Hi!
We're planning our first ever trip to Disneyland Paris next year. As we don't want to spend all our budget on this trip, I was wondering what time of year would be cheapest with the shortest queues. I've read lots of things on this subject, but nothing is really clear.
What would you recommand ? January (cheap but cold), Easter, Summer ?
Thx to all
I would say whenever school is in session.
Disneyland Paris uses dynamic pricing based on popularity. If you look at the booking calendar (goes out through March at the moment) you can get a feel for when things are busy because they cost more - typically weekends, but also school holidays. When I was researching, Tuesday was indicated as the least busy weekday, but not in the middle of summer when I was there because everyone and their brother was on holiday.
When you are there, there is a Disneyland Paris app that gives queue times for rides, and I found those accurate. If you don't mind not sitting with your travel companions on ride, the single rider line is almost always much shorter. If you stay at a Disneyland hotel (multiple choices) you get in to the parks an hour before general admission and that is definitely a less crowded time.
There are many social media groups and Reddit threads on best/cheapest/hacks, you might take a look at those.
Many thanks for your help ! Indeed, as you mention CL, Mondays seem to be a good pick in the week (this blog post says the same https://www.touschezmickey.com/en/best-time-to-visit-disneyland-paris/). And according to this post, January, March and September are the least crowded month of the year.
I would also look at park opening hours. Non-winter months have longer hours, and it is worth it because it gives more flexibility!
Otherwise, I reckon the quietest days are Mondays and Tuesdays, perhaps also Thursdays. Kids don't have class on Wednesdays, and Fridays are somehow even busier than Sundays!
The day of the week may not matter if there is a public holiday or a school holiday in close proximity. So a Monday or Tuesday may not be the best day if there is a close by day off that people make into a long travel weekend (e.g. Easter). This article lists out school holidays and also includes a link to public holidays: https://www.expatica.com/fr/education/children-education/school-holidays-in-france-137325/
There are pros and cons to going any time of year, cost is just one of many factors including daylight hours, park opening hours (closes earlier in winter), and weather. And FWIW, except for busy holiday periods, the difference in park ticket costs isn't huge. It's lodging and food and travel costs that are going to eat up the major part of your pocketbook.
