A truly unique setting, show and experience for the clock striking midnight – Disneyland Paris hosts a special New Years Eve event each year (now NOT a limited ticket event and included in your normal park day ticket), wowwing thousands of visitors ringing in the New Year in the European Capital of Disney, Disneyland Paris.
The atmosphere of Disneyland Paris on New Years Eve
One the eve of New Years, as the winter sun sets early, the anticipation builds throughout the night, with special chimes and snippets on the hours coming up to midnight. The crowd is a mix as always – those there for the rides, those there for the food, and those there specifically for midnight. There are those dressed in mickey ears (ok, many of those!) and some wearing full ball gowns and tuxedos. This is a truly special night, and a unique one on the worldwide Disney calendar.
All rides, shops, and areas are open – the park operates as normal, though with extended park operation hours until 1am.
Is it cold on New Years Eve?
Yes! It’s the middle of winter. Our experience was a dry but cold one (approx 4C/39F temp wise) so dress well. Dress stylish, but dress warm. Gloves, scarves, overcoats. And remember to do a bit of indoor time, warm food, and keep moving.
Is it worth going to Disneyland Paris on New Years Eve?
In short – yes. It is a truly unique experience, and pricing can be slightly cheaper than it was literally the week previously with Christmas. The event itself is extremely busy, as it is both a normal park day, as well as being New Years. In the past this used to be a ticketed event, and I can see why, as it can be extremely busy. If, like my experience, you get a few rides in your finest wear such as Small World, Dumbo, Pirates, you will be satisfied. It’s a memory that will stand out for its uniqueness. The Castle/Drone/Firework show is unique to this day, celebrating all things new with the coming year.
However, I would also take that with the pinch of salt – it is going to be very busy, probably only Bastille Day is busier later at night. You may not get to do all the rides you want or the amount you expected to due to the business. However, if the expectation is set, there is no reason why you would not have a great time.
Our top tip for New Years Eve in Disneyland Paris?
Bring some champagne with you into the park – it is on sale for approx €20 per GLASS from Disney themselves (with cheap souvenir glass), but a bottle (or two) in a flask will keep well until midnight.
And secondly, find your spot early. We left this till about 11pm to go to main square which was full, this was too late, and people set up from 8pm and even earlier to get the absolute best spots. Remember, Discoveryland has great views of the castle even when it looks full (a personal favouriote spot of mine.
Would I do this again?
Well, my wedding anniversary also happens to be New Years Eve, so I combine Disney magic with my anniversary. What could go wrong with that? Yes I would do this again; maybe not every year, but its definitely so unique and easy to do, that it makes it worth looking as an option for that between Christmas and back to work/school time!
Disney From Ireland 