Day 2 on our 2021 trip to Disneyland Paris, and in today’s post we will discuss what Disneyland Paris is like in October 2021. Disneyland Paris has spent the last few months slowly reopening and is starting to resume more normal service. Inevitably a more normal service also includes larger crowds.
Before we talk about the changes at the resort over recent weeks, our day started with a mishap by Mrs. Modernlifeisgood.com. From yesterday’s post, you might recollect that Mrs. Moderlifeisgood.com wasn’t too happy with my forgotten tube of toothpaste being picked up by airport security or Mss Modernlifeisgood.com sleeping in and almost missing our flight. Apparently, she never causes delays when we are on vacation. Clearly, she has a selective memory forgetting holiday highlights such as losing her tickets to Universal Orlando. As she is concerned over our competence, she has taken charge of all room keys and passes. However, this morning she forgot the passes resulting in us being locked out of our bedroom! Thanks to the helpful hotel staff, we were allowed back in, but the events slightly delayed our breakfast.
Over the last few weeks, Disneyland Paris has started to remove elements of social distancing. However, you do still need a Health Pass to enter the resort. The majority of hotels and restaurants are now open, but a few have openings planned over the coming months.
What Disneyland Paris is like in October 2021
- Crowds are still slightly reduced but are getting closer to normal levels. Unless you are staying at a Disney Resort Hotel, you will need to register your visit in advance. Advance registrations are also essential for Annual Pass holders who can only register three dates at any one time.
- Masks remain compulsory throughout the resort. The majority of guests do follow this rule, but inevitably some guests don’t comply. We have only seen mask-wearing being enforced by cast members around buffets.
- Social distancing has ended on attractions and in lines. However, the majority of perspex screens are still in place.
- Shows have started to return to Disneyland Paris. This weekend saw the return of both Frozen and Lion King shows.
- Characters are out but continue to only meet from a socially distanced position. Disney is calling these Character Selfie Spots.
- A short Halloween Parade has returned this week. Announcements have been made for the return of full parades and fireworks over the coming months.
- FastPass isn’t returning. In its place is a new system called Premier Access in which guests pay for a FastPass equivalent for individual rides. It is costly and is considerably less appealing than Disney Genie+ at Walt Disney World. It will be interesting to see whether Disney continues long-term with Premier Access as currently, there are not many guests using it.
- Walt Disney Studios is a massive building site. However, the new Marvel area will open next year. The next few years are going to be very exciting for the park.
- Walt Disney Studios isn’t the only building site at Disneyland Paris. Extensive work is happening at Disneyland Hotel, in Discoveryland, at the entrance to the park, and to Sleeping Beauty’s Castle.
- Disneyland Paris remains tremendous fun! Not everything is the same, and some things are not as good as previously, but the fun hasn’t been reduced.
“And finally,” Little Miss Modernlifeisgood thought she had a guaranteed way to be picked as the rebel spy on Star Tours. She has been researching how to achieve this online. Unfortunately, despite her interesting pose, they didn’t pick her.

Our day was full-on, visiting both Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios from opening until closing. Check back again tomorrow for our latest update.
Leave a Reply