Transport to Disneyland Paris - Which is the right one for you?
Feb 20
6 min read
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Just like DLP itself there are many different options on how to get there from the UK. Each one has its own advantages and disadvantages so how do you know you are choosing the right one when booking your trip? - Well experience will eventually help you decide but that doesn't help on a first time trip does it! Have a read through the options below which I hope will help you decide but you can always drop me a message if you are still unsure.
1.Ferry- usually P&O or DFDS
The Ferry from Dover to Calais takes 90 minutes making it the cheapest way of driving to France. You need to be at the port a minimum of 1 hour before your departure time. You will go through Passport control before entering the Train so have them to hand. Once in Calais it will take 3 to 3 and half hours to Disney and the whole journey is motorway. If you are nervous about driving abroad have a look at my blog about driving in France.
Advantages
The cheapest way to get to France. The price is per car not per person
Frequent ferries 24 hours a day
No baggage weight limit - Fill your car up take the kitchen sink (or Airfryer like we do if staying at DCR)
Toilets onboard
Shops/Cafes/Restaurants/Play area on board
Free WIFI
Disadvantages
It is the longest option taking 90 minutes (lots will argue this is actually a good thing as the driver gets a proper break
Possibility of sea sickness
Possible delays at peak times/school holidays/bad weather
Things to consider:
How far are you travelling to the port? for those who live in the south and the Midlands it is a really good option. Obviously if travelling from further north you need to consider if you are happy to extend the journey time.
To get the early ferr to make the most of your time at DLP it might be worth considering booking an overnight stay at a hotel near the ferry port so you can be rested for the journey.
Whilst you can take food with you no meat,Milk or Cheese products are allowed.
Don't forget there are toll roads and you need to pay by card
If you miss your booked slot as long as you arrive within 2 hours you will placed on the next slot with availability for free
2. Eurotunnel - LeShuttle
The Shuttle from Folkstone to Calais takes 35 minutes making it the shortest way of driving to France. You need to be at the port a minimum of 45mins to an hour before your departure time. You will go through Passport control before entering the Train so have them to hand. Once in Calais it will take 3 to 3 and half hours to Disney and the whole journey is motorway. If you are nervous about driving abroad have a look at my blog about driving in France.
Advantages
The price is usually comparative to the ferry but sometimes it can be alot more so double check both. The price is per car not per person
Frequent trains 24 hours a day
No baggage weight limit - Fill your car up take the kitchen sink (or Airfryer like we do if staying at DCR)
Toilets onboard
Disadvantages
There isn't anywhere on board "to go" you can get out of your car to stretch your legs and there are airplane style toilets.
No wifi or signal whilst onboard so make sure you have things downloaded if travelling with children using ipads etc
Things to consider:
How far are you travelling to the port? for those who live in the south and the Midlands it is a really good option. Obviously if travelling from further north you need to consider if you are happy to extend the journey time.
To get the early train to make the most of your time at DLP it might be worth considering booking an overnight stay at a hotel near the ferry port so you can be rested for the journey.
Whilst you can take food with you no meat,Milk or Cheese products are allowed.
Don't forget there are toll roads and you need to pay by card
If you miss your booked slot as long as you arrive within 2 hours you will placed on the next slot with availability for free
3. Eurostar - Eurostar
Eurostar from London St Pancras takes approximately 3 to 4 hours depending on connections. There are no direct trains anymore so a change in Lille is the most common. This way of travelling can be budget friendly if booked as soon as they are released but generally it is more expensive than flying.
Advantages
No driving or flying
sit back and relax in comfortable seats
generous baggage allowance of 2 bags plus a peice of hand luggage
access to buy food and drink
the service offers a bag drop to your disney hotel for a fee so you could just head to the parks as soon as you arrive
Disadvantages
The price is usually high
Not direct so you need to change trains at some point
The closer to booking you are the less options there are
Things to consider:
How far are you travelling to get to St Pancras? for those who live in the south and the Midlands it is a really good option. Obviously if travelling from further north you need to consider if you are happy to extend the journey time.
To get the early train to make the most of your time at DLP it might be worth considering booking an overnight stay at a hotel near the ferry port so you can be rested for the journey.
Whilst you can take food with you no meat,Milk or Cheese products are allowed.
If you miss a train (not due to a train delay) you will need to purchase a new ticket which will be very pricey.
4. Flying
Most people are used to flying these days and if you are living quite far from ferry and train stations flying will be a great option for you! The airports offering the most flights per day are London aiports especially Luton and Manchester. With flight times of roughly an hour it can look like the quickest way - just remember to factor getting to the airport and getting there 2-3 hours before your flight and then getting to Disney after you land.
Advantages
Quick, Easy and Comfortable
lots of choice of providers and airports
No drive option
Disadvantages
The price is usually high if booking last minute
Bags arent always included and can end up adding alot on to the final price
More restricted with how much you can take with you.
Slightly more chance of a delay / cancellation
Things to consider:
How far is the nearest airport? If your nearest airport is coming up too expensive or flight times are eating into your Disney time be willing to look at further airports (Luton is often by far cheaper than others)
If driving to the airport look at the cost of parking
Whilst you can take food with you no meat,Milk or Cheese products are allowed.
Transport to Disney from the airport (charles de gaulle airport - CDG)
Private transfer - takes on average 1 hour depending on traffic and costs £70-100 each way depending on number of people
Magic Shuttle - Takes on average 1-2 hours depending on how many hotels it stops off at. Pre bookable only and not great if landing or taking off late at night costs 24 Euros for adults and 11 euros for 3-11 year olds and free for 0-2 each way
Uber/Bolt - takes on average 1 hour depending on traffic and costs £50-80 each way
Train - Standard train takes around 45 minutes and is around 5 Euros each but I highly recommend the fast train. It takes only 9 minutes to go from the airport to Disneyland. TOP TIPS FOR THE FAST TRAIN: Do not book in advance - unlike the UK train tickets get cheaper the nearer you are to the time you want to travel. Another reason not to pre book is incase of flight delays and missing the train. You can book on your phone at Trainline or at machines in the train station (Train station is well sign posted in the terminals) the average cost is £17 per adult and £11 per child and it is the FASTEST way to get to DLP from CDG. It is worth noting you wont get a reserved seat on the train as you aren't on it long enough to qualify for a seat. I recommend staying in the gangway either upstairs or downstairs. Here is a video of the train station at DLP
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