It's a decision that obviously provokes reactions… Disneyland Paris park launched its Christmas season on Saturday, November 9. On the program, sparkling paths, the majestic fir tree at the entrance and, of course, the great Christmas parade through the park and at the foot of Sleeping Beauty Castle.
Usually, the best places to see Mickey and his friends parade are at the enormous roundabout located in front of the castle. Until now, to benefit, it was first come first served. Not this year… “ Disneyland Paris makes a controversial choice for the Christmas parade! This year, half of the Central Plaza hub is privatized and accessible only for €21 per person! », Notes the Dlp Pass Infinity Tours Facebook page.
From 21 euros per person
This option, which therefore guarantees visitors a breathtaking view of this very popular parade, is available on the Disneyland Paris mobile application. “ It constitutes an additional option for visitors wishing to further personalize their experience within the destination. The parade remains freely accessible with your Disneyland Park entrance ticket. The price is from 21€ per person (no reduction available) », Specifies the park.
« This disrupts the habits of visitors accustomed to sitting freely to admire Christmas shows. Is magic becoming divided between those who can pay and those who cannot? », asks Dlp Pass Infinity Tours. She's not the only one. Disney Notre Passion, another Facebook page, wonders if it will not one day be necessary “ pay for each attraction ».
If we understand that Disneyland sees this as an opportunity to increase its margins and bring a little order to the happy mess that precedes the parade, this novelty is causing a lot of reaction from fans of the park. “ He should remove Mickey as the main mascot and put Scrooge there. », wrote Laura on Facebook. “ Is this really a big joke? Pay to be in front of the castle? It's really shameful », s’agace Lily.
« Soon we will have to pay for the toilets too », adds Mégane. “ At the same time, if there are people who pay, why would they stop? No one goes into the VIP areas and they will remove them but when you see the number of people who are there, why would they deprive themselves of it? », asks Marie.
More than 10 million visitors in 2023
These protest messages come after years of rising prices for access to Disneyland Paris. In 2019, the Discovery Annual Pass cost €179 for unlimited access to both parks 150 days a year. In 2024, the cheapest Pass, the Bronze, now costs €289 for access to the two parks 170 days/year.
« Money pump. It's distressing. Because of all this, my children will never have the chance to enjoy Disney like me and my husband did for yearsregrets Aya. It's a sadness. Disneyland, it's beautiful, it's magical but it's in no way worth the prices they charge from parking to restaurants to souvenir shops. »
More than 10 million visitors walked the aisles of Disneyland Paris in 2023, up 4.7% in one year. The magic of Christmas continues until January 6, 2025.
