5 Top Tips for Visiting Disneyland Paris in a Pandemic

Hey there, hi there, ho there... it's a Disney kind of day!

I hope that wherever you are in the world right now, that you're having a lovely (and safe) summer!

I know that for lots of people, due to postponing vacations earlier on in the year, you're getting ready to return to Disneyland Paris....

During a pandemic, it's natural that things at the parks will be a little different and for the most part, lots of people just don't know what to expect.

So, I have taken it upon myself to put together... 

5 Top Tips for visiting Disneyland Paris during a pandemic

I would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to my friend and ex-Disney Castmember Dan, for helping me put this list together. 

I caught up with him recently, and you can hear a full account of his recent trip to Disneyland Paris over at ChatDisney.

Image Credit: Disneyland Paris

Tip #1 - Bring your mask

Let's kick things off with a nice and simple one, shall we?

Here in the UK, wearing a mask is only compulsory in certain places at the moment – shopping centres, GP surgeries, and so on. Mostly, it's indoor locations. So it's worth nothing that in France, the rules are a little different – they require you to wear a mask outside too. Disneyland Paris is no exception to this, so don't be surprised when you have to put your mask on as soon as you arrive at the parks, even when standing outside in the fresh air!

This might sound a little alarming at first, but rest assured, recent visitors have reported that you very quickly get use to it. Little ones are also exempt (like they are here in the UK) so don't be concerned about them getting frustrated with mask wearing.

Lots of Disney fans have turned this new ruling into a positive by crafting and creating their own custom Disney inspired masks.

Princess Jasmine Face Covering by Lola Jayne Creations on Etsy

If you're not feeling creative yourself, don't worry@! There are some wonderful options on Etsy or, if you're looking for the real deal, head over to shopDisney for some fun options.

Tip #2 – Find alternative ways to meet 'n' greet characters

Due to the increased physical and social distancing measures, it's not surprising that the Disney characters are not available to meet 'n' greet in the usual ways. They have to protect themselves from the virus too, right?!

But, don't be disheartened. This means that there are some really unique and exciting alternative meet 'n' greets available at Disney parks worldwide.

Both Merida and Gaston have been spotted at Walt Disney World in Orlando, riding horseback around the Magic Kingdom! And Disneyland Paris is also getting involved in the fun! They've introduced new "selfie spots" and more so that you can still say hey to your favourites!

Here are just some of the amazing meet 'n' greets that have been happening at Disneyland Paris recently:

• Princess Aurora and Prince Philip have been waving at guests from the top of Sleeping Beauty Castle.
• Anna, Elsa and Kristoff are currently available for meet 'n' greet inside the Frozen Theatre at Walt Disney Studios.
• Fairy Godmother and Cinderella have been spotted in the main Disneyland park along with Mickey, at his usual meet 'n' greet location.
• A range of Marvel characters have been available for meet 'n' greet at Walt Disney Studios including Black Panther, Loki, Thor, Black Widow, Spiderman, and more!

Now, not many of these sightings are guaranteed – and, in order to reduce gatherings and crowds around the park, they're not all listed on the park maps or showtimes.

You have got to simply get lucky! So stay alert and keep your eyes open! Who knows who you might spot?

@DLPReport on Twitter

Tip #3 – Be prepared!

Right now, the speed of which rules and regulations are changing is rapid! It's important to make sure that you're up to date on the latest restrictions and luckily, Disneyland Paris have put together a special hub on their website to keep you informed.

You can head over to the Disneyland Paris health and safety measures page on the website for information on attractions, characters, restaurants and more! You can also use this portal on the website to reserve tickets for your next visit. Check it out!

Tip #4 – Book direct with Disney

I don't know about you, but for me, one of the biggest reasons I am not sure about booking a trip right now is in case it gets cancelled. But have no fear – the brilliant minds at Disneyland Paris have a solution for you!

If you book your Disneyland Paris vacation through Disney direct, you get a full refund if you need to cancel your trip – as long as you do this within 7 days of arrival! This means that if the Government suddenly change travel restrictions in your country or somebody in the family gets sick, you are safe in the knowledge that you can cancel. MagicBreaks are a preferred Disneyland Paris supplier so they are also offering increased flexibility on all bookings.

Make sure you check the small print – and be sure your travel insurance also covers Covid-19 too. There's a strong chance that it won't. 

Tip #5 – Don't be afraid. Go ahead and book!

When I chatted to Dan on the ChatDisney podcast after he had just got back from Paris, the most amazing thing to hear was his enthusiasm and positivity at the reopening of the parks.

He said that the magic is very much still alive, just in new and innovative ways!

If you want to hear more about Disneyland Paris' reopening plan, the changes in place, and what it's like to visit right now, head to ChatDisney to hear more.