Doing Disneyland Paris on a budget
It’s true! The magic of Disney is real! But if you don’t keep your costs in check they have the potential to spiral
After visiting Disneyland Paris twice and bagging great deals on both trips, I’ve compiled my top money-saving tips and recommendations for an unforgettable and magical experience.
Here’s how to get the most bang for your buck and ensure a fantastic time at the happiest place in Europe!
Tempted? Well here is everything you need to know about the resort.
1. It’s free for the under threes!
If you have little ones under 3, you’re in for a treat! They get to go to Disneyland Paris for free, so it’s a great time to visit when they’re still under this age. On one of our visits, we spent less than £700 for a week-long stay for our entire family. Planning your trip around these free perks can significantly cut down on costs.
The under 3’s also eat for free in Disneyland restaurants so definitely make the most of this! Book a table at an all-you-can-eat buffet and pig out on the savings!
2. Stay hydrated without spending a penny
Disneyland Paris offers free water refills throughout the park, so don’t forget to bring your own reusable water bottles. Refilling your bottle throughout the day is not only better for the environment but it’ll save you money that would otherwise be spent on overpriced (and probably sugary!) drinks.
3. Bring your own merchandise
Rocking the Minnie ears!
It’s probably no surprise that Disney-themed merchandise can be quite expensive inside the park. To save some cash, pack items like Mickey ears, Disney T-shirts, and other small accessories before you go. It’s a simple way to avoid paying premium prices but still get involved in the Disney vibe.
4. Stay at the Davy Crockett Ranch
The Davy Crockett Ranch is the cheapest of the official Disney accommodations available at Disneyland Paris and is about a 10-minute drive from Disneyland Paris, with free parking and a straightforward route. Budget aside, here’s some other reasons it a great choice:
The lodges give off a Eurocamp-style vibe - nestled in the woods, cosy and fun!
With a fully-equipped kitchen and BBQ included, you can prepare your own meals, which will save you money!
There’s plenty to do including an indoor swimming pool with a slide and hot tubs, plus a restaurant, shop, and sports courts—all within the ranch.
As an official Disney hotel, you’ll benefit from free parking at Disneyland Paris and early access with the Magic Hour (1 hour before regular guests).
They decorate with seasonal themes which adds an extra charm to your stay.
The lodges can sleep up to six people, with one double bed and four singles, which is perfect for families.
The accommodation exceeded my expectations - it was really modern, well-decorated and had everything we needed.
I would say that the only downsides were that the kitchen was a bit snug for the eight of us when preparing dinner. And I would say that we could have benefitted from more storage space and the outside space could have done with being more enclosed for the kids.
5. Money-saving travel
One of the most budget-friendly things about Disneyland Pairs is getting there - it’s easy, cheap and quick! We took the Eurotunnel and then did the 3.5 hour car journey from the Eurotunnel terminal to the park. It’s really straightforward!
Sometimes, ferry crossings can be included for free as part of travel deals too so keep an eye out for promotions like that if travelling by boat is your thing.
6. Time your visit wisely
The magic of Christmas in November!
We were savvy and timed our visit for November, meaning we could experience the festive magic of Disney before the holiday price hikes kicked in. Don’t forget to compare deals between booking directly through the Disneyland website and third-party sites like Magic Breaks. On our second trip, Magic Breaks offered a better deal with free Disney+, so it’s definitely worth shopping around.
Summary
I hope this has helped to show you that doing a little extra research and planning goes a long way to making your trip memorable and affordable. Don’t forget if you’ve got any questions or tips, drop them in the comments below and I'll get back to you.
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