You will now have to pay an extra 21 or 24 euros per person to be in the best position during this show that was once free for all.
Like every year, the Christmas parade at Disneyland Paris is a highlight for visitors to the park. A grandiose spectacle with imposing floats, the emblematic characters of the Disney universe, all dressed in costumes in the colors of the Christmas holidays, accompanied by sparkling lights which will amaze young and old alike. However, Christmas 2024 may have a touch of greed at home. Indeed, the parade – which was traditionally part of the experience – requires from November 9, 2024 and until January 6, 2025, an additional €21 to have so-called privileged places. News that may displease many visitors, who often come with family.
The magic of the holidays?
In the past, to admire the spectacular Disneyland Paris Christmas show, visitors simply stood along the parade route. The park has now set up a paid “reserved area” around two stages facing the castle, providing the best views for the Christmas parade. Of course, it is still possible to enjoy the parade for free, but the locations offering an optimal view of the parade are now offered at an additional cost, for a price which already increases the price of entry tickets to the park.
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Spectators wishing to see the parade without waiting will have to pay an additional 21 euros per person for 20 minutes of show during the day. All you need to do is be present at Central Plaza when the parade begins. In the evening, the price increases for the night version of the parade, with reservations starting from 24 euros. This information, available on the park website, has not gone unnoticed on social networks. “ He should remove Mickey as the main mascot and put Scrooge there. », writes Laura on Facebook. Lily, another author of a post on Facebook, is annoyed by this excessive capitalization of the park. It’s really a big joke ? Pay to be in front of the castle? It’s really shameful ».
Price increase
Following this outcry of criticism, the Disneyland park justified itself in a press release: “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 euros per person (no discount available) »specifies the amusement park to succeed in getting out of this bad press.
Beyond the paid Christmas parade, the Disney experience has a significant cost: the journey to the park, parking, the price of the ticket, not to mention meals at the restaurant and souvenirs purchased in stores. These protests emerge in a context of constant increases in access prices to Disneyland Paris. In 2019, the Discovery Annual Pass cost €179 for unlimited access to both parks 150 days a year. In 2024, the most affordable Pass, the Bronze, is now €289 for access to the two parks for 170 days per year. The price of the day ticket for a single park is now €105 per person, while access to both parks is offered at €130.“It’s a money pump. It’s distressing”deplores Aya on Facebook. In 2023, Disneyland Paris will welcome more than 10 million visitors, an increase of 4.7% in one year. The Christmas season continues until January 6, 2025.
