Saving Money at Disneyland Paris: Bringing Your Own Snacks
Visiting Disneyland Paris is a dream come true for many families, but it can also come with a hefty price tag, especially when it comes to food and drinks. One of the best ways to cut down on costs during your visit is to bring your own snacks into the park. Not only does this help keep your budget in check, but it also ensures you have your favourite treats on hand whenever hunger strikes. In this blog post, I’ll walk you through why and how to bring your own snacks into Disneyland Park, along with some tips to make the most of it.
Why Bring Your Own Snacks?
1. Cost Savings: Disneyland Paris is known for its magical atmosphere and top-notch entertainment, but the food prices can be quite high. A family of four can easily spend a significant amount on meals and snacks throughout the day. By bringing your own snacks, you can save a considerable amount of money, allowing you to allocate more of your budget to souvenirs, special experiences, or perhaps a nice meal at one of the park’s restaurants.
2. Convenience: While Disneyland Paris offers a wide variety of food options, the lines at food kiosks and restaurants can be long, especially during peak times. Having your own snacks means you won’t have to wait in line every time you or your kids get hungry. This is especially helpful if you have young children who need frequent snacks or have specific dietary preferences.
3. Healthier Choices: While there are healthy options available in the park, many of the quick snacks are sugary treats or fried foods. Bringing your own snacks allows you to pack healthier options, like fruits, nuts, or granola bars, ensuring you and your family have nutritious choices throughout the day.
What Snacks to Bring?
When deciding what snacks to bring, think about portability, durability, and personal preference. Here are some snack ideas that are easy to pack and won’t spoil during a day in the park:
- Fruits: Apples, bananas, grapes, and oranges are all great options that travel well.
- Nuts and Seeds: A mix of almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds can provide a quick energy boost.
- Granola Bars: These are easy to pack and come in a variety of flavours.
- Pre-packed pastries – These are sold in most shops in Ireland and travel well – we always pick up a pack of long life pain-au-chocolat and chocolate croissants to fill tim in between.
- Milk: If you need milk like our kids do, I recommend buying it in the train station just outside of Disneyland Paris parks, or at Auchan one stop away on the train (and a short walk).
- Dried Fruit: Raisins, dried apricots, or banana chips are sweet and healthy.
- Sandwiches: Simple sandwiches like peanut butter and jelly or ham and cheese can serve as a more substantial snack or light meal. Again train station has some supplies, as does Auchan if you don’t want to pack your kitchen!
- Vegetables: Baby carrots, cucumber slices, or bell pepper strips are refreshing and easy to eat on the go.
- Treats: Pack a few of your family’s favourite treats for a mid-day pick-me-up—think cookies, chocolate, jellies or a small bag of crisps.
How to Pack Your Snacks
1. Use a Cooler Bag: A small, insulated cooler bag is perfect for keeping snacks fresh throughout the day. If you’re bringing perishable items like cheese or yogurt, include an ice pack to keep them cool.
2. Pack Wisely: Use resealable plastic bags or small containers to portion out snacks. This makes them easy to grab without having to dig through your bag. You’ll also want to bring a few napkins or wet wipes for any messy snacks.
3. Keep it Light: Remember, you’ll be carrying your snacks around the park all day, so try to pack only what you think you’ll need. If you run out, you can always supplement with something from the park.
Rules and Considerations
1. Security Checks: When entering Disneyland Paris, your bags will be checked at security. While you are allowed to bring in your own snacks, be mindful of the rules. Avoid bringing any glass containers, large coolers, or alcohol, as these items are not permitted in the park.
2. Stay Hydrated: You can (and should) bring your own water bottles, which you can refill at various water fountains throughout the park. Staying hydrated is essential, especially during the warmer months. I recommend adding a travel friendly small bottle of Robinsons that you can use to flavour your water.
3. Respect the Environment: Be sure to clean up after yourself and dispose of any trash in the bins provided throughout the park. Disneyland Paris is committed to maintaining a clean and welcoming environment for all guests.
Tips for Enjoying Your Snacks
1. Plan Snack Breaks: Rather than snacking on the go, consider taking a few dedicated breaks to enjoy your snacks. Find a quiet bench or picnic area where you can relax and recharge before heading off to the next attraction.
2. Mix It Up: If you’re staying for multiple days, change up your snack options each day to keep things interesting. Variety will help keep everyone happy and excited about their snack choices.
3. Combine with Park Treats: While bringing your own snacks is a great way to save money, don’t be afraid to splurge on a few special treats from the park. Enjoying a famous Disneyland Paris Mickey-shaped ice cream or a freshly baked pastry is part of the magic!
Conclusion
Bringing your own snacks into Disneyland Paris is a smart way to cut down on costs while ensuring you have something tasty and healthy to enjoy throughout the day. With a bit of planning and the right selection of snacks, you can make your day at the park even more enjoyable and stress-free. Whether you’re looking to save money, avoid long lines, or simply have your favourite treats on hand, packing your own snacks is a great way to enhance your Disneyland Paris experience.
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