How to Spend the Ultimate 48 Hours in Disneyland Paris in Your Campervan or Motorhome
Are you planning a short break to Disneyland Paris? Whether you are road-tripping across Europe, visiting with children, or parking up for a magical weekend in your campervan or motorhome, this guide shows you exactly how to make the most of just 48 unforgettable hours at the Disneyland Parks.
We have also included helpful links to our detailed guides:
🐾 Taking Your Dog to Disneyland Paris
⛺ Best Family Campsites Near Disneyland Paris
Before You Go: The Secret to the BEST Disney Trip is Preparation
Every family visits Disney differently. Some run straight to the thrill rides, some prefer parades and character meets, and others simply want to soak up the magic. But these steps will help every family get more out of their time:
✔️ Check park opening hours
Times vary by season, from 8:30am in peak summer to 10am in winter. This dictates your morning start, so make sure you get this right.
✔️ Make a family wish list
Sit together and decide on:
Which park to visit first - The Disney Park, or Walt Disney Studios.
Must-do rides.
Any parade/show you don’t want to miss.
Top character meets - buying an autograph book before your visit saves time and money.
Snacks, or restaurants you want to try.
Safety Tip: Keep Children Trackable in Busy Areas
Disneyland Paris is incredibly safe, but the crowds can get intense, especially during parades, fireworks and bottleneck sections like Main Street.
Consider giving your children a small GPS tracker or AirTag and attach it to:
their belt or waistband
This gives huge peace of mind and makes it easy to locate each other if anyone gets separated. You can also add:
Temporary ID wristbands with your phone number
A family rule about where to meet if someone gets lost.
These small steps can make your day feel far more relaxed and secure.
✔️ Download the Disneyland Paris App
It is essential for:
Digital tickets
Real-time queue times
Parade & show schedules
Food ordering
Map navigation
Day 1: Arriving at Disneyland Paris (late afternoon/early evening)
To make the most of your 48 hours, arrive late afternoon / early evening before your park day/s. This will allow you to settle in to the Motorhome Parking Area, enjoy Disney Village and start the next day calm and organised.
Where to Stay: Motorhome & Campervan Parking (2025 Update)
If you are travelling in a campervan or motorhome, Disneyland Paris has a dedicated onsite parking area. Click here for more details.
2025 Updates:
Secured with barrier access (not patrolled).
Completely undercover, meaning no solar power.
Fully lit and accessible.
Requires self-contained vehicles - onboard toilet is essential.
Power is NOT available, so plan alternative charging (battery banks, inverter, etc.)
It is only a 10–15 minute walk to the parks and Disney Village, making it incredibly convenient.
Explore Disney Village – No Ticket Needed
Once parked, head straight to Disney Village, the lively entertainment area outside the parks. You’ll pass through security, but no theme park ticket is required.
Highlights include:
World of Disney. A huge, magical shop and full of irresistible Disney merch and memorabilia.
LEGO Store. An impressive shop with lots of Disney-themed brick displays.
Plenty of restaurants. From pizzerias to themed American diners.
Atmosphere. Neon lights, music and excitement - the perfect start to your Disney Adventure.
Shops typically stay open until midnight, but we recommend an early night to ensure everyone is well-rested for the park tomorrow.
Day 2: Your Full Disneyland Paris Park Day
This is the big one - your first full day inside the Disney Parks!
Start early to get ahead of crowds and make the most of cooler morning temperatures.
Before You Leave Your Campervan
✔️ Check you’ve made a family plan (as above), including the park opening times on the app.
✔️ Fill refillable water bottles
✔️ Pack plenty of snacks and a simple lunch
✔️ Divide items into two smaller backpacks
✔️ Make sure everyone has their digital tickets ready and are wearing comfy shoes.
The walk from the Motorhome Parking Area takes 10–15 minutes, plus optional toilet stops before security.
Enter the Parks & Head to a Big Ride First
Whether you choose Disneyland Park or Walt Disney Studios first, always prioritise the rides with the longest queues first, trying to avoid getting distracted on route. This strategy alone can save you hours.
Top rides to include:
🎢 Big Thunder Mountain
🎢 Star Wars: Hyperspace Mountain
🎢 Spider-Man W.E.B. Adventure
🎢 Crush’s Coaster
🎢 Avengers Assemble: Flight Force
Avoid browsing the shops too early - save them for midday onwards when ride queues peak.
Plan for Parades & Shows
Choose at least one parade, or show you absolutely don’t want to miss. Good options include:
✨ Disney Stars on Parade (afternoon)
✨ The Lion King: Rhythms of the Pride Lands
✨ TOGETHER: A Pixar Musical Adventure
✨ Nighttime Fireworks at Sleeping Beauty Castle
You can find the exact times on the Disneyland Paris app. Please note these will vary depending on the time of year you visit.
Midday Strategy: Slow Down when the Crowds Build
From 12–3pm the parks are at their busiest. Use this time to:
Explore shops - buying Disney headband before you visit saves the expensive temptation in the Parks
Meet characters - buying an autograph book before your visit saves time and money.
Visit quieter attractions e.g. ‘it’s a small world’, Mad Hatters Tea Cups, Alice, Curious Labyrinth, Dumbo the Flying Elephant or Slinky Dog Zigzag Spin.
Watch a parade or show.
Enjoy a slower lunch.
This helps avoid long queues and keeps the day enjoyable for everyone.
Evening Magic: Your Perfect Disney Ending
As the sun sets, the atmosphere becomes even more magical.
Before you leave, consider:
Repeating a favourite ride.
Browsing the beautifully lit Main Street shops.
Taking castle photos at golden hour.
Watching the spectacular fireworks.
Afterwards, enjoy the quiet walk back to your campervan or motorhome.
Optional Morning: Relax Before the Next Adventure
If you have stayed in the Motorhome Parking Area, enjoy a peaceful morning coffee before setting off. Additional night stayed in the Motorhome Parking Area will require payment before you leave.
If you're based at a nearby campsite instead, we share our favourite family-friendly options here:
⛺ Top Campsites Near Disneyland Paris
Final Tips to Maximise Your 48 Hours at Disneyland Paris
🗓️ Arrive the night before.
🎒 Bring practical backpacks & refillable bottles.
💡 Plan for power if you rely on solar.
🚶♀️ Walk to the gates early.
📱 Use the app constantly.
🎡 Aim for the big rides as soon as the park opens, or just before it closes.
🎁 Save shopping for midday.
💫 Keep your plan flexible.
With smart planning, early starts, and a little Disney magic, your 48 hours at Disneyland Paris will be absolutely unforgettable, especially when your cosy campervan or motorhome is waiting just a short walk away.
