Disney Parks worldwide: How to plan your perfect winter day at Disneyland Paris

in Disney, Disneyland Paris, Theme Parks

winter Disneyland Paris

Credit: Bailee Abell/ITM

Disneyland Paris is often the first international Disney Park for many fans to visit, and like with other Disney Parks, there truly is no wrong time to make a trip. But winter at Disneyland Paris presents its fair share of cold weather that many Disney fans aren’t too accustomed to. I recently made a winter trip to Disneyland Paris in February 2019, and I wanted to share some of my best tips for experiencing a winter day at Disneyland Park.

Pack accordingly

A woman posing in front of Disneyland Paris fountain
Credit: Bailee Abell/ITM

One of the most important things to keep in mind when visiting every Disney Park is what you are packing. Walt Disney World in Florida often experiences humidity and rain storms, Disneyland in California can be quite hot in the summer, and Disneyland Paris, while hot in the summer, can be cold, wet, and even snowy in the winter. You should pack according to the weather for each season you visit the Disney Parks, but this is highly important to keep in mind when planning a winter trip to Paris. Check the weather regularly: we had rain forecasted for our day at Disneyland Paris one week before the trip, and even though we lucked out with sunshine halfway through the day, it was still quite cold in the morning and at night. Our winter coats were definitely utilized on this trip.

Take advantage of indoor experiences

Disneyland Paris has plenty of walkthrough attractions, shows, and indoor queues throughout the park, so take advantage of these if you’re visiting in the winter months. Attractions like the Nautilus, Pirates of the Caribbean, Mickey’s PhilharMagic, and Space Mountain offer either indoor queues or experiences perfect for cozying up when it’s coldest in the morning and evening.

Warm drinks are a must

A cup of coffee on a table
Credit: Bailee Abell/ITM

There are plenty of quick service dining locations to pick up a hot cup of cocoa or coffee. While the cups are pretty small compared to the ones served at the U.S. Disney Parks, they are a great way to keep your hands warm throughout the day. We loved sitting inside at the Main Street Deli and people watching in the morning while sipping our hot drinks. We also recommend stopping by the Cookie Counter on Main Street U.S.A. in the evening half an hour before the fireworks so you can have a warm beverage while you wait outside in the cold.

Don’t forget to stay for the fireworks

Castle at Disneyland Paris at dusk
Credit: Bailee Abell/ITM

Speaking of fireworks, you can’t miss these. Disneyland Paris often closes quite early in the winter, sometimes either at 6 or 7 p.m., and many guests leave the park not realizing that the fireworks are displayed at park closing. Check the schedule on the day of your visit and make sure to stay for the fireworks. Since the park closes early in the winter, you and your family won’t need to stay awake too much later than usual in order to watch this amazing show. Plus, the castle is illuminated in beautiful hues before and after the show, and this is a must-see for every Disney fan.

Warm up at the Disneyland Hotel after the park closes

A woman smiling for the camera
Credit: Bailee Abell/ITM

We loved spending time at the Disneyland Hotel on our winter trip to Disneyland Paris. It is one of the most beautifully designed Disney hotels we have seen, and it is actually right at the entrance to Disneyland Park, making it very accessible throughout your day. After the fireworks, we popped over to the hotel to warm up for a bit before taking our train back to Paris, and this was an awesome choice for us. If you have some extra time, head over to Café Fantasia for a drink and a quick bite after the park closes.

For more information on Disneyland Paris, check out our full guide here. If you’re interested in booking a trip, click here for a no-obligation vacation quote from Academy Travel, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner.

Have you ever visited Disneyland Paris in the winter? What are your tips for visiting? Share your memories with us!

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