Despite the hefty price tag and abundance of crowds, Paris is an amazing place to visit. And squeezing in a trip to Disneyland Paris is an absolute must if you’re a fan.
However, while it’s a dream destination for many, expenses can quickly pile up, making it easy to exceed your budget in the French capital. With thoughtful planning and smart decisions, you can soak in the enchantment of Paris and Disneyland without emptying your pockets or compromising on the city’s charm and appeal.
That’s according to Wales Online writer Portia Jones, who has compiled some practical tips and suggestions to help you make the most of your Parisian escapade while keeping within your financial limits.
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How to save money in Disneyland Paris
A trip to Disneyland Paris doesn’t have to mean bidding farewell to your budget. With astute planning and a few insider hacks, you can experience all the magic without the exorbitant cost.
Avoid the crowds
If you have the flexibility to choose your dates, steer clear of school holidays, weekends, and major celebrations such as Christmas and Halloween. These periods are notorious for peak prices and crowds. Instead, target quieter times like mid-week visits from January to March or September to November. Not only will this strategy land you cheaper tickets and accommodation, but it also means less time in queues and more time enjoying the rides.
Don’t stay at the park
While the idea of a Disney hotel might sound appealing, it can eat up a significant portion of your budget. A smarter alternative could be to stay outside the resort in nearby towns such as Serris or Chessy.
One excellent choice is Moxy Paris Val d’Europe a chic, budget-friendly hotel that’s just one RER train stop away from Disney. You’ll get a trendy, comfortable room without the hefty Disney price tag, and the train journey takes mere minutes and costs only a few euros.
Opt for the train
The RER A line is your budget’s best friend when visiting Disneyland Paris. This line links central Paris to the park and is incredibly convenient if you’re staying nearby. You’ll dodge parking charges and the hassle of driving, and the RER fare is a fraction of what you’d shell out for a Disney hotel.
Pack your own snacks and drinks
Disneyland Paris might be dubbed the happiest place on earth, but a glance at the menu prices could swiftly bring you back down to earth. To keep your wallet happy, consider packing your own snacks and carrying a refillable water bottle to cut costs.
Before you head to the park, stock up on sandwiches, crisps, and fruit. With numerous water fountains dotted around the park, you can easily refill your bottle, saving you from forking out on expensive drinks.
Shop around for tickets
Look for ticket deals on third-party or discount sites like Magic Breaks or Wowcher. Opting for multi-day tickets if you’re visiting for several days can also make a big difference in cost.
Keep an eye peeled for special offers or packages that include transport or accommodation, especially if you’re planning a longer stay.
Plan your day
One of the simplest methods to prevent excessive spending at Disneyland Paris is to organise your day ahead of time. Utilise the Disneyland app to monitor ride wait times, show timetables, character breakfast reservations, and restaurant menus.
This will allow you to plan your day more effectively, bypassing costly sit-down meals and lengthy queues. Also, think about starting your day early and taking advantage of shorter queues in the morning this will not only allow you to enjoy more rides, but it will also save you money on additional snacks as you won’t be waiting all day.
How to save money in Paris
After Disney, why not spend a few days in Europe’s most romantic city without breaking the bank? Here are some of Portia’s best tips and tricks for saving money in Paris.
Embark on a free walking tour
Reserve a free walking tour and discover a cost-effective way to explore Paris with a local. Free tours are usually conducted by local guides who offer insider tips, anecdotes, and historical information about their city.
Paris free walking tours operate on a pay-what-you-want or tip-based system, where you can tip the guide at the end of the tour based on what you believe it was worth, making it a budget-friendly option for Paris visitors on a budget.
SANDEMAN’S NEW Europe Paris tour is one of the city’s most popular free walking tours. Their 3-hour route around Paris introduces you to many of the city’s top attractions, including Notre Dame de Paris, the Louvre, and the stunning Parc des Tuileries.
Enjoy free entry to Musee d’Orsay
Cultural experiences in Paris don’t have to break the bank, with numerous museums and galleries offering free admission once a month.
On the first Sunday of every month, you can visit Musee d’Orsay at no cost, provided you book your tickets online.
Situated within the historic Gare d’Orsay railway station, the museum is a splendid example of Beaux-Arts architecture. Its grand central nave boasts a glass roof that lets natural light flood in, illuminating its varied art collection, which includes Van Gogh’s renowned Starry Night.
Explore the thematic galleries and marvel at an exquisite collection of French art from masters such as Monet, Manet, Pissarro, Morisot, and Renoir – all without parting with a single Euro.
Browse the trendy Paris flea markets
Paris may be famed for its high-end fashion and luxury boutiques, but there are plenty of budget-friendly shopping options and vintage treasures to be found at the city’s eclectic flea markets.
Marche aux Puces de Saint-Ouen is one of the most popular markets and is a favourite spot for locals looking for a good deal.
Situated on the northern outskirts of Paris, this stylish market is a labyrinth of narrow lanes and twisting streets filled with shops, stalls, and stands brimming with Bric-a-brac, clothing and antiques.
The market is so expansive that it’s split into sections, including Vernaison Market, Dauphine Market, and Malik Market, each boasting a unique style and live entertainment.
Savour traditional French cuisine for less than €10
While eating out in Paris can be an expensive affair, you can economise by dining at a traditional bouillon an eatery serving classic French dishes to the public at reasonable prices.
You can also benefit from fixed-price menus (menu du jour) at local restaurants and enjoy reduced prices particularly when you dine away from tourist-heavy areas.
Choosing the ‘menu du jour’ allows you to indulge in French classics, such as croque-monsieur, cassoulet and bouillabaisse, for as little as €8 or €10. House wine can also be bought for approximately €3-4 per glass if you’re in the mood for a midday drink.
Visit the Affordable Bistrot Victoires for a budget-friendly lunch; this retro treasure on Rue de la Vrilliere offers pan-seared steak frites for less than €13 and large salads for €11.
Explore vibrant street art at Canal Saint Martin
The Canal Saint-Martin area in Paris is renowned for its lively street art scene, ultra-trendy coffee shops, second-hand stores and restaurants brimming with stylish Parisians.
Situated in the 10th and 11th arrondissements, this bohemian district has become a popular location for street artists to showcase their creativity and make their mark on the city’s historic walls.
Pick up an affordable takeaway coffee from the quirky coffee shop Le Look and stroll around to discover large-scale graffiti works.
One of the most well-known street art locations in Canal Saint-Martin is Rue de la Grange aux Belles, famous for its colourful murals and stencil art.
Make the most of cost-effective transport
Navigating Paris doesn’t have to break the bank, with plenty of budget-friendly transportation options available to get you around the city without costing an arm and a leg.
The metro and the RER are two separate yet interconnected train networks that offer affordable travel throughout Paris. The RER boasts five main lines, while the metro has fourteen numbered lines.
Alternatively, consider a Paris Visite travel card for unlimited rides on the metro, bus, and RER network.
Paris also prides itself as one of Europe’s most bike-friendly cities, harbouring grand plans to become a fully cyclable city. Pro-cycling initiatives include a significant expansion in the city’s protected cycleways, bike cafes and cycle parking spaces.
Not only is it eco-friendly, but exploring Paris by bike is also a cost-effective way to see the city, with many top tourist attractions conveniently located near bike routes.
Getting to Paris
Depending on your budget and preferences, there are several affordable ways to travel from the UK to Paris.
Flights
For a quick trip, flying is often the best option. British Airways offers direct flights from cities like London and Manchester to Paris Charles de Gaulle, often with added perks like luggage and refreshments.
Budget airlines like easyJet and Ryanair also fly frequently from airports like Gatwick and Stansted. Keep an eye on deals-flights can start as low as £50 if booked early, though budget airlines charge extra for luggage.
Eurostar
If you prefer to avoid the hassle of airports, the Eurostar train is a fantastic alternative. It travels directly from London St Pancras to Gare du Nord in central Paris in just over 2 hours.
Prices start around £39 one way if you book in advance, and you’ll skip the airport security queues.
FlixBus
For those seeking the ultimate budget-friendly option, FlixBus provides long-distance coach travel from the UK to Paris, with fares starting as low as £20. The journey takes approximately 8-9 hours from London, making it an ideal choice for travellers who are willing to endure a longer trip in exchange for significant savings.
Getting to Disneyland Paris
Once you’ve arrived in Paris, reaching Disneyland Paris is straightforward and doesn’t require splashing out on costly transport options. Here are the most economical ways to get to the park without breaking the bank.
High-speed train
If your flight lands at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and you’re keen to head directly to Disneyland Paris, the fastest option is the TGV high-speed train. This service departs straight from Terminal 2 of the airport and transports you to Marne-la-Vallee/Chessy, right on Disneyland’s doorstep, in a mere 10 minutes.
You can book tickets for the TGV in advance or purchase them at the station, with prices beginning from around €17, depending on how early you secure your booking. It’s an incredibly convenient and speedy way to transition from the airport to the enchantment of Disneyland without any fuss.
RER A Train
The simplest and most wallet-friendly method to reach Disneyland Paris is by boarding the RER A train. It operates a direct route from central Paris to Marne-la-Vallee/Chessy (the station adjacent to Disneyland).
Trains regularly leave from major Paris stations such as Chatelet-Les Halles and Gare de Lyon, with the trip taking a mere 35-45 minutes. A single ticket is priced around €5/€7.
Shuttle bus
For those staying near Disneyland, numerous hotels provide complimentary or inexpensive shuttle buses to and from the park. These are typically included in your hotel stay, so it’s worth checking with your accommodation if they offer a shuttle service.