Disneyland Paris or Parc Astérix: which theme park should you visit?

Robin McKelvie

When you tell someone you're heading to a theme park on the outskirts of Paris, they presume it must be Disneyland Paris. But, and it's a huge but, there is a homegrown French theme park alternative in the form of Parc Astérix.

Sleeping Beauty Castle, Disneyland Paris © Toni Pomar - Unsplash

Based on the books by Albert Uderzo and Ren´ Goscinny, the Parc Asté opened in 1989 and is a real rite of passage for French kids, but many people outside of France haven't even heard of it, and if they have, they have no idea what it offers.

I've taken my kids to both for two-night stays, so we've got insider knowledge on their respective merits. Settle in now as we stack Parc Astérix up against its much larger, slightly younger (by three years) sibling, Disneyland Paris.

Mickey versus Astérix

The world's most famous mouse is a global icon who bewitches kids from London to Lima. At Disneyland Paris, Mickey Mouse and his pals are everywhere and need no introduction. It's an iconic moment at Disneyland Paris^* when wee ones finally get to meet Mickey for a photo to cherish.

But who has heard of Astérix and his merry band of Gauls? The answer, it turns out, is most kids; I thought I'd have to introduce my two daughters, but they knew all about them, and it added a slice of Gallic magic to our visit.

That said, for the sheer Disney dynamic, mighty Mickey does steal the show for those who don't live in France, so it's a win for Disney here.

Disneyland Paris consists of two parks: Disneyland Park^* and Walt Disney Studios Park^*. From April 2026, Walt Disney Studios Park will become the much-expanded and anticipated Disney Adventure World^*.

For the youngest members of the family

Both theme parks originally kicked off trying to draw in younger kids, and despite the push for ever bigger rides, thrills and film tie-ins, both parks still do a great job of catering for youngsters.

Both sport myriad slower rides, boat trips and characters to interact with, plus shows. Bear in mind that the latter tend to be in French at Parc Astérix. Given that both parks do a brilliant job of putting smiles on the littlest of faces, it's a score draw here.

The BIG rides

There's a swirl of adrenaline-pumping rides at Disney, with over 50 to choose from. There's the watery fun of Pirates of the Caribbean^* and fellow movie-themed thrills with Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain^* and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril^*.

Goudurix rollercoaster, Parc Astérix © PlanetEarthPictures - Adobe Stock Image

When I visited Parc Astérix^*, I expected its rides to pale in comparison, but they perform well. Expect watery thrills such as the Menhir Express^*, while on land, there's the Goudurix^*, a seven-loop, bone-shaking rollercoaster, and Toutatis^*, which is France's fastest attraction, reaching speeds up to 68 mph (110 km/ph).

So, for variety and move tie-ins, it's a win for Disneyland Paris, while Parc Astérix takes the prize for the fastest ride in France.

Food & snacks

Theme parks don't always have the best reputation when it comes to food, but you can eat well at both Disneyland Paris and Parc Astérix.

The dining options at Disneyland Paris are staggeringly varied. You can eat in diners, grills and food trucks, plus concessions like Five Guys. Being more authentically French at Parc Astérix, my kids loved grabbing a spot-on crepe all around the park.

The hotel buffet restaurant food was good too, with healthy salads alongside French dishes. Our top pick was the Restaurant du Lac. The wild boar three ways (sausage, kebab and chop) is delicious, best washed down with an ice cold draught Kronenbourg.

Parc Astérix makes a big deal of sourcing its meats and produce locally, so for food it's Disneyland Paris for choice; Parc Astérix for a more authentic taste of France.

Accommodation

Disneyland Paris rushes to the front of the line here with seven hotels to choose from. We've stayed at the five-star Disneyland Hotel^*, which is brilliant for kids craving the classic Disney magic. There is also a Marvel-themed four-star hotel, then it sweeps down to three-star options and self-catering cabins.

Over in Parc Astérix^*, there's less choice with a couple of four-star hotels and a three-star hotel. That isn't the whole story, as two offer an experience where it doesn't feel like you're in a theme park. Les Quais de Lutèce^* is set around a snaking waterway, a spectacular faux historic village that has attracted film producers.

Inside a hanging wooden villa at La Cité Suspendue © Sylvain Cambon - courtesy of Parc Astérix

We loved La Cité Suspendue^* and would stay there even if there wasn't a theme park attached. The wooden villas hang high in the trees, and you make your way around on suspended wooden walkways. Relaxing on the balcony with birds chirping away in the trees is bliss.

So, for serious big ticket luxury, I would go for Disneyland Paris; for something charmingly different, it's Parc Astérix.

Value for money

In these cash-strapped times, money comes into any holiday. They are very different parks, with different places to stay, rides, and setups, so a like-for-like comparison is tricky.

Honing it down to an example package, a May 2026 stay for a family of four at Parc Astérix starts from £655 per family for two nights, including three-star accommodation, breakfasts and park tickets for two days.

Meet Mickey and Minnie at Disneyland Paris © Diana - Flickr CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

At Disneyland Paris, a similar grade of hotel, the three-star Disney Davy Crockett Ranch (excluding breakfast), costs from £1,417.66. It's worth noting, however, that this includes entry to both of the parks at Disneyland Paris for three days, rather than two at Parc Astérix.

We found prices within the parks fairly similar, so on the face of it, Parc Astérix is more affordable, so it's a win for the French contender.

What's new?

One of the biggest changes to occur at Disneyland Paris is the complete revamping and renaming of Walt Disney Studios Park, which is set to fully re-open on 29 March 2026 as Disney Adventure World, although parts are already open to the public.

These include a new Marvel-themed area, Avengers Campus^*, and new stage show, Together: A Pixar Musical Adventure^* with favourites from the likes of Toy Story and Finding Nemo. Plus, the unforgettable Disney Tales of Magic^* evening extravaganza of lights and drones.

Brand new from 29 March, you'll find the expansion includes themed gardens, new seasonal entertainment and 14 new dining locations, including The Regal View Restaurant & Lounge^*.

Then there are the headline new attractions: World of Frozen, including a lifesize Kingdom of Arendelle with family shows, restaurants and Elsa's Ice Palace, while Raiponce Tangled^* will offer gondola rides beneath a sky filled with floating lanterns. Don't miss the chance to watch Disney Cascade of Lights across the lake from the Regal View Restaurant.

Parc Astérix is not a place to stand on its hard-won laurels either. The family-friendly, spinning Cétautomatix^* launched in August 2025. This year also marks the return of the fireworks display during Gaul Summer, but with a brand new, modern twist featuring fountains, drones and lasers. Speaking to management, there is talk of new hotels in the pipeline, too.

And so, the verdict. Considering that many people have not even heard of Parc Astérix, this homegrown French theme park really does stack up as a great alternative for a family holiday. Meanwhile, over in Disneyland Paris, Disney does what it does extremely well, too.

The good news for all the family is that neither disappoints. If you've already visited one, why not try the other next time? Then you get the best of both theme park worlds.

Climate in Paris

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Maximum daytime temperature °C	6	7	10	14	18	21	24	23	20	15	10	6
Hours of sunshine (daily)	2	3	4	6	7	7	8	7	6	4	3	2
Days with some rainfall	17	14	16	15	16	13	11	12	12	14	16	16

The above guide shows the climate in Paris. Find out more about conditions across the country in our complete guide to the climate in France.

Decided which theme park you're visiting first? Check out the latest deals on tickets and packages with Disneyland Paris as well as with Parc Astérix to compare prices and book your family escape.

More about Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris by month

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Robin McKelvie

Robin McKelvie is a Scottish travel writer, author and broadcaster. He has visited over 100 countries and regularly writes about Scotland and the Canary Islands. As well as frequently contributing to Weather2Travel.com, Robin writes for publications including The Telegraph, The Independent, The Guardian, The Times and Wanderlust, and has authored more than 30 guidebooks.

Posted in: Europe Excursions Family

Be inspired

Get your weekly fix of holiday inspiration from some of the world's best travel writers plus save on your next trip with the latest exclusive offers

We promise not to share your details

Back to Travel inspiration Top ^

France - quick facts
Flight time^✝	1.5 to 2.5 hours
Time difference	UK +1 hour
Language(s)	French
Currency	Euro
Electricity	C + E plug (230V)
Driving side	Right

Latest Disneyland Paris offers
Disneyland Paris: 15% deposits on holidays	Sale
Disneyland Paris: Hotel+ticket package deals	Sale
Disneyland Paris: Day tickets from £52	Sale
Disneyland Paris: Latest special offers & online deals	Sale