Disneyland® Park Vs. Walt Disney Studios® Park Paris Guide

By Samuel Ford
Published: July 18, 2024
Disney Header Carrousel 1.jpg

Come and enjoy the magic and wonder at one of the world’s greatest theme parks, Disneyland® Paris!

But how do you decide whether to visit Disneyland® Park or Walt Disney Studios® Park?

Well, we’ve done the hard work so you don’t have to! Take a look at our guide to Disneyland® Paris parks right here.

This comprehensive guide includes answers to all your questions:

  • What's the difference between the two parks?
  • What are the dining options?
  • What to bring?
  • What to wear?

Disneyland® Paris celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2022, and throughout the year there’s a whole host of exciting and unmissable events, shows and festivities!

The parks will feature exclusive new decorations and music, themed gardens in the Central Plaza, stunning light displays by night and fabulous new costumes worn by your favorite characters. Spot them roaming around the park ready to welcome photo opportunities as you explore!

Plus, if you're a family visiting Disney, there's a pass available that'll save you up to 50% off other attractions in the city.

Find out more here:

What's the difference between Disneyland® Park and Walt Disney Studios® Park?

 

Disneyland® Park

Home to five magical lands, the Disneyland Park is characterized by its striking central feature, the pretty-in-pink Sleeping Beauty Castle, recognized the world over from every Disney animation’s opening credits.

Little faces will light up at first sight of this stunning castle, the grand landmark that welcomes you to the land where dreams come true!

 

Attractions

Pirates of the Caribbean – set sail with the infamous characters of the movies as you join Captain Jack Sparrow on a quest to find his hidden treasure.

Big Thunder Mountain – hang on tight aboard this rollercoaster thrill ride that sends you speeding around a haunted mountain in a rattling mine cart along a track littered with dynamite!

Indiana JonesTM and the Temple of Peril – you’ll need the nerve and bravery of Indiana Jones to set off speeding around jungle ruins on this hair-raising rollercoaster ride!

Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain – launch yourself into the world of Star Wars for a thrilling takeover of a classic space attraction.

Phantom Manor – set foot inside this imposing haunted manor filled with scary surprises and ghoulish mystique.

Mickey’s Philharmagic – prepare to be blown away by this fantastic 4D musical experience that transports you to the world of Disney’s original characters, Mickey Mouse and gang.

Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast – blast off into space and help Buzz defeat Zurg in this intergalactic laser-shooting gallery.

Peter Pan’s Flight – float through the sky in a magic ship over starlit London on the way to Never Land, where mermaids, Indians and pirates await...

And so much more!..

 

Shows

Disney Illuminations – in celebration of Disneyland Paris’ 30th anniversary, this awe-inspiring night-time spectacular will end your day of adventure with an incredible firework show. What’s more, the kaleidoscope of sparkles will light up the sky alongside epic soundtracks of Disney’s most loved creations, from The Lion King and Star Wars to Pirates of the Caribbean and Frozen!

The Lion King: Rhythms of the Pride Land – relive the very best iconic moments from one of the most adored films of all time at this all-singing all-dancing exclusive musical show! (Anyone with an entry ticket can attend, but spaces can be limited.)

Disney Stars on Parade – you’ll feel the magic in the air as this world-famous parade passes through Disneyland Park! Admire the characters on their colorful floats against a backdrop of enchanting music.

 

Walt Disney Studios® Park

This is where you will dive into the heart of the action! Here, you become the star of the show in a theme park that focuses on Disney’s animations – you feel you're not watching movies, you're living them!

 

Attractions

Disney Studio 1 – waltz down Hollywood Boulevard and experience this stunning reimagination of the Tinseltown studios that bring all the world-renowned characters to life.

Crush’s Coaster – get swept up in the whirlpool ride that is this awesome recreation of the fun-filled scene from Finding NemoTM.

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – prepare to scream yourself silly at the Twilight Zone’s 3 hair-raising horrors: The Malevolent Machine, The Shaft Creatures and The 5th Dimension.

Animation Academy – little ones will love the opportunity to flex their creativity and learn how to draw their favorite characters.

 

Worlds of Pixar

Pixar’s magnificent animations come to life in this colorful world full of attractions and shows featuring your favorite characters from Toy Story, Finding Nemo, Cars, The Incredibles and more.

Cars ROAD TRIP – relax on this tree-lined cruise down the legendary highway from CarsTM and enjoy the lush scenery en route.

Ratatouille: The Adventure – shrink down to the size of Remy and duck, dive, dodge and scurry to safety in a dazzling chase across a gigantic kitchen.

Toy Soldiers Parachute Drop – join the Toy Story recruits and hold on to your hats on this heartstopping parachute drop behind enemy lines!

Selfie Spots – snap some pics at these designated areas within Toon Plaza with your favorite characters in incredible costumes.

And so much more!..

 

MARVEL Universe 

Calling all heroes! Get ready for an epic new land opening at Disneyland® Paris complete with thrilling rides, immersive experiences and incredible, futuristic sets inspired by the global franchise.

 

Whichever of the two parks you decide to revel in, you're sure to have the most epic day of fun! The only hard part is deciding which...

Traveling with kids? Are classic characters and timeless rides more your style? Then we say, go with Disneyland® Park.

More teens and adults in your party? Love to get to know the behind-the-scenes stuff, futuristic animated scenes and blockbuster figures? Walt Disney Studios® Park is the one to head to for older thrill-seekers.

 

What to eat

A day of animated adventures is sure to work up an appetite. Happily, throughout both the parks, you’ll find something for everyone to refuel on.

Disneyland® Park

  • Pizzeria Bella Notte
  • Market House Deli
  • Cable Car Bakery
  • The Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor

What Disney Studios® Park

  • Bistrot Chez Rémy (French cuisine)
  • Restaurant en Coulisse (a huge food hall dedicated to fast food and cheap eats)
  • Specialty Ice Cream

And you can find all your classics such as McDonald’s, Five Guys, Starbucks, New York Style Sandwiches, Ben & Jerry’s and a whole bunch more choices.

 

What (and what not) to bring?

When you enter the park, you will go through security and bag check. It’s airport style, so don’t bring any sharp objects, large containers of liquids or anything else security are likely to confiscate.

Money for souvenirs – there are gift shops galore all over the park, and no doubt you’ll want to take home a memento from your trip.

A camera – that’s a pretty obvious one, but judging by the images on this post, you’re certain to want to snap your own shots of an awesome day of wonder.

 

What to wear

It probably goes without saying that you’ll want to wear comfy shoes while you venture around the theme park. There can be fairly long walks between rides and attractions, and on peak visiting days, lines can get long.

In summer months, Paris will bask in long warm days with plenty of sunshine, but always be prepared by packing a jacket too – this is northern Europe after all...

In winter it gets pretty chilly in France, so tog up with a warm coat – you can wear your big fluffy coat on most rides and rollercoasters, but maybe store your hat and anything else that could fly off at speed in one of the provided lockers!

So there you have it – our guide to making the most of enjoying the magic and wonder that Disneyland Paris has in store! 

Planning your Paris trip? 

Visit dozens of top attractions in and around the French capital with Go City® and see what other awesome Parisian landmarks you can cross off your travel bucket list!

Discover our full line-up of Paris attractions including Arc de Triomphe, Centre Pompidou, Stade de France and more.

🤩 >> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you.

😎 >> If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option.

Samuel Ford
Go City Travel Expert

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Two-Day Paris Itinerary

Traveling to Paris but only have two days to soak up all the sights and sounds? It’s not only possible to see a representative slice of Paris in just a weekend, but it’s also a delightful way to squeeze in a quick vacation! We’ve put together a two-day itinerary for those weekend getaways to Paris. These ideas will give you a starting point for your explorations, and help you to make the most of your brief time in the city. Our sample itinerary for two days in Paris includes the following: The Louvre Musée de l'Orangerie Champs Élysées Shopping Hop-on Hop-off Paris Bus Tour Eiffel Tower Paris River Cruise Day 1: The Louvre A museum so renowned that it practically needs no introduction, the Louvre is one of the finest collections of art in the entire world. It’s the perfect place to visit on your first day in Paris, with so many iconic works of art, sculpture, and more to be found within its unique walls. The Louvre is also a remarkable structure in and of itself—the I.M. Pei-designed pyramids are gorgeous, perfectly Instagrammable architectural marvels. Plan to devote an entire morning to the Louvre, and leave a little time to just hang out in the courtyards outside the museum to people-watch. Musée de l'Orangerie Take a stroll through the inimitable Jardin des Tuileries (a seventeenth-century pleasure garden filled with elaborate botanical structures and statues) to get to your next attraction, the Musée de l'Orangerie. This unique museum combines its twentieth-century European art collection with one singularly remarkable gallery—a collection of eight water lily murals by Monet. It’s a singular experience to stand within the Monet gallery and turn in every direction to see those signature water lilies in every direction. This modestly-sized museum should take about an hour or so to explore fully. Champs Élysées Shopping End your day with a bit of retail therapy. You’re just steps from the Champs-Élysées neighborhood, which is notable for the Arc de Triomphe as well as its extensive luxury retail offerings. These days, you’ll also find some fast fashion, athletic apparel, and cosmetics alongside the iconic boutiques and signature European fashion houses. Other highlights of the neighborhood include the Grand Palais and the Champs-Élysées Garden, should you prefer to sightsee more instead of acquiring your next big fashion item. Plan to devote the remainder of your afternoon to exploring this exciting neighborhood. Day 2: Hop-on Hop-off Paris Bus Tour Start your second day in Paris with a comprehensive bus tour that will escort you around the city’s best landmarks. This hop-on hop-off option from Big Bus Paris is an excellent choice, with eleven premier stops including the Notre Dame, the Paris Opera House, the Grand Palais, and more. Use the bus to get around the city, or just ride the whole loop to enjoy the sightseeing. This fully-narrated tour is offered in more than eight languages, so no need to brush up on your French before visiting! If you choose to stay on the bus for the entire loop, set aside about two and a half hours. Eiffel Tower The Eiffel Tower is one of the most recognizable structures in the entire world, so it’s a must-visit on your weekend in Paris itinerary. Use the hop-on hop-off bus tour to get here, and then stroll around the grounds. One of our favorite Instagram photos is a shot looking up at the Eiffel Tower from below! We especially like the way the Eiffel Tower looks at night when it’s illuminated and brilliant against the modern Paris skyline. So, it’s also an option to save this attraction until later in the day. Please keep in mind that you will need separate tickets if you’d like to go inside. Paris River Cruise After you’ve enjoyed a walk around the Eiffel Tower, or perhaps a picnic beneath it (one of our favorite ways to truly experience the city like a local), take a quick walk to the waterfront and hop aboard the Paris River Cruise. The Seine is a magnificent body of water, providing stellar views of the crowded city along its banks. Some of the sights you’ll enjoy from your vessel include Musée D'Orsay, Tuileries Gardens, Grand Palais, and, of course, the Eiffel Tower. Your cruise will last approximately one hour, leaving you plenty of time to find that perfect restaurant for dinner and wine. Save on Admission to Paris Attractions Payless to visit the attractions on this weekend in Paris itinerary with a Go Paris pass. Pay just 95 Euro for admission to these and other great attractions. This is an excellent value for those who want to scope out the best museums! Share Your Adventure with Us Tag @GoCity in your vacation photos and we'll feature you on our page. Follow the Go City Instagram and Facebook pages for competitions, special offers, and events and inspiration for your chosen destination, too!
Katie Sagal
The Louvre at Sunset
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Louvre vs Musée d’Orsay: Which Paris Museum Is Right for You?

Can’t decide between The Louvre and Musée d’Orsay? We’ve compared them so you don’t have to!
Louvre Museum
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Guide to the Louvre Museum - Tips for Visiting

If you do one thing in Paris, it should be the Louvre. Pay a visit to the world’s largest art museum and spend an entire day marveling at their exhaustive collections of art and artifacts. It's consistently among the most-visited art museums and one of Paris’ most popular attractions. While their collections encompass some 380,000 objects, only a portion of these are on display at any given time. Items hail from all around the globe and throughout human history, including objects from prehistory all the way up to twenty-first-century works of art. The Louvre has particularly notable strengths in Egyptian Antiquities, Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities, Sculpture, and Painting, among others. The museum itself is a work of art—housed in the Louvre Palace (originally built in the late twelfth century as the Louvre Castle), it’s a veritable maze of art and artworks. Creative types will find a haven here, with something from just about every period and field to marvel at. Don’t forget about the signature I. M. Pei pyramid out the front which acts not only as a piece of art but a stunning entranceway to the museum! The Louvre Tickets Looking for discount tickets to the Louvre? Grab a pass from Go City. Spend less on admission to the Louvre and dozens of other museums, tours, cruises, and other great Paris attractions. Enjoy 2, 3, 4 or 6 days of unlimited sightseeing and save big on combined admission versus paying at the gate. See more on pricing for our passes. Louvre Tips for Visiting Be sure to download an interactive floor plan prior to your visit — it’s available in seven languages and will be invaluable in helping you plot out your course through the museum. Consult the museum calendar to see what special events, gallery talks, or tours are going on during the day of your visit. You may also wish to grab an audio guide for the Louvre. Available in seven languages, this is one of the coolest and more comprehensive audio guides around. The Louvre is big—like, really big. Wear comfortable shoes and plan to rest periodically. The Louvre is also difficult to navigate, but they’ve really simplified things by making their collections color-coded. Each of the eight curatorial departments is assigned a color, and then each room within the department is given a number. Follow your map and the signs on the wall and you’ll be good to go. Take your kids to the Touch Gallery. It’s the only place in the entire museum where visitors are encouraged to touch the sculptures (which are replicas of those found in the museum’s collections). Other important places like elevators, restrooms, and restaurants are identified via pictograms—so no worries if you don’t read French. For those visitors traveling with little ones, check out the Tuileries Gardens, which are filled with kid-friendly activities like a carousel, trampolines, and little boats. What is the Best Time to Go to the Louvre? You should plan to spend most of the day at the Louvre if you want to see a representative sample of the exhibits; it is also possible, however, to organize a “highlights” tour and accomplish it all in a few hours. We recommend visiting the museum first thing in the morning as soon as they open to maximize your time spent inside the institution. Crowds will be heavier mid-morning and late afternoon. If you're trying to attend a special docent tour, it’s wise to consult the museum’s schedule of events to see what’s available during the day of your visit. What to Bring to the Louvre Comfy walking shoes – the floors are hard and you’ll be traipsing around quite a bit. Money for souvenirs – their bookstore is one of the best places to shop for tourists in the entire city and it’s worth spending some time there. Layers – the museum is climate controlled, but this can differ depending upon the type of art. As a result, you may feel cool in some rooms but warmer in others. A camera—there are places in the Louvre where photography is limited or prohibited, but you’ll want it on hand for the opportunities that do arise. What to Do at the Louvre The museum collections are all sorted into one of eight curatorial departments: Egyptian Antiquities; Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities; Near Eastern Antiquities; Islamic Art; Paintings; Sculptures; Decorative Arts; and Prints and Drawings. We’ve listed a few of the highlights of each department below. Egyptian Antiquities One of the most famous collections within the Louvre’s vast holdings, the department of Egyptian Antiquities is filled with hundreds of items from Nile Valley civilizations. Items date as far back as the prehistoric period (about 4000 BCE) all the way to the early Christian period (around the fourth century CE). The objects in this department include everything from small pieces of jewelry, games, funeral urns, and amulets to large sarcophagi, engraved portions of tomb walls, and statuary. Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities Spanning the rich, diverse cultures of Greece, Italy, and the broader Mediterranean area, the objects and artifacts in this department range from the Neolithic era to the sixth century CE. Here is where fans of classical archaeology and mythology will find their inspiration. With art objects that cover everything from the iconic amphoras to intricate statues of the gods to the signature black and red Greek pottery, you’ll be amazed at the breadth and depth of these collections. Near East Antiquities One of the broadest categories of art and objects at the Louvre, the Near East Antiquities department spans an astonishing nine thousand-year period—from prehistory to the early Islamic period. Artifacts were discovered in a wide range of territory, from North Africa to Central Asia, and from the Black Sea to the Arabian Peninsula. Highlights of this department include tablets bearing some of the earliest forms of writing, ancient beaded jewelry, board games, and dozens of religious statues and figures. Islamic Art New galleries in this department opened in 2012, allowing for an expanded display of Islamic artwork for Louvre visitors. There are a few thousand objects on display here, ranging geographically from Southeast Asia to Spain, and temporally across nearly 1,300 years of human history. A few of the objects you might see in this department include dishware and pottery, sculptures, textiles and texts, and manuscript pages. Paintings With a couple hundred works currently on display, paintings are one of the larger curatorial focus points at the Louvre. This department is among the most famous as well, with particular strengths in Italian Renaissance art and Dutch Old Masters. The collection encompasses every major European school of painting as well, including works from the thirteenth through the nineteenth centuries. Some of the most famous works in this collection include Leonardi da Vinci’s world-renowned Mona Lisa, Eugène Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People, and Johannes Vermeer’s The Astronomer. Sculptures The Department of Sculptures has had a long and varied history, currently encompassing Medieval, Renaissance, and Modern sculptures. Every work here dates prior to 1850, and only includes those that do not qualify for the Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Department. Some of the most stunning art objects in the entire Louvre are found here, ranging from statues of gods and goddesses to biblical characters to modern individuals of note. Decorative Arts One of the best departments for those who appreciate and/or study the history of material culture in a global context, this area of the Louvre boasts a simply stunning collection of objects from around the world. Objects were created between the early Middle Ages and the mid-nineteenth century. You’ll find everything from jewelry and ivory work to stained glass and furniture. Many of these objects inspire us to wonder what will happen to our own precious goods after we’re gone. Prints and Drawings This is one for the history of the book people. Here you’ll find a wide selection of printed material, including drawings, pastels, printed books, manuscripts, woodcuts, and lithographic stones. The unique thing about this department is its approach to displaying the collections—because of their innate fragility, most works are kept in careful storage and are circulated in and out of temporary displays. As a result, all exhibits here are temporary, so what you see during your visit will be totally unique! Save on Louvre Tickets with a Go Paris pass A Go City attraction pass for Paris provides admission to the Louvre and dozens of other Paris and area museums for one low price. You’ll also get admission to tours, cruises, and other top Parisian attractions to round out your weekend getaway.
Katie Sagal

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