Disneyland Paris Must-Dos: The Best Bits To Know First

The Disneyland Paris Must-Dos, Sorted

Disneyland Paris has a lot of ‘musts’ flying around — must-book this, must-try that, must-see the other. Some of it’s worth listening to. Some of it isn’t.

This is the shortlist I’d actually stand behind: the restaurants worth the booking, the snacks worth the queue, the souvenirs worth the suitcase space, and the characters worth tracking down. Consider it your taster of the best bits, with a full deep-dive waiting wherever you want to go next.

Who This is For

This one’s for anyone who wants the highlights without wading through everything — whether it’s your first Disneyland Paris trip or your fifth. If you’re after the best restaurants, the snacks actually worth eating, the souvenirs worth bringing home, and the characters worth the queue, this is your starting point. Dive into any section for the full breakdown.

Disneyland Park vs. Disney Adventure World: What’s the Difference?

Disneyland Paris is home to two parks, each with its own vibe:

• Disneyland Park is where I get all the nostalgic, fairy-tale feels and classic adventure stories. It’s home to the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle, Main Street U.S.A., and the traditional Disney ‘lands’ we all know and love—Fantasyland, Adventureland, Frontierland and Discoveryland. Here, you’ll find favourites like Big Thunder Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, and ‘it’s a small world.’ It’s the perfect place for soaking up those traditional Disney moments.
• Disney Adventure World has just been expanded to include World of Frozen, new attractions, restaurants and a nighttime drones spectacular on a lake. And it still brings the thrills and spills with exciting rides like The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Ratatouille: Remy’s Totally Crazy Adventure. Plus, it’s home to the most shows, including Mickey and the Magician and Together: Pixar Musical Adventure. If you’re after a bit more adrenaline and love Pixar, Marvel and Frozen, this park is for you!

Top 5 Table Service Restaurants at Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris is packed with my favourite dining spots that are just as fun as the rides. Whether you’re in the mood for a charming princess experience or a quirky Marvel-themed meal, these top five table service Disneyland Paris restaurants will not only fill your tummy but also make your dining experience unforgettable.

1. Downtown Restaurant (Disney’s Art of Marvel Hotel) – For the best overall dinner experience, this Marvel-themed restaurant is my favourite. Discover why here! It offers a mix of New York-inspired international cuisines in a vibrant, superhero-inspired setting. It’s perfect for Marvel fans or foodies looking for a great meal.

2. Auberge de Cendrillon – A must for princess lovers! This beautiful restaurant offers fine French dining alongside appearances by Disney princesses. It’s the ultimate fairy-tale experience, but perhaps best suited for older guests who can handle a more challenging menu. Grab my top 11 tips about Auberge de Cendrillon here!

3. PYM Kitchen – For Disney-themed fun, PYM Kitchen is a standout. The Marvel-inspired restaurant offers playful food options like giant pretzels and mini-burgers, making it a hit for families who want something fun and creative. Try the blue wine!

4. The Regal View – Definitely my new favourite! The Regal View is A princess-only spot in Disney Adventure World, with an art nouveau dining room that feels more grown-up than most character meals. You’ll meet four princesses (Ariel, Briar Rose, Belle and Merida on my visit), and with fewer characters rotating, the interactions are properly relaxed — no conveyor belt of tiaras. The food’s a little on the fancy side, but order the tuna tartare and the frozen champagne soufflé; both are worth the trip alone.

5. Royal Banquet (Disneyland Hotel) – Indulge in a sumptuous buffet with Mickey, Minnie and two more friends in a regal setting. Each dining room has a different theme (my fave is the villains room!). The princess-themed deserts make this an unforgettable meal. Read about my experience at Royal Banquet here!

📌 Ready to book your meal? Here are 9 Ways to Get a Table Reservation for Disneyland Paris, even when they’re sold out!

Top 5 Quick-Service Restaurants at Disneyland Paris

1. Casa de Coco – My favourite quick service spot for lunch, this Coco-themed eatery offers delicious Mexican-inspired burritos and Doritos with melted cheese. It’s perfect for a fast but flavourful meal in between attractions (and the slushy margaritas are fab!).

2. Toad Hall
Located in Fantasyland, this charming eatery serves up classic British fare, including my kids’ favourite meal: fish and chips. Note: Toad Hall is only open during popular seasons.

3. Pizzeria Bella Notte
This Italian eatery offers a Mickey-shaped pizzas and pasta dishes in a beautifully themed environment inspired by ‘Lady and the Tramp’ and Luca. It’s a great option for families, and the kids meal comes with dessert.

4. Stark Kitchen
In the Avengers Campus, this modern quick-service restaurant features a menu inspired by the Marvel universe, offering pasta, pizza and salads. I love their macaroni and cheese.

5. Colonel Hathis
Located near Adventureland, this beautiful Jungle Book themed eatery serves Mickey Pizzas and pasta. It’s a quieter (and more scenic) spot to chill out after exploring the park.

📌 Looking for plain food for children (or yourself)? Check out this Fussy Eaters Guide to Disneyland Paris.

Top 5 Snacks You Can’t Miss

Let’s talk Disneyland Paris snacks—because, let’s be honest, snacks are one of the best parts! From sweet treats to savoury, these are my top five Disneyland Paris snacks not to be missed. Here’s how to snack your way through the parks like a pro!

1. Mickey-Shaped Waffles – A classic! You’ll find them at multiple kiosks, including Cool Post in Adventureland, and they’re as delicious as they are Instagram-worthy (pictured above left).

2. Churros – Found at Overland Trail Cafe, churros are a must for Disney park fans.

3. Crepes – Could I write a blog called Crepes and Castles without including them here? (Of course not!) It’s France after all – so grab a classic crepe with Nutella (my fave) or lemon and sugar from a stand near ‘it’s a small world’ for a quick treat.

4. Popcorn – The popcorn at Disneyland Paris is perfectly sweet and salty, and the adorable souvenir buckets make it even better!

5. Wonderland Ice Creams – March Hare Refreshments has the best ice cream creations all themed around Alice in Wonderland. They’re definitely shareable (or you can keep them all to yourself – no judgement here!).

🍗 BONUS TIP: I’m a veggie so I can’t comment on taste, but the quintessential Disney park Turkey legs are available in Disneyland Paris, too. You can find them at Overland Trail Cafe in Frontierland.

5 Best Souvenirs to Take Home

Ready to take a little piece of Disney magic home? These are my five favourite souvenirs from Disneyland Paris for keeping the memories alive. Each one is either unique to this park or a favourite among us Disneyana collectors—because, let’s be honest, our shelves always needs a bit more sparkle!

1. Mouse Ears – You can’t go wrong with an iconic Mouse Ears headband. Choose from seasonal designs or classic styles. My favourites are the ones that say Disneyland Paris as they are unique to this European park.

2. Disney Trading Pins – Start or grow your pin collection! These are great for trading with cast members and other guests or putting on your pinboard at home. Special pins are released in limited numbers on certain days of the month, so ask in-store for the latest release.

3. Exclusive Disneyland Paris Spirit Jerseys – These iconic oversized shirts are not only comfy but make the perfect keepsake for remembering your trip. They’re highly Instagrammable, too!

4. Shoulder Soft Toys – While the Disney plushies are tempting on their own, the shoulder buddies are too adorable to leave behind! These cute little companions work with a system of magnets that attach to your T-shirt. That way your little Disney friend can ride around on your shoulder while you explore the park.

 ✏️ PRO TIP There are exclusive shoulder toys you can only find at Disneyland Paris, so keep your eyes peeled for the rare ones to collect (like Mushu and Angel). You also might want to attach them with an added safety pin for extra security, especially for youngsters.

5. Glass Wand from the Castle Shop – This is my favourite tip for first-timers! For something truly enchanting, don’t miss the chance to get a glass wand custom-made at the glassmakers’ shop in Sleeping Beauty Castle. It’s a magical keepsake that you can proudly display, and every time you see it, you’ll be reminded of your trip.

📌 On a budget? Here’s where to find the Cheapest Souvenirs at Disneyland Paris.

Top 5 Character Meets

For me, meeting cute Disney characters is a must-do. Spotting iconic princesses and my favourite childhood characters is like stepping into a real-life fairytale. That’s why I’m sharing these 5 top character meet-and-greet spots in this Disneyland Paris First-Timer’s Guide.

1. Mickey Mouse – No trip to Disneyland Paris is complete without meeting the main mouse himself! Check out Meet Mickey Mouse in his house in Fantasyland (classic Mickey in a tuxedo) or often near Phantom Manor (Manor Mickey outfit) for iconic selfies. New in 2026, Mickey in a dapper Victorian outfit is meeting in Disney Adventure World by Adventure Bay.

2. The Princess Pavilion – For all the Disney Princess fans, head to the Princess Pavilion where you can meet one of your favourite royals. The queue may be long, but the experience is worth it.

✏️ PRO TIP You can also meet Disney Princesses at Auberge de Cendrillon or La Table de Lumière. A royal encounter without the wait!

3. Spider-Man – Swing into action at Avengers Campus and catch Spider-Man in all his superhero glory! He’s funnier than you’d expect and ready to pose for impressive pictures.

4. Winnie the Pooh (or Friends) – I highly recommend a bear hug from the extremely lovable Pooh (or his pals Piglet, Eeyore and Tigger). Perfect for your littlest ones (or young at heart); you can often find Pooh, Piglet or Tigger at the start of Liberty Arcade in Town Square.

5. Stitch – This mischievous little alien is hard to find at the moment, as he’s usually in the parade! If he’s meeting, Stitch will usually be near Casey’s Corner. He loves it when you wear his face on your clothes or bags, but look out if he wants to borrow your child’s cuddly Stitch toy!

Top 5 Hotels for Your Disneyland Paris Stay

After a long day of exploring, you’ll want a cosy place to rest your weary feet (and dream of Mickey waffles). These top five hotels near Disneyland Paris are the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and a dash of Disney enchantment. Let’s find you a home away from home that’ll make your stay even more magical!

1. Disneyland Hotel – The crème de la crème, located right at the park entrance. Luxury, comfort, and Disney magic all rolled into one (pictured above).

2. Disney’s Newport Bay Club – With its New England maritime theme and a prime location on Lake Disney, this hotel is perfect for the more mature crowd.

3. Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel – A must for superhero fans, this upscale refurbished hotel features Marvel art with a Manhattan twist.

4. Hotel Cheyenne – For younger families or those looking for a fun and budget-friendly stay, Hotel Cheyenne is a fantastic Disney value hotel. With its Wild West and Toy Story themes, you’ll feel the Disney magic without breaking the bank.

5. The Moxy – This offsite trendy hotel in Val d’Europe offers a vibrant atmosphere at an affordable price, making it a great choice for older families and young adults alike. With its playful design, friendly bar and proximity to the parks, it’s a fun and comfortable stay without the Disney price tag.

📌 Get the full scoop with our guide to all the Disney Hotels and what perks each of them have to offer.
📌 Want a quote for a Disney hotel package? Visit the Disneyland Paris website now.

25 Fun Facts for Disneyland Paris First-Timers

If you haven’t guessed already, I am really obsessed with Disneyland Paris! And so, as an annual passholder and full-time DLP blogger, I’d love to inspire you to find it magical too.

Here are 25 unique features of Disneyland Paris, that you might not have heard before:

1. Snails on the castle? Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant (Sleeping Beauty Castle) is considered to be the most beautiful castle of all the Disney parks. But look closely and you will see snails on each of the 16 towers. Why 16? Because Aurora was 16 years old when she pricked her finger and fell under Maleficent’s curse.

2. It gets crowded. All year long. By the end of last year, Disneyland Paris had welcomed 16.1 million visitors across its two theme parks. That made it the #1 most visited theme park in Europe. Think about that when you’re trying to leave after the fireworks… 😬

3. Dungeon delights. Sleeping Beauty’s Castle is unique, featuring a 2,500 kilo animatronic in the dungeon. Yes, that’s an actual dragon lurking there!

4. The Longest Main Street: Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland Paris is the longest avenue in any Disney park. Along its length, you’ll find charming shop windows that commemorate real people who contributed to the park’s creation, adding a personal touch to your stroll down the avenue​. Listening outside the dentist office will make you giggle.

5. Don’t throw that away! Disneyland Paris is going green with reusable cutlery, bowls, and plates made from bio-circular plastic. The park swapped out disposable tableware back in 2022, and you’ll find special bins to pop your used items into around the park.

6. A Park for Every Mood: There are actually two parks—Disneyland Park and Disney Adventure World—each offering a totally different experience.

7. Goofy as ‘Dingo’: In French, Goofy is called ‘Dingo,’ and you’ll see this name all over the merchandise.

8. Cultural Blends: Disney made a massive effort to blend European and American cultures throughout the park, so you’ll find a unique fusion of both.

9. Medium-sized Disney Park: Disneyland Paris in France sits on 5,500 acres of land, but only about half has been developed so far.  That makes it larger than Disneyland California and smaller than Walt Disney World Florida.
📌 Check out more key differences in: Theme Park Face-Off! Disney Paris vs Disney USA. How are They Different? 

10. Weather Challenges: The Imagineers had to design the parks to accommodate the chilly European winters—something their American counterparts don’t need to think about as much! The two arcades on the either side of Main Street are especially handy if it snows. Check out my handy winter packing list here!

11. Adult privileges at Disney: Unlike in the US, you can order a beer with your meal at the fast-food restaurants in Disneyland Paris. You can also find wine in the restaurants and even champagne by the castle. Très chic!

12. Phantom Manor: Disneyland Paris park has the only version of Haunted Mansion with a storyline that ties into Frontierland, rather than just being a spooky ride. It’s much darker, too!

13. 33,000 Trees: The park has more than 33,000 trees, all carefully selected to create an immersive, magical environment. But my favourite bit of landscaping is the Mickey Mouse at the entrance – they change the colours of the flowers that make up his head regularly to match the season.

14. The Hidden Mickeys: Keep your eyes peeled—there are loads of hidden Mickeys all around the park, from lampposts to railings. For instance, look up at the outside of Buzz Lightyear. In the blue panelling you’ll see a little mouse head disguised in the design. If you need more hints, check out Julie Ears.

15. Euro Disney No More: The park was originally called ‘Euro Disney,’ but the name changed to ‘Disneyland Paris’ in 1994 due to lack of appeal. My theory is that Euro is associated with the national currency, and Disney didn’t want to be called ‘Money Park’ no matter how expensive it is! 😂

16. Cheeky wordplay: The water tower with the massive mouse ears outside Disney Adventure World is affectionately called The Earfful Tower (geddit… Eiffel Tower..?)

17. Costume Rules: Did you know guests aged 12 and up aren’t allowed to wear costumes? That sadly means no adult Elsas roaming the streets to confuse the guests!

18. Smells Like Magic: Scent machines pump out delicious smells of baked goods and popcorn in certain parts of the park, just to make the experience even more delightful.

19. No Tipping: Tipping is not expected in the restaurants at Disneyland Paris, unlike in the U.S. Leave a few Euros as a courtesy, but you don’t need to sell a kidney to thank your waiter like in American restaurants.

20. Seasonal Specials: Disneyland Paris goes all out for Halloween and Christmas. If you’re visiting during these times, expect extra shows, characters and decorations. But there is no separately ticketed event for Halloween or Christmas.

21. Missing Mickey: Ever wonder why the park’s reusable bowls, plates, and cutlery don’t have Mickey Mouse on them? It’s because items with Mickey’s iconic image were so popular, they kept disappearing with guests! To remove temptation, the park opted for the plain (but stylish) tableware you see now.

22. A Fairytale Castle Design: The Sleeping Beauty Castle is not only the largest but also the most detailed version of any Disney castle. Its design takes inspiration from real-life European castles, particularly Mont Saint-Michel in France and Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany, making it truly one-of-a-kind.

23. Lightning McQueen’s French Name: In France, Lightning McQueen from Cars is called ‘Flash McQueen!’ Years ago a life-size McQueen was seen driving through Disney Adventure World and in an action show. But now you can catch him in the Cars ROAD Trip attraction.

24. International Appeal: The park draws visitors from all over Europe, so you’ll hear a mix of languages as you stroll around. The rides and shows titles are in a mixture of French and English, but don’t worry, you’ll quickly get the hang of it.

25. How High? At 161 feet (over 55 meters) the tallest ride in Disneyland Paris is the Tower of Terror—brace yourself!

📌 Love fun facts? Here’s 17 More Surprising Tips for Disneyland Paris.

Important Links You Want to Check Out

Now that you’ve got through this Disneyland Paris First-Timer’s Guide, it’s time to sort out your trip!

From snagging the best deal on park tickets to booking that dreamy Disney hotel, these important links will help you navigate your planning like a pro. With a little clickety-click, you’ll be well on your way to an unforgettable Disneyland Paris adventure!

Grab My Book!

There you go—if you liked this quick Disneyland Paris first-timer’s guide, you should check this Disneyland Paris Trip Planning Guide for First-Timers in my shop! Whether it’s your first time or your tenth, this e-book will make sure your visit is filled with all the best eats, meets, itineraries and experiences.

Have more questions? Any experiences of your own to share? I’d love to hear from you—leave a reply below and let’s keep the conversation going!