The MagicBreaks Blog

The Magic of Staying Onsite: Why a Disney Hotel is Worth It

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 08:00:00 Z

When it comes to Disneyland® Paris, there’s something truly special about waking up just moments away from Sleeping Beauty Castle. Staying onsite isn’t just about convenience — it’s about immersing yourself in the magic from the moment you open your eyes until long after the fireworks fade. From exclusive perks to enchanting Disney theming, here’s why staying at a Disney Hotel makes your visit even more magical.

Step Into the Story

Every Disney Hotel at Disneyland® Paris has its own unique theme, turning your stay into part of the adventure. Whether you’re surrounded by royal elegance at the magnificent Disneyland Hotel, inspired by your favourite Super Heroes at Disney Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel, or relaxing in the rustic tranquillity of Disney Sequoia Lodge, each hotel has its own story to tell.

Every detail — from the décor to the music — is crafted to transport you into another world. You’ll find beautifully themed rooms, immersive surroundings, and that unmistakable touch of Disney magic that continues long after you’ve left the parks for the day.

Exclusive Perks You’ll Love

When you stay onsite, you’ll enjoy Extra Magic Time, allowing you to enter the Disney Parks before they open to the general public. This means extra time for rides, fewer queues, and more chances to explore at your own pace — perfect for those early morning castle selfies or a quiet spin on Peter Pan’s Flight.

You’ll also love how close everything is. Most hotels are within walking distance of the parks, while complimentary shuttles make travelling effortless. After an exciting day of adventures, being just minutes from your room is a perk you’ll truly appreciate.

Dining Made Easy

Guests staying at Disney Hotels can make their trip even more seamless by adding a Disney Dining Plan when booking. This gives you the freedom to enjoy a variety of restaurants across the resort, from buffet-style meals to themed dining experiences.

One of the highlights for families is the chance to meet beloved Disney Characters during select dining experiences available throughout the hotels and parks. With a dining plan, you can plan ahead to enjoy these magical encounters, making mealtimes as memorable as the rides themselves.

Seamless Disney Service, Every Step of the Way

From the moment you check in, Disney’s exceptional service ensures a smooth and stress-free stay. Cast Members are always ready to help with dining reservations, park planning and helpful tips to make your experience even more magical.

And with your park tickets, dining plan and hotel all in one easy package, you can spend less time organising and more time making memories.

The Perfect Way to Experience the Magic

A stay at a Disneyland® Paris hotel turns a magical day into a truly unforgettable holiday. You’re not just visiting — you’re part of the story. From early park access and themed surroundings to the convenience of dining plans and world-class Disney service, staying onsite adds that extra sparkle to your trip.

Book your Disneyland Paris holiday with MagicBreaks and experience the magic from sunrise to starlight — right in the heart of it all. Find out more here.

Disneyland Paris for First-Timers: What You Need to Know

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 08:00:00 Z

Located just outside of the French capital, Disneyland Paris promises its lucky visitors an unforgettable magical adventure that's easily accessible from the UK and the rest of Europe. Whether you're a thrill-seeker wanting to experience the rush of the rollercoasters or you're a serlf-confessed Disney super fan looking to immerse yourself in the magic of your favourite characters, there's something for everyone at Disneyland Paris.

For first-time visitors, planning is the key to a successful trip. With so much to see and do, it can be very easy to become overwhelmed trying to squeeze everything in. From being able to navigate the park correctly right through to nailing down the best dining options, a little preparation will go a long way once you are there.

In this handy guide, our Disney specialists have given their essential tips and insider advice to help maximise your time in Disneyland Paris ensuring it is a holiday to remember.

Tip 1: Plan Ahead and Book Early

As you can imagine, Disneyland Paris is one of the world’s most busiest theme parks, attracting visitors from all over the world. It is always the best option to BOOK EARLY as this guarantees your entry to the park and also allows you a wider choice of hotels and room types that you can often find with better prices. If you like a bargain, the best times to visit the Park is during the off-peak period between January to March, and October to November. You’ll notice fewer crowds, shorter wait times on all rides and attractions and much more affordable rates for hotels. Weekdays are also a great time to visit the parks for a more relaxed experience, and if you want to visit for special occasions such as Halloween and Christmas, expect things to be very busy and a lot more expensive!

Tip 2: Understand the Park Layout

There are two main parks that make up the magic of Disneyland Paris: Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park. Disneyland Park is the original Disney experience, with fairy-tale charm everywhere you look that is divided into five themed worlds. Main Street, U.S.A., Frontierland, Adventureland, Fantasyland, and Discoveryland. Each world offers an incredibly unique and immersive setting with themed restaurants, shops, and attractions like the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle through to the thrilling Star Wars-inspired Hyperspace Mountain.

Walt Disney Studios Park switches the focus from fairy-tales and happily ever afters to behind the scenes action of some of the world’s most loved movies and animations. Here, you’ve got four main areas to explore: Front Lot, Toon Studio, Production Courtyard, and Backlot. It is at Walt Disney Studios Park where you can get lost in the world of Ratatouille and experience the terrifying freefall drop of The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.

Tip 3: Prioritize Must-See Attractions

No matter what time of year you visit, the Park will always be fairly busy. We’d suggest making a list of the attractions you want to see or do the most so as not to disappoint. As self-confessed Disney specialists, we’ve put together a handy list of what we think are the top attractions for each park at Disneyland® Paris.

In Disneyland Park, the top attractions you shouldn't miss include:

Sleeping Beauty Castle: Explore the castle and its dragon lair.
Big Thunder Mountain: A thrilling mine train roller coaster.
Pirates of the Caribbean: A swashbuckling boat ride.
Space Mountain: An exhilarating space-themed coaster.
Peter Pan's Flight: A magical journey over London and Neverland.
It's a Small World: A classic, family-friendly boat ride.

In Walt Disney Studios Park, be sure to check out:

Ratatouille: The Adventure: A 4D culinary adventure.
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror: A chilling free-fall experience.
Crush's Coaster: A fun and fast spinning ride.
RC Racer: A high-speed U-shaped track ride.
Slinky Dog Zigzag Spin: Perfect for younger children.
Studio Tram Tour: A behind-the-scenes look at movie magic.

Tip 4: Make Dining Reservations in Advance

It is essential to plan and book your dining reservations well in advance. As mentioned already, the Park is busy pretty much year-round and so guests wanting to dine in the restaurants should book as soon as possible after booking.

This can be done up to 12 months in advance and is always advised if you’re wanting to dine at popular restaurants like Bistrot Chez Remy, Captain Jacks – Restaurant des Pirates, and Manhattan Restaurant inside Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel.

Tip 5: Download the Disneyland Paris App

As you can imagine, our staff have been to Disneyland® Paris over the years more times than most and one thing that everyone always mentions is how much of a game changer the official Disneyland® Paris app is.

The app makes navigating the parks so much easier as it eliminates the need for the old-school paper maps. Everything you need is right there on your phone which means more time enjoying the magic and less time trying to figure out where you are. In addition to navigating around the Park, you’ll also have access to wait times for rides and attractions in real time. This means you can take a look at which rides have the shortest lines which is ideal for those with a limited amount of time.

Another important feature of the official Disneyland® Paris app is your ability to make restaurant reservations. This is particularly useful because as we’ve just mentioned, some popular restaurants can get booked up very quickly. Oh – and if you’re anything like us you’ll love the fact you can browse the menus of restaurants ahead of time!

Tip 6: Plan for Different Weather Conditions

Paris experiences all four seasons quite distinctly being situated in Western Europe. In the spring (March to May), the weather is usually mild with occasional showers, so a light jacket and an umbrella are good to have. Summer (June to August) brings warmer temperatures, sometimes reaching up to 30°C (86°F), so think light clothing, hats, and plenty of suncream as there is limited amount of shade. Autumn (September to November) cools down again and can be quite wet, so layers and rain gear are essential. Winter (December to February) can get pretty cold, sometimes dipping below freezing, so warm coats, gloves, and scarves are a must.

Tip 7: Budget for Souvenirs and Extras

Even if you get a great deal through MagicBreaks on your Disneyland® Paris holiday, souvenirs and extras is when costs can start to all add up. If you’re worried about how much spending money you may need, start by deciding how much you want to spend overall, then break it down into categories: food, souvenirs, and extras. Consider using cash or a prepaid card for these expenses to help you keep track of your spending. For food, you can save money by bringing some snacks and water bottles with you. There’s free water taps all over the Park, so a great tip is to bring a squeezy squash bottle. Set a daily budget for souvenirs and stick to it by choosing your favorite items wisely. Remember, you don’t have to buy everything on the first day – take your time to explore all the shops before making your final decisions.

Conclusion

If you’re a first-time visitor, you’re in for an unforgettable experience. Disneyland Paris is a place where dreams come true, and with these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of your trip. Remember, it’s all about enjoying the magic, so take your time, savor the moments with your friends and family, and create wonderful memories

How to book restaurants at Disneyland® Paris after booking?

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 08:00:00 Z

A visit to Disneyland® Paris is always a magical experience, and dining at its famous restaurants is always an important part of the adventure. On an average day, upwards of 50,000 people walk through the gates meaning there are usually a lot of mouths to feed.

To make sure you get the most out of your magical trip, it is essential to plan and book your dining reservations well in advance. Here at MagicBreaks, we know there is a lot to a Disney holiday, so we have written an article on how to secure your dining reservations.

Book Early to Secure Your Spot

To ensure availability, especially for popular restaurants, guests should make their reservation as soon as possible after booking their holiday, this can be done up to 12 months in advance for Disney hotel guests. This is crucial for securing dining spots at popular restaurants like Bistrot Chez Remy and Captain Jack’s, and most importantly, any character dining experiences.

One of the biggest benefits of staying at a Disneyland Paris hotel and adding meal plans is you will receive your Disney Reference within 48 hours. This will allow you to start making reservations immediately once the booking is synchronised with the Disney app.

Upgrading to Character Dining with a Meal Plan

If you have booked your Disney holiday with a meal plan and wish to upgrade further to a character dining experience, the process is so straightforward. If you have booked with a MagicBreaks agent, then simply speak directly to your booking agent to help secure your preferred timing.

If you have booked online, you can contact live chat support and a friendly agent will be on hand to help you, just make sure you have your booking reference handy. For detailed information on character dining options, visit our Character Meals information page.

Recommended Dining Experiences

Disneyland® Paris has over 70 wonderfully themed restaurants dishing up a wide variety of fresh and tasty food. You can choose from all-you-can-eat buffets, sweet and sticky BBQs, succulent steaks, warming Tex-Mex, right through to fancy high-end cuisine in the Disneyland Hotel.

It is important to look ahead at the many restaurants available and select which ones you want to visit.

La Table de Lumiere
As part of the Disneyland Hotel’s incredible refurbishment, the flagship restaurant La Table de Lumiere serves lucky diners the finest of French cuisine alongside a selection of royal Disney characters. Each dish tells a story, with freshly poached langoustine, seared fillet of sole, lobster, herb-crusted roast lamb washed down with a glass or two of Taittinger champagne for the ultimate dining experience. Exclusive to the Disneyland Hotel guests.

Bistrot Chez Remy

Continuing with the French theming, Bistrot Chez Remy transports guests to the animated streets of Paris in homage to one of our favourite Disney/Pixar films, Ratatouille. Upon entering, guests are ‘shrunken’ down to the size of a rat with giant plates and cutlery creating a playful magical atmosphere. Dishes include the famous Ratatouille, French onion soup, grilled steaks, and roasted chicken and fish.

Captain Jacks – Restaurant des Pirates

For the adventurers, Captain Jack’s – Restaurant des Pirates is a wonderful choice for those wanting an adventurous dining experience at Disneyland® Paris. Located in Adventureland, diners will find themselves in the heart of a pirate's lair. Dim lighting combined with the tropical tavern feel creates a mysterious atmosphere which is hard to beat. The menu features Caribbean-inspired dishes including mahi-mahi fish, jerk pork, cod fritters and tonka bean flavoured tart.

Manhattan Restaurant

For a more upmarket and sophisticated meal, you may want to consider booking a table at the Manhattan Restaurant located inside Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel. The restaurant brings the chic and trendy ambiance of New York City to Disneyland® Paris alongside subtle Marvel-themed artwork and décor. American Italian is on the menu here, with herb-roasted suckling pig the star of the show, alongside veal chops, sea bass, other meats, and pasta dishes.

Character Dining Experiences

For an unforgettable breakfast or dinner, why not join some of your favourite Disney Characters for an all-you-can-eat buffet held at the stunning Victorian pavilion in Disneyland Park?

To avoid disappointment, for all these popular restaurants, it is recommended to book your table up to 12 months in advance which you can do over on the Disneyland® Paris official app.

Flexibility in Dining Reservations

Disneyland® Paris is huge, with so many attractions, shows and restaurants it can be easy to get caught up in the moment. Understandably, plans can change in an instant. Luckily, Disneyland Paris offers flexibility for such instances with free cancellation for dining reservations up to the day of the reservation which can be done via the Disneyland Paris app.

Simply head to the “My table bookings” section of your account and choose the dining option you would like to cancel. Likewise, if you are staying at a Disney hotel, you can make dining reservations through the app as soon as you make your resort booking making it easier than ever to book lunch or dinner.

If you are not staying at a Disney resort, you can still make dining reservations, but there are some restrictions. For Standard Dining Reservations, these are available 60 days before your visit. For Character breakfast dining reservations, these can be booked 3 days before your visit so make sure you keep an eye out on the days leading up to your visit! Often people cancel at the last moment meaning there are usually some tables available on the day and some restaurant do allow walk ins.

Summary

To summarise, making dining reservations at Disneyland Paris requires some planning to ensure you will have a magical and stress-free experience. Remember to book as soon as possible, especially for popular spots, and use the Disneyland Paris app for easy management of your reservations.

With the right planning, the magic does not stop with the rides and attractions but carries on with the incredible dining experiences too! If you have any questions regarding booking restaurants, don’t hesitate to get in contact with a friendly member of the MagicBreaks team!