Make sure to plan your trip to Disneyland beforehand (Image: Portia Jones)
Despite the hefty price tag and bustling crowds, Paris remains one of my top European destinations. I was utterly captivated by the city of lights on my first solo journey at 18, leading me to return time and again to wander its romantic streets and experience its world-class museums, galleries, and eateries. I’m also a massive fan of Disneyland Paris, making it a point to visit ‘The Most Magical Place On Earth’ during each trip.
While it’s a dream destination for many, expenses can quickly pile up, making it all too easy to exceed your budget in the French capital. However, with some careful planning and smart decisions, you can soak up the magic of both Paris and Disneyland without emptying your bank account or missing out on the city’s charm and allure. From complimentary events and reasonably priced dining options to budget-friendly attractions and hidden gems, I’ve compiled some practical tips and suggestions to help you make the most of your Parisian adventure while sticking to your budget, reports Wales Online.
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Paris is a popular destination for Brits (Image: Portia Jones)
How to save money in Disneyland Paris
A trip to Disneyland Paris doesn’t have to mean bidding farewell to your budget. With some clever planning and a few insider tips, you can experience all the magic without the steep cost.
Avoid the crowds (and the high prices)
Firstly, timing is everything! If you can be flexible with your dates, avoid school holidays, weekends, and big celebrations like Christmas and Halloween.
These are prime times when prices and crowds are at their peak. Instead, aim for quieter periods, such as mid-week visits from January to March or September to November. Not only will you snag cheaper tickets and hotels, but you’ll also spend less time queuing and more time enjoying the rides. More magic, less waiting around – win-win!
Stay just outside the Disney bubble
While a Disney hotel sounds convenient, it can consume most of your budget. Instead, consider staying outside the resort in nearby towns like Serris or Chessy.
One great option is Moxy Paris Val d’Europe – a stylish, budget-friendly hotel only one stop from Disney on the RER train. You get a trendy, comfortable room without the Disney price tag, and the train journey takes just a few minutes for only a few euros. You’ll feel smart and savvy while everyone else pays a premium for the same access!
Take the train
The RER A line is your budget’s best friend when visiting Disneyland Paris. It connects central Paris to the park and is a breeze if you stay nearby.
You’ll avoid parking fees and the stress of driving, plus the RER fare is a fraction of what you’d spend staying in a Disney hotel. A quick, easy ride for just a few euros? Yes, please.
Bring your own snacks and drinks
Disneyland Paris might be the most magical destination on earth, but its eye-watering food costs can quickly burst your bubble. Pack your own snacks and bring along a reusable water bottle to slash your spending.
You’re allowed to bring food into the park, so stock up on sandwiches, crisps, and fruit before you enter. Numerous water fountains are dotted throughout where you can top up your bottle, helping you dodge those extortionate drink prices.
Believe me, that emergency snack supply will prove invaluable whilst waiting in the queue for Pirates of the Caribbean!
Hunt around for tickets
Don’t simply head straight to the official Disneyland website for tickets – do your research first!
Brilliant bargains are frequently available on third-party or deal websites like Magic Breaks or Wowcher, and if you’re planning a multi-day visit, extended tickets can dramatically reduce the expense. Watch out for special promotions or packages that include transport or accommodation, which can offer excellent value if you’re staying for several days.
Travellers should make the most of food and drink deals (Image: Portia Jones)
Avoid the souvenir spending spree
Disneyland is bursting with irresistible shops, and whilst the Mickey ears and cuddly toys are utterly charming, they’ll empty your wallet quicker than you can utter “Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo.” Instead, think about purchasing Disney-themed mementos before your journey – you can discover countless items online or in nearby shops for considerably less.
Bringing your own Disney merchandise can save you an absolute fortune whilst still enabling you to capture those Instagram-perfect shots in front of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle.
Organise Your Day Like a Professional One of the simplest ways to prevent overspending at Disneyland Paris is to organise your day ahead of time. By downloading the Disneyland app, you can check ride wait times, show schedules, character breakfast booking and restaurant menus.
This will allow you to plan your day more effectively, steering clear of costly sit-down meals and lengthy queues. Also, think about starting your day early and making the most of shorter queues in the morning – this way, you’ll not only get on more rides, but you’ll also save on extra snacks as you won’t be queuing all day.
Look on sites such as Wowcher for day trips to Paris (Image: Wowcher)
How to economise in Paris
After your Disney adventure, why not spend a few days in Europe’s most romantic city without breaking the bank?
Here are some of my top money-saving tips for Paris.
Embark on a free walking tour of Paris
Reserve a spot on a free walking tour for a cost-effective way to discover Paris with a local guide. These complimentary tours are usually led by locals who share insider tips, anecdotes and historical facts about their city.
Paris free walking tours operate on a pay-what-you-feel or tip-based system, where you can give the guide a gratuity at the end of the tour based on what you believe it was worth, making it a budget-friendly option for travellers in Paris.
SANDEMAN’S NEW Europe Paris tour is one of the city’s most popular free walking tours. Their 3-hour route around Paris takes you to many of the city’s top attractions, including Notre Dame de Paris, the Louvre, and the stunning Parc des Tuileries.
You’ll also get to hear the tales behind the landmarks and have ample opportunities for photo ops. After all, if it’s not on Instagram, did it really happen?
Visit Musée d’Orsay without spending a penny
Paris is closer than you think when it comes to affordable culture, with numerous museums and galleries offering free entry once a month. On the first Sunday of every month, you can visit the Musée d’Orsay at no cost if you book your tickets online.
Situated within the historic Gare d’Orsay railway station, the museum is a prime example of Beaux-Arts architecture. Its grand central nave boasts a glass roof that allows natural light to shine on its diverse art collection, including Van Gogh’s renowned Starry Night.
Roam the thematic galleries and marvel at an exquisite collection of French art from masters such as Monet, Manet, Pissarro, Morisot, and Renoir – all without parting with a single Euro.
Bag a bargain at Paris’s trendy flea markets
While Paris is famed for its high-end fashion and luxury boutiques, there are plenty of budget-friendly shopping options and vintage treasures to be found at the city’s eclectic flea markets. Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen is one of the most popular markets and is where the locals go to find a good deal.
Located on the northern outskirts of Paris, this stylish market is a labyrinth of narrow lanes and winding streets filled with shops, stalls, and stands brimming with knick-knacks, clothing and antiques.
The market is so expansive that it’s split into sections, including Vernaison Market, Dauphine Market, and Malik Market, each boasting a unique style and live entertainment.
Vernaison Market is renowned for its eclectic range of antiques, vintage furniture, and decorative items, whilst Dauphine Market is famed for its more upscale antique and design items. Malik Market is recognised for its affordable blend of vintage and second-hand items.
Savour traditional French cuisine for under €10
Whilst dining in Paris can be an expensive affair, you can cut costs on meals out by eating at a traditional bouillon – a restaurant that serves classic French fare to the public at reasonable prices.
You can also benefit from fixed-price menus (menu du jour) at local restaurants and enjoy lower prices – particularly when you dine away from tourist traps. Choosing the ‘menu du jour’ allows you to indulge in French classics, including croque-monsieur, cassoulet and bouillabaisse, for as little as €8 or €10. House wine can also be bought for around €3-4 a glass if you fancy a midday drink.
Visit the Affordable Bistrot Victoires for a budget-friendly lunch; this retro gem on Rue de la Vrillière serves pan-seared steak frites for under €13 and giant salads for €11.
Enjoy freshly made crepes
Freshly prepared French crêpes are a cheap lunch option in Paris, with numerous crêperies dotted around the city serving crispy crepes straight off a hot griddle.
These on-the-go pancakes are expertly prepared to order in a circular shape, using ingredients such as wheat flour, eggs, milk, and salt. They’re then filled with a variety of sweet or savoury fillings, including Nutella, whipped cream, bananas, cheese, ham and mushrooms.
Crêperie Genia – Vente à emporter – situated at 7 rue de la Harpe, is one of the top budget-friendly eateries in Paris, offering crispy crêpes and stuffed paninis to take away for just a few euros.
Explore the vibrant street art at Canal Saint Martin
The Canal Saint-Martin neighbourhood in Paris is renowned for its lively street art scene, ultra-trendy coffee shops, second-hand stores and restaurants brimming with stylish Parisians.
Situated in the 10th and 11th arrondissements, this bohemian area has become a popular spot for street artists to showcase their creativity and make their mark on the historic city walls. Pick up an affordable takeaway coffee from the trendy coffee shop Le Look and stroll around to discover large-scale graffiti pieces.
One of the most well-known street art locations in Canal Saint-Martin is Rue de la Grange aux Belles, which is famous for its colourful murals and stencil art.
Take in free views from Parc de Belleville
For sweeping views of Paris without the hefty price tag, make your way to Parc de Belleville in the 20th arrondissement. At a towering 108 metres, the Parc de Belleville is Paris’s highest park, perched atop Belleville Hill. A nearly thirty-metre-high terrace at the summit of the park offers panoramic views of the city skyline, including glimpses of the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and Montmartre.
Why not pack some local cheese and wine for a budget-friendly sunset picnic with the best views in Paris?
Take advantage of cost-effective transportation
Navigating Paris can be done on a budget with affordable transportation options that will get you around the city without breaking the bank. The metro and the RER are two separate yet interconnected train networks that offer economical travel throughout Paris. The RER boasts five main lines, while the metro has fourteen numbered lines.
As all systems are interconnected, switching between trains is straightforward and wallet-friendly. Alternatively, you could opt for a Paris Visite travel card for unlimited rides on the metro, bus, and RER network.
Paris also ranks as one of the most cycle-friendly cities to visit in Europe, harbouring grand plans to become a fully cyclable city. Pro-cycling initiatives include a significant expansion in the city’s protected cycleways, bike cafes and bicycle parking spaces.
Not only is it eco-friendly, but exploring Paris by bike is also a cost-effective way to see the city, with many top tourist sites conveniently located near bike routes.
The Georges Pompidou is a well-liked cycle path that runs along the banks of the Seine, offering views of iconic Parisian landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum.
For just €5, visitors can rent a bike for 24 hours from Vélib’ Métropole – a large-scale public bicycle-sharing system in Paris that now includes e-bikes.
How to get to Paris from the UK on a budget
Depending on your budget and preferences, there are several affordable ways to travel from the UK to Paris.
Flights
For a quick trip, flying is often the best option. British Airways offers direct flights from cities like London and Manchester to Paris Charles de Gaulle, often with added perks like luggage and refreshments.
Budget airlines like easyJet and Ryanair also fly frequently from airports like Gatwick and Stansted. Keep an eye on deals-flights can start as low as £50 if booked early, though budget airlines charge extra for luggage.
Eurostar
If you prefer to avoid the hassle of airports, the Eurostar train is a fantastic alternative. It travels directly from London St Pancras to Gare du Nord in central Paris in just over 2 hours.
Prices start around £39 one way if you book in advance, and you’ll skip the airport security queues. Plus, no luggage fees!
FlixBus
For those seeking the ultimate budget option, FlixBus provides long-distance coach travel from the UK to Paris, with fares starting as low as £20. The journey takes approximately 8-9 hours from London, making it an ideal choice for travellers who don’t mind a longer trip in exchange for significant savings.
Reaching Disneyland Paris
Once you’ve arrived in Paris, reaching Disneyland Paris is straightforward, and there’s no need to spend excessively on transport options. Here are the best methods to reach the park without straining your budget.
High-speed train
If you’re landing at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and wish to proceed directly to Disneyland Paris, the fastest option is the TGV high-speed train. This train leaves straight from the airport’s Terminal 2 and transports you to Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy, right at Disneyland’s entrance, in just 10 minutes!
TGV tickets can be booked ahead of time or purchased at the station, with prices beginning around €17, depending on how early you book. It’s an incredibly convenient and quick way to go directly from the airport to the enchantment of Disneyland without any fuss.
RER A Train
The simplest and most cost-effective method to reach Disneyland Paris is by taking the RER A train. It travels directly from central Paris to Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy (the station adjacent to Disneyland).
Trains regularly leave from major Paris stations such as Châtelet-Les Halles and Gare de Lyon, with the journey taking a mere 35-45 minutes. A single ticket will set you back around €5–€7.
It’s a straightforward, direct route that leaves you just a stone’s throw from the park entrance.
Shuttle services
If your hotel is in close proximity to Disneyland, many provide complimentary or inexpensive shuttle buses to and from the park. These are typically included in your hotel stay, so it’s worth checking with your accommodation to see if they offer a shuttle service.