Interesting Disneyland Facts
Disneyland Paris is the kingdom of magic and the place where childhood dreams come true! But it’s also home to some seriously cool rides and some even more awesome facts. Here are a few of my favorite facts about Disneyland Paris, that Disney fans will love!
- Disneyland Paris officially opened its doors on April 12, 1992, becoming the first Disney theme park in Europe. It was later renamed Disneyland Resort Paris and then Disneyland Paris.
- The initial idea for the location of Disneyland wasn’t Paris. Disney originally wanted a warmer location in Europe that would correlate with the warm temperatures like in the Florida and California parks. However, Paris won the bid due to its central location. It’s an estimated four hour drive away from 70 million potential visitors and a two hour flight away from over 300 million potential visitors who live in central Europe.
- Theme Parks: Disneyland Paris consists of two main theme parks: Disneyland Park (Parc Disneyland); This is the resort’s flagship park, inspired by the original Disneyland in California. It is divided into five themed lands: Main Street, U.S.A.; Adventureland; Frontierland; Fantasyland; and Discoveryland. Each land offers its own unique attractions, shows, and dining experiences. And the Walt Disney Studios Park (Parc Walt Disney Studios); This park is dedicated to the world of filmmaking and animation. It features attractions and shows related to Disney and Pixar movies, as well as behind-the-scenes experiences.
- Attractions: Disneyland Paris offers a wide range of attractions, including classic rides like Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, and It’s a Small World, as well as newer additions like Ratatouille: The Adventure. There are also parades, character meet-and-greets, and live entertainment shows throughout the day.
- Disneyland has a secret network of underground tunnels. Ever wondered how Mickey and his pals seem to be in two places at once? I’m afraid this isn’t a sprinkle of Tinker Bell dust, just underground tunnels! Characters need to dash from one side of the park to the other without the bustle of the crowds slowing them down. Therefor, a network of underground tunnels were built to solve this and are also used to haul equipment as not to tarnish the ‘magic’ of Disney’s image.
- Entertainment: The resort hosts various entertainment options, including nighttime spectaculars like Disney Illuminations and Disney Dreams! The entertainment schedule may vary seasonally.
- Every Disneyland Park has a different castle. One of the most interesting facts about Disneyland Paris is about Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, as they are different in every Disney park! You may assume that the castles in the US would be better as they are in bigger parks. However, the castle in Disneyland Paris is actually more elaborate and dream-like. It was thought that as castles are already a big part of European history, it would make more sense to create Disneyland Paris’s castle in a way that made it appear more fairytale-like.
- Dining: Disneyland Paris has a diverse selection of dining options, from quick-service eateries to fine dining restaurants. You can enjoy French cuisine, international fare, and even character dining experiences.
- Resorts: In addition to the theme parks, Disneyland Paris offers a range of accommodations, including themed Disney hotels and partner hotels, to suit different budgets and preferences.
- The original name wasn’t Disneyland Paris. The park’s original name was going to be ‘Euro Disney’. However, research into low visitor numbers found Europeans associated ‘Euro’ too much with finance and work. Americans on the other hand, thought ‘Euro Disney’ sounded glamorous!
- Shopping: Disney Village is a shopping, dining, and entertainment district adjacent to the parks. It features a variety of shops selling Disney merchandise, fashion, and more.
- Seasonal Events: Disneyland Paris hosts special seasonal events throughout the year, such as Halloween and Christmas celebrations, which include unique decorations, themed entertainment, and special treats.
- Disneyland Paris will never be completed. For our final fact and one of THE best facts about Disneyland Paris is in Walt Disney’s own words, “Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.” And Walt wouldn’t be disappointed! Since opening in 1992, Disneyland Paris has expanded by introducing its Walt Disney Studios in 2022 as well as developing three new lands with all new rides: Toy Story Land, Ratatouille The Adventure and the Avengers Campus!
- Accessibility: The resort is accessible by car, train (RER A), and shuttle bus. It’s located approximately 32 kilometres (20 miles) east of central Paris.
- Tickets and Packages: Visitors can purchase single-day tickets or multi-day passes. There are also vacation packages available that include park tickets, accommodations, and other perks.
Frequently Asked Questions about Disneyland Paris
Disneyland Paris is a magical holiday destination with two Parks filled with endless and fun attractions, restaurants and shops for guests of all ages. Get ready for and make the most of your adventure by using this section to find information on the resort, what attractions are suitable for you and your family, maps of the parks, character experiences and a whole lot more.
Q. Where can I find a map of Disneyland Paris and the Disney Parks?
A. Explore the Disney Parks using the online interactive map of Disneyland Paris. Here, you can plan your adventure before you arrive with a detailed look at Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park. You can locate your perfect Disney Hotel and discover the attractions you wish the ride, shows and parades you dream to see and restaurants you can’t wait to eat in. And when there are no sleeps left and you’re stood at our gates, a detailed map can be picked up at the ticket windows in the Disney Parks and at City Hall in Disneyland Park.
Q. What is there to do in Disneyland Paris?
A. Disneyland Paris is a magical holiday destination with thrills and adventures for Guests of all ages. Here’s just a glimpse of the magic ahead:
- Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park are two Parks filled with enchanting lands, endless attractions and exciting discoveries around every corner
- Disney Village is the ultimate entertainment district with world-class shopping, appetizing restaurants and year-round concerts and performance
- Disney Hotels ranging from budget rooms to luxury suites, all offering exceptional value and service
- Over 50 restaurants to enjoy, from American fare to exotic delights
- More than 50 shops to explore, offering Disney collectibles and souvenirs, toys and gifts, and brand-name fashions at discount prices
- Sports and recreation, including golf, soccer, swimming, an adventure trail and more are all on-site
Q. Can I exit a Disney Park and return later that day?
A. Yes. Come and go as you please. You can go back to your hotel for a nap and a swim. Or why not venture to Disney Village ? It’s a great place to do some shopping, grab a bite to eat or catch some live entertainment. Just be sure to keep your entrance ticket on you.
Q. What are the opening hours of the Disney Parks?
A. Disneyland Paris is open every day of the year. However, opening times vary according to season and the Parks may stay open late for special seasonal events. Stay in a Disney Hotel and you can enjoy extra magic in the Disney Parks.
Q. When is the best time to visit Disneyland Paris?
A. With magical attractions, shows and parades open all year round, it’s always a great time to visit Disneyland Paris. But here are some tips on making the most of your stay.
If you want to visit when the number of Guests is fairly low, plan to stay mid-week (Tuesdays to Thursdays) during mid-January through mid-March or mid-April through mid-May. The benefit of visiting the Resort when the number of Guests is low is that waiting times are shorter. However, there may be fewer scheduled shows and events during these periods.
If you want to visit whilst the Disney Parks have extended hours and more scheduled shows and events, plan your stay for weekends, including extended holiday weekends, during the summer months and for special seasonal events. However, during these times, there are usually more Guests in the Disney Parks.
Q. Are there pushchairs available inside the Disney Parks?
A. Yes. Pushchairs can be rented for a fee at the Stroller/Pushchair and Wheelchair Rental shop located at Town Square Terrace, near the Disneyland® Park entrance and at Studio Services at the Walt Disney Studios® Park entrance. You can find the locations on the map of Disneyland® Paris.
Q. Where can I see Disney Characters at Disneyland Paris?
A. Disneyland Paris is home to all your favourite Characters, with many attractions, shows and parades featuring Mickey and his friends.You can find Disney Characters in the two Parks at special Meet ‘n’ Greet locations and in some restaurants. But the best way to guarantee a magical moment is to arrange a dining experience your little ones will never forget.
Check in to a Disney Hotel and enjoy extra magic each day of your stay! Gain exclusive access to parts of the Disney Parks long before anyone else and meet up with Mickey, Minnie and friends. Cuddle up and strike a pose in a range of distinctive settings for snapshots to cherish forever. Have you autograph book ready, as they love making friends from all over the world. The key to unlocking all these magical experiences is simply to stay in a Disney Hotel!* Conditions are subject to those at the time of publishing. Extra Magic Time is subject to availability and may vary across Disney Parks.
Q. What procedures do you have in place to ensure the cleanliness of the park?
A. From the very beginning, Walt Disney made cleanliness an important part of the Disney experience. We have high standards for cleaning and sanitation at our parks, with health and safety protocols such as:
- Training for cast members, with ongoing reinforcement on a regular basis
- Defined cycles for frequent cleaning of targeted areas
- Easy access to handwashing facilities and hand sanitizers
- Quick response to spills, trash and other situations
- End of day sanitation procedures for restroom, kitchen, and other facilities
- Frequent cleaning and “wash down” of outdoor locations, including walkways and queues
Q. Do I need to select a specific date for my Disneyland® Paris Tickets?
A. Most Disneyland Paris Tickets are now date-specific to help Disneyland Paris better manage park capacity. We would recommend that customers purchase a dated Disneyland Paris Ticket as these tickets offer the best value and include your Disney Paris theme park reservations, guaranteeing your entry to the Disneyland Paris theme parks. Disneyland Paris dated tickets can be booked with confidence as they also offer the flexibility to cancel tickets with a full refund outside of 72 hours of your ticket start date if your holiday plans change.
For those who are unsure of their plans at the time of booking or wish to purchase their Disneyland Paris tickets as a gift, there is the option of the Disneyland Paris 1-Day Flexible Ticket. This ticket cannot be cancelled and a separate theme park reservation will be required before visiting Disney Parks, but this option gives the flexibility to visit Disneyland Paris anytime within 12 months of purchase.
Q. Do I need to print my Disneyland® Paris Tickets in advance?
A. Disneyland Paris tickets can either be downloaded to a smartphone or printed in advance. Simply scan the barcode on your smartphone or printed ticket when you arrive the Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park entrance for direct access to the Disney parks.
