After closing for renovations in 2020, the five-star Disneyland Hotel at Disneyland Paris is finally set to reopen its doors on Jan. 25, 2024. While the doors were shut, it underwent a major new royal transformation. TPG just got a special first look inside in advance of the reopening next month.
The Disneyland Hotel sits at the entrance to Disneyland Paris. The hotel originally opened in 1992 for the resort’s grand opening. As the park’s only five-star hotel, it has long been the crown jewel of Disneyland Paris’ seven hotels thanks to its breathtaking views of Sleeping Beauty Castle and the Fantasia Gardens, easy park access and fully immersive Disney experience.
Over the last few years, the Walt Disney Imagineering team has been working solidly on the hotel’s new royal reinvention — meticulously redesigning and refurbishing every inch of the hotel, from its grand lobby to its luxury rooms and suites.
“This marks a new chapter for Disneyland Paris, as we continue to be one of the leaders of the European tourism industry with our unique blend of immersive storytelling and world-class hospitality,” said Natacha Rafalski, president of Disneyland Paris. “We are thrilled to unveil the newly reimagined Disneyland Hotel, a one-of-a-kind five-star property celebrating Disney’s beloved royalty and storytelling. Our commitment to innovation and unparalleled guest experiences remains unwavering, and we look forward to welcoming guests to one of the most immersive hotels in Europe.”
Here’s everything you need to know about the coming reopening of the Disneyland Hotel.
When does the Disneyland Hotel in Paris open, and how much will it cost to stay?
The Disneyland Hotel will officially reopen on Jan. 25, 2024, and is the closest hotel to the two parks (Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park) at Disneyland Paris.
Guests staying at the hotel receive early access to the Disney parks each day, as well as a fully immersive royal Disney experience within the hotel itself.
The good news is the hotel is close to reopening, but the bad news is it is quite expensive. Room rates start around $1,450 per night for a superior room (two guests), $1,750 for a superior family room, $1,920 for deluxe rooms, $2,400 for a Castle Club room with a view of the park and $3,700 for a signature suite.
It’s a Disney first
It may come as a surprise, but this is the first five-star Disney hotel to go all-in on Disney royalty as its theme to offer a singular, immersive experience. It pays homage to both Disney royal stories and iconic European landmarks such as Le Chateau de Versailles and Neuschwanstein Castle.
From “Cinderella,” “Frozen” and “The Sword in the Stone” to “The Princess and the Frog” and “Moana,” references to Disney princes and princesses are on display from the moment you step inside the hotel’s Victorian facade.
The magic begins as you walk into the lobby
Stepping inside the hotel’s new regal-themed lobby, your eyes are immediately drawn to the huge chandelier. Composed of bohemia crystal, the chandelier is almost 20 feet tall, 13 feet wide and 136 feet long; it’s decorated with crystal cut into the shape of stars and snowdrops around its centerpiece, which depicts the iconic castle from “Sleeping Beauty.”
The chandelier punctuates a backdrop of ivory and gold tones around a wood and marble mezzanine. It’s flanked by 15 display cases showcasing books and parchments depicting royal Disney stories.
Upon entering the lobby, guests will receive their very own fairy-tale welcome from a designated Disney Royal Greeter; the welcome will be accompanied by surprise singalongs and storytelling from the comedic duo La Troupe Royale Disney and other iconic characters such as Cinderella and Rapunzel.
Your immersion in Disney lore doesn’t end at the lobby. Carefully trained Disney cast members selected from across the resort and further afield will be scattered throughout the hotel. In addition to your Royal Greeter, you’ll encounter storykeepers who will walk guests through hidden gems of the hotel and spur on group singalongs, story sessions and interactive scenes that take place daily throughout the hotel.
It’s smaller than other Disneyland Paris hotels but still sprawling
Adding to its feeling of exclusivity, the hotel is smaller than some of the other properties at the park. Don’t let that fool you — it’s still a sprawling labyrinth of a hotel composed of 487 rooms and suites. (There are 346 superior rooms, 82 deluxe rooms, 41 Castle Club rooms, 16 signature suites, one Princely Suite and one Royal Suite.)
Alongside the expected luxury amenities, each room contains artwork and Disney references, ranging from the subtle — signature Disney items like Aladdin’s lamp hidden in the carpet — to the overt and deliciously in-your-face — such as a full-size Madame de Garderobe used as the door to your bathroom in the Beauty and the Beast Signature Suite. Each room has been designed by the Disney Imagineering team alongside local and historical Disney supplier Atelier Bournillat.
One of the rooms’ most notable touches is the effort to hide modern technology. This avoids breaking the illusion of being inside a real-life Disney castle. TVs are hidden behind functioning mirrors, and Disney artwork and coffee machines are obscured inside oversized jewelry boxes, giving each room an antiquated (in a good way) but magically royal vibe.
You can book suites inspired by your favorite Disney princess
The most premium rooms available are the hotel’s 16 signature suites, plus a Princely Suite and a Royal Suite. The suites are within the Castle Club area of the hotel on the top two floors. This area is billed by Disney as a “hotel within the hotel,” providing a personalized and more elevated luxury offering.
Each suite offers a highly immersive experience with unique design elements inspired by Disney royal classics, plus deluxe products and amenities such as walk-in closets and huge spa bathtubs. Perhaps most exciting, each suite is inspired by a particular Disney princess.
Alongside each room’s luxury amenities, guests staying in these suites have access to a private elevator, a dedicated check-in area and the Castle Club Lounge, which includes daily breakfast with Disney Princess characters.
The styling of the suites breaks down as follows:
Cinderella Signature Suites
Spanning up to 295 square feet, these suites have a cute powdered color palette (think: soft pinks, blue and ivory). Scattered throughout the room, you’ll find various references to the original animation, including Cinderella’s ballgown and her iconic glass slipper, which lights up beside the bed.
Rapunzel Signature Suites
These suites measure up to about 200 square feet and have a warm color palette and wooden elements accentuated by subtle hints of purple. The room has been meticulously crafted to match the design of “Tangled.” Key features include stunning wall illustrations and various references to the sundrop flower.
Beauty and the Beast Signature Suites
Covering up to 295 square feet, these suites place you within the Beast’s castle and are littered with various references to the famed animation; references include light fittings that nod to Lumiere and a bathroom door carefully disguised as the wardrobe. Flanking the bed, you’ll also find oversized depictions of the Beast’s Enchanted Rose, which double as bedroom lighting.
Frozen Signature Suites
Inspired by “Frozen,” one of the most popular modern Disney films, this is a pretty great representation of Arendelle.
Spread across 295 square feet, the suites come with unique triangular stained-glass windows featuring an iconic “Frozen” snowflake. A TV is hidden behind a portrait of Anna and Elsa, allowing you to separate and rejoin the two characters at your whim. Other elements reference the crocus flower.
Sleeping Beauty Signature Suites
In keeping with the original animation, these 295-square-foot suites carry a medieval theme with stone walls, columns, arches and wooden finishes across elegant, royal reds and blues. Standout references include Aurora’s dressing table and her dress, which is on display beside the bed and changes color of its own volition.
Princely Suite
Another “Beauty and the Beast”-inspired suite, this time directly inspired by the live-action depiction starring Emma Watson, this sprawling suite is 3,661 square feet and features lavish baroque-style decor. Its lounge references the ballroom and features chandeliers and a grand fireplace.
Royal Suite
The largest suite on offer —…