How to Spend the Ultimate 48 Hours at Disneyland Paris in a Campervan or Motorhome
Are you planning a trip to Disneyland Paris in your campervan or motorhome? It is a fantastic way to add a little Disney magic to your European road trip, especially when you are travelling as a family. We have visited Disneyland Paris several times during our own campervan adventures through France and it is definitely an experience we'd recommend. But there are a few things worth knowing before you arrive, from where to park your campervan to making the most of your time in the parks. With a little planning, you can spend less time worrying about the practicalities and more time enjoying everything Disneyland Paris has to offer. From deciding which rides to prioritise and finding somewhere to stay, to packing the right essentials and avoiding unnecessary spending, here is how we'd plan the ultimate 48 hours at Disneyland Paris in a campervan or motorhome.
This guide includes our own experience, practical family tips and useful resources to help you plan your visit.
Planning your Disney trip? Check Disneyland Paris ticket options and availability before travelling, especially if you are visiting during school holidays or weekends.
Disneyland Paris in a Campervan: Quick Planning Tips
Can you park a campervan at Disneyland Paris? Yes, campervans and motorhomes are permitted in Disneyland Paris Guest Parking.
Can you stay overnight? Check the latest parking rules directly with Disney before planning an overnight stay. If you want a guaranteed overnight base, book a nearby campsite.
How long do you need? Two days gives you time to enjoy the Disney atmosphere and plan a full park day, although two full park days will allow you to experience more attractions.
Can you visit Disney Village without a park ticket? Yes, Disney Village is outside the ticketed theme parks.
Should you book tickets in advance? Yes. Check ticket availability and the applicable admission requirements before travelling.
Travelling with a dog? Read our Disneyland Paris with a Dog: Campervan Parking, Kennels & Everything You Need to Know.
Prefer a campsite? We have also put together 5 of the Best Family-Friendly Campsites Near Disneyland Paris.
Before You Go: How to Prepare for Disneyland Paris
Every family visits Disney differently. Some head straight for the thrill rides, others want to meet their favourite characters and some simply want to enjoy the atmosphere, shows and parades. The secret to making the most of a short Disney trip is knowing what matters most to your family before you arrive.
Check Disneyland Paris Opening Hours
Disneyland Paris opening hours vary throughout the year, so check the official schedule before planning your day. It is also worth checking which attractions are temporarily closed and whether any special events are taking place during your visit. We'd always recommend checking the official Disneyland Paris website shortly before travelling.
Book Your Disneyland Paris Tickets in Advance
One of the first things I'd organise is your park tickets. Disneyland Paris has different ticket options depending on your dates and whether you want access to one or both parks. If you are planning to experience attractions across both parks, make sure you choose the correct ticket. You can compare available Disneyland Paris ticket options and experiences through GetYourGuide, but always check what is included, the cancellation conditions and whether the ticket suits your chosen dates.
Make a Family Disney Wish List
Before travelling, sit down together and decide what everyone really wants to experience. Think about:
The rides everyone wants to try
Which park to visit first
Favourite Disney characters to meet
Parades or shows you don't want to miss
Restaurants or snacks you'd like to try
Whether you are planning one or two park days.
You probably won't manage absolutely everything, particularly during busy periods, but knowing your priorities makes planning much easier. If your children are hoping to collect character autographs, buying an autograph book before your visit is one of those small things worth organising. It is also worth packing your own pens rather than trying to find everything once you are inside Disney.
Download the Disneyland Paris App
The official Disneyland Paris app is one of the most useful tools for planning your visit. You can use it to check attraction waiting times, show schedules, park maps, restaurant information and other useful details. We'd recommend downloading it before you arrive and getting familiar with how it works.
What Should You Pack for Disneyland Paris?
This is one of the easiest ways to save yourself money and make the day more comfortable. A long Disney day involves a lot of walking, plenty of queuing and, depending on the time of year, anything from hot sunshine to heavy rain.
We'd recommend packing:
Comfortable walking shoes.
A lightweight backpack.
Snacks.
Sunscreen and hats during summer.
Extra layers during colder months.
You don't need to buy everything, but purchasing a few essentials before arriving can help avoid expensive last-minute purchases in the parks.
Keeping Children Safe 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.
Day 1: Arriving at Disneyland Paris in Your Campervan or Motorhome
For a relaxed Disney break, we'd recommend arriving in the area during the afternoon or early evening. That gives you time to get settled, prepare everything for the following day and perhaps enjoy Disney Village before heading to bed. The important thing is deciding where you're going to stay before you arrive.
Where Can You Park a Campervan at Disneyland Paris?
Disneyland Paris allows campervans and motorhomes in its Guest Parking area. This can be incredibly convenient when visiting the parks because you are within walking distance of the Disney attractions. When we visited, having our campervan nearby made the experience much easier. However, Disney's Guest Parking is not the same as a traditional campsite. Its current published parking rules limit parking to the duration of your Disney visit, so don't assume you can automatically stay overnight. Always check the latest rules directly with Disney before planning your accommodation. You can read the official Disneyland Paris Guest Parking regulations.
What Facilities Are Available?
When we visited, we found the parking area practical and convenient, but it's important to arrive prepared. There isn't traditional campsite-style electric hook-up, so make sure your leisure batteries are charged before arriving. Covered parking can also affect solar charging, depending on where you are parked.
We'd recommend having:
Charged leisure batteries
A portable power bank
Enough drinking water
Your onboard toilet ready for use
Everything you'll need for your Disney day easily accessible.
Remember that Disney parking is not a campsite pitch, and the current regulations don't allow you to set up tables, chairs or awnings outside your motorhome.
Prefer to Stay on a Campsite Near Disneyland Paris?
If you are planning a two-day visit, staying at a nearby campsite may be a much better option. You can enjoy proper campsite facilities, electric hook-up where available, and somewhere comfortable to return to after a long day at Disney. We have put together a separate guide covering some brilliant options for families. It is particularly useful if you're travelling with children and want swimming pools, play areas or somewhere to relax away from the busy parks
Read: 5 of the Best Family-Friendly Campsites Near Disneyland Paris
Explore Disney Village Before Your Park Day
One of our favourite ways to start a Disneyland Paris break is with a wander around Disney Village. You don't need a theme park admission ticket to explore Disney Village, making it a lovely way to enjoy some Disney atmosphere before your main park day. There are shops, restaurants and plenty of Disney-themed excitement.
Things to See at Disney Village
World of Disney: This huge Disney shop is packed with merchandise, souvenirs and gifts. Even if you are not planning to buy anything, it's fun to have a look around.
The LEGO Store: A great stop for families, particularly if your children love LEGO and Disney.
Restaurants and Food: Disney Village has a range of places to eat, so you can enjoy dinner without needing a theme park ticket.
The Disney Atmosphere: The music, lights and general excitement make it a lovely introduction to the Disney experience. We'd recommend enjoying a relaxed evening rather than staying out too late. You have got a big day ahead!
Day 2: Your Full Disneyland Paris Park Day
This is the exciting part. After all the planning and anticipation, it's finally time to enjoy Disneyland Paris. We'd recommend getting up early, having breakfast and making sure everyone is ready before leaving your campervan or campsite. A little organisation in the morning can make a huge difference to how much you manage to experience.
Before You Leave Your Campervan
Here's our quick Disney morning checklist:
Check the park opening times.
Make sure everyone has their tickets (these are all electronic and faces are scanned on entry).
Fill water bottles, snacks, fully charged phones and power banks, comfortable shoes
If you are travelling with children, dividing your belongings between two smaller backpacks can sometimes be easier than carrying one enormous bag.
Enter the Park and Prioritise Your Favourite Rides
Our biggest tip for a short Disney visit is to prioritise the attractions you really want to experience. It is incredibly easy to get distracted by shops, photographs and everything happening around you. But if there are popular rides your family is desperate to try, we'd head towards those first. Some of the attractions we'd consider include:
Big Thunder Mountain, Star Wars: Hyperspace Mountain, Crush's Coaster, Spider-Man W.E.B. Adventure and Avengers Assemble: Flight Force.
Remember that attraction availability, park locations and ride restrictions can change, so check the Disneyland Paris app before your visit. If you are travelling with younger children, check height restrictions beforehand to avoid disappointment.
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.
Save Money on Disney Merchandise
If you have already bought your Disney ears, autograph books and other essentials before arriving, you can enjoy browsing the shops without feeling that you need to purchase everything. Of course, there's nothing wrong with treating yourselves to a special souvenir. We'd just recommend setting a budget beforehand.
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.
The nighttime spectacular can be a wonderful way to finish your Disney adventure. Just remember to check the schedule because show times and availability can vary. Afterwards, it's time to head back to your accommodation and put your feet up. If you are travelling in a campervan or motorhome, there's something lovely about returning to your own familiar space after such a busy day.
Day 3: A Relaxed Morning Before Continuing Your France Road Trip
After a busy Disney day, we would avoid rushing straight into another packed itinerary. Enjoy breakfast, get the campervan organised and decide where your next adventure is taking you. If you have parked your campervan, or motorhome at Disney overnight, you will need to leave before 10am to avoid paying for another 24hours. If you are staying at a nearby campsite, this might be a chance for the children to enjoy the facilities before you leave and if you are travelling further into France, this is where a little route planning comes in handy.
Planning More of France After Disneyland Paris?
Disneyland Paris is a fantastic stop on a bigger campervan road trip through France. But there's so much more to discover. From beautiful French towns and beaches to family-friendly campsites, Aires and scenic driving routes, France is one of our favourite countries to explore by campervan. We've created our own France Google Map and Legend to make planning your road trip easier.
Uncover the top attractions, towns, campsites and activities in France using this comprehensive Google Map and legend. Plan your ultimate French adventure with ease!
Purchasing this map will entitle you to an electronic copy (shared via email) and includes:
Must see attractions and towns
Campsites
Beaches
Overnight Parking / Aire
Driving routes
Hikes
Please note when purchasing this map you will NOT receive a paper copy. You must provide your Google email address when completing your purchase, otherwise we won’t be able to share the access to this map with you. If you don’t have a Google email address, please create an account before making this purchase.
By purchasing the map, you agree that it is to be used for your sole use only and you will not edit or modify it in any way. If you would like to discuss a licence for any other use, including commercial or websites please contact us via email vanlifefamily4@gmail.com
*Access includes any updates and it will be live until at least 31st Dec 2026
Instead of spending hours searching for places to visit, campsites and overnight stops, you can use our map to explore saved locations and plan your route.
Our France Google Map includes:
Must-see attractions and towns
Campsites
Beaches
Overnight parking and Aires
Driving routes
Hikes
It's particularly useful if you're combining Disneyland Paris with a longer French road trip. The map is a digital product, shared via email, and you'll need a Google email address to access it. Please check the product page for the current access period and full purchase details.
Travelling to Disneyland Paris With a Dog?
If you are exploring France in your campervan with your dog, you might be wondering what happens when you want to visit Disneyland Paris. Thankfully, Disneyland Paris has an Animal Care Centre where dogs and cats can stay while their owners visit the parks, subject to the facility's rules and availability. We've shared our experience and everything you need to know in our dedicated guide. It's worth reading before travelling, particularly because there are specific requirements for your dog's paperwork and the kennels can't be reserved in advance.
Disneyland Paris With a Dog: Campervan Parking, Kennels & Everything You Need to Know
Is Disneyland Paris Worth Visiting in a Campervan or Motorhome?
Absolutely. For us, Disneyland Paris has been a brilliant addition to our campervan travels. There is something special about combining the excitement of Disney with the freedom of exploring Europe in your own home-on-wheels. You can enjoy the parks, make wonderful family memories and then continue discovering everything else France has to offer. The biggest thing we'd recommend is planning ahead. Sort your tickets, research your accommodation, pack the essentials and decide which experiences matter most to your family. Then relax and enjoy the Disney magic.
Happy travels!
Uncover the top attractions, towns, campsites and activities in France using this comprehensive Google Map and legend. Plan your ultimate French adventure with ease!
Purchasing this map will entitle you to an electronic copy (shared via email) and includes:
Must see attractions and towns
Campsites
Beaches
Overnight Parking / Aire
Driving routes
Hikes
Please note when purchasing this map you will NOT receive a paper copy. You must provide your Google email address when completing your purchase, otherwise we won’t be able to share the access to this map with you. If you don’t have a Google email address, please create an account before making this purchase.
By purchasing the map, you agree that it is to be used for your sole use only and you will not edit or modify it in any way. If you would like to discuss a licence for any other use, including commercial or websites please contact us via email vanlifefamily4@gmail.com
*Access includes any updates and it will be live until at least 31st Dec 2026