ultimate theme park guide (and its drone show)

Disneyland Paris, located just outside of Paris, offers a magical European twist on the Disney experience. Whether you’re a fan of thrilling attractions (their Space Mountain has a loop!) or trying France’s take on theme park food (yes, they sell wine everywhere), Disneyland Paris has something for everyone. But if you’re a drone enthusiast, there’s one part of the park experience you absolutely cannot miss: the breathtaking nighttime drone show.

The current drone show on display is Disney Electrical Sky Parade, which runs nightly ahead of the classic fireworks show. Both occur on the skies over Sleeping Beauty Castle, making Main Street and the esplanade in front the best places to watch.

And yes, I’ve got an in-depth Disney Paris drone show review, which includes tips for how to watch. I share the best viewing spots, the best days to go, how early to line up and more. But what else do you need to know about visiting Disneyland Paris in general?

Here’s my ultimate guide to Disneyland Paris, with a special emphasis on what vacation planners should know about catching the spectacular aerial display.

Disneyland Paris: an overview

Disneyland Paris consists of two parks at Disneyland Paris — the Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park. Both offer a variety of rides, shows, and character meet-and-greets, and require a theme park ticket to enter.

There’s also a free-to-visit shopping and entertainment zone called Disney Village. Plus, it’s free to wander the lobbies, grounds and dining areas of the seven Disney-owned hotels. Disney’s property also includes two convention centers, a golf course and an arena. It’s all about 20 miles east of Paris in a city called Marne-la-Vallée, France.

The property is owned by the Walt Disney Company, having opened in 1992 as the second Disney park outside the United States. Much is similar to what you’ll find in the U.S., but it’s impossible to replicate the property’s uniquely Parisian personality anywhere else but here. Disney fans must visit, as the differences are delightful.

And drone fans absolutely must pay a visit, as this drone show is one of the best drone shows in the world.

How many days should I spend at Disneyland Paris?

I spent three nights at Disneyland Paris. Getting to see the drone show from all angles was critical, so I wanted three views of it.

What I didn’t realize until I got there, is I would not see it three times. Because of bad weather, the first night was cancelled. If your priority is seeing the drone show, mitigate the risk of bad weather making it so you miss the show by simply staying more nights.

No matter who you are, two full days generally makes sense to see all the rides and other shows. Come in the afternoon or evening the night before to allow for two full days, plus three nights of drone shows. With that, budget three nights of a hotel. And if you stay at a Disney-owned hotel, you often can get complimentary tickets with your room anyway (more on that later).

Disneyland Paris tickets

Buy Disneyland Paris tickets through either the official Disneyland Paris website or an authorized travel agency. Drone Girl’s recommend source for theme park tickets at the best prices is Undercover Tourist.

Plus, compared to other Disney parks around the world, Disneyland Paris generally offers the lowest prices of any Disney theme park. Disney ticket prices vary by day, but in 2024, single-day Disneyland Paris adult tickets ranged from €62 to €105 (about $67 to $115). In comparison, a single-day ticket at Walt Disney World in Florida starts at around $109 (approximately €100) for one park, with prices rising significantly during peak times.

The lower ticket prices at Disneyland Paris, combined with frequent promotions and deals, make it a more affordable destination compared to the U.S. parks. However, it’s essential to factor in additional costs like travel and accommodation when budgeting for your trip.

Park tickets are sold in flexible pricing options, including single-day, multi-day, and park-hopper tickets, which allow you to visit both Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park.

Buy in advance. Disneyland Paris usually offers discounts on tickets when purchased in advance online. You’ll generally pay less than buying at the gate, and you can also benefit from special offers that may not be available for same-day purchases.

Buy multi-days. If you’re planning on staying for more than one day, purchasing a multi-day ticket can save you money compared to buying multiple single-day tickets.

Consider an annual pass: If you plan to visit multiple times in a year, a Disneyland Paris Annual Pass can be a more cost-effective option. Plus, assholders receive free or discounted entry, as well as exclusive benefits like discounts on dining, merchandise (which is adorable, by the way) and hotels.

Purchase Disney theme park tickets at the best price from Undercover Tourist.

Getting to Disneyland Paris

It’s likely you’ll visit Disneyland Paris as one piece of a longer trip to Paris (as you should). Now I do recommend staying overnight on Disney property (more on that later), but that’s not practical for all travelers.

Coming from Paris: take the train

Whether you’re staying overnight on Disney property, or just visiting the park as a day trip, Disneyland Paris is easily accessible from central Paris via the RER A train. There is a train station that goes directly to theme park property, not far from the park entrance. In fact, the train station is closer than even some hotels.

Check the train schedule on your specific visit date. But since the last train typically doesn’t leave until after midnight, it’s possible to catch the drone show and to catch the last train.

The train will be cheaper than booking a car — and it’s just as fast.

There is another option for the Disneyland Paris Express shuttle, but it has a more limited schedule. Taking the train offers far more flexibility. Though, the shuttle is really just a huge charter bus, which may be more comfortable than the public train, particularly if you have luggage.

Coming from the airport: take a shuttle

If you’re flying in straight from the airport, Disneyland Paris is a 40-minute drive from Charles de Gaulle Airport. Shuttle services are available, which pickup at airport arrivals.

I took what’s called the “Magical Shuttle,” which is a huge charter bus that operates at both Paris-Orly and Paris-Charles De Gaulle airports. From there, the shuttles make stops at all the Disney-owned hotels, the Disney parks, plus Disney’s partner hotels and Les Villages Nature Paris.

Magical shuttle offers services just about every hour during business hours. Though, check the schedule if you’re flying in at an odd time. And while you can book in advance (recommended during busy seasons) I just bought a ticket onboard which was completely fine. Exact ticket prices vary, but expect to spend about €25 per person, each way.

Since it runs on the roads, the shuttle tends to be about the same speed as driving. Though you will make stops at a few places around Disney property. At least it’s bigger and more comfortable than a car.

Best time to visit Disneyland Paris

Like any Disney park, Disneyland Paris can get crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons in summer and on weekends. To avoid long lines and enjoy a more relaxed experience, consider visiting during off-peak times. That’s generally weekdays in late winter or early fall. Or, go for the happy medium and visit during shoulder season.

But there’s something extra to consider as a drone enthusiast: maximizing your changes of seeing the drone show. Drones won’t take off in inclement weather. And though no one can predict the future, averages might provide some indication. December has the highest average monthly rainfull, so that might not be the best time to visit.

The three months with the lowest average monthly rainfall in Paris are:

1. February (46 mm average rainfall)
2. March (47 mm average rainfall)
3. September (52 mm average rainfall)

Those might be better times to go, specific to the drone show action.

Consider seasonal offerings

Disneyland Paris occasionally mixes up their drone show with a seasonal version. For example, between Oct. 2 and Nov. 3, 2024, the park offered a drone show put on a Halloween themed drone show.

Disneyland Paris: what else to see and do

The drone show only spans about 10 minutes. Luckily, there’s plenty else to see during the day.

Disneyland Paris rides

Don’t-miss rides at the main Disneyland Park include Big Thunder Mountain and Space Mountain. For fans of the U.S. parks, don’t miss the unique attractions here such as Phantom Manor. It’s kind of like the Haunted Mansion, but not. Meanwhile, get your steps in at Alice’s Curious Labyrinth.

Over at Walt Disney Studios Park, the best two rides in Disneyland Paris are Crush’s Coaster and Ratatouille: The Adventure.

Disneyland Paris food

The food at Disneyland Paris is hit-and-miss. The American theme park food is skippable. Think: frozen burgers and fries, reheated.

But the French food is divine. And yes, since you’re in France, Disneyland Paris does incorporates French cuisine into its offerings. You can enjoy everything from casual French pastries to gourmet meals. Yes, wine is sold all throughout the park.

In general, the counter-service meals are meh, albeit more affordable. I thought the Cowboy Cookout Barbecue in Frontierland was the best of the bunch. Outside the theme park gates, I found the sandwiches and salads at Earl of Sandwich, which is a sandwich chain with an outpost at the Disney Village, to be the healthiest and best value for the cost.

That said, the better food are the sit-down meals. My two favorites were:

Bistrot Chez Rémy: Located in Walt Disney Studios Park, this Ratatouille-themed restaurant serves classic French dishes like ratatouille (of course!) and other entrees like steak in a setting that makes you feel like you’ve shrunk down to the size of Remy.

Walt’s – An American Restaurant: Disney fans will appreciate not just the food but the history at Walt’s – An American Restaurant. It’s located just on Main Street, U.S.A., spanning much of the second floor of the shops. The elegant restaurant celebrates the life and legacy of Walt Disney with themed rooms inspired by Disney’s most iconic films, many of which feature memorabilia.

The menu features a blend of French and American cuisine. You can even Eat Like Walt and order his beloved chili. Plus, it offers a view of the parade passing by on Main Street.

Other Disneyland Paris shows

While the nighttime drone show is the reason you’re planning a trip to Disneyland Paris, the parks have other top-tier entertainment. In fact, this resort has some of the best shows of any Disney park.

The Lion King: Rhythms of the Pride Lands: For fans of “The Lion King,” a live stage show version is performed at the Frontierland Theater. Called The Lion King: Rhythms of the Pride Lands, it’s a high-energy musical rendition of “The Lion King” with live singing, dancing, acrobatics and drumming.

Mickey and the Magician: Over at Walt Disney Studios Park, Mickey and the Magician is a charming story about Mickey and his encounters with Disney characters along the way. But the real draw is the singing, dancing and magic tricks on stage.

Pixar: A Musical Adventure (The Pixar Concert): One of the newest (and best) additions to Disneyland Paris’ entertainment lineup is the Pixar: A Musical Adventure. It’s often referred to as “The Pixar Concert”. Held at Walt Disney Studios Park, The Pixar Concert features a live orchestra accompanying dance performances (with some amazing costumes, too).

The nighttime drone show (which is why you came)

For drone enthusiasts, the highlight of your Disneyland Paris trip will undoubtedly be the nighttime drone show. It’s an awe-inspiring display that has set a new standard for Disney’s evening entertainment.

The show combines traditional fireworks, laser lights, and drones in perfect harmony, creating breathtaking visuals in the night sky. Disney Electrical Sky Parade is the current show on display, playing through January 2025. Though, past drone shows have included a Marvel drone show over at the Walt Disney Studios Park.

Check out my complete guide and review of Disney Electrical Sky Parade. That said, I’ve shared some of the most critical details here:

1. Watch in the right area: The front of Sleeping Beauty Castle is the prime spot. Main Street, U.S.A. can make for a good backup if you’re averse to crowds. Plus, the same projections displayed on the castle are displayed here on the Main Street buildings.
2. Know your settings (if you’re filming it): If you’re capturing the drone show on camera, set your device to manual mode. Use a lower ISO to reduce grain in low-light conditions. Experiment with longer exposure times to capture the light trails of the drones.
3. Arrive early: For the best view, arrive at your chosen viewing spot 45 minutes to an hour before the show starts. This is especially critical during peak times.

Where to stay (and why the Disneyland Paris hotels are worth it)

I highly recommend staying at one of the Disney-owned hotels given the convenient proximity to the parks and exclusive guest benefits. During my stay, I chose Disney’s Newport Bay Club and absolutely loved it. Here’s why staying at a Disney hotel can make all the difference.

1. Convenient location: One of the biggest perks of staying at a Disney hotel is the close proximity to the parks. After a full day of rides, ending your night with the drone show can be magical, albeit exhausting. The last thing you’ll want is a long commute back to your hotel. Staying on property allows you to take a short walk back to your room. That makes the end of your day ier. Hotels including Newport Bay Club, Disneyland Hotel and Sequoia Lodge are all within walking distance to both theme parks.

2. Early Park Entry (Extra Magic Time): Guests staying at Disney-owned hotels receive the benefit of Extra Magic Time. This benefit allows you to enter the parks up to an hour before they open to the general public. This perk is crucial for getting on popular rides with minimal wait times.

3. Fun Disney Themes: Each Disney-owned hotel is themed to immerse you in different Disney experiences. My hotel, Newport Bay Club, had a charming nautical theme that provided a relaxing contrast to the excitement of the parks. Plus, the resort’s picturesque setting by Lake Disney offered a tranquil environment for unwinding after a busy day.

4. Exclusive Disney perks: Staying on-property also comes with a variety of Disney-exclusive perks, including Disney-themed toiletries and character breakfasts (though the breakfast is an additional fee). And while most the Disney hotels are within walking distance, the definition of “walking distance” can vary not just by person, but by yourself depending on how many miles you clocked at the parks. Given that, they also offer free shuttle services to the parks.

5. Potential for free park tickets: One of the best ways to save money at Disneyland Paris is by booking a hotel directly through the Disneyland Paris website. These packages often include free park tickets when you stay at a Disney-owned hotel.

For example, Disneyland Paris frequently runs deals where guests who book a hotel stay for three nights receive four days of park tickets for free. In fact, that’s the exact deal I took advantage of! This type of promotion is perfect if you’re planning to spend several nights at the parks to catch the drone show from all angles.

Disneyland Paris: the best theme park for drone light shows

Disneyland Paris is a must-visit destination for any Disney fan, but for drone enthusiasts, the nighttime drone show is the crown jewel of the experience. Whether you’re visiting during a special event or on a regular day, be sure to include this show in your itinerary—it’s a display you won’t find at any other Disney park.

Then again, if you can’t make it to Disneyland Paris, there are plenty of other amazing theme park drone shows happening in the U.S., too.

Want to learn more about Disneyland Paris in hard copy form? For people who preferred a physical travel guide, I recommend Kyle Anderson’s Disneyland Paris Travel Guide 2024, which you can get for less than $15.

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