Visiting Disneyland Paris — or Euro Disney as many still fondly call it — is like stepping into a living storybook with a hint of Parisian flair. As a travel photographer, I’ve spent years capturing its magic — from the golden light over Sleeping Beauty Castle to the laughter on Dumbo at sunset.
The resort has two parks: Disneyland Park (classic fairytales, themed lands, and timeless rides) and Walt Disney Studios Park (Pixar fun, Marvel thrills, and behind-the-scenes magic). Between them, there are over 50 rides and attractions to experience.
This guide covers every single ride with practical tips, best times to ride, and even the best photography spots.
🎯 Top 10 Must-Rides at Disneyland Paris (Quick Picks)
| Ride | Park | Why It’s a Must-Do | Best Time to Ride |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big Thunder Mountain | Disneyland Park | Best version in the world; thrilling island layout | Rope drop or last hour |
| Pirates of the Caribbean | Disneyland Park | Longer, richer story than US versions | During parade times |
| Phantom Manor | Disneyland Park | Unique dark twist on Haunted Mansion | Mid-day |
| Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain | Disneyland Park | High-speed coaster with Star Wars theming | Single rider line |
| Peter Pan’s Flight | Disneyland Park | Iconic dark ride for all ages | Rope drop |
| ‘It’s a Small World’ | Disneyland Park | Timeless and colorful classic | Afternoon rest break |
| Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure | Walt Disney Studios | Immersive 4D ride through Paris kitchen | Early morning |
| Crush’s Coaster | Walt Disney Studios | Fun spinning coaster + Nemo theming | Single rider |
| Spider-Man W.E.B. Adventure | Walt Disney Studios | Interactive web-slinging fun | Early or Lightning Lane |
| Avengers Assemble: Flight Force | Walt Disney Studios | Thrilling Marvel coaster | Evening |
Disneyland Park
Main Street, U.S.A.
Disneyland Railroad
A steam-powered tour of the park with stops in Main Street, Frontierland, Fantasyland, and Discoveryland.
- Height restriction: None.
- Best time to ride: Early morning for empty trains or late afternoon for rest.
- Photography tip: Capture the station façade with the train pulling in — great motion shots.
- Queue strategy: Often short except at Main Street station mid-day.
Horse-Drawn Streetcars & Main Street Vehicles
Ride in vintage style down Main Street in a streetcar, omnibus, or fire truck.
- Height restriction: None.
- Best time: First hour after opening.
- Photography tip: Shoot low to catch the horse and castle in one frame.
- Queue: Minimal, but disappears entirely by mid-morning.
Frontierland
Big Thunder Mountain
Paris’s version is the longest and most elaborate in the world, set entirely on its own island.
- Height restriction: 1.02m.
- Best time: Rope drop or last 30 minutes before park close.
- Photography tip: Best action shots from the riverboat or the bridge to Adventureland.
- Queue: Gets long fast — aim for first ride of the day.
Phantom Manor
A uniquely dark Haunted Mansion with a Wild West-meets-gothic twist.
- Height restriction: None (but may scare small children).
- Best time: Mid-day when queues are shorter.
- Photography tip: The exterior at twilight is gorgeous.
- Queue: Indoors, so good in bad weather.
Thunder Mesa Riverboat Landing
A slow paddle steamer ride around Big Thunder Mountain.
- Height restriction: None.
- Best time: Late afternoon for golden light.
- Photography tip: Perfect for Big Thunder and Phantom Manor wide shots.
- Queue: Minimal.
Adventureland
Pirates of the Caribbean
An epic boat ride with immersive sets, two drops, and some of Disney’s best animatronics.
- Height restriction: None.
- Best time: During parade times.
- Photography tip: Wide lens for capturing the Blue Lagoon restaurant scene.
- Queue: Mostly shaded, comfortable even in summer.
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril
A short looping coaster with sharp drops and a jungle setting.
- Height restriction: 1.40m.
- Best time: Early morning or evening.
- Photography tip: Action shots from the queue entrance.
- Queue: Minimal in off-peak hours.
Adventure Isle
A sprawling play area with caves, rope bridges, and Skull Rock.
- Height restriction: None.
- Best time: Morning before crowds.
- Photography tip: Skull Rock with the castle in the background is iconic.
- Queue: None.
La Cabane des Robinson
Swiss Family Treehouse with panoramic Adventureland views.
- Height restriction: None.
- Best time: Sunset.
- Photography tip: Use a 50mm lens for warm sunset portraits.
- Queue: None.
Fantasyland
Sleeping Beauty Castle & La Tanière du Dragon
Explore the castle interior and see the dragon animatronic beneath.
- Height restriction: None.
- Best time: Mid-morning when castle walkways are less crowded.
- Photography tip: Wide-angle for stained glass windows.
- Queue: None.
Peter Pan’s Flight
Fly over London and Neverland on a suspended dark ride.
- Height restriction: None.
- Best time: Rope drop or Lightning Lane.
- Photography tip: Queue area has beautiful details worth capturing.
- Queue: Very long — avoid mid-day.
‘It’s a Small World’
A colorful boat ride through global scenes.
- Height restriction: None.
- Best time: Afternoon when you need a rest.
- Photography tip: Capture the vibrant façade before riding.
- Queue: Moderate.
Alice’s Curious Labyrinth
A hedge maze ending in a castle with panoramic views.
- Height restriction: None.
- Best time: Morning for empty paths.
- Photography tip: Overhead castle shot from Fantasyland bridge.
- Queue: Minimal.
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
A family-friendly spinner with views of Fantasyland.
- Height restriction: None.
- Best time: Night for magical lighting.
- Photography tip: Long exposure at night for motion blur.
- Queue: Steady wait all day.
Discoveryland
Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain
A launch coaster with inversions and Star Wars projections.
- Height restriction: 1.20m.
- Best time: Single rider line is fastest.
- Photography tip: Exterior with X-wing fighter in foreground.
- Queue: Long in afternoon.
Star Tours: The Adventures Continue
3D motion simulator with multiple random sequences.
- Height restriction: 1.02m.
- Best time: Late morning.
- Photography tip: Droid in queue is fun to shoot.
- Queue: Moves steadily.
Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast
Shoot targets to score points.
- Height restriction: None.
- Best time: Early or during parades.
- Photography tip: Queue murals are colorful.
- Queue: Steady.
Les Mystères du Nautilus
Walkthrough of Nemo’s submarine.
- Height restriction: None.
- Best time: Rainy days.
- Photography tip: Low light — use fast lens.
- Queue: Minimal.
Walt Disney Studios Park
Worlds of Pixar
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
Trackless 4D dark ride through a giant-sized kitchen.
- Height restriction: None.
- Best time: Early or with Lightning Lane.
- Photography tip: Exterior Gusteau’s sign at night.
- Queue: Long — very popular.
Crush’s Coaster
Spinning coaster that’s half dark ride, half thrill ride.
- Height restriction: 1.07m.
- Best time: Single rider queue essential.
- Photography tip: Exterior turtle shell car shots.
- Queue: Very slow moving.
RC Racer
Half-pipe coaster that swings back and forth.
- Height restriction: 1.20m.
- Best time: Mid-day.
- Photography tip: Capture from the exit path for best action shots.
- Queue: Moderate.
Toy Soldiers Parachute Drop
Gentle freefall ride.
- Height restriction: 0.81m.
- Best time: Morning.
- Photography tip: Elevated views of Studios Park.
- Queue: Exposed to sun.
Avengers Campus
Avengers Assemble: Flight Force
Indoor coaster with Marvel theming.
- Height restriction: 1.20m.
- Best time: Evening.
- Photography tip: Capture the Iron Man animatronic in queue.
- Queue: Moderate.
Spider-Man W.E.B. Adventure
Trackless shooter where you sling virtual webs.
- Height restriction: None.
- Best time: Early or Lightning Lane.
- Photography tip: Exterior at golden hour.
- Queue: Steady.
FAQs – The Complete Guide to Every Ride at Euro Disney
- How many rides are there? Over 50 across both parks.
- Which rides are unique? Big Thunder Mountain’s island track, Phantom Manor, and Nautilus.
- Scariest ride? Hyperspace Mountain or Flight Force.
- Best for toddlers? Fantasyland classics like Dumbo and Small World.
- One-day possible? Yes, but rushed — two days recommended.
Pingback:Ultimate Guide to the Lion King Show at Disneyland Paris: Times, Tickets & Tips
Pingback:Ultimate Guide to Alice’s Curious Labyrinth at Disneyland Paris: Secrets, Tips & Best Photo Spots
Pingback:Complete Guide to Phantom Manor at Disneyland Paris: Story, Secrets & Tips for Families