Top 10 Things to Pack for the Plane to Paris with Small Kids

Top 10 Things to Pack for a Plane Trip to Disneyland Paris with Small Kids from Ireland

Travelling from Ireland to Disneyland Paris with small kids is an exciting adventure that requires a bit of preparation. The total journey time, including airport time, the flight, and the transfer to Disneyland Paris, can take about 6-7 hours. Here’s a breakdown of the top 10 things to pack, along with when and how you’ll need them during the journey.

Estimated Travel Timeline

Time at Dublin/Irish Airport (2.5-4 hours): Arrive early to check in, clear security, and navigate the airport with ease. Depending on where you live, it may take an hour to arrive, but assuming you have baggage and need to sort some things at the airport, give yourself a good 2 hours there on site. Dublin Airport specifically is not as child friendly as some of the other airports around Europe with no dedicated family lanes or child assistance.
Flight Duration (1.5-2 hours): The direct flight from Dublin to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport takes approximately 1.5 hours to 1 hour 45 minutes.
Transfer to Disneyland Paris (0.5-2 hours): Once you land, you’ll need to transfer from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Disneyland Paris. The train (TGV) is the fastest option, taking about 10 minutes, while a private transfer offers more convenience and typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour.

Top 10 Things to Pack

1. Snacks and Drinks

When You’ll Need It: Throughout the journey, especially at the airport and during the flight.
Why It’s Important: Keep your little ones happy with a variety of snacks like crackers, fruit slices, yoghurt rice cakes or cereal bars, or chocolate croissants or pain au chocolats. Drinks are also essential—bring an empty bottle or sippy cup to fill after security. Snacks are especially handy during any unexpected delays or long queues at the airport.
Note for Milk: Age 2 and under can have milk in a bottle, that is specifically tested for oversize liquids in a carry on for them. Expect to have it taken away, tested, and pre-packed infant milk like Aptimal may be opened if in its liquid form. Powered form is not tested, but the water you have brought with would be. Advice would be to have 2-3 bottles ready for an infant to be tested, and have these in an insulated container.

2. Comfort Items (Blanket/Toy)

When You’ll Need It: During the flight and transfer to the hotel.
Why It’s Important: Familiar comfort items like a favourite blanket, stuffed animal, or toy help keep your child calm and comfortable; a fun Disney touch is Mickey or Minnie (or any character). These are particularly useful during takeoff, landing, and any waiting periods at the airport or during the transfer.

3. Entertainment (Tablet/Books/Toys)

When You’ll Need It: On the plane, during waiting times, and in transit to the hotel.
Why It’s Important: Keep your little ones entertained with a tablet loaded with their favourite shows or games. Don’t forget child-friendly headphones. Pack a few small toys or books to keep them occupied during any waiting periods. Crayons and drawings always go down well. For tablets, download some offline videos for them to have while on the flight.

4. Change of Clothes

When You’ll Need It: In case of spills, accidents, or during the transition from plane to car.
Why It’s Important: Accidents happen, especially with small children. Pack a change of clothes (including socks and underwear) to ensure your child stays comfortable. This is particularly useful if there are any spills or delays.

5. Nappies/Pull-Ups and Wipes

When You’ll Need It: Anytime during the journey, especially during the flight and in the airport.
Why It’s Important: Ensure you have enough nappies or pull-ups for the journey, plus a few extras just in case. Baby wipes are a must-have for nappy changes and cleaning up any messes along the way, even for adult messes!

6. Travel-Sized Toiletries

When You’ll Need It: During and after the flight, especially after meals or naps.
Why It’s Important: Pack a small toiletry bag with essentials like hand sanitiser, tissues, a small toothbrush and toothpaste, and a travel-sized lotion. These help maintain hygiene and comfort during the journey.

7. Portable Charger

When You’ll Need It: During the flight and while waiting at the airport.
Why It’s Important: Keeping your devices charged is crucial, especially if you’re relying on a tablet or phone to entertain your child. A portable charger ensures your devices don’t run out of battery mid-journey.

8. Baby Carrier or Lightweight Pram/Stroller

When You’ll Need It: Navigating the airport and getting to your hotel.
Why It’s Important: A baby carrier or lightweight stroller makes it easier to navigate the airport, particularly if you need to move quickly or have hands-free. A stroller is also convenient for getting around Disneyland Paris once you arrive. For baby carrier, invest in a good one, as carrying an infant through the airport is a tiresome experience. For pram, check your airline allowances (Aer Lingus, RyanAir and Air France are good) to bring a big pram with lots of carrying capacity. You can check this into the oversize at any airport, for free. You may still wish to bring your smaller stroller with you on board, to help get through security and to the gate. A perfect alternative to the small stroller is a good ride-on travel size suitcase (eg. Trunkii, Samsonite Disney range) allow for a faster and fun trip through any airport.

9. Travel Documents and Copies

When You’ll Need It: Throughout the journey, especially at check-in and security.
Why It’s Important: Keep your passports, boarding passes, hotel confirmation, and any other important documents easily accessiblea, and phones charged if you’re going paperless. It’s also wise to carry photocopies of these documents as a backup in case the originals are misplaced/phones are lost. Always keep a photo of your passpost on your phone!

10. First Aid Kit

When You’ll Need It: In case of minor injuries or illnesses during the trip.
Why It’s Important: A small first aid kit with basics like plasters, antiseptic wipes, a digital thermometer, and children’s pain reliever can be invaluable if your child gets a bump or scrape, especially on that first day. It’s better to have these items on hand to quickly address any issues. Remember the scissors are not allowed through security, so check your first aid kit if bringing it on board!

Transfer from Paris Charles de Gaulle to Disneyland Paris

Once you arrive at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, you have two main options to get to Disneyland Paris:

TGV Train: The high-speed TGV train is the fastest option, taking about 10 minutes to get from the airport to Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy, the station adjacent to Disneyland Paris. While very fast, this option requires navigating the train station and potentially waiting for a scheduled departure.
Private Transfer: A private transfer is often more convenient, especially with small children and luggage. It typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour and offers a door-to-door service, dropping you off directly at your hotel. While it may be slightly longer than the train, it’s often more cost-effective for families and avoids the hassle of public transport.

Final Thoughts

Travelling with small children requires careful planning, but with these 10 essential items packed and ready, your journey to Disneyland Paris will be much smoother. With a total travel time of about 5-7 hours, including the flight and transfer, these must-haves will ensure your little ones are comfortable, entertained, and well-cared for throughout the trip. By being well-prepared, you can focus on enjoying the magic of Disneyland Paris with your family from the moment you leave home until you arrive at the Disneyland Hotel.