The Magic of Planning a Disneyland Paris Trip ✨

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of booking a Disneyland Paris trip - whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth. The moment that confirmation email lands, I’m already daydreaming about Mickey-shaped snacks and magical moments. Who else starts planning outfits before the trip is even official?  

I have my flights, accommodation, and transfers all arranged, and as an annual passholder, I don’t need to worry about buying park tickets for this trip. If you’re thinking about getting an annual pass, make sure to check the block-out dates on the official Disneyland Paris website so you don’t get caught out!  

Now that the essentials are sorted, my mind is already buzzing with all the details that make the trip extra magical. 

Planning Ride Strategy & Must-Do's on Your Disneyland Paris Trip 

One of the first things I think about when planning a Disney trip is my ride strategy. The parks can get busy, so I like to have a rough idea of what I want to do first each day.  

My own wee photo of Big Thunder Mountain at Disneyland Paris

I always start my Disneyland Park day with Big Thunder Mountain, it’s a must-do for me, and the queue builds up quickly! If I’m heading to Walt Disney Studios Park, I make a beeline for Crush’s Coaster, since the queue very rarely drops below a 90-minute wait throughout the day.  

I also love using Premier Access for certain attractions when the park is busy, especially for Peter Pan’s Flight, where the queue time can get pretty long. And if I’m not in a rush, I always make time for classic rides like Phantom Manor, because is it really a Disneyland Paris trip without a visit to the spookiest house in Frontierland?  

Dining Reservations & Must-Visit Restaurants

No Disneyland Paris trip is complete without some delicious meals and character dining experiences!  

I like to plan ahead and book a few sit-down meals to break up the busy park days. Bistrot Chez Rémy is always high on my list, not just for the food but for the immersive theming. There’s something so special about sitting in a restaurant that feels like stepping straight into a movie scene! 

Reservations go fast, so set a reminder for two months before your trip if you’re booking through the Disneyland Paris app or website. If you’re staying at a Disney hotel, you can book as soon as your reservation is confirmed!  

Outfit Planning for the Parks

Next on my planning agenda: outfit line-up! Comfort is key for long park days, but that doesn’t mean skipping out on Disney style. 

I start mentally coordinating my Disney-inspired outfits, making sure to pair them with comfy shoes for all the walking (I’ve learned that lesson the hard way a few times, blisters are not magical!). My go-to shoes are Doc Martens (the soft leather ones) and Converse, and I always pack a few pairs of ears to match my outfits.  

Park Bag Essentials

As the days inch closer, I start curating my park bag essentials. My Disney Loungefly mini backpack is a must and inside, I always pack:

• A waterproof jacket (because you never know with the weather!)

• A portable charger (for capturing all those magical moments)

• Hand sanitiser (a theme park essential)

• Snacks! Sweet treats in the park can be pricey, so I always bring some of my favourites - like Haribo and cereal bars - which can go through airport security without any issues.

I also like to bring a small notebook to jot down special memories throughout the day, whether it’s a new ride experience or a must-try snack for next time. It’s such a lovely way to capture the magic in real time!  

Evening Traditions & Magical Moments

After a long but magical day in the parks, I love ending the night with a few special traditions.  

One of my favourite things to do is watch the fireworks with a glass of Champagne or mulled wine in the winter, it’s the perfect way to end the day. There’s something so magical about standing in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle as the sky lights up with dazzling colours and music. 

Raising a glass to Mickey & Co!

If I have time, I also like to take one last night-time ride on Pirates of the Caribbean - there’s hardly any wait as the park nears closing time, and sometimes we get on it twice in a row! 

And of course, no trip is complete without one last snack stop before heading back to the hotel. Whether it’s grabbing a Mickey-shaped treat or a hot chocolate from Market House Deli, it’s the perfect way to soak up those last few moments of Disney magic before calling it a night.  

The Best Part of Planning… The Countdown!

But the best part of planning? Imagining all the little moments that make a Disney trip so special. 

✨ Strolling down Main Street, U.S.A. with a hot chocolate in hand

✨ Watching the fireworks light up Sleeping Beauty Castle

✨ That first exhilarating ride on Big Thunder Mountain. 

Even after countless visits, the magic never fades…and the countdown makes it all the more exciting!  

I’ll be posting lots of Disney content before and after my trip, so make sure to follow along! 

Let me know in the comments - Do you have any must-do traditions when planning a Disneyland Paris trip?

I’d love to add more ideas to my pre-Disney ritual!

Movi x