When is the best time of year to visit Disneyland Paris?

Best time to visit Disneyland Paris
December 17, 2014

, , ,

The best time to visit Disneyland Paris really depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. Seasonal events like the Christmas celebrations are definitely one of the most magical times to visit, but these are also the busiest times, so be prepared for longer queues and a bit more hustle and bustle!

Some of the most important factors for visitors are:

  1. How busy will the parks be?
  2. What will the weather be like?
  3. What will be happening at the parks while I’m there?
  4. How much will the tickets cost?

This guide briefly tackles those questions, and will give you some tips on making that important decision!

1. What types of ticket can I get?

Tickets for Disneyland Paris vary in price depending on when you want to visit. These are the 3 types of ticket you can book:

  • Mini Ticket: The most cost-effective option, valid only off-peak dates within the season you’ve selected* (mainly on weekdays in term-time)
  • Magic Ticket: The mid-priced option – can be used on all off-peak dates within your chosen season*, plus on some of the more popular dates during the season
  • Super Magic Ticket: Can be used anytime within the selected season*, except some special peak dates
  • Super Magic Plus Ticket: Covers ALL dates in the selected season*, including the most popular, such as Halloween, October half term, weekends in November and the 2-week Christmas break

*Disneyland Paris split their ticket availability into two seasons: Summer tickets and Winter tickets.

See prices for Disneyland Paris tickets

2. Visiting Disneyland Paris by Season:

Spring at Disneyland Paris

What’s the weather like?

Spring (from March to May) is the driest season and the temperatures can reach up to 15 – 20ºC. It’s a good idea to pack clothes that you can layer in case an unusually cool or warm day sneaks up on you.

How busy will it be?

Except for the half-term holidays, the season from March to May can be fairly quiet, so queues for the rides will generally be shorter and you’ll be able to fit more into your day. However, there may be fewer scheduled shows and events during these periods.

What’s On: Disneyland Swings into Spring!

Springtime blooms with magic, colour and music blossom throughout Disneyland Park – with the smell of flowers and fun in the air!

St David’s Welsh Weekend (Early March)

Disneyland Paris celebrates the land of green valleys and towering mountains with 3 days of fun, laughter and all things Welsh. There’ll be music, crafts, face painting and fireworks – and of course Mickey and Minnie in their Welsh outfits!

St. Patrick’s Day (17th March)

The biggest Irish celebration of the year! Dance and sing to traditional Celtic music with your Disney friends, who have dressed up especially for the occasion, and see Sleeping Beauty Castle come alive with colour in an amazing fireworks finale.

Summer at Disneyland ParisWhat’s the weather like?

Paris hots up in the summer (June – August) with temperatures in the 20ºCs, so make sure you slap on the sunscreen! However July is also one of the rainiest months, so don’t forget an umbrella or poncho so you’re not caught out by a surprise thunderstorm.

How busy will it be?

Summer is one of the busiest seasons at the parks, with extended opening hours and more scheduled shows and events! However, because there are more guests in the parks you might find there are longer wait times for the rides.

What’s On: Enjoy the parks for longer!

Long summer days and warmer weather mean even more magic at Disneyland Paris!

As the evenings get lighter, the parks are open til later, so you’ll have even more time to enjoy all the magical events that take place throughout the summer – including the spectacular light shows and firework displays!

Autumn at Disneyland Paris

What’s the weather like?

Autumn in Paris (September – November) is getting colder and rainier. You might still have some nice days, but it’s a good idea to bring a coat, an umbrella or poncho, and shoes which will keep your feet from getting wet as you explore the parks!

How busy will it be?

Autumn months can be up and down, as the Disney parks celebrate events like Halloween and Bonfire night, so if you would prefer to go when the parks are less busy, try to book a date when these events aren’t taking place.

What’s On: Halloween and Fireworks!

Disney’s Halloween Festival (October)

Join Mickey and his friends for the spookiest Halloween yet, with a dash of Disney magic!

Meet the Disney Villains behind the Castle and go on a ghost hunt down Main Street – if you dare! Visit Jack Skellington, take some scarily funny interactive photos with Minnie and Goofy, and lots more terrifically terrifying fun!

Mickey’s Magical Fireworks & Bonfire (Select dates in early November)

Forget every fireworks show you’ve ever seen before, because this one blows them all out of the water! Mickey himself makes a special appearance as the night sky above Lake Disney lights up with brilliant explosions and spectacular special effects, all set to dramatic music.

Winter at Disneyland Paris

What’s the weather like?

Wrap up warm, because from December to February Paris can get close to freezing. But if anything the weather will just make you feel more festive – if you’re lucky you might even see some snow!

How busy will it be?

Disney’s Christmas celebrations go on through most of the winter season, so you’ll find the parks get busier the closer you get to the Christmas holidays. However, from mid-January is one of the quietest periods with some of the shortest queueing times

What’s On: It’s all about Christmas!

Disney’s Enchanted Christmas (Mid-November – early January)

For two fabulously festive months, the Christmas spirit takes over Disneyland Paris!

Gifts come to life before your eyes and Santa’s elves scramble after escaped toy soldiers, dolls and dancing aeroplanes. And don’t forget your Christmas jumper, because Mickey. Minnie and the rest of the characters will be wearing their most festive outfits!

3. Weekdays vs. Weekends:

Weekdays can be quieter…..

If you want to visit when the number of guests is fairly low, plan to stay mid-week (Tuesdays to Thursdays), but bear in mind that there may be fewer scheduled shows and events during these periods.

There’s lots going on at weekends, but you might have a longer wait!

Visit at the weekend, in the summer months or at special seasonal events if you want extended park hours and more shows and events – but remember this is when everyone wants to visit, so you’ll often have a longer wait time for the rides.

What about the school holidays?

School holidays will always be busier than term-time – and remember French school holidays may be at a different time to UK, so make sure you do your research!

Whatever time of year you’re planning to visit, make sure you’re armed with these top tips for a great time whatever the weather in Disneyland Paris!

About the author

Farrah Hedwat

Farrah is AttractionTix’s resident Copywriter. A city girl at heart, her best-loved travel moments are exploring new cities across the world like Barcelona or Los Angeles. Farrah’s favourite things are eating, sleeping, shopping and animals (but mostly animals). Her pet hates are bad grammar and other writing-based “offences”.