Disneyland Paris, a beacon of magic and adventure, constantly evolves to enhance guest experiences. One significant change in recent years is the introduction of Disney Premier Access, a paid service designed to minimize wait times for popular attractions. If you’re planning a trip and wondering how to maximize your time, understanding Premier Access is crucial. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to decide if it’s the right choice for your Disneyland Paris adventure.
Premier Access comes in two main forms, catering to different needs and budgets:
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Premier Access Ultimate: Think of this as your all-day fast pass. For a price ranging from 90 EUR to 190 EUR per person, you gain single access to each of the listed attractions. The beauty of Ultimate is its flexibility – no need to book time slots, simply scan and go whenever you’re ready to ride. Purchase this in advance or on the day via the Disneyland Paris app, through your travel agent, or even upon arrival.
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Premier Access One: This is the à-la-carte option. Priced between 9 EUR and 18 EUR per person per ride, Premier Access One lets you pick and choose which attractions you want to expedite. Once purchased through the app, you’ll receive a one-hour time slot, typically starting 30 minutes after purchase. This provides more control and can be cost-effective if you only have a few must-do rides in mind.
Alt text: Disneyland Paris app interface showcasing Premier Access One purchase options, highlighting individual ride selections and pricing.
Is Premier Access Worth the Investment? Reasons to Consider Buying:
Several scenarios might make Premier Access a worthwhile addition to your Disneyland Paris visit:
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Off-Site Guest Advantage: Guests staying off-site miss out on Extra Magic Time, the early park access perk for Disney hotel guests. Premier Access can help level the playing field, allowing you to experience more attractions in regular park hours.
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Limited Time, Maximum Fun: If you’re only visiting for a day or two, time is of the essence. Premier Access allows you to significantly cut down queue times, letting you experience more rides and shows in a shorter period.
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Queue Aversion or Needs: For individuals who dislike queuing or have difficulty standing for extended periods (and may not qualify for disability access passes), Premier Access provides a comfortable and quicker alternative.
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Premium Park Experience: If budget is less of a concern and you desire a more premium, less wait-intensive experience, Premier Access delivers.
When Premier Access Might Not Be Necessary:
Conversely, Premier Access might not be the best choice for everyone. Consider these reasons why you might skip it:
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On-Site Advantage with Extra Magic Time: Staying at a Disney hotel grants you Extra Magic Time, allowing early access to the parks. Utilize this time strategically to ride popular attractions before queues build up, potentially negating the need for Premier Access.
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Queue Tolerance and Smart Planning: If you’re comfortable with regular queue times and adept at using the Disneyland Paris app to monitor wait times and plan your day accordingly, you can navigate the parks efficiently without paid queue skipping.
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Disability Access Service: Guests with disabilities or long-term conditions may be eligible for a Priority or Easy Access Pass, offering queue assistance without additional cost. Explore this option first if applicable.
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Budget-Conscious Trip: Disneyland Paris can be expensive, and Premier Access adds a significant cost. If you’re aiming for a budget-friendly visit, prioritizing free queue management strategies might be more suitable.
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Ride Preferences: Examine the list of attractions covered by Premier Access. If many of these rides don’t appeal to you or your group (especially if traveling with young children below height restrictions), the pass may not offer sufficient value.
Alt text: Big Thunder Mountain ride entrance at Disneyland Paris, highlighting the Premier Access queue entrance for faster access.
Premier Access Covered Attractions:
Here’s a comprehensive list of attractions currently included in the Premier Access program, spanning both Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park:
- Phantom Manor
- Big Thunder Mountain
- Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- Orbitron
- Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast
- Star Tours: The Adventure Continues
- Autopia
- Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain
- It’s a Small World
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Tower of Terror
- Cars Road Trip
- Avengers Assemble: Flight Force
- Spider-Man W.E.B. Adventure
- Crush’s Coaster
Pro Tips for Maximizing Premier Access:
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Ultimate is a Treat, Not a Necessity: While Premier Access Ultimate offers convenience, it’s often not essential, especially during less crowded periods. Consider it a splurge for a truly premium experience or during quieter months when prices are lower.
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Premier Access One for Flexibility: Premier Access One provides a “pay-as-you-go” approach, ideal for spontaneous decisions or when only certain members of your group want to ride specific thrill attractions. It allows for flexibility without committing to a full-day pass.
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Parent/Baby Switch Pass Bonus: Even with Premier Access, utilize the Parent/Baby switch pass! After riding with Premier Access, request a switch pass. This allows the other parent to ride immediately with another child, effectively doubling your queue-skipping benefit for the price of a single Premier Access purchase.
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Offline Purchase Option: If you prefer to avoid phone usage throughout the day, Premier Access can be purchased at Town Hall in Disneyland Park or Studio Services in Walt Disney Studios Park.
Purchasing Premier Access: A Step-by-Step Guide
How to Purchase Premier Access Ultimate:
- Download the Disneyland Paris App: Link to Disneyland Paris App
- Link Your Tickets: Connect your Disney hotel reservation or park tickets to the app, regardless of where you purchased them.
- Purchase in the App: Navigate within the app to purchase Premier Access Ultimate for your desired day. Advance purchase is possible. Prices vary based on park occupancy.
- Park Coverage: Premier Access Ultimate covers one ride on each listed attraction across both parks (with a Park Hopper ticket). If you have a single-park ticket, it’s valid only in that park.
- Instant Access: Once purchased, simply scan the QR code in the app at the Premier Access queue for each ride – no time slot reservations needed.
How to Purchase Premier Access One:
- Download the Disneyland Paris App: Link to Disneyland Paris App
- Link Your Tickets: As with Ultimate, link your tickets to the Disneyland Paris app.
- Purchase in the Park: Once inside the parks, use the app to buy Premier Access One passes per person, per ride. Purchasing while already in a queue for another ride can be efficient.
- Time Slot Allocation: You’ll receive a one-hour return window, typically starting 30 minutes after purchase.
- Same-Day Purchase & Dynamic Pricing: Premier Access One is only available for same-day purchase, and prices fluctuate depending on ride popularity and park crowds.
- Scan and Ride: Scan the QR code in the app at the Premier Access queue to enjoy your chosen ride with minimal wait.
By understanding the nuances of Disney Premier Access, you can make an informed decision about whether it aligns with your priorities and budget for your Disneyland Paris adventure. Consider your touring style, park time, and budget to determine if this paid queue-skipping service is your key to unlocking even more magical moments. While Disneyland Paris, formerly known as Euro Disney, faced initial financial hurdles and could be considered a financial loss project (FLP) in its early years, services like Premier Access represent innovations aimed at enhancing customer experience and ensuring the park’s continued success and appeal in the long run.
