Are you planning a day at Disneyland Paris and wondering if you can bring a picnic or your own sandwich to save on meals? Do you want to know whether this is allowed under the park’s rules? You’re in the right place!
In this article, I explain what Disneyland Paris’ official rules say about picnicking: can you bring your own food, and where are you allowed to eat it? I’ll also share the best spots to enjoy a quick meal, whether inside the park or nearby, so you know exactly where to set up your picnic with peace of mind.
What the park’s rules say
The official rules of Disneyland Paris state that picnics are not allowed inside the park. However, this rule is applied with some flexibility, as long as a few restrictions are respected.
You are allowed to bring your own food, such as a sandwich or a drink, provided you don’t carry bulky equipment like coolers, tables, or chairs, these items are strictly prohibited. In fact, security checks at the entrance will prevent you from bringing such equipment into the park. This restriction is in place to maintain the immersive atmosphere and to avoid cluttering public areas.
Please also note that the tables and terraces of the park’s restaurants are reserved exclusively for guests who have purchased a meal on site.
Therefore, if you bring your own food, it’s best to eat it on a bench, on a low wall, while strolling through the park, or while waiting in an outdoor queue for an attraction.
Key takeaways about picnicking at Disneyland Paris
- Bringing your own food is allowed, as long as it’s easy to carry (sandwiches, snacks, drinks).
- Picnics with bulky equipment (coolers, tables, chairs) are not permitted and will be refused at security checks.
- You can eat your meal while walking around, sitting on a bench, or waiting in line for an attraction.
- Restaurant tables and terraces are reserved for guests who have purchased their meals on site.
Where to have a picnic at Disneyland Paris?
The different places to have a picnic inside Disneyland Park
- The low walls at the park entrance: located just after the security gates and before Main Street U.S.A. station, these walls are a good alternative when benches are full.
- Behind Space Mountain in Discoveryland: this area is usually quiet, making it a great spot for a quick break.
- Critter Corral in Frontierland: this zone is often overlooked by visitors. Below are a few photos taken in mid-July at 12:30 p.m., showing all the benches in the area completely empty.
The different places to have a picnic inside Walt Disney Studios Park
Walt Disney Studios Park has even fewer benches than Disneyland Park, which makes finding a place to sit and eat even more challenging. However, a few areas can be good backup options:
- In front of Avengers Assemble: Flight Force in Avengers Campus: a large area with several low walls where you can sit. As a bonus, you’ll get to enjoy the land’s atmosphere, with superheroes regularly passing by.
- Next to the show Together: A Pixar Musical Adventure: there are a few more low walls on World Premiere Plaza (formerly Production Courtyard), but this spot is busier as it’s a main thoroughfare.
The different places to have a picnic outside the Disney Parks
For those looking for quieter spots, there are dedicated picnic areas at Disneyland Paris, but they’re located outside the parks. Here are a few options:
- The official Disneyland Paris picnic area: located near the main visitor parking, this shaded space has plenty of wooden tables and benches, making it ideal for a proper picnic in a designated area.
- In front of the Disneyland Hotel, under the pink gazebos: a quieter spot with a few benches, offering a more peaceful alternative than inside the parks.
- Around the Disney Village lake: especially in front of Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel, where some benches offer a nice place to relax by the water.
Although these areas are calmer and more comfortable for a picnic, they are a short walk away from the parks and take around ten minutes to reach.
My tips for a successful picnic
- Plan your meal time: if you want a quiet spot, try eating a little earlier or later than most visitors.
- Travel light: only bring the food and drinks you need, as carrying a heavy bag all day can quickly become uncomfortable.
- Bring a reusable water bottle: there are plenty of water fountains around the park where you can refill it for free, saving you from buying bottles on site.
- Pack wipes or hand sanitizer: very useful for cleaning your hands before and after eating, especially if you’re having your meal outdoors.
- Choose easy-to-eat meals: opt for practical options like sandwiches, wraps, or cold salads to avoid needing cutlery or bulky containers.
- Keep the park clean: throw away your trash after your meal and use the recycling bins available throughout the park.
The answer to all your questions about picnicking at Disneyland Paris
Can you bring your own sandwiches to Disneyland Paris?
Yes, you can bring your own sandwiches to Disneyland Paris, as long as you follow a few rules. Large coolers, folding tables, and glass containers are not allowed, but a small bag with a cold meal is permitted.
Can you bring food into Disneyland Paris?
Yes, you can bring food into Disneyland Paris as long as it doesn’t require bulky or dangerous equipment. Snacks, sandwiches, cakes, and fruit are allowed in backpacks.
Can you have a picnic inside Disneyland Paris?
However, using restaurant tables (including open-access terraces) to eat your own food is not allowed.
It’s also important not to bring bulky equipment like folding tables, hard coolers, or large insulated bags. For a more comfortable picnic experience, it’s best to use the dedicated picnic area located outside the park near the main visitor parking.
