Eurostar To Disneyland Paris: Travel Days

Eurostar trains from London to Disneyland Paris are a great option for families, with a generous luggage allowance and no weight limit. The fastest train journey between London and Disneyland Paris is 2 hours and 59 minutes, with a quick change at Lille Europe onto a TGV train. However, direct trains from London to Disneyland Paris have been suspended since 5 June 2023, meaning passengers now have to change at Paris or Lille. During school holidays, there are usually several direct trains a week, but outside of these times, travellers will need to change at Lille.

Eurostar direct trains to Disneyland Paris suspended in 2023

Eurostar has announced that it will be suspending its direct train service from London St. Pancras to Disneyland Paris in 2023. The last direct train will run on 5 June 2023, after which passengers travelling by train will have to change at stations such as Lille or Paris to access the theme park.

Reasons for the Suspension

Eurostar has cited its financial recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to focus on its core routes as the main reasons for this decision. The company has stated that it needs to "stabilize our operations and the experience of our passengers" and that it has financial commitments that will extend for several years. In addition, the company mentioned the uncertain border environment due to changes related to Brexit as another factor influencing their decision.

Impact on Passengers

The suspension of direct trains will impact passengers, especially families, who have previously enjoyed the convenience of a direct service to Disneyland Paris. Some passengers have expressed dismay at the decision, noting that changing trains at Lille or Paris will be inconvenient and time-consuming. This change may also affect disabled passengers, who may find it challenging to navigate multiple train connections.

Alternative Travel Options

While direct trains to Disneyland Paris are no longer an option, passengers can still book indirect trains. One option is to take the Eurostar from London to Marne-la-Vallée–Chessy via Lille, or by travelling to Paris Gare du Nord and then taking a local train to the park. These indirect routes will add time to the overall journey, but they still provide a way to reach Disneyland Paris by train.

Future Plans

Eurostar has left open the possibility of reinstating direct trains to Disneyland Paris in 2024. The company has stated that it will "review the situation for 2024 during the next year". This decision will likely depend on the company's financial recovery and the evolution of border control measures.

Journey time from London to Disneyland Paris

The fastest train journey from London to Disneyland Paris takes about 2 hours and 59 minutes. This includes a quick change at Lille Europe onto a TGV train, which takes just over an hour. During the school holidays, there are usually several direct Eurostar trains a week from London to Disneyland Paris. The fastest service will take you from London to the park in just 2 hours and 49 minutes.

The Eurostar train station for Disneyland Paris is Marne-la-Vallée - Chessy Station, which is just a two-minute walk from the entrance. The station is located opposite the Disneyland Paris park gates.

To start your journey, you need to get to London St Pancras International at the recommended arrival time to allow enough time to go through border controls and security. At the station, you can indulge in boutique shopping, fine dining, or enjoy a glass of bubbly at the longest champagne bar in Europe.

On the London to Lille train, you can bring two bags and one piece of hand luggage for no extra charge. There are no weight limits, but you must be able to carry all items of luggage safely. The Eurostar has free onboard wifi, power sockets, and a cafe serving hot and cold drinks and snacks. If you're travelling in Standard Premier or Business Premier, you'll be served a three-course meal at your seat.

Eurostar travel classes

Eurostar offers three distinct travel classes, each catering to different needs and preferences. These are the Eurostar Standard, Eurostar Plus, and Eurostar Premier.

The Eurostar Standard is ideal for travellers seeking a straightforward city-centre-to-city-centre trip. This option includes two pieces of luggage and one small daypack or handbag. Passengers can purchase drinks, meals, and snacks on board and take advantage of the UK and EU plug sockets. Eurostar Standard tickets are highly flexible, allowing passengers to change their reservation as many times as needed without a fee up to one hour before departure.

The Eurostar Plus offers a more spacious and comfortable experience. Passengers enjoy extra-spacious seats, a light meal, and drinks served at their seats. This class also includes two pieces of luggage and one small daypack or handbag. Like the Eurostar Standard, the Eurostar Plus features UK and EU plug sockets and flexible ticketing options.

The Eurostar Premier is the most luxurious and flexible option. It includes exclusive lounge access in select cities, priority ticket gates, extra-spacious seats, and fine dining with drinks served by a dedicated onboard team. Eurostar Premier passengers can bring three pieces of luggage and one small daypack or handbag. This class offers exceptional flexibility, allowing ticket exchanges or refunds up to 48 hours after the planned departure.

In addition to these three primary classes, Eurostar also offers variations like Standard Premier and Business Premier. The Standard Premier class provides a light meal, spacious coaches, and comfortable seats for a relaxed journey. This class is ideal for those seeking a balance between affordability and comfort. The Business Premier class, on the other hand, is tailored for business travellers, offering complete freedom and flexibility. It includes exclusive lounge access, fast-track ticket gates, spacious seats, and gourmet meals designed by renowned chefs like Raymond Blanc, served with champagne.

Eurostar luggage allowance

When travelling on the Eurostar, there is a generous luggage allowance. There is no weight limit, but passengers must be able to carry and store their own luggage safely and securely. Onboard, there are luggage racks above seats, free space on the floor between certain seats, and special luggage racks at the end of each coach for bigger items.

On the London to Lille train, passengers can bring two bags and one piece of hand luggage for no extra charge. The same allowance applies to adults travelling in Standard and Standard Premier. In Business Premier, passengers can bring three pieces of luggage plus one piece of hand luggage. Children can bring one piece of luggage and one piece of hand luggage in all travel classes. Each piece of luggage can be up to 85cm long at its widest point and should be clearly labelled. There are no restrictions on liquids, but there are some restrictions on alcohol.

For those travelling between Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and Germany, the allowance is one item of hand luggage and up to two additional items, each measuring a maximum of 75 x 53 x 30 cm.

For passengers with excess or oversized luggage (maximum height: 165cm x depth: 57cm x width: 135cm), a dedicated space must be booked in advance by emailing the Eurostar Travel Services team. This service is currently only available on selected trains between London and Paris, and London and Brussels.

Eurostar check-in process

Eurostar offers a direct train from London to Lille, France, where passengers can then transfer to a local TGV train to reach Disneyland Paris. This option is simple, quick, and comfortable. The fastest train journey between London and Disneyland Paris takes 2 hours and 59 minutes.

Check-in Process

The Eurostar check-in process involves the following steps:

Arrival at the Station

Passengers are advised to arrive at the station early, allowing ample time to complete border and luggage checks before departure. The recommended arrival time can be found on the ticket. It is important to note that these timings are just for guidance and may change. Therefore, it is suggested to download the ticket beforehand to check the most up-to-date arrival time.

Check-in Time

The check-in time may vary depending on the travel class and the city of departure. For instance, for those travelling from London St Pancras International, the Eurostar website recommends checking in 30 minutes prior to departure. However, some travellers suggest arriving 45-50 minutes early to comfortably navigate the check-in process and explore the station.

Documentation

Passengers are required to carry a valid passport or national identity card. Children under four years old do not need a ticket but will still need their passports. It is important to note that EU, EEA, and Swiss national identity cards are no longer accepted as travel documents to enter the UK as of 1 October 2021, and a passport is now mandatory. Non-EU passengers are responsible for checking visa requirements before purchasing tickets.

Ticket Collection

If passengers have selected the \"collect-at-station\" ticket option, they should allow extra time in case there is a queue for ticket collection.

Luggage

Eurostar offers a generous luggage allowance. Passengers can bring two pieces of luggage up to 85cm long and one small piece of hand luggage with no extra charge. There are no weight restrictions, but passengers must ensure they can safely carry all their luggage.

Security and Border Control

Passengers will go through security and border control checks, which may include UK, French, Dutch, or Belgian customs, depending on the journey. These checks ensure a smooth departure and prevent delays.

Once passengers have completed the check-in process, they can explore the station, grab a quick bite, or relax with a cup of coffee before boarding their Eurostar train to begin their magical journey to Disneyland Paris.

Frequently asked questions