Six mistakes tourists make at Disneyland Paris

A UK travel guru has dished out the ultimate dos and don’ts for holidaymakers planning a dream trip to Disneyland, the place where dreams come true.

In 2022, Disneyland Paris enchanted nearly 10 million visitors, as per Statista’s figures, cementing its status as one of Europe’s most beloved theme parks.

But with such an enchanting experience comes the need to plan wisely, especially when it’s potentially a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Ensuring your visit is nothing short of magical and memory-filled is crucial.

Hannah Westphal, the travel expert from byHannah Vacations, has revealed six common blunders that could put a damper on your Disney escapade, reports Wales Online.

Hannah said: “It’s easy to forget, but comfortable shoes are essential for a fantastic Disneyland trip. High heels, flip-flops, and brand-new shoes might not be the best choice after a day of exploring rides and soaking up the magic.”

Another misstep is lingering too long over meals. With a smorgasbord of delightful places to eat offering all kinds of treats and dishes, Hannah suggests being strategic with your dining decisions.

She said: “If you’re tight for time exploring the parks, a long, leisurely meal might not be the best way to spend your day. It’s a shame to see visitors feeling deflated after a lovely meal, only to find they’ve squeezed themselves out of time for their top ride.”

The expert suggests that visitors should either allocate time for meals or opt for quick snacks to make the most of their time in the park. If you’re pondering over your budget before your trip, Disneyland has listed all its eateries online, complete with price ranges and menus.

To enhance your magical journey, you can download the Disneyland app, which the expert describes as a “fantastic tool” for your trip. However, many visitors don’t fully utilise it. Hannah said: “The app provides everything you need to know, from current ride wait times to character meet-and-greets and show schedules.”

You can even view your PhotoPass photos and ride pictures, keep your park ticket handy on the app, and order food to save time queuing. However, the expert advises downloading the app and setting up your account beforehand.

This way, you can get acquainted with its features before your visit, saving precious park time for the most important thing experiencing the magic.

There’s nothing more exasperating than feeling peckish while stuck in an incredibly long queue for refreshments at Disneyland (or while waiting for a ride). Fortunately for guests, there’s a useful tip to dodge those lengthy lines pre-order your refreshments.

For those who haven’t visited the theme park since their childhood, this might come as a surprise. The Disneyland app allows famished visitors to pre-order drinks and snacks.

Hannah said: “Simply place your order and pay through the app. Once you get a notification that your food’s ready to collect, you can swing by and grab it.”

The evening fireworks are a significant attraction for guests, so anticipate large crowds when viewing them. However, if crowds aren’t your thing, there are alternative ways to enjoy the spectacle.

Hannah said: “While the fireworks are stunning from within the park, you might find yourself feeling a bit overwhelmed by the crowds. For a more relaxed experience, you might want to consider alternative viewing spots outside the park.”

There’s much more to the parks than just the rides. You never know what you’ll discover on your adventure.

The parks are filled with talented cast members who put on amazing shows that are definitely worth seeing. Hannah said: “The way I see it, it wouldn’t be a good idea to miss out on a fantastic show just for the sake of a short ride with a lengthy wait.”

Instead, Hannah suggested taking in the park’s parades, spectacular evening shows, and thrilling daily events just to name a few.