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Maximize Your Magic and Rand Value!
Are you a South African dreaming of a magical trip to Disneyland Paris? Embarking on such an adventure can seem overwhelming, but fear not! We’ve compiled a list of 10 invaluable tips to help you plan your perfect Parisian fairy tale, ensuring you get the most magic out of every Rand!
While this article is written from a South African perspective using Rand (ZAR) values, we have attempted to include the conversion amounts for EUR and USD for varied insights.
1. Understanding Visa Requirements
Before diving into the fun part, it’s crucial to tackle visa requirements. As a South African passport holder, you’ll need a Schengen visa to enter France. Apply well in advance to avoid any stress, and always check the French Embassy’s official website for the latest information.
Official website: https://lecap.consulfrance.org/Applying-for-a-French-Visa
2. Book in Advance for the Best Deals
Book in Advance for the Best deals
Flights and accommodations can be pricey, but booking early can save you some money.
Flights:
You will need fly into Charles De Gaulle international airport. You can catch direct flights there from any major city in South Africa. We found that direct flights were a lot costlier than long-haul flights. We’re always looking to maximise our Rand value and opted to fly with Qatar, which was an indirect flight with a short layover in Doha.
Direct flights with Airfrance – flights starting from approximately R 18 000pp
Long-haul flights with Qatar Airlines – flights starting from approximately R12 500 pp.
In our view, the decision always boils down to preference and budget. While R18k may be be manageable for 1 ticket, the difference between R18k and R12k quickly adds up when you’re booking for 2 or more (a family).
Accommodation:
Disneyland Paris offers various accommodation options, from luxury to budget-friendly. Staying at a Disney hotel offers extra magic hours in the park, and free shuttle services to and from the parks. There are also many nearby hotels that provide comfort and convenience at a lower cost, worth considering. One of the major advantages of staying at a Disney hotel is that your park entrance fees are included with your accommodation for the duration of your stay. In addition to that, we personally preferred the convenience of being on-site. This meant we could go to our room for afternoon naps or freshen up before dinner.
Disney hotels start at approximately R3200 (€151/$165) per room per night, and goes up as much as R25 700 (€1238 /$1351) per room per night.
The cost of accommodation would once agin depend on your prefence and budget.
*Watch out for the video on the accommodation we choose and the cost thereof.*
Transportation
You can book a shuttle service from the airport straight to your respective Disney hotel. We found this to be a cost effective and convenient option. The alternative is to hop on a train.
3. Consider the Climate
Paris’s weather differs vastly from South Africa’s. Check the climate for the time of year you plan to visit and pack accordingly. We visited in August, which was nearing the end of their summer. The weather was hot and beautiful. Although, we do think that cooler weather would also make for a wonderful experience too.
4. Budget Wisely
The currency difference between the Euro and the South African Rand is substantial. Keep an eye on the Euro to Rand exchange rate and consider buying Euros when rates are favourable. Create a budget that works for you, and stick to it. Determine the core purpose of your Disney visit and fulfil that without distractions. For us, the trip was to experience the thrilling rides and the energy of the parades. We did exactly that. We avoided the merchandise stores (less tempted to spend unnecessary money), this meant more time for rides – since we didn’t get premium passes.
On that note, you can purchase Disney Fast passes to skip the lines and maximise your time at the parks. These passes are expensive in our view and we decided not to spend additional money in this regard. Besides, we had three days at Disneyland and we felt that was more than enough time to enjoy our favourite rides multiple times. We also skipped all photo passes, but had plenty of opportunity to see characters up close as they wondered about the park. Based on our experience, we believe that it is possible to visit Disneyland on a modest budget.
5. Learn Basic French Phrases
While many people in Paris speak English, especially in Disneyland, knowing some basic French phrases can enhance your experience. Simple phrases like “Bonjour” (Hello), “Merci” (Thank you), and “Où est…?” (Where is…?) can go a long way.
6. Plan Your Itinerary
Disneyland Paris is vast with two parks – Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park. Research attractions and shows in advance to prioritize what you want to see and do. This planning will help you make the most of your time in the parks. You can plan you entire trip on the Disneyland Paris app and create a Wishlist with your favourite rides and attractions.
7. Pack your own snacks
If you’re staying at the Disney hotels without a car, then this one may be challenging to get to a grocery store to pack get your own snacks. Nothing stops you from packing some snacks in your luggage though. You just need to check the regulations for prohibited items. Taking your own dry snacks like crisps, puffed popcorn, nuts and crackers, can be a great way of saving money on your trip. This way you’ll only spend money on food, and save when it comes to snacking (which can be pretty expensive in Disney. Popcorn starts at €6 and goes up to €18 when served in the Mickey ear popcorn bucket).
8. Dining Options
Explore dining options ahead of time. Disneyland Paris offers a range of culinary experiences, but they can be pricey. Many restaurants fill up quickly, so be sure to reserve ahead of time. Consider meal plans or dining outside the parks for more budget-friendly options.
As an example, a meal much like the one depicted below could easily cost you a minimum of R 800 (€38/$41).
We feel that it’s worth mentioning that the quality of the food at Disneyland doesn’t weigh up to the price point. We said we’re keeping things real on this blog and that’s exactly what we intend to do. Raw, real reviews.
9. Embrace the Magic
Remember to enjoy every moment! Disneyland Paris is a place of wonder and magic. Let yourself be swept away by the enchantment of the parks, the characters, and the overall experience. There is simply way too much to do in one day, so don’t try to cramp everything in on the first day. There will be enough time! Allow yoursel to fully enjoy each and every magical moment at Disneyland Paris.
10. Cultural Experiences
Finally, don’t forget to explore Paris itself. The city is just a short drive or train ride away and offers a wealth of cultural experiences. From the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre, there’s plenty to explore beyond the magic of Disneyland.
As we wrap up this brief guide, remember that a trip to Disneyland Paris from South Africa is more than just a vacation – it’s a journey into a world of wonder, excitement, and enchantment. By understanding visa requirements, booking in advance, and planning wisely, your dream trip is not only achievable but can also be a seamless and joyful experience. Whether it’s basking in the Parisian sun, delighting in the thrills of Disneyland, learning a few phrases of French, or exploring the cultural wonders of Paris, each moment is set to be a cherished memory.
So, pack your bags, prepare your heart for adventure, and get ready to make some core memories. With these tips in hand, you’re well-equipped to maximize both the magic and the value of your Rand. Don’t forget to capture those magical moments, and when you return, share your stories with fellow travellers. Your insights could be the guiding star for someone else’s dream trip.
Bon voyage, roamers!
Until our next post!
With love and appreciation,
The Kolbes
These tips are based on our personal experiences during our travels. You may have different experiences and alternative opinions based on your own travels. These are not meant to act as directives, instead they are suggestions which may be helpful to someone planning their first trip.
