DLPTips: 10 Ways Disneyland Paris Beats Disney World

Thinking about a Disney trip but not sure if the magic is stronger in Florida or France? While Walt Disney World in Florida might be the biggest Disney resort in the world, size isn’t everything. In fact, there are quite a few ways in which the more compact, stylish, and charming Disneyland Paris outshines its giant American cousin.

Whether it’s better rides, spookier stories, or buttery croissants on Main Street, here are 10 ways in which Disneyland Paris beats Walt Disney World Florida.

1. Sleeping Beauty’s Castle is a Real Showstopper 🏰🐉
Florida’s castle may be taller, but Paris has the wow factor. Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant is a fairytale brought to life, complete with stained-glass windows, medieval turrets, and a fire-breathing dragon lurking in the dungeon. It’s magical, majestic, and uniquely European — the kind of castle you’d actually expect to see in a storybook.

2. Big Thunder Mountain is Actually Better Here ⛰️🚂
No contest. DLP’s Big Thunder Mountain is the best version on the planet — and yes, we’re including Tokyo. It’s built on its own island, features an underwater tunnel, and speeds along with more thrills, better scenery, and an epic storyline connected to Phantom Manor. Florida’s BTM? Great, but a bit of a Sunday drive in comparison.

3. Easier to Explore & No Buses Required 🚶‍♂️🗺️
One of the most underrated perks of Disneyland Paris is how compact it is. You can stroll between Disneyland Park, Walt Disney Studios Park, Disney Village, and even your on-site hotel within minutes. That means no faffing with buses, monorails, or boats just to get from breakfast to your first ride. More magic, less mileage.

4. Shorter Queues (Yes, Really) 🎢⏳
If you’ve spent two hours queueing for Flight of Passage or Slinky Dog Dash, you’ll love this — queue times at DLP are generally shorter, even for top attractions. Rides like Big Thunder, Ratatouille, and Pirates often sit under 40 minutes, especially outside peak dates. Need help planning? Use our Disneyland Paris queue guide for 2025 to maximise your time.

5. Seasonal Magic Hits Different in Europe 🎃❄️
When the seasons change, so does the park — and it’s gorgeous. Halloween in Paris feels mysterious and haunting, with fog, roaming villains, and spooky music in Frontierland. Christmas? Expect twinkling lights, festive treats, and an actual European-style Christmas market. Florida brings the fanfare, but Paris brings the charm.

6. It’s Genuinely Romantic 💕🌇
Paris has always been the city of love, and the same goes for its Disney resort. Between the quaint cobbled walkways, castle backdrops, and moonlit views over Adventureland, it’s an ideal setting for couples. Sharing a crêpe while watching the castle lights twinkle? That’s Disney romance done right.

7. It’s Cheaper to Visit 💶✈️
For UK visitors especially, a holiday to Disneyland Paris is significantly more affordable than the Florida option. With budget flights, regular Eurostar offers, and better-value hotels, you can have a full Disney break without needing to remortgage the house. And with shorter stays possible, it’s easier to fit around work and school holidays too. Check out our Disneyland Paris on a budget guide.

8. Space Mountain & Tower of Terror Are Next-Level 🚀👻
Disneyland Paris doesn’t just copy rides — it levels them up. Hyperspace Mountain features a launch, loops, and a full Star Wars storyline. Florida’s Space Mountain? It’s a gentle wobble in the dark. Likewise, Tower of Terror in Paris dials up the eerie storytelling, with unique scenes and a spookier setting based on The Twilight Zone. Bigger thrills, tighter narratives — what’s not to love?

9. European Culture on Your Doorstep 🧀🍷
You’re not just visiting a theme park — you’re in France. That means flaky pastries for breakfast, afternoon cheese boards, and proper hot chocolate. Plus, you’re only 40 minutes from Paris itself. Want to add on a day trip to the Eiffel Tower or a lazy Seine river cruise? Easy. Walt Disney World has Florida… and more Florida.

10. Phantom Manor (and Frontierland) is Pure Spooky Storytelling Genius 👻🏚️
Unlike the playful ghosts of Florida’s Haunted Mansion, Phantom Manor takes a darker, more haunting route. It’s tied to the backstory of Thunder Mesa and Big Thunder Mountain, creating a full land-wide narrative that’s chilling, tragic, and brilliantly layered. It’s a Western ghost town saga, and it’s a storytelling masterclass.