Have you purchased a 1-day 1-park ticket for Disneyland Paris but don’t know which park to visit? Are you looking for a detailed comparison between Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park to find out which one best suits your expectations? Then you’ve come to the right place!
In this article, I will guide you through a detailed comparison between Disneyland Park, also known as “park 1” or the “main park,” and Walt Disney Studios Park, often referred to as “park 2.” You will discover the distinctive features of each park and the key criteria to consider when choosing the one that best meets your expectations. In addition, I will share valuable tips and recommendations to help you make the perfect choice for an unforgettable day at Disneyland Paris.
The main differences between Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park
There are many differences to consider between Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park.
From the overall theme to the size of the park, as well as the number of attractions and shops available, each park offers a unique experience.
Understanding these distinctions is essential to making an informed decision about which one to visit, especially if you can only choose one for your trip to Disneyland Paris.
Data as of April 2025, subject to change depending on seasons, new additions, and refurbishments.
The key features to consider when making your choice
When choosing between Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park, several criteria should be taken into account:
- Theming: Disneyland Park features extensive theming inspired by the original American parks, showcasing classic Disney stories, while Walt Disney Studios Park focuses more on newer Disney, Pixar, and Marvel franchises.
- Lands: Disneyland Park includes the 5 classic Disneyland lands, offering wide thematic variety, while Walt Disney Studios Park features lands such as World Premiere Plaza, Worlds of Pixar, Marvel Avengers Campus, and more.
- Closing time: The two parks have different closing hours, with Walt Disney Studios Park generally closing at least one hour earlier than Disneyland Park.
- Child-friendly attractions: With its larger number of attractions and a land dedicated to children (Fantasyland), Disneyland Park is often more appealing for families.
- Thrill rides: Walt Disney Studios Park offers attractions such as RC Racer, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Avengers Assemble: Flight Force, and Crush’s Coaster, providing thrills for adventure seekers.
- Indoor shows: Walt Disney Studios Park stands out with impressive shows like Mickey and the Magician and Together.
- Parade: Disneyland Park is home to its legendary parade (for example, Disney Stars on Parade in 2025), while Walt Disney Studios Park does not feature one.
- Nighttime shows: Disneyland Park wins this category with shows such as Disney Tales of Magic, performed every evening throughout the year, while Walt Disney Studios Park only occasionally offers much shorter nighttime entertainment.
- Dining options: One weakness of Walt Disney Studios Park is its food offer, which is clearly less varied and abundant compared to Disneyland Park. The latter provides a wide selection of themed restaurants and international cuisine, giving visitors a more complete and satisfying culinary experience.
Which park should you choose based on your criteria?
Data as of April 2025, subject to change depending on seasons, new additions, and refurbishments.
My tips and recommendations
As you can see, Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park both offer very different entertainment experiences!
By considering the criteria that matter most to you, you’ll be able to choose the park that suits you best.
However, if you’re still undecided, I recommend visiting Disneyland Park first, especially if it’s your very first trip to Disneyland Paris!
This park will let you fully experience the Disney magic, with its iconic castle, classic attractions for all ages, and a fairytale atmosphere that will transport you into a world of wonder and adventure.
The answer to all your questions about the differences between the 2 Disneyland Paris parks
What are the two parks at Disneyland Paris?
What is Disneyland Park?
What is Walt Disney Studios Park?
Which one should you choose for a first one-day visit?
Which one should you choose for a multi-day stay?
What will be the new addition at Walt Disney Studios Park?
In which park will the Frozen land be located?
In which park will The Lion King land be located?
In which park does the nighttime show take place in front of the castle?
In which park will the nighttime show by the lake take place?
Can you visit both parks on the same day?
Are there thrill rides in both parks?
Yes, for example:
- Disneyland Park: Hyperspace Mountain, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril.
- Walt Disney Studios Park: Avengers Assemble: Flight Force, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, and RC Racer.
Which park is best suited for young children?
Disneyland Park offers more attractions suitable for little ones and a more magical atmosphere.
