How to visit Disneyland Paris on a budget

Key Takeaways

• When is the cheapest time to visit Disneyland Paris?
  Booking between January and early February often offers the best value for park tickets, though some rides may be closed for maintenance. Early September is another less expensive period, with fewer crowds and nicer weather. Additionally, discounts on tickets and accommodation are frequently available during major sales events like Black Friday and January sales.
• How much does it cost to go to Disneyland Paris?
  Park ticket prices vary depending on the season and whether you choose single-park or park-hopper options, ranging from £50 to £80 per day. Staying on-site at Disney hotels offers convenience but can be costly, with prices varying based on hotel category and season. Budget-friendly off-site accommodations, such as those in Val d’Europe, can cost as low as £22.25 per guest per night. Using voucher codes for platforms like Airbnb can unlock some great savings.
• How to save on travel, food and souvenirs
  To cut costs, consider bringing your own food and drinks into the park, as on-site dining can be expensive. For souvenirs, set a budget and compare prices with online options before purchasing. Using the free Disneyland Paris app can help plan your schedule efficiently, and bringing reusable water bottles can save money on drinks. Finally, consider whether the PhotoPass+ is worth the investment based on your photo needs.

Disneyland Paris is a dream destination for families, couples and Disney enthusiasts who want to be immersed in fantastical themed worlds, meet their favourite characters and experience amazing themed rides and attractions. The two parks welcomed more than 16 million visitors in 2023.

A trip to the resort from the UK can be very expensive, especially if you have a growing family. However, with the right approach, it's possible to enjoy the magic of Disneyland Paris without overspending. This guide will break down the best ways to save money on tickets, accommodations, food and more, so you can have the trip of a lifetime without the need to spend more than you’re comfortable with.

Cheapest time to go to Disneyland Paris

Timing your Disney trip can significantly impact your overall expenses. Here's how to choose the most cost-effective periods.

Off-peak seasons: Because of variable pricing, visiting during off-peak seasons usually means lower ticket prices and shorter queues. These periods include mid-January to mid-March and mid-September to mid-November.

Midweek visits: Weekdays often have reduced prices compared to weekends. Planning your trip from Tuesday to Thursday can help you avoid the weekend rush and benefit from lower rates.

Special promotions: Keep an eye on the official Disneyland Paris website for seasonal promotions and discounts. Offers such as ‘Kids Go Free’ or discounted dining packages are frequently available during quieter times of the year.

Black Friday, January sales and seasonal promotions: Discounts on tickets and accommodation are often available during major sales events and can add up to big savings.

My colleague Chelsea Alvarado shares her top tips for when to visit Disneyland:

"Booking between January and early February consistently offers the best value for park tickets, but the time of year means weather can be unpredictable, and you may find some of the rides are closed for maintenance. Early September is another great option, as the summer crowds have typically started to die down, but the weather has a good chance of being pleasant!"

How much does it cost to go to Disneyland Paris?

The cost of a trip to Disneyland Paris varies based on several factors, including the time of year, duration of stay and personal preferences. Below is a breakdown of typical expenses:

Park tickets:

Peak vs. off-peak: Ticket prices fluctuate depending on the season, and whether you’d like to visit just one of the Disney parks or hop between the Walt Disney Studios Park and the Disneyland Park. However, visiting during off-peak times can result in lower ticket prices. Expect to pay between £50 and £80 for a day ticket, depending on when you visit.

[Comparing Park Ticket Prices for May 2025 vs January 2026]

Accommodation:

• Disneyland hotels: Staying on-site in a Disney hotel offers convenience but comes at a premium. Prices vary depending on the hotel category and season.The cheapest on-site hotels, such as Hotel Cheyenne and Hotel Santa Fe can cost around £60 per guest per night if you book early. The most luxurious on-site hotel, the Disneyland Hotel can cost as much as £1,000 a night but offers direct access to Disneyland Park.

• Off-site options: Nearby areas like Val d’Europe offer budget-friendly hotels and Airbnb options, often at a fraction of the cost of on-site accommodations, with prices as low as £22.25 per guest per night. And you can use Airbnb voucher codes to save even more money.

[Prices for Airbnb’s in the Val d’Europe area for 2 adults and 2 children, from Monday 19th May to Friday 23rd May 2025 - £89 per night is equivalent to £22.25 per guest per night]

• Flights: Budget airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet offer flights from the UK to Paris, and flight discount codes can save you money.

• Eurostar: Trains from London to Disneyland Paris are available with only one change, with prices varying based on booking time and demand.

• Driving: Driving to Disney Paris can be cost-effective for families, especially when sharing fuel and toll costs. You can also use ferry discount codes to save money crossing the Channel.

• Coach: Coach companies often organise trips to the resort, with pick-up and drop-off points across the route. It might take a little longer, but it’s worth it, and you can find deals by browsing coach discount codes.
  

Food and drink:

• Park dining: Meals inside the theme park can be pricey, starting from around €15 for a basic meal and going up from there.

• Supermarket food: Purchasing food from local supermarkets or bakeries can significantly reduce meal expenses. This is much easier to do if you’re staying off-site - but still possible if you're staying in the park.
  

Merchandise and extras:

• Souvenirs: Official merchandise can be expensive, with something like a Disney t-shirt setting you back at least €20 and Minnie Mouse Ears costing up €35. As much as you and the family want to enjoy this amazing trip of a lifetime, consider setting a souvenir budget to ensure you aren't spending too much.

Cheapest ways to visit Disneyland Paris

While a trip to Disneyland Paris can be expensive, there are still plenty of ways to save money so you can have your dream trip.

How to get cheap Disneyland Paris tickets

• Buy in advance: Booking tickets several months ahead can secure better prices and early bird discounts are often available.

• Visit during the quiet season: Park tickets are variable, so fluctuate depending on how busy it’s likely to be – for example, during school holidays, the summer and at Christmas, you’ll pay more. If you can visit during term times or other quiet periods, you’ll pay less. And if you check out a Disneyland Paris crowd calendar, you’ll see just how busy your chosen dates are likely to be. Visiting when it’s quieter also means you’re less likely to need a Premier Access pass to ride all the rides you want to.

• Using authorised ticket resellers: Trusted third-party providers, such as Attraction Tickets offer competitive deals. Comparing their prices with Disney’s direct pricing can lead to savings. Avoid buying tickets from untrustworthy sources, like those offering cheap deals on social media – they might be scams. Also, make sure to check for Disneyland Paris ticket discount codes from authorised sellers so you can grab a bargain.

• Multi-day tickets: The per-day cost decreases with longer stays. For example, a 3-day ticket offers a lower daily rate compared to single-day tickets, which could save you around £5-10 per day. Seasonal offers: Promotions during events like Black Friday or January sales can provide discounts, so make sure you keep an eye out for special events and sales.

• Seasonal offers: Promotions during events like Black Friday or January sales can provide discounts, so make sure you keep an eye out for special events and sales.

• Disneyland Paris annual passes: If you’re planning multiple visits, annual passes can offer better long-term value. They also come with additional perks like a 10% discount on food and merchandise.

• Children’s discounts: Children under 3 enter for free, and there are often reduced rates for children aged 3-11. Occasionally, promotions offer free entry for kids.
  

Affordable Disneyland Paris accommodation

Choosing the right place to stay can significantly impact your budget:

On-site vs. off-site hotels: Staying off-site in areas like Val d’Europe can be more economical while still providing easy access to the parks and your favourite rides, as well as simple access to Paris, where there are also lots of cheap things to do.

Best budget hotels near Disneyland Paris: Hotels such as Ibis Budget in Val d’Europe offer affordable rates and are just one train stop away from the park.

I spoke to my colleague and fellow Savoo Money-Saving Editor, Emily Amber, who shares her top tips on keeping accomodation costs at bay:

"Staying on-site at one of the Disneyland Paris hotels definitely has its perks, like being able to enjoy magic hour and other evening entertainment without the need to rush back to the hotel for dinner. You also get earlier access to the parks, themed hotels or rooms, and the unmistakable ‘Disney’ feeling 24 hours a day. But you pay a premium for it. We estimate that a family of four could save upwards of £1,000 on a week’s stay by choosing to stay offsite instead. With that being said, if you’re planning on visiting during a peak period, or you’re only staying for a night or two, it might justify splurging a little. It really comes down to what you value more - convenience and immersion or savings that could go towards your next family holiday!"

Check out Disneyland Paris discount codes to see how much you can save by booking directly. Or, you can get great deals by staying off-site, by using discount codes at Expedia and Airbnb.

Getting to Disneyland Paris on a budget

Travelling to Disneyland Paris from the UK can be expensive, but with the right approach, you can save a lot of money.

Eurostar vs flights vs driving

Eurostar: A train from London St Pancras train station to Marne-la-Vallée (via one change) is one of the most convenient options, with prices starting from £39 each way if booked early. Alternatively, you can take the Eurostar to Paris Gare du Nord and transfer via the RER train to Disneyland, which can sometimes be cheaper.

Flights: Budget airlines like Ryanair, easyJet and Vueling offer low-cost flights to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly (ORY), with fares as low as £20-£50 if booked in advance.

Driving: Taking a car via the Eurotunnel or ferry can be cost-effective, especially for families. Expect to pay £100-£200 for ferry/Eurotunnel tickets plus fuel and toll costs.

• Coach: A coach trip to Disneyland Paris can be cost-effective, but it means you have to stick to their schedule You can also make further savings by using discount codes on flights, ferries and coaches, so make sure you take a look and help your budget work harder for you.

How find the cheapest Eurostar tickets

• Book as early as possible (tickets go on sale about six months in advance).
• Travel midweek or during off-peak hours for lower prices
• Consider split-ticketing or indirect routes for savings.

Read our article on how to get cheap Eurostar tickets for more information.

Airport transfers and public transport

Airport transfers and public transport

The RER B and A trains offer the cheapest route from central Paris to Disneyland Paris (£7-£9 per adult).

The Magical Shuttle bus from CDG costs €23 per adult and €10 per child.

A shared airport transfer or Uber may be more cost-effective for groups.

The trains both take about 40 minutes while the Magical Shuttle bus and airport transfer/ Uber can take just over an hour depending on traffic. To save even more money, you can use airport parking and transfers discount codes.

Saving money on food at Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris food prices can be high, but there are plenty of ways to eat comfortably without the hefty price tag.

Bringing your own food

• Disneyland Paris allows snacks and non-alcoholic drinks, but large meals may be turned away. Bringing sandwiches, fruit and snacks can save you a lot.
• Water refill stations are available in the park, so bring a reusable bottle instead of paying €3 for bottled water.

Eating outside the parks

• McDonald’s, Five Guys and Earl of Sandwich in Disney Village offer budget-friendly meals, and they’re all a short walk from the parks.
• Auchan supermarket in Val d’Europe is great for picnic supplies but is outside of the resort, so it involves a little effort.

Buffet vs. quick service vs. table service

• Buffets (e.g., Plaza Gardens) cost around €40 per adult but let you fill up your plate as much as you like.
• Quick-service meals (e.g. Casey’s Corner) cost around €15-€20 per meal and include a main, side and drink.
• Table-service restaurants like Captain Jack’s can be expensive (€50+ per person).
  

How to do Disneyland Paris on a budget without missing the magic

Saving money doesn’t mean missing out on the best experiences.

My colleague Matt Piqué knows how to make the most of your Disneyland trip, and shares his helpful hints:

"Balancing savings with enjoyment is the key to a memorable trip to Disneyland Paris. It’s not all about cutting costs - you still need to experience the magic of Disney! Simple things like arriving early will help you to make the most of the major attractions like Big Thunder Mountain before the queues get too big, and downloading the Disneyland Paris app will help you track wait times throughout the day, so you’re not wasting time standing in line. And don’t underestimate the free entertainment - the parades and shows are some of the most memorable experiences and don’t cost a penny!"

Skip the extras

• Premier Access: Instead of paying to jump the queues, arrive early so you can head straight to your biggest priority attraction. Also, consider joining the queue right before the park closes so it’s your last ride of the day.
• Dining plans: These often cost more than paying as you go, so consider skipping them.
• Character dining: Instead of paying a premium to meet your favourite characters in a restaurant, meet characters in designated free locations around the parks.
• PhotoPass: Ask cast members to take photos with your phone instead of buying an expensive photo package.

Free and cheap souvenirs

Disneyland Paris souvenirs can be pretty pricey, but you can still bring home magical memories without overspending:

• Free park maps, celebration badges and stickers: Available from Guest Services, which they can sometimes personalise if you’re celebrating something special – just ask.
• Pressed penny machines: A cheap and unique collectable.
• Buy Disney merchandise before your trip: Shops like Primark sell Disney-themed t-shirts and accessories for a fraction of the parks’ prices.
• Visit Val d’Europe shopping mall: Disney-themed souvenirs at lower prices than inside the park, are just a short train or bus ride away.

Maximise your budget with discounts and offers

• Sign up for Disney’s newsletter: Receive exclusive email promotions.
• Use cashback and rewards programs: Websites like

TopCashback and Quidco offer money back on Disneyland Paris bookings.

• Check UK travel agent deals: Travel companies like Attraction Tickets and Magic Breaks sometimes bundle discounts.

• Browse discount codes: Loads of sites offer discount codes to help you save money on your trip, including Disneyland Paris’ official site, Picniq and National Holidays.

Final money-saving checklist

For a quick reference, here’s how to maximise savings on your Disneyland Paris trip:

1. Book in advance (tickets, accommodation and transport)

2. Travel during off-peak seasons and midweek

3. Drive or budget airlines for cheaper transport

4. Stay in off-site hotels or Airbnb

5. Bring your own snacks and refill water bottles

6. Dine outside the park for cheaper meals

7. Skip Premier Access and use queue-skipping strategies instead

8. Buy souvenirs in advance or look for free collectables

9. Use cashback sites and Disney’s promotions to save on bookings

Getting away is important, but it’s often expensive – especially if you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience like Disneyland Paris. But, it’s absolutely possible to save money on a family holiday. With smart planning, Disneyland Paris can be an affordable, magical experience.

Before you book your trip, make sure you check Savoo’s latest Disneyland Paris discount codes and vouchers to save even more on tickets, hotels, transport and extras. Whether it’s a special ticket deal, cheaper flights or a hotel offer, Savoo helps you cut costs without cutting corners on the fun.