Best Time to Visit Disneyland Paris with a Baby: Tips for a Magical Trip
The idea of going with a baby to Disneyland Paris…sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? I mean, sure, to some extent… but honestly, when it comes to planning a trip to the happiest place on Earth with a little one in tow (albeit the most magical), it sort of feels like aimlessly trying to find your way through an enchanted forest blindfolded. Fear not! Read on as I provide you with some hand tips and tricks for your dandy time at Disneyland Paris.
The first thing you need to determine is when to visit. Believe me, you do not want to have to elbow your way through 130,000 people carrying a bored baby with tempers starting to fray on both sides. It really did just come down to timing; here I will share the secrets of how you can hit that perfect period when the park is less crowded and more enjoyable.
Even the way to get there is an adventure—by train, by plane, or maybe just a walk (yeah, right). Similarly, I have dissected the most straightforward methods to make your way over here into functional land.
Buying tickets? Yep, it’s a jungle out there. Don’t worry, I will give you a couple of secret insider tricks to breeze through this like a boss. Oh, and let’s not even discuss those wait times—it feels like no one wants to stand in line for hours with a screaming infant.
And I will share with you the tricks to sail around that stuff like a FastPass-wielding wizard.
For the moments you need a break (and trust me, you will), I also tested the quietest spots in the park, all on brand-new seats to boot.
Alright, so sit tight (stroller that is?) and get ready to make your Disneyland Paris with baby magic happen. Warning: The secret sauce is a combination of Mickey magic and preparation, old-school style!
What is the perfect Disneyland Paris time with a toddler?
Are you considering a trip to Disneyland Paris with an infant in tow? Timing is everything. If you’re anything like me, you want to experience the magic of Disney without battling through the masses and waiting 3 hours for a Dole Whip area because, let’s face it, a cranky baby can turn the happiest place on earth into something from World War Z.
Make some friends with off-peak seasons. Around mid-January through early February.
In these months, the park is a little bit quieter, and best of all, not as busy, so you can either use that huge stroller or get in line with shorter waits. And you could get some seriously cheap hotel and ticket deals—save money and buy more souvenirs.
Late September through early November is also a fantastic time to visit. The temperatures have cooled a little now that the summer vacationers are gone. And there’s time to see the last bit of Disney’s Halloween Festival, which is darling even if your baby won’t remember it. Oh, I mean post-holiday February is surprisingly peaceful too—all the decorations are still up and the cheer of days gone by lingers without anything closing or any holiday gluttons nearby.
And if you’re feeling particularly daring and want to try the summer months, early June can be your friend. The tourists are beginning to arrive en masse, but it was not as busy as at peak season, in very pleasant weather. So, leave early and adjust to the crowd. You may require a little more than occasional snacks and cold drinks to get through the journey with the little one and everyone happy.
But when is the best time to go to Disneyland Paris with a baby? There should not be too much drinking and not too little drinking,
like when the park goes from magical to manageable. So plan smart. Get those memories happening without losing your mind. Safe travels—and may your Disney magic be as sweet as a newborn’s purr!
Disneyland Paris with a Baby
You have your heart set on Disneyland Paris with the little one, but just how do you go about taking them to eat at the Magic Forest or ride in space rockets? How can you get there with the least drama possible? Transporting a baby from one place to town with a baby can often feel like juggling flaming torches somewhere outside of the Roman Colosseum.
By Train:
For those of you coming from Paris, I always take the train. You will be able to get directly from the airport to Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy train station, which is within walking distance of Disney parks, thanks to the RER A line. The ride is creamy, and the best part? Slow and in a row seat and place for strollerbereit. And there is something exciting about experiencing that sensation grow as you draw closer to the magic. It’s very easy to find, just look up “Disneyland Paris” signs. Sort of like tiny lighthouses leading you to the happiest place on earth.
From the Airport:
Flying into Paris? No worries! From Charles de Gaulle Airport, you can catch the TGV train, which is almost straight to Disney Land Paris. Plus, a little quicker and far less awkward than negotiating trains with a wriggly baby in tow. If you are coming from Orly, you will have to take the Orlyval (Orly airport metro) and switch to RER B in Antony and further alternate with RER A. Yikes, I know, but it isn’t as cumbersome as it appears—lots of that bubbling energy too!
On Foot:
Now this is a little less travel (if there’s a hotel by it!) If you have the time and are willing to explore, you may attempt it on foot, depending on where you stay. Just keep in mind, that the walk is about 20–30 minutes and you have to pack smartly—a stroller, snacks, maybe even a nap break for your little one. Top tip: not only are there many lovely paths and signs to lead the way, but also it is super easy to actually follow this walk.
Baby steps and a lot of patience. A world of Disney magic is just hours away, and soon you’ll be a Disneyland Paris pro able to find your way around the magic before you can say, “Oooh là là.” Have a safe journey, and cheers to some enchanting traveling!
Steps to Book Disneyland Paris Tickets
Thinking of buying park tickets for Disneyland Paris with a baby? It is less complicated than you believe! For starters, if you have a baby under 3 (hard to imagine since so many of us remember every detail from Day 1), strap that kid in the car seat or stroller and win the ticket line. For the rest of us though, pre-planning is vital. I often look at the Disneyland Paris website first—they tend to have some pretty good offers if you book well in advance. If you absolutely dread waiting in line (I mean, who enjoys it anyway), then get a FastPass offer and check out the single-rider options for rides you want to skip the lines on. It is somewhat akin to a magical want that makes those wait times vanish. Keep in mind the best ticket discounts are typically available with some advance planning, so snag those tickets and you’ll be set to make some unforgettable memories!
The choices you make when it comes to tickets for a trip to Disneyland Paris with a baby can have impacts more wide-reaching than you may think. In stark contrast to the iOS App Store, Google Play does still offer some side loading, Here is a quick guide on how to navigate your choices.
Standard Tickets:
- What They Are: These are just the plain base tickets to get into Disneyland Paris.
- Best for those who can afford to hold for a while in the line and the ones who just like to go with simple.
- Tip: Always search for internet discounts or packages to save a few euros.
Park Hopper Tickets:
- What It Is: This ticket gives you access to both Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park for one day.
- Best for families that want to hit both parks in a day.
If your baby gets overwhelmed easily, save this for a day when they are in the mood to play.
Fast Pass:
- What It Is: A system that lets you reserve access to attractions in addition to using the regular queue.
- Optimal: For those who love nothing more than long line-ups! FastPass may be available with select ticket packages or separately for purchase.
- Tip: FastPasses are not unlimited and subject to availability, so book as soon after buying your tickets as you can.
Single-Rider Pass:
- What It Is: A fast track to the front of a different queue (usually for attractions where you don’t need to sit with your group)
- It’s good for couples or adults within the group who are looking to take a few quick rides while someone else looks after the baby.
It is not available at all attractions — you must do a little research first.
Annual Pass:
- What It Is: A year-long, unlimited access pass for Disneyland Paris
- Best For: People who are going to visit the parks more than once a year
- Tip: Probably the cheapest option if you live locally/ are going more than once,
How Do You Book Disneyland Paris Vacation Packages?
- What They Are: Ticket, boo, and perhaps a nourishment meeting offer
- Best For: Families who want an all-inclusive, stress-free experience learn MORE
- Tip: often comes with sweeteners such as Extra Magic Time, which lets you into the parks before everyone else
My Personal Tip:
For those bringing an infant to the park, you will want quick line-tested options with a traditional “hand held” design. Advanced booking always gives you a better rate, and lets you prepare for odd diaper changes and snack breaks in between!
Quietest Places in Disneyland Paris
In Disneyland Paris, it can sometimes feel like finding a hidden treasure—albeit one you have to find when carrying a very tired baby at naptime. However, there are a couple of hideaways where you can retreat and if you are lucky, even find some peace of mind amid all the craziness. Take a look at the Baby Care Centers scattered around the park for starters. These are more like small islands with changing units, feeding corners, and some peace.
I was also taken aback by how peaceful Alice’s Curious Labyrinth in Fantasyland is. Although the maze is a bit of an adventure, it’s less crowded, so you can take a peaceful walk. Alternatively, there is generally outdoor seating at many of the food outlets, which is away from the main hustle and ideal for a quiet mama people-watch when it’s rest time for bubs too.
So the next time you bring your tot to Disneyland Paris, here are a few spots to get a bit of peace. It is perfect for those relaxing times off, and a chance for you to refuel because, let’s face it: even in the Happiest Place on Earth, some peace and quiet can also be that “True magical” experience!
Low season, high season at Disneyland Paris
Disneyland Paris with a Baby: The Difference Between Low Season and High Season You might also be able to ride a little easier due to the low season (mid-January through early February). Great if you’d prefer not to lose the throngs of tourists all and want a bit more room for your little one to nod off in their stroller. On the other hand, the high season (which is the summer holidays and shortly after Christmas) brings bustling life to Disneyland with parades, special events, and an energetic air. On the other hand, when the park is buzzing with life and has a great atmosphere, that can mean longer ride times and more people around. In my opinion, I would say do the off-park season if you want a more chilled-out trip — even if it means not getting to brag that you still saw the magic of Disney with NO LINES!
Disneyland Paris Best Day Tuesday 2024
Yes, a day counts—like a lot, especially if you are visiting Disneyland Paris with a toddler in 2024. Plan to visit on a weekday when fewer people will be inside for a more leisurely experience. It will be much quieter on Mondays through Thursdays, as well as off-season and once the parks have reopened. And as a rule of thumb, never visit France during a French school holiday—it is literally like swimming through a vat of hyperactive children. For me,
it’s Tuesday or Wednesday—not so empty that you wonder about current and future book sales but a nice lull between those days when everyone races over from work and the weekend. That way, you’ll have more of a buffer for the ultimate snack breaks and nap times. Little did we know that a day at Disneyland could be so calculative.
Top quiet spots?
Looking for some peace and quiet when you have a baby at Disneyland Paris is much like searching for buried treasure. Luckily, the park has some great spots to relax from the richness of life.
One of my favorites is the Space Mountain area in Discoveryland. As exciting as the ride is, there are some surefire ways to catch a break from all the adrenaline. The other is Alice’s Curious Labyrinth in Fantasyland. It’s a delightful labyrinth that will keep your child entertained and make for an appealing retreat to rest your bones as you admire the surrounding views. Venture to The Gardens of the Hotel New York should you need a break. This is not within the park, but just a short walk to the entrance and provides a tranquil place for contemplation.
Finally, the Baby Care Center near the main park entrance is a gift from above. There are changing tables, feeding areas, and, if you’re lucky, some comfy chairs that give you a little quiet time. It feels like a little retreat from the chaos.
But trust me, life will be easier and a lot more fun if you find them all!
Disneyland Paris Holiday Dates 2024 in France
Disneyland Paris with a baby in 2024: French holidays and park events are key to your trip planning Disneyland Paris in France knows how to throw a party and they really go all out for the holiday season. While this may mean that certain destinations will be at their bustling best, it also means that the many French school holidays are a bad time to visit if quietness is your goal. Spring break, summer vacations, and Christmas holidays are the busiest times to visit; thus, booking ahead is essential.
If possible, try to time your baby’s first visit with Disney’s enchanted Christmas or Halloween festival, which takes some extra touch of magic into the place and their memory. In addition, the decorations and holiday events are perfect for all of those photo-worthy family memories. On that note, the park gets crowded during these colder months so be prepared and think of coming during off-peak times to avoid some holiday madness.
Disneyland Paris Event Calendar 2024
If you are thinking of traveling to Disneyland Paris in 2024 with a baby, it is worth keeping an eye on the calendar of events at Disneyland Paris. The park is a gold mine of excitement year-round; foreknowledge goes a long way. Each event from Disney’s Enchanted Christmas to Halloween Festival adds an extra dash of magic. But, pro tip — while these events make for excellent photos and experiences — they can be traffic builders too. If you wish to avoid the hustle and bustle, then visit outside of these major events during this very festive period! If you are anything like me, with a baby strapped in tow, you will want to skip those long lines and soak up the magic of Disney for all its worth—and without all the bother!
Disney World park hours and crowds for Jan, Feb 2024 -- complete list
Looking for the 2024 Disneyland Paris Crowd Calendar with a baby is a little more like looking for a needle in a haystack, but don’t worry, I have you covered! Early January is possibly one of the calmer periods, just after all the New Year’s revelry. In two weeks after all that rush you may like to think of it as a mini-vacation.
Spring is also a quiet time of the year when the flowers are in full bloom and there are many fewer tourists. But be mindful of summertime and French school holidays—these periods are packed full of kiddos, so you’ll find yourself wanting to strategize your way toward the front of those long lines or less-crowded spaces. In summary, stick with weekdays that are not during peak holidays or major events for a more peaceful outing. Friendly Reminder: You too can avoid the insanity of the hordes with a little preparation and enjoy some magic with your baby!
Maximize your Time In Disneyland Paris (All Year Round)
Waiting in line, especially with a baby at Disneyland Paris, can seem to take forever when you are lugging around snacks and toys for the baby and trying to coax a grumpy child that it’s just a short wait until we board! I learned some ways to avoid these crowds, in addition to how to make magic the most out of your time there!
Top of the list: Stay at one of the Disney Hotels. I can’t stress this enough! It’s much more than cute decorations or park proximity.
Extra Magic Time —a.k.a., early access to the park before it actually opens to the public (you’ll need your Disney Hotel reservation!) In other words, if you’ve got an early riser (or a baby who enjoys adventure), this is your golden hour to hop on the popular rides without waiting in line for hours. Believe me, it will make a huge difference that extra hour.
But instead, those lines. In addition to remaining on-site, I have a few tricks up my sleeve. So, Number 1 — use the Disneyland Paris app As well as checking showtimes and where all the churro stands are (yasss), it has real-time info on how long you’ll be queueing for every single ride. I pop it open to help choreograph our day around the shorter line rides. On occasion, the app shows that a killer ride has less than a 30-minute line mid-to late afternoon and we adjust our plans accordingly.
Tip #3: If you can, fast-pass it up! While this isn’t available on all rides by any stretch, the fact it’s offered at all makes it worth taking advantage of. One thing I have learned is that if we snag a FastPass for a headliner attraction early in the day, it prevents us from having to wait hours upon end. Also, the FastPass distribution points are typically less busy in the morning so I also try going early to get it when there is a short waiting time.
Finally, go when it’s not busy. I know this is a no-brainer for most people, but it works! We attempt to go mid-week or at least when the park is less busy. If you want to avoid long lines at Disneyland, DO NOT go on the weekends or during school holidays. Just a little bit of planning.
So far, these tips have allowed me to make our Disneyland trips still enjoyable and not stressful, even with a baby. Just remember, the point is to enjoy the magic and not get so wrapped up in waiting because the true magic happens in making memories together!
1. Disneyland Paris Summer 2024 Deal
Summer at Disneyland Paris is the park’s loudest, sparkliest call to enjoy all of its sunny splendor and revelry. The Summer 2024 deal is highway robbery. It will be great for families with a lot of hours and special events happening. …stay and bear the crowds, just apply sunblock. Seriously, explaining a sunburn to a screaming baby?? No thanks!
2. Disney's Halloween Festival (October through early November)
There is nothing creepier than your sweet baby in a tiny pumpkin costume! Halloween at Disney is a little cornball (and not in the quaint vintage sense), with costumes, decorations, and just a hit of spookiness. From October to November, the park metamorphoses into a Halloween haven. Or, never fear: If your baby isn’t into the scary stuff just yet (or ever), there’s plenty of adorable, fluffy fun going on.
3. Christmas at Disneyland Paris
December is also ideal — if you have always dreamed of an actual white Christmas in the middle of Disneyland, now is the time to make it happen. The whole park is lit up with festive lighting, and Christmas at Disneyland Paris is absolutely something magical. Warm lights, a porch meant for cuddling, and dozens of cups of hot cocoa. As long as you watch over your tot, they might believe that they have been transported into a Christmas fairytale!
4. World Princess Week (Usually end of August)
A magical experience and a must-see for the little royalty in your home, World Princess Week is usually held in August and is wonderful for kids who love to meet their princesses.
With Storybook Dining, It’s as if Disney is putting together their special parades and meet-and-greets from a storybook. Well, get ready for a couple of more “prince and princess” type snacks and recyclables!
5. Disneyland Paris St. Patrick's Day Style
Picking a time that lands around St. Patrick should be accompanied by a green sweater and some Irish cheer. Of course, the park gets festive with parades and special entertainment. It is a fun way to spend time appreciating culture, while you are still in the magic of Disneyland. Expect your child to break out into a jig with Mickey!
All of these times have their own appeal, and with a little bit of creativity, you can ensure that your Disneyland Paris vacation is the best experience possible for both you and your baby! Now choose your bestie, pack those snacks and toys, and prepare for a magical experience with enough memories to tell your little one later on.
Christmas is the Right Time For a Midterm Trip to Disneyland
The perfect Christmas gift? A mid-term trip to Disneyland Paris! Picture this: instead of queuing at packed-out shopping malls and fighting the Christmas panic-buying masses, you’re leisurely strolling around Disneyland Paris with your toddler, basking in the glow of festivity. A mid-term break to Disneyland is not only a present but also a holiday filled with cheer, warm hot chocolate, and the opportunity to property experience a look of dignity on your child’s face as they get to meet their dream Disney characters. Dang, these decorations are so magical that it is almost easy to forget about the 3-hour sleep schedule you have barely been following. Let me tell you, its the craziest Christmas present and someday it will make those perfect life-destined memories you always remember — even for breakfasts with stinky diapers!
Disneyland Paris with Abbey Travel
Disneyland Paris with a baby? A few things… Oh, those Abbey Travel people, I tell you. Their packages are family-oriented, so you can spend more time focusing on enjoying yourself and less of a hassle with a stroller and suitcase in tow. From sourcing family-friendly hotels to organizing all the nitty-gritty (where to find the closest baby changing station, anyone?), Abbey Travel has got you sorted. And tricks from them to make sure the “are we there yet?” meltdowns and get right to the magic… Honestly,
It’s good to have someone else deal with the tedious details while you eat a churro and watch your baby meet Mickey for the first time. It is like having a fairy godmother, but you do not need to be waiting around for any more magical wands-just sound advice along with a dash of Disney sparkle!
And there you have it—everything you need to know on the best time to visit Disneyland Paris with a baby! Having the celebrations of holidays, Halloween, and Christmas, Six Flags Great Adventure becomes an exotic, colorful light show with a blissful calm of off-peak seasons blending in with the hustle and bustle of busy holiday events. Whether soaking up some spring sun, enjoying a quieter fall, or taking in the wonder of winter, there is always a great time to make memories.
The difference between a magical experience and meh full of stroller traffic jams can often come down to when you plan your trip—quiet times beget quieter parks, so paying attention to those crowd calendars is a must. I guarantee if you can just show up at the docks, you will not be getting stuck in one of these lines that feel like it goes to the moon and back.
Don’t forget every season has a benefit and a downside. Break out those baby necessities, throw on your Mickey ears, and get excited to experience the magic of Disneyland Paris. Let me tell you, the perfect timing can mean night and day between a great trip and an extra magical visit! Safe travels, and may all your days be filled with fairytales (and fewer lines)!
