For many families, a trip to Disneyland Paris® is a dream come true. It’s a magical holiday filled with laughter, adventure and unforgettable memories, bringing your favourite Disney characters and stories to life!
But, what truly makes this place so special is all the amazing rides and attractions to experience and enjoy. From high-speed roller coasters for avid thrill-seekers to more leisurely rides for little ones, there’s something for everyone.
So, if you need help choosing which rides to go on, we’ve got you covered! In this guide, we’ll take you through the best rides at Disneyland Paris, suitable for all ages. Plus, we’ll share some handy tips on how to make the most of your family adventure holiday!
How many rides are at Disneyland Paris?
Disneyland Paris is located in Marne-la-Vallée, just 20 miles east of Paris, and is open between 9:00 AM and 10:00 PM (subject to change according to the season).
The most popular way to get there is by hopping on the RER (Regional Express Network) train from the city centre. For UK visitors, there are plenty of travel options, including the Eurostar train, LeShuttle, or P&O Ferries for those driving, or by flying with easyJet, British Airways, or Air France.
It comprises two distinct theme parks: Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park. Across both parks, Disneyland Paris offers over 50 rides and attractions. Whether you love timeless Disney classics, action-packed experiences, or immersive 4D rides, there’s endless fun for the whole family!
Here's a quick breakdown of each park:
Disneyland Park:
Known as the original park, it is the classic Disney experience, focused on fairy tales, immersive stories and home to beloved characters like Mickey Mouse, Goofy, Winnie the Pooh and Disney princesses.
The five fantastical lands include:
- Main Street, U.S.A.: A nostalgic recreation of early 20th-century America, with charming shops, vintage vehicles, and the Disneyland Railroad.
- Frontierland: Themed around the American Old West, guests can explore the haunted halls of Phantom Manor or set sail on the Rivers of the Far West.
- Adventureland: Inspired by exotic locations from around the world—think Pirates of the Caribbean or Agrabah in Le Passage Enchanté d’Aladdin.
- Fantasyland: A magical realm of fairy tales, including the iconic Sleeping Beauty castle and Alice in Wonderland’s Labyrinth.
- Discoveryland: A futuristic vision with a retro twist, featuring Star Wars attractions like hyperspace Mountain.
Walt Disney Studios Park:
Delve into the world of cinema at this Hollywood-themed park, featuring behind-the-scenes tours, movie magic and thrilling shows around every corner, with the highly anticipated World of Frozen set to open in 2026!
The six different worlds include:
- Front Lot: Step into the spotlight at the park's entrance area, where you’ll find the Studio Services shop and the iconic Walt Disney Studios Park fountain.
- Toon Studio: Dive into the world of animated classics from Disney and Pixar with fun attractions like Cars: THE ROAD and Crush’s Coaster.
- Worlds of Pixar: Immerse yourself in Pixar’s most beloved films at Toy Story Playland and Monsters, Inc. Scream Factory.
- Avengers Campus: Join forces with the Avengers at Spider-Man W.E.B. Adventure or meet iconic heroes like Iron Man and Captain America.
- Production Courtyard: Go behind the scenes of filmmaking with the spine-chilling Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and interactive Stitch Live! show.
8 best rides at Disneyland Paris for families
With over 50 attractions, it can be tough to decide where to start. To make things easier, we’ve rounded up the 8 best rides at Disneyland Paris for families. These offer the perfect mix of fun and adventure, ensuring that every member of the family has a blast!
1. Avengers Assemble: Flight Force
With intense acceleration and exciting loops, Flight Force is a must-do for thrillseekers and superhero fans alike! You’ll all be seated aboard one of the Stark Industries' new hypersonic vehicles and zoom away on an intergalactic adventure. You can even grab a photo of you and your family during the high-speed ride!
Location: Avengers Campus, Walt Disney Studios Park
Who is it for?
- Best for older children and teens due to the height restriction (minimum height 1.20m).
- Not recommended for young children, individuals prone to motion sickness, or those with conditions that may be worsened by the ride.
Queue times: Can be very long, especially during peak hours (45-90+ minutes). Use Disney Premier Access to skip the queue or arrive early.
2. Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain
Do you have some young (or older) Jedi in your family? Well, this is the ride for them! Featuring high speeds, sudden drops, and impressive visual effects, you’ll be launched into hyperspace to battle TIE fighters and zoom through a galaxy far, far away. It's a bumpy, fast-paced experience, so strap in and be prepared!
Location: Discoveryland, Disneyland Park
Who is it for?
- Older children and teens who love Star Wars and adrenaline-pumping rides (minimum height 1.20m).
- Geared for those who crave excitement and can handle fast, jerky movements in the dark.
Queue times: On average,40–70 minutes. Use the Disneyland Paris app to monitor wait times. Best to ride early in the morning to avoid long queues.
3. Pirates of the Caribbean
All hands on deck! This is one of the best rides at Disneyland Paris, where you’ll sail through a pirate-infested Caribbean island. Navigate through eerie caverns, witness animatronic pirates in action, dodge cannon fire, and experience the thrill of a small drop as you immerse yourself in this classic tale.
Location: Adventureland, Disneyland Park
Who is this for?
- This ride is suitable for all ages, including toddlers, with no height restrictions required! Ideal if you’re looking for a more laid-back experience.
- Perfect for first-time visitors who want to experience an iconic ride that has stood the test of time.
Queue times: Generally 30-45 minutes, but the line moves fairly quickly. Consider visiting earlier in the day or using Disney Premier Access to skip the queue.
4. Cars Quatre Roues Rallye
Hop in and join Lightning McQueen, Mater, and the rest of the gang for an exciting ride through Radiator Springs! This spinning, turntable-style attraction lets your little ones race alongside their favourite characters. As you cruise around, your vehicle interweaves and switches places with others, adding an extra element of fun!
Location: Worlds of Pixar, Walt Disney Studios Park
Who is this for?
- Ideal for younger children.
- Best for families with little ones who want to enjoy a calmer experience without the thrill of intense rides.
Queue times: Between 20-40 minutes, though it can get busier during peak times. To avoid long waits, consider riding earlier in the day or using Disney Premier Access to join the fast lane.
5. It’s a Small World
Tired of going round and round? Well, you can relax on the ‘It’s a Small World’ boat ride. This iconic 10-minute tour on water takes you on a journey through vibrant, international scenes filled with 300 animatronic dolls representing various cultures. The catchy “It’s a Small World” song will stay with you long after the ride!
Location: Fantasyland, Disneyland Park.
Who is this for?
- All ages—perfect for toddlers, grandparents, and everyone in between with no height restrictions.
- Accessible to pregnant women and wheelchair users, making it a great option for guests with mobility needs. Guide dogs and assistance dogs are also welcome.
Queue times: Normally 15-30 minutes, making it a relatively quick and easy ride to enjoy during your visit.
6. Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast
Quick! It’s time to save Buzz! Jump in your cart and take aim. It’s up to your family to defeat Emperor Zurg and save the world. On each cart is a laser blaster, which you use to target enemies and help Buzz. This interactive ride makes for a fantastic adventure, and is undoubtedly one of the best rides at Disneyland Paris.
Location: Discoveryland, Disneyland Park
Who is this for?
- Younger children can easily participate, and it’s fun for everyone. Be sure to aim for the high-scoring targets for maximum fun.
- Accessible to pregnant women and wheelchair users. Guide dogs and assistance dogs are also accepted.
Queue times: On average, 30-45 minutes. Use the Disneyland Paris app to monitor wait times.
7. Slinky® Dog Zigzag Spin
Join Slinky Dog for a playful, spinning adventure around Andy’s backyard! Slinky® Dog Zigzag Spin is a gentle rollercoaster that takes you on a series of fun, circular turns. Enjoy the colourful scenery and the Toy Story theme as you zigzag your way through this family-friendly ride.
Location: Worlds of Pixar, Walt Disney Studios Park
Who is this for?
- Suitable for younger and older children.
- Ideal for first-time riders or those who want a lighthearted introduction to roller coasters before stepping up to more intense rides.
Queue times: Generally 10–30 minutes; however, it can attract some of the longest queues, especially during peak season. Try to ride first thing in the day or wait until the afternoon.
8. Big Thunder Mountain
Have we saved the best until last? That’s up to you to decide. This runaway mine train rollercoaster takes you on a thrilling journey through canyons, caves, and ghost towns. Experience fast turns, sudden drops, and scenic views as you race through the Old West. These are just some of the reasons why people love Big Thunder Mountain!
Location: Frontierland, Disneyland Park
Who is this for?
- This ride is is a fantastic option for older children and families who enjoy moderate thrills and spills (minimum height requirement is 1.02m).
- Visitors must be in good health and not affected by medical problems, such as heart, back or neck problems, which might be worsened by this experience.
Queue times: Typically 40-60 minutes , but during peak season, they can extend up to 90 minutes. Want to skip the long wait? Disney Premier Access lets you join the fast lane for a quicker, more convenient experience.
Tips to make the most of Disneyland Paris rides
A little planning can go a long way in making your Disneyland Paris trip smooth and hassle-free. From avoiding long queues to saving money, here’s how to ensure a magical experience for the whole family.
Planning ahead
- Download the Disneyland Paris app: This free app provides real-time queue times, show schedules, and even mobile food ordering options. Checking ride wait times throughout the day can help you plan your next move efficiently.
- Consider Disney Premier Access: If you’d rather skip long lines, Disney Premier Access (a paid service) lets you bypass standard queues for selected rides. This can be especially useful during peak seasons (late June to early September) when wait times can stretch beyond an hour.
Maximising time
- Arrive early: The park opens before the rides do, so get there at rope drop (opening time - 9:00 AM) to experience the most popular attractions with minimal wait times. Prioritise rides with historically long queues, like Big Thunder Mountain and Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain.
- Use Rider Switch: If you’re visiting with young children who aren’t tall enough for certain rides, Rider Switch allows one parent to ride while the other waits with the child, then swap without having to queue twice.
- Bring snacks and water: Food queues can often be time-consuming and expensive, so packing snacks, water bottles, and light meals like sandwiches can save you both time and money. Quick refuels mean more time for rides and attractions!
Enjoying the experience
- Take moments to soak in the atmosphere: Disneyland Paris isn’t just about rides! From the breathtaking Sleeping Beauty Castle and Discovery Arcade to the lively character parades and firework displays, take time to enjoy the Disney magic around you.
- Check height restrictions before queuing: To avoid disappointment, make sure everyone in your group meets the height and safety requirements before lining up for a ride. Restrictions are listed at ride entrances and in the Disneyland Paris app.
- Be prepared for ride closures: Some attractions may temporarily close for maintenance or weather conditions, so check for updates in the app or at park information boards to adjust your plans accordingly.
Accessibility
- View accessibility services: If you or someone in your group has a disability, the park provides priority access, adapted entrances, and accessibility guides to ensure a smooth experience.
- Check the official website for ride accessibility details: Before your visit, review which rides are wheelchair-accessible, allow assistance or guide dogs, or have special boarding requirements so you can plan accordingly.
Book an adventurous family trip to Disneyland Paris with PGL!
Looking to visit this kingdom with your family? Well, now you know about all of the best rides at Disneyland Paris, maybe you’d like to see our family holidays to Disneyland Paris! You’ll get a 5-night stay at our Château de Grande Romaine centre on the outskirts of the city, with a day trip to Disneyland Paris included and an added day to explore the beautiful French capital! Take a look at our Paris and Disneyland package to get the best of both worlds!
Request a quote today to arrange your next French family adventure. Or, contact us if you’d like to find out more!