Visiting Disneyland Paris with Infants and Toddlers: A Comprehensive Guide

Doing the parks with infants and under 3s

Taking your infant or toddler to Disneyland Paris can be a magical and memorable experience for the whole family. The park is thoughtfully designed to cater to the needs of young visitors, offering numerous amenities and services that ensure even the smallest guests enjoy their time. This guide will cover everything you need to know about making the most of your trip with little ones, including tips on handling naps, selecting the right stroller, and much more.

Baby Care Facilities: Your Essential Base

Disneyland Paris is well-equipped to make caring for infants and toddlers easy. One of the standout features is the Baby Care Centres, conveniently located just off Main Street near the castle, beside Plaza Gardens. These centres are essential for parents needing a quiet, clean space to tend to their little ones.

Feeding: The Baby Care Centres are equipped with highchairs, microwaves for warming bottles and baby food, and private spaces for breastfeeding. It’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the parks and focus on your child’s needs.
Changing Facilities: Each centre has multiple changing tables and is stocked with all the essentials, making diaper changes a breeze.
Rest Area: If your little one needs a break, the centre offers a calm environment where they can rest and recharge before heading back into the parks.

Tip: Nearly all restrooms across both Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park have baby changing facilities, available in both men’s and women’s restrooms. Family bathrooms are also available, providing extra space and privacy.

Free Entry for Under 3s

One of the great benefits of visiting Disneyland Paris with very young children is that children under 3 years old get free entry to both parks. This makes it an affordable option for families, allowing you to experience the magic without the added cost of a ticket for your little one.

On-Site Hotel Support

Staying at an on-site Disney hotel adds convenience to your visit, especially when travelling with infants or toddlers:

Cots and Bed Rails: Upon request, Disney hotels provide cots and bed rails to ensure your baby or toddler has a safe and comfortable sleep.
Proximity to the Parks: Being close to the parks means you can easily return to your hotel room for nap times or just to take a break during the day. This can be particularly useful if you want your toddler to be rested and ready for the evening parades and fireworks. It may also be worth asking for a room closest to the lobby or to the parks when checking in for ease of access.

Note: Families have found that hotels like Sequoia Lodge are particularly accessible and convenient, with better lift availability compared to Newport Bay Club, which can be more challenging with strollers.

Rides Perfect for Infants and Toddlers

When visiting Disneyland Paris with infants and toddlers, it’s important to choose rides that are not only age-appropriate but also enjoyable for the entire family. Here are six rides that are perfect for the youngest visitors, along with details about their location, wait times, ride durations, and a fun fact to make your experience even more magical.

1. It’s a Small World

Location: Fantasyland, Disneyland Park
Approximate Wait Time: 10-30 minutes
Ride Duration: 10 minutes
Fun Fact: This classic boat ride takes you on a gentle journey through scenes representing cultures from around the world, all accompanied by the iconic “It’s a Small World” song. The attraction was created for the 1964 New York World’s Fair and is a favourite for its vibrant colours and soothing pace, making it perfect for infants and toddlers.

2. Le Pays des Contes de Fées (Storybook Land Canal Boats)

Location: Fantasyland, Disneyland Park
Approximate Wait Time: 10-25 minutes
Ride Duration: 7 minutes
Fun Fact: This charming boat ride takes you through miniature scenes from famous Disney movies, such as The Little Mermaid and Aladdin. Each scene is beautifully detailed, creating a magical experience for young children who will recognize their favourite characters and stories.

3. Casey Jr. – le Petit Train du Cirque

Location: Fantasyland, Disneyland Park
Approximate Wait Time: 10-30 minutes
Ride Duration: 4 minutes
Fun Fact: Inspired by the circus train from Disney’s Dumbo, this mini roller coaster offers a gentle ride through Storybook Land. It’s slightly faster than some of the other attractions, but still perfectly suitable for toddlers who will love the whimsical design and cheerful music.

4. Peter Pan’s Flight

Location: Fantasyland, Disneyland Park
Approximate Wait Time: 30-60 minutes
Ride Duration: 3 minutes
Fun Fact: One of the most popular rides in Disneyland Paris, Peter Pan’s Flight takes you on a magical journey over London and into Neverland. You board a pirate ship that “flies” through the sky, offering stunning views of iconic scenes from the movie. The gentle movement and enchanting visuals make it a must-ride for young children.

5. Le Carrousel de Lancelot

Location: Fantasyland, Disneyland Park
Approximate Wait Time: 5-20 minutes
Ride Duration: 2 minutes
Fun Fact: This beautifully crafted carousel features noble steeds inspired by the knights of the Round Table. It’s a traditional carousel experience that toddlers will love, with the added touch of Disney magic. The carousel’s bright colours and classic music make it a timeless favourite.

6. Dumbo the Flying Elephant

Location: Fantasyland, Disneyland Park
Approximate Wait Time: 15-35 minutes
Ride Duration: 2 minutes
Fun Fact: Dumbo the Flying Elephant allows children to take control of their own flying elephant, soaring above Fantasyland. The ride is not only visually delightful but also gives children the chance to “fly” up and down at their own pace, adding a layer of interactive fun that toddlers adore.

These rides are all located in Fantasyland within Disneyland Park, making it easy to plan a day that’s perfectly suited to your little ones. With short wait times and gentle ride experiences, these attractions are ideal for creating magical memories with your infants and toddlers.

Navigating with the Right Stroller

Bringing the right stroller can make a world of difference when visiting Disneyland Paris with an infant or toddler. Here’s what you need to know:

Stroller Recommendations: A robust stroller like the Bugaboo Donkey Duo is ideal for the parks. This stroller is spacious, comfortable for your infant or child, and comes with a dedicated zip-up pram bag as part of the set up, that is both functional and stylish (nappies, bottles, bibs, food, spare clothes, the lot fits).
Travel-Friendly: The Bugaboo Donkey Duo also fits well within airline allowances. For instance, Aer Lingus allows a free stroller transport bag up to 32kg, which is perfect for families travelling to Disneyland Paris. Do note that it IS VERY LARGE
Stroller Parking: Keep in mind that strollers need to be parked outside attractions, so consider bringing a lock or using a baby carrier for more security in crowded areas.
Boogie Boards: Adding a boogie board and seat to your stroller can be a game-changer, especially when older toddlers get tired. This setup not only gives your child a place to rest but also provides extra storage for your bags, reducing the strain on your back and arms.

Managing Naps and Breaks

Handling naps at Disneyland Paris can be easy with the right planning:

Stroller Naps: For infants under one year, a comfortable stroller is key. The motion of walking around the park often helps babies fall asleep, allowing them to nap on the go without disrupting your day.
Hotel Breaks: For toddlers who need a more structured nap, consider returning to your hotel for a quiet break. This can help them recharge and stay awake for the evening fireworks, ensuring they experience all the magic Disneyland Paris has to offer.

Rider Swap: Enjoying the Rides with Your Partner

The Rider Swap service is a fantastic option for parents who want to enjoy the rides without splitting up:

How It Works: One parent waits with the child while the other rides, and then they swap without needing to queue again. This ensures both parents can experience the attractions while taking care of the baby.
Where It’s Available: Rider Swap is available at most major attractions, making it easier to enjoy the park’s highlights without missing out.

Dining with Little Ones

Feeding a toddler or infant at Disneyland Paris is made easier with the numerous family-friendly dining options:

Baby-Friendly Dining: Highchairs and bottle warmers are available at most restaurants. Buffets are particularly convenient as they allow you to try different foods, which is great when feeding a little one who might want to taste a bit of everything.
Mobile Ordering: To avoid long queues, especially with a hungry toddler, use the mobile ordering feature in the Disneyland Paris app for quick-service restaurants. This way, you can pick up your meal without the hassle of waiting in line.

Capturing Magical Moments

Disneyland Paris offers numerous opportunities to capture unforgettable moments with your baby:

Character Meet-and-Greets: While your infant may not fully grasp the experience, photos with beloved Disney characters will be cherished memories.
Iconic Backdrops: Take advantage of the stunning scenery, like Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, for those perfect baby photos. Whether it’s their first trip or just another day of fun, these pictures will be treasured for years to come.

Additional Tips

Pack Essentials: Make sure to bring all the essentials like nappies, wipes, and snacks, and remember your weight limits. The Baby Care Centres and shops at Disney hotels can help if you forget anything, but it’s always best to be prepared.
Make A Supermarket Run for Supplies: If you’re going for an extended amount of time, it might be worth the boring yet important trip to the shopping centre down at Val D’Europe and Auchen to get nappies, food, formula in one go without having to bring it from Ireland. Auchen also has great prices on wine… just saying.
Flexible Itinerary: Be ready to adjust your plans based on your baby’s needs. Sometimes, skipping a planned activity in favour of a nap or a quiet moment can make the day more enjoyable for everyone.

Conclusion

Visiting Disneyland Paris with infants and toddlers can be a smooth and enjoyable experience, thanks to the park’s extensive facilities and thoughtful services. From dedicated Baby Care Centres to convenient hotel accommodations, everything is designed to ensure that even the youngest guests (and their parents) have a magical time. So, pack your bags, prepare for those first magical memories, and get ready to enjoy Disneyland Paris with your little one!