Everything You Need to Know About Disneyland® Paris School Trips

Practical information when planning a school trip to Disneyland® Paris

When planning a school trip to Disneyland® Paris, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Both French and English are widely spoken there, giving your students the perfect opportunity to brush up on their French language skills, whilst knowing they can revert back to English if they’re not feeling too confident. The official currency at Disneyland® Paris is Euros (€), so ensure you and your students have sufficient funds or a suitable foreign currency payment card.

The Disneyland® Paris park usually operates from 9:30am to 10pm trough the summer, with specific areas and attractions opening at varying times within this bracket. Outside of the summer opening times will vary. It’s always best to check on their website for all opening times and any potential changes. Ticket prices vary depending on the season and type of access. Any person 12 years and older is considered an adult when purchasing Disneyland® Paris tickets, and group discounts are available for school trips. To manage your budget, consider in advance additional costs such as food, souvenirs, transportation, and accommodation.

We recommend a 1-day Hopper pass to make the most of your time at Disneyland® Paris

To make the most of your time at Disneyland® Paris, we recommend a 1-day Hopper Pass that will grant your students access to both parks — Disneyland® Park and Walt Disney Studios® Park.

Dining and accommodation at Disneyland® Paris

Disneyland® Paris offers diverse dining options, including international cuisine and French specialities. There is catering for various dietary requirements such as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free. Meal plans and vouchers are available, and can be a great way to save money and time for those travelling in groups such as on a school trip.

There’s also Disney Village a few steps away from the main parks, which comes complete with a wide range of restaurants, shops, and entertainment to experience. Disney Village is free to enter, with the exception of certain dates, during which special shows may be hosted.

For accommodation, options range from on-site Disney hotels, which offer convenience and early park access, to partner hotels and budget-friendly alternatives nearby.

Main attractions

Disneyland® Paris is home to a wide variety of attractions that cater to all ages and interests. From thrilling roller coasters to enchanting fairy tale experiences, here are some of the must-see attractions:

Sleeping Beauty Castle

The iconic centrepiece featuring stunning architecture and fairy tale experiences

Pirates of the Caribbean

A thrilling boat ride through pirate-infested waters

It’s a Small World

A gentle boat ride celebrating global cultures with animatronic dolls

Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain

A Star Wars-themed space battle roller coaster

Phantom Manor

A haunted house attraction with eerie effects and a captivating storyline

Avengers Assemble: Flight Force

Team up with Iron Man and Captain Marvel to help them save the world on this thrilling rollercoaster at Walt Disney Studios Park

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 at Walt Disney Studios Park.

Other highlights your students won’t want to miss include:

Disney Stars on Parade

A daily parade with Disney characters and elaborate floats

Disney Illuminations

A nighttime spectacular with fireworks, projections, and music at Sleeping Beauty Castle

Adventure Island

A playground with caves, bridges, and a pirate ship for exploration

Fantasyland

Home to classic attractions like “Peter Pan’s Flight” and “Dumbo the Flying Elephant”

Packing essentials

Packing for a school trip to Disneyland® Paris will be much the same as packing for any multi-day school trip. You’ll need to consider the weather and prepare for rainy spells, which can be quite common in Paris. A simple checklist that covers the basics includes:

• Comfortable clothing and footwear
• Weather-appropriate gear such as a raincoat or sunhat
• Sunscreen
• Travel documents including passport
• Camera

It’s important to note that any person over the age of 12 is not permitted to wear costumes or masks at Disneyland® Paris. If your students are above this age, inform them of this well in advance to avoid any disappointment once you arrive.

The best time for a school trip to Disneyland® Paris

The best time to visit Disneyland® Paris with a school group is during the off-peak seasons. Consider planning the trip during late winter (January-February) or early spring (March) to avoid large crowds and long wait times. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends, and the weather is usually mild.

Getting to Disneyland® Paris

There are several convenient options for travelling from the UK to Disneyland® Paris with a school group:

By train

• Eurostar: Direct service from London St Pancras to Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy (2 hours 45 minutes)
• Advantages: No transfers, group booking discounts available
• Tips: Book early for the best rates and group seating

By coach

• Coach Hire: Door-to-door service from school to Disneyland® Paris (including ferry or Eurotunnel)
• Advantages: Cost-effective for large groups, flexible scheduling
• Tips: Plan some activities to pass the time and include rest stops

By plane

• Flights: From major UK airports to Paris Charles de Gaulle (1-hour flight), transfer to Disneyland® Paris by train (TGV) or shuttle (45 minutes)
• Advantages: Fastest travel time
• Tips: Consider airport transfer times and book group rates early

Additional considerations

• Travel Insurance: Ensure coverage for medical emergencies, cancellations, and lost belongings
• Travel Documents: Verify valid passports for all students and check visa requirements
• Parental Consent: Obtain signed forms with emergency contact details
• Itinerary and Supervision: Plan a detailed itinerary and ensure adequate adult supervision

Choosing the best transport depends on group size, budget, and convenience preferences. Each option ensures a smooth journey to Disneyland® Paris.

For those staying in off-site accommodation, there may be a Disneyland® Paris Express Shuttle Bus that can get you to and from the park on each day of your trip.

Legal and safety information

When organising a school trip to Disneyland® Paris, safety is paramount. Adhere to safety regulations within the park to ensure the well-being of all students. Be mindful of height and age restrictions on rides, supervise students according to recommended ratios, and familiarise yourself with emergency procedures and first aid stations. Encourage respectful behaviour and adherence to park rules to maintain a safe environment for everyone.

Managing a large group of students requires thorough planning and effective communication. Prior to the trip, create a detailed itinerary with scheduled activities and meeting points. Assign group leaders among chaperones to oversee smaller groups and distribute contact information for easy communication. Ensure students are easily identifiable with wristbands or matching T-shirts and establish clear plans for lost students and regular check-ins throughout the day.

Communication is key during the trip. Equip chaperones with mobile phones and consider using walkie-talkies for quick communication. Encourage hydration and snack breaks, and ensure any necessary medications are readily available. Set clear behaviour expectations and implement a buddy system to promote group cohesion and accountability. By following these safety regulations and management tips, you can ensure a memorable and safe experience for all students at Disneyland® Paris.

Educational opportunities at Disneyland® Paris

Disneyland® Paris offers various educational programs, workshops, and seminars that can be integrated into the school curriculum. These include:

• STEM workshops: Programs that cover topics in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through interactive activities
• Performing arts programs: Opportunities for students to participate in workshops related to theatre, dance, and music
• Cultural studies: Exploring different cultures through the park's themed areas and attractions
• History lessons: Learning about the history of Disney and animation
• Netball festivals: The Junior Netball Festival in Paris combines highly competitive matches with international players’ coaching masterclasses — all topped off with a trip to Disneyland® Paris — read about this year’s event to learn more.

Find out more about school trips to Disneyland® Paris

A school trip to Disneyland® Paris is more than just a fun outing; it's an opportunity for students to learn, bond, and create lifelong memories. By understanding the practical aspects of planning, such as travel arrangements, safety regulations, and group management, you can ensure a smooth and successful experience.