Disneyland Paris- what do I need to know??

[Supermum1234567]

Thinking of doing Disneyland Paris next year with DH and DD9. I’ve never been before so no nothing! Ideally, I’d like to do a few days in Paris first and then a few days at Disneyland.

Anyone been and can offer any advice/ recommendations? Hopefully Feb half term time. Trying to make it affordable!

Is it easier/cheaper to book hotel, tickets, flights separately?

I’ve done a quick google and there is almost too much information!

I usually book hotel and tickets as a package through disneyland website and then do travel separately.
If you are confident to drive in france can be cheaper to drive.
Personally i prefer staying in a disney hotel as get an extra hour in the park in the morning and don't have to deal with shuttle buses if you walk back but can be more expensive.
You can take snacks and drinks into the park so is a way to save money on food. If you are booking restaurants make sure you do it as soon as you are able as some get booked up quick. There are also some good quick service places to eat if you'd rather play it by ear.

Book a character meal, you get the best chance to interact with them. We met most of the original characters at breakfast, mickey, Minnie, daisy, Winnie the Pooh & co..

If DD is into princesses there is a princess lunch which is pricey, but lots of interaction and the princesses are difficult to see in the park itself.

Definitely book hotel and tickets (which would be included in your hotel booking) directly with Disneyland Paris. Then book travel separately as it gives you a lot more freedom over times of travel. Booking direct is good as Disney will change your booking up to 7 days before your holiday no problem.
ive been 20+ times (I vlog my trips) but I’m dreadful at thinking what people need to know! If there’s anything specific you think you’d like to know please ask.
not sure if I can mention it here but there’s a great Facebook page where people are very knowledgeable about DLP and can answer any questions.

We stayed at the Sante fe hotel, it was the cheapest and basic compared to the others but brilliant (Disney cars themed) We’ve been twice, once didn’t go with the meal deal not realising a breakfast for six of us would cost a hundred euro!! Food is the scariest thing there, we took the train to the next stop where there was a supermarket and got rolls, cereal bars etc. McDonald’s is the cheapest place to eat and the rainforest cafe.
if you go when someone has their birthday you can get a phone call from Mickey Mouse and we queued for a birthday badge that did absolutely nothing (queued for forty minutes!!) except the odd person said happy birthday😅
Stay for the fireworks/ show but if you are make sure you have a lie in the next day as the kids will be ratty😅
Best rides for us were crushers coaster (but you have to go first thing as queues were nuts!), big thunder mountain, hyperspace mountain, buzz light year (for all ages!!!) and the haunted mansion. Thought we were going to die at tower of terror, worth it for the big and brave (no heart conditions!)
Finally Disney is the highest highs and lowest lows, everywhere there is excitement there’s exhaustion from the thousands of steps you’ve taken, the queues and disappointment from the cost of anything!

Thanks for all the good advice! Is there a better time of year to go? I was thinking February as won’t be too hot.

Is 2 days in the parks enough? It’s so expensive and full on!!