Dreaming of a Disney trip that doesn’t totally destroy your wallet? Then consider these two questions: 1) Is Disneyland Paris cheaper than Disney World? 2) Is Disneyland Paris cheaper than Disneyland California?
Everyone who visits the Disney Parks in Asia (Tokyo Disneyland, Hong Kong Disneyland and/or Shanghai Disneyland) talks about how they’re better value in most ways than Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resort.
But is this also true for Disneyland Paris? Could you be saving serious money by visiting Disneyland Paris instead?
Let’s break down the different Disney vacation expenses, and discover if Disneyland Paris is the best budget-friendly option!
This post is all about finding the answer to this question: Is Disneyland Paris cheaper than US Disney Parks?
Is Disneyland Paris Cheaper than Florida and California?
Overview of Disneyland Paris
Before we talk prices, let’s quickly discuss Disneyland Paris as a travel destination.
Although it’s a great option, you can’t make an apples to apples comparison between Europe’s Disneyland and the American Disney Parks, as they all offer something a little different.
So, firstly Disneyland Paris:
- Two Parks: Disneyland Park and Parc Walt Disney Studios (soon to be re-named Disney Adventure World).
- Seven On-Site Hotels: From value to luxury, Disneyland Paris offers an on-site hotel that can suit a variety of budgets and preferences.
- EuroDisney (which was swiftly re-named to Disneyland Paris) opened in 1992, so it has less history than Disneyland (1955) and Walt Disney World Resort (1971).
- Location: Despite the misleading name, Disneyland Paris is not actually located in the city of Paris. In fact, DLP is approximately 30 miles east of Paris, so not quite next door to the Eiffel Tower!
Is Disneyland Paris cheap?
No. It is not totally inexpensive. However, in comparison to the US Disney Parks, it can be a less expensive alternative.
But I’m never going to make the argument that Disney offers a cheap theme park experience (though the quality of their rides in the last 5-10 years has been inconsistent, and has felt “cheap” at times).
RELATED POST: Why Disneyland Paris New Rides & Attractions Are Hurting the Park Experience
1) Travel Costs – Is it Cheaper to go to Disneyland Paris than Disney World?
This is a complicated one, because it largely depends on where you live:
- In general, if you live in or closer to Europe than the United States, your travel costs will be lower if you go to Disneyland Paris. If you live in Europe, you could have several travel options, such as flying, driving, ferries etc. helping to cut down your travel cost.
- Similarly, if you live in or close to the United States, it will probably be cheaper for you to travel to Disneyland or Disney World (whichever is closer).
Of course, this won’t *always* be the case.
I recommend pricing out the travel costs for each Disney Park. If you are flying, I usually use Google Flights and Skyscanner to compare prices.
If you have a VPN, you may be able to find the best deals by changing your location.
If you’re flying, remember to factor in the cost of transport from the airport.
In Paris, the main options are:
- The Magical Shuttle (if you’re arriving at Paris Charles de Gaulle or Paris-Orly airports and staying at a Disneyland Hotel (excluding Disney Davy Crockett Ranch, Partner Hotels or Les Villages Nature Paris. You can also get dropped off at the Disneyland Paris Parks).
- Private Cars/Taxis
- High Speed Train (from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport to Marne-la-Vallée Chessy station – closeby to Disneyland)
The most popular transportation options if you’re flying into Orlando (MCO) to go to Disney World include:
- Mears Connect – to on-site Walt Disney World resorts, Disney Springs and a selection of other Disney area resorts.
- Uber/Lyft/Taxi
- Private Car Service
RELATED POST: Is the Disney Magical Express Coming Back in 2025?
Need to get transportation from an airport near Disneyland to the resort? Here are the main options:
- Private shuttles
- Ride share services
.
2) Is Disneyland Paris Cheaper for Tickets: Disneyland Paris vs. Disneyland California vs. Walt Disney World
One of the biggest expenses of a Disney trip can be the tickets. So, are Disneyland Paris tickets any cheaper than Disney World and Disneyland’s options.
Disneyland Paris Tickets:
In France, prices range from €62 to €130 for individual tickets.
Prices will vary depending on:
- When you visit
- Whether you choose dated or undated tickets
- If you decide to visit Disneyland Park and/or Disney Adventure World/Walt Disney Studios
- How many days you decide to visit for
- If you decide to book them in a Disneyland Paris package with your hotel stay included (this is usually a cheaper way to purchase tickets)
- If you qualify for NHS UK discounts or U.S. Military discounts
RELATED POST: 5 VERY IMPORTANT Tips You Should Know Before Buying Disneyland Paris Tickets Online Prior to Your Visit (this is so crucial!)
Disney World & Disneyland Tickets:
Disney World tickets start at $119 + tax (for guests 10+) for a 1 day ticket up to a little over $200 (with better deals on multi-day tickets, and the ability to include the Park Hopper option for an additional cost).
Disneyland tickets are priced quite similarly, starting at $103 + tax per day to $206 + tax per day, with the ability to add on the Park Hopper option, and deals for multi-day tickets).
Overall, Disney World and Disneyland tickets are usually more expensive.
But you can also look at third-party authorized sellers for some discounts. Anecdotally, I managed to save $121 + tax on my Disneyland tickets (5 day Park Hopper with Lightning Lane) in 2024 (as they didn’t increase ticket prices at the same time as Disney, and they offer discounts throughout the year anyway).
Annual Pass Prices: Compare ticket costs – Disneyland Paris VS Disneyland California VS Walt Disney World
Ready to commit to a year of Disney visits?
Consider an annual pass:
- Disneyland Paris Annual Passes: Paris ditched their old system and now has three main tiers—Bronze, Silver and Gold – ranging from €223 – €523 for children 3-11 for the year to €289 – €699 for adults per year.
RELATED POST: Why a Disneyland Paris Annual Pass is a Waste of Money in 2025
- Disneyland California Magic Key: California’s version is called the Magic Key, split across four levels. The cheapest—Imagine Key—runs $599 + tax (SoCal residents only, lots of blockouts). Other visitors qualify for the Enchant Key ($974 + tax, plenty of blackout days), Believe Key ($1,374 + tax, with less blockout dates and extra perks), or the premium Inspire Key ($1,749 + tax, with the least blockouts and the most perks).
- Walt Disney World Annual Passes: Disney World’s system is four main passes, all more expensive than Paris. The Pixie Dust Pass (Florida residents only) starts at $469 + tax but is the most restricted. The Pirate Pass is $829 + tax, and the Sorcerer Pass clocks in at $1,079 + tax. For out-of-staters, the only available choice is the Incredi-Pass, which costs a whopping $1,549 + tax for 2025, without blockout dates but requiring reservations like all other Annual Passes.
RELATED POST: Can You Save Money By Becoming a Disney World Annual Passholder in 2025?
Is Disneyland Paris Cheaper for Hotel Rates?: Comparing Costs at Disneyland Paris, Disneyland California, and Walt Disney World
Finding a hotel that doesn’t torch your budget is usually the hardest part of planning a Disney trip.
I’ve paid for hotels in Paris, California and Florida, and I know how much rates can vary season to season. So, is Disneyland Paris really cheaper when it comes to hotels?
Disneyland Paris Hotel Rates: The Surprising Value
When most people think of Paris, they imagine boutique prices and luxury rates. Disney’s Paris hotels, however, often come in under the U.S. parks—especially outside peak summer. In 2025, you can expect:
- Entry-level Disney hotels (think Disney’s Hotel Santa Fe or Hotel Cheyenne) usually range from €150 to €300 a night. Converted to dollars, that’s about $160–$325.

- Premium options like the newly renovated Disneyland Hotel push the top end, running well over $600 a night for that fairy tale splurge.

RELATED POST: What is the Cheapest Way to Do Disneyland Paris? – Budget-Friendly Tips for Disneyland Paris [2025 Guide]
If you’re booking directly through Disney, you can only book hotels with theme park tickets (unless you’re an Annual Passholder).
To book just a hotel room, you can book on-site hotels through third-party authorized sites, such as Trivago and Booking.com.
You can also find Partner Hotels and nearby resorts, which can offer some savings (but run the numbers, as Disneyland Paris packages can work out cheaper).
Disneyland California Hotel Rates: Don’t Expect Many Deals
Anaheim isn’t shy about hotel prices. After all, they only have three on-site resorts – all at the Deluxe price point.
- Disneyland Hotel or Grand Californian: Be ready for rates around $500–$700+ tax per night—for some of the most basic rooms offered.

- Pixar Place Hotel: Expect to pay over $350 + tax per night to stay here.

You can save money by renting DVC points at The Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Resort & Spa or The Villas at Disneyland Hotel.
Alternatively, you can look at a nearby off-site hotel for lower cost options.
Disneyland doesn’t offer lots of promotions on hotels and packages.
Walt Disney World Hotel Rates: Roomy Choices, Steep Prices
Orlando has a wider mix of hotel prices and categories, but even the “Value” hotels have become less of a bargain. For 2025, the numbers look like this:
- Value Resorts: These hover between $133–$255+ per night + tax , depending on the season and availability.

- Moderate Resorts: Expect rates from $200 up to $540+ a night + tax —and that’s before you wander into “Peak” season pricing.
- Deluxe Resorts: It’s not outlandish for rooms to cross the $700-per-night line, especially during holidays and high-demand windows.
Disney World offers way more discounts and promotions than Disneyland Paris and Disneyland for their hotels and packages.
You can also rent DVC points to save potentially hundreds (or thousands) on Deluxe Resorts.
RELATED POST: Why Can You Save So Much Money if You Rent DVC Points? [Is it too good to be true?]
You can look into staying off-site, but watch out for hidden hotel fees, parking fees and transportation costs, as they can reduce or eliminate savings.
RELATED POST: 5 Easy Ways You Can Save a Lot of Money by Staying at Walt Disney World On Site Resorts (in 2025
Is Disneyland Paris Cheaper for Dining?: Where Does Your Food Budget Go Further?
Is Disneyland Paris expensive to eat at? – Quick Service VS Table Service
Most Disney travelers spend the bulk of their food budget on quick-service meals (think burgers, pizza, or wraps you grab between rides) with a few splurges on sit-down restaurants. Here’s how it shakes out:
- Disneyland Paris: Quick-service meals average about €15–€20+ for a main dish, a side, and a soft drink. If you fancy a table service experience, expect to spend €35–€60+ per adult which often includes a set menu of three courses. Gratuity is not expected at Disneyland Paris restaurants.

- Disneyland California: Quick-service entrees generally cost under $14.99 + tax, but drinks and sides can easily push you past $25 per person. Sit-down meals. You’re looking at $30–$65+ per adult plus tax.

- Walt Disney World: Similarly, most quick service prices in Orlando to land under $14.99 + tax, but again, adding sides and drinks can push meals north of $22. Signature restaurants like Be Our Guest or Cinderella’s Royal Table quickly hit over $65, with a fixed menu and tip required.

RELATED POST: 6 Fabulous Frugal Tips for Eating at Disney World on a Budget (Without Compromising on Quality)
Special Treats and Snack Culture
I love a good Mickey pretzel or specialty dessert from my Disney trips. Here’s how the snack game changes the math:
- Disneyland Paris: Most snacks will start around €3, and are under €10.

- Disneyland California and Disney World: Expect $6–$8 for basic snacks, and up to $12+ for themed desserts or special drinks.

RELATED POST: The Ultimate Disney World Snacks List: The Top 7 Snacks You Can’t Miss in 2025
Dining Packages and Meal Plans: Is Prepaying Worth It?
Dining packages and prepaid meal plans used to be big money savers, but most of these plans in the U.S. parks now come with fine print and plenty of blackout dates.
- Disneyland Paris: The prices at Disneyland Paris will vary depending on which on-site resort you’re staying at (see here for exact prices). In most cases, it won’t save you a lot of money, but do your research and run the numbers!
- Disneyland California and Walt Disney World: Dining plans have returned in fits and starts, but they’re often not the best value. You can get prepaid meal vouchers at Disneyland. Disney World has 2 more traditional dining plans
Merchandise Prices: Disneyland Paris vs. Disneyland California vs. Walt Disney World
The Basics: What Will You Pay For the Big Stuff?
Weight matters in every park shop—especially your wallet. No matter where you go, the “standard” souvies like ears, shirts, mugs, and plush toys look almost identical across all three parks. But will you pay less in Paris than the U.S.? Usually—yes, but with a few quirks.
- Disneyland Paris: A lot of classic ears and tees run between €18 and €30. Hoodies or sweatshirts often land at €40–€60. The best thing is that the sales tax is already included in the shelf price, which means no surprise at the register.
- Disneyland California: Similar items usually cost $34.99+ for ears, $25–$40+ for shirts, and upwards of $65 for hoodies. Unique collections and collaborations (think Spirit Jerseys or special releases) can push $80–$120 real quick. Remember sales tax is added at checkout.
- Walt Disney World: Florida’s prices track Anaheim’s almost dollar-for-dollar. Don’t forget sales tax is also added at checkout here.
To summarise, A lot of the time, Disneyland Paris merch usually comes in the cheapest for everyday items.
Who Should Choose Disneyland Paris for a Budget Disney Vacation?
Cultural and Experiential Benefits of Disneyland Paris
Why Disneyland Paris feels more memorable for your travel dollar:
- European backdrops: You get Sleeping Beauty Castle with a genuine French twist, plus Paris itself just a short train ride away. The Eiffel Tower, world-class museums, and quaint cafés are real, not just Disney imagineering.
- French cuisine: Park food here isn’t just burgers and fries. You’ll find baguettes, decadent pastries, brasserie classics, and even affordable wine at mealtime. For a foodie, that’s unbeatable.
- Proximity to top attractions: Want some “real culture”. Disneyland Paris is close to Paris, so you’re not limited to a Disney-only vacation.
Who gets the biggest value?
- Families already touring Europe (or who live there), so a Disney day/days is a smart “add-on.”
- Repeat U.S. Disney veterans wanting something new, with less vacation time to burn.
- “Short trip” seekers—those who want a 2-3 day Disney fix rather than a full week-long mega trip.
Bottom line: Disneyland Paris isn’t just about paying less—it’s about what you get for your money. The culture, food, and history surrounding the park can stretch your Disney dollar further, especially for those willing to look beyond just the ticket price.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding ‘Is Disneyland Paris Cheaper than Walt Disney World & Disneyland?’
Why is Disneyland Paris so cheap?
Disneyland Paris isn’t always cheap, but here’s a couple reasons why it may seem reasonable at times:
- In winter – Disneyland Paris can get super cold in winter, leading to a fall in demand to visit. Which also means lower prices!
RELATED POST: Disneyland Paris Weather in January: What to Expect & How to Prepare
- Disneyland Paris only has two parks, therefore it can be cheaper to visit than Disney World.
Why is Disneyland Paris so expensive?
The cost of a Disneyland Paris vacation fluctuates greatly based on the season.
In Spring/Summer and over the busiest Christmas season, you’ll see prices soar – thanks to the increased demand.
You can save money by going on weekdays in quieter seasons – i.e. winter.
When is Disneyland Paris cheapest?
So, what month is cheapest for Disneyland Paris? You will often find the best deals at Disneyland Paris in January and February – the least popular months to visit (thanks, in large part, to the weather).
Why is Disneyland Paris cheaper in August?
Disneyland Paris is expensive in August! If you’re looking for a cheap Disneyland Paris break, August is certainly not one of your best bets!
Are Disneyland Paris tickets cheaper in advance?
Disneyland Paris tickets can be cheaper in advance.
Be aware that you can’t purchase Disneyland Paris tickets at the gate on the day of your visit anymore.
Your only option is to buy your Disneyland Paris tickets online.
RELATED POST: 5 VERY IMPORTANT Tips You Should Know Before Buying Disneyland Paris Tickets Online Prior to Your Visit (this is so crucial!)
Is Disneyland Paris worth it for one day?
If you’re not expecting to get everything done, yes. If Disneyland Paris is just an addition to a Paris/France trip, one day should be okay.
If you’re going to Paris *just* for Disneyland Paris, I would recommend adding at least another day to experience the parks, if possible.
How much is it to go to Disneyland Paris for 3 days?
This will vary depending on a number of factors. You will need to consider:
- If you’re a solo traveler / couple / how many people are visiting in your group
- Where you’re staying
- If you want Disneyland Paris tickets for every day, and which parks you want to visit
- If you want quick service or table service meals/snacks – or a combination!
How much is it to go to Disneyland Paris for a week?
Again, this will depend on how many people are in your party, and what you want to do whilst you’re there.
See list of considerations above (in the answer to the previous question).
Ta Ta For Now
After crunching the numbers, “Is Disneyland Paris Cheaper” makes sense for travelers who want a real Disney trip at a lower cost—especially if you value unique culture, simple hotel stays, and having Europe at your doorstep.
Would you rather visit Disneyland Paris, Walt Disney World or Disneyland?
And, if you’ve visited any or all of these Disney Resorts, please share any advice you’ve learned during your visit 🙂
This post was all about finding the answer to this question: Is Disneyland Paris cheaper than US Disney Parks?
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