to avoid any heartbreak. This can be done by visiting the Disneyland Paris website. Simply go to ‘Park Hours’, then scroll down to the calendar and select the date(s) you plan to visit. Scroll down again to choose your park, then select filter and click on ‘Closed.’ You can then flick through ‘Attractions’, ‘Characters’, and ‘Entertainment’ to see what will be closed. Disney will release this information 3 months in advance.
Top Tip: Download the app ‘MagiPark’ for real-time updates on attraction closures.
SHORTER WAIT TIMES
A quieter park means shorter wait times. I last visited Disneyland Paris in January 2024 and found myself spending more time in the park and on rides than in queues, which regular Disney-goers will know is rare. Rides such as Flight Force, Buzz Lightyear, and “it’s a small world” were a walk-on. However, bigger attractions like Crush’s Coaster and Tower of Terror, still have a longer wait time.
Top Tip: Again, the app ‘MagiPark’ will save you with real-time updates on wait times while you’re on the go.
PREPARE FOR THE COLD
January is one of Paris’s coldest months, so be prepared and wrap up. Opt for hot drinks, wear thermals, bring the big coat—anything you can do to keep warm for those long park days!
LOW CROWDS
If you are a regular at Disney, then you know how overwhelming the peak hours can be. In January, the crowds are very low, and you have more space. If you are wanting a more peaceful visit, then January could work for you.
JANUARY RAIN
As well as being cold, January in Paris is wet. Not only does this affect the quality of the day, but it also means shows and parades could be cancelled. Most nighttime shows are weather-dependent, so if you are visiting in January, be sure to check the weather and the ‘MagiPark’ app.
NIGHT TIME ENTERTAINMENT
Night time entertainment is displayed every night all year round (weather permitting), meaning you will not be missing the regular nighttime displays. Also, the earlier sunsets can mean earlier shows, which is perfect for younger families who struggle to stay up!
THEATRE SHOW REHEARSALS
In Disney’s slow season, this period is used to install/rehearse the theatre shows. This is usually spread out across the year to ensure some sort of indoor entertainment will be available. In past years, ‘Mickey and the Magician’ has taken its break in January. But always double-check on the Disney website (described in RIDE CLOSURES) or the ‘MagiPark’ app.
FEWER FOOD OPTIONS
Back when I visited Disneyland Paris in January 2024, I noticed the lack of food trucks open, especially in Walt Disney Studios. This could be due to the work being done in this park. However, I did notice that some of the regular outdoor food options were closed. This makes a lot of sense in colder months, so if you are a big Disney foodie, this is definitely something to consider.
MORE OPPORTUNITY FOR BOOKING
Fewer people in the parks mean fewer people booking restaurants and experiences. So if you are a Disney fanatic, January could be your best chance to secure your spot for the busier bookings.
In summary, at any time of year, Disneyland Paris will always be magical. It may just look a little different from month to month. If you prioritise low crowds and affordable prices over good weather and ride availability, then January could be the best time for you. For more travel tips and tricks, be sure to sign up to our mailing list below!
