Most people don’t consider Disneyland Paris to be a great summer destination. There are many other great countries, cities, and beaches to explore, and you will probably pay much less than a Disney Holiday. Still, we absolutely love visiting Disneyland in the summer and have even already booked our stay for August. This is why!
How is the weather?
The weather is one of the best things about the Summer in Disneyland Paris. Most of the time, the sky is blue and the temperatures are very comfortable, especially in the morning. I love wandering through the parks on a summer day, just taking pictures without a cloud in the sky.
Another great moment to take photos during the summer is the golden hour, one hour before sunset. You will get beautiful natural light that gives the castle an amazing golden glow. All my favourite photos of the parks were taken during that time.
Disneyland Paris will get the occasional heat wave where temperatures will go up to 35 degrees Celsius or more. Those days can be pretty tough, especially in the afternoon. One of the best things about the summer season is that the parks are open late, until 11 PM, so you have some time to relax at your hotel or even swim when it gets too hot.
Also, check the show schedule in the Disneyland Paris app, as watching those is a great way to get out of the sun.
Things to do during the Summer in Disneyland Paris
Summer in Disneyland Paris is peak season. That means crowds, which I will discuss a bit later, but also that there are hardly any closed rides or refurbishments. You can experience all the resort has to offer, which is great when it’s your first and even only visit.
In 2023 the summer will be your last chance to experience the entertainment for the 30th Anniversary of Disneyland Paris, including the drone show Disney D-Light, and a brand new Pixar-inspired show. It’s also the last chance to try some of the special treats for the 30th Anniversary, as well as to buy special merchandise.
We also enjoy Disneyland Paris’s pools on a warm summer day. Most hotels, with the exception of Hotel Santa Fe and Hotel Cheyenne, have a pool, but our favourite is the pool at Davy Crockett Ranch because it is pretty large and has a slide.
Davy Crockett Ranch is also a great place to stay during the Summer in Disneyland Paris, as you are staying in your own cabin in a wooded area that makes it feel more like an actual summer holiday. And staying there is cheaper than the other Disney Hotels, which is a great excuse to stay longer.
How to beat the Summer crowds
The thing most people worry about is the summer crowds, and yes, it can get pretty busy in the parks! You can still have an amazing time, though, if you plan your day accordingly.
First, start your day early, preferably during Extra Magic Time, when only hotel guests can enter the parks. That will help you get some of the more popular rides out of the way with hardly any wait. Also, check in advance what shows you would like to see and what characters you want to meet and try doing that in the early afternoon when rides are at their peak wait times.
Then in the late afternoon, have an early dinner, so you can go on rides when other people leave the parks to freshen up or to eat before the fireworks at 11 PM. For popular rides like Big Thunder Mountain, Crush’s Coaster, and Spider-Man W.E.B. Adventure, consider buying Premier Access, as the wait times will hardly go down.
If you follow these tips, which is how I navigate the parks during the summer, the crowds won’t bother you as much, and you will have a magical time during the summer in Disneyland Paris!
