We spent two nights in the Île-de-France region, which is where you’ll find Disneyland Paris. Originally, we had booked the Newport Bay Hotel on Disney property, but after reading reviews of several on-site Disney hotels, we decided to stay outside the Disney bubble instead.
This post is my honest review of Hotel L’Elysees Val d’Europe, a popular Disneyland Paris area hotel, written from the perspective of an American mom traveling with kids.
This review is not sponsored (we paid to stay with our own money), but I may make a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you purchase or make a hotel reservation through my links. Thank you for supporting my small business!
Why We Chose Hotel L’Elysees Val d’Europe Near Disneyland Paris
Hotel L’Elysees Val d’Europe is located just outside Disneyland Paris, making it a great option if you want easy park access without staying on Disney property. It’s especially appealing for families like ours who want more space and real-world conveniences (like restaurants) nearby.
What we liked about Hotel L’Elysees Val d’Europe
Outside the Disney Bubble (In a Good Way)
After long park days, it was nice to come back to a hotel that didn’t feel overstimulating. If you’ve done Disney trips before, you know how refreshing this can be.
Walkable to Shopping and Restaurants
The hotel is directly across the street from a large mall with restaurants and shops. I actually ran over there to buy a cheap umbrella stroller to use in the parks, which was incredibly convenient.
Easy Transportation to Disneyland Paris
- Free shuttle bus to Disneyland Paris (very convenient when it runs – more on that below)
- Only one train stop from Disneyland Paris, making the commute fast and simple
- Many guests seemed to be using the train for Disneyland Paris, the Val d’Europe mall, or the nearby luxury outlets
Family-Friendly Amenities
- Water refill stations throughout the hotel (bring your water bottles)
- Umbrellas available to borrow on rainy days
- Breakfast buffet was a highlight: lots of options, great quality, and very kid-friendly
- Large room that comfortably fit our family of five
- A real crib was brought to our room for our youngest (not a pack ’n play, which was a big win for us)
You can check this hotel’s current reviews on Tripadvisor here >>
Transportation Note: Train vs. Shuttle Bus
Hotel L’Elysees Val d’Europe is just one train stop from Disneyland Paris, which made getting to and from the parks very easy. While the shuttle bus was convenient, we ended up relying on the train more than expected.
If you’re planning nap breaks or midday hotel returns, the train is the more reliable option.
If you’re interested in information about Disneyland Paris, especially compared to Disney World in Florida (USA), I have a whole post breaking down what I thought about our time in the park!
What you should know before you go
Bathtub Access
The bathtub had a large step up, which was difficult for our younger kids. If you’re traveling with toddlers or anyone with mobility concerns, this is something to keep in mind.
The “Town” Is Purpose-Built for Disney
Val d’Europe isn’t a traditional French town. It exists largely because of Disneyland Paris. Most people we saw were either:
- Visiting Disneyland Paris
- Shopping at the Val d’Europe mall or next door luxury outlets
That said, it felt clean, safe, and very easy to navigate as an American traveler.
Shuttle Bus Schedule Gaps
The shuttle bus does not run continuously. There was a large gap from about 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, which made nap time tricky for our youngest.
We ended up skipping hotel naps those two days and relying on stroller naps instead. We used the Ergobaby Metro+ stroller, which I highly recommend for Disneyland Paris and travel in general. (Read my travel stroller comparisons post here!)
Disneyland Paris hotel room for family of 5
We booked a Junior Suite at Hotel L’Elysees Val d’Europe, and it worked perfectly for us. The room included:
- One queen bed
- Two pull-out twin beds (hidden in chairs)
- A desk and chair
- A real crib upon request
The layout gave us enough space to function comfortably without feeling cramped, which is rare when traveling in Europe with kids.
Is Hotel L’Elysees Val d’Europe a Good Disneyland Paris Hotel?
For families looking for a Disneyland Paris hotel that’s affordable, spacious, and convenient, Hotel L’Elysees Val d’Europe is a strong option — especially if you don’t mind staying just outside Disney property.
If you’re interested in how Disneyland Paris compares to Walt Disney World in Florida, I have a full post breaking down our experience in the parks from an American perspective. (Spoiler: Disneyland Paris is a very different place from Disney World Orlando!)
Video recap of our Disneyland Paris hotel stay
I also shared a short video recap of our stay at Hotel L’Elysees Val d’Europe on my YouTube channel. If you prefer seeing the room, breakfast, and location on video, you can watch it here:
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