The Disney Detour: Paris
- Kid Friendly
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
While there’s plenty to do with the family in Paris, your kids will absolutely love a detour to Disneyland Paris, just 25 miles to the east. Here we detail how to explore the winter magic of the French park while keeping the costs within reason.
The Basecamp Secret: Airbnb in Serris
The park is already noticeably more affordable than its sister sites in California and Florida and typically ranges from $75 to $130 (€70–€120) depending on the season. More savings are available, too, if you opt for a Serris Airbnb instead of a resort hotel.
The Apartment Advantage: With young kids, having a kitchen for quick breakfasts, a separate bedroom for early bedtimes, and a washer and dryer for clothes is a game-changer.
Location & Amenities: Serris is adjacent to the resort, right next to the Val d'Europe shopping mall and Auchan supermarket. You can easily stock up on snacks, juice boxes, and easy dinners.
The Commute: You are a flat 15–20-minute stroller walk to the park gates.
We visited in late winter and got to enjoy Sleeping Beauty Castle decked out in winter lights, with snow periodically falling, along with a massive 78-foot Christmas tree anchors Town Square.
Reality Check: Winter break meant the park was packed. Prepare for longer lines and build in extra downtime for little legs.
Things slow down once the holiday season wraps in early January. You can walk into rides or not-in-the-U.S. experiences like the Alice's Curious Labyrinth without much of a wait at all.
Winter Survival Rules for Parents
Winter in France is no joke. Here are some tips we picked up.
Layer, Layer, Layer: Dress your little ones (and maybe yourself) in thermal base layers, waterproof coats, fleece-lined boots, and pack extra mittens.
Stroller Stash: Bring or rent a stroller even if your kiddo usually walks. It holds heavy winter coats, acts as a warm shelter during parade waits, and keeps sleepy kids moving after dark.
While DisneyWorld can easily take a week, Disneyland Paris is best treated as a highlight detour, not the main event. Two days are plenty to experience the key attractions without exhausting everyone before the next leg of your European trip.
