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Disney Adds New Mandatory Vehicle Requirement to Enter Theme Park

A bustling scene at Walt Disney Studios with a large crowd of people, some pushing strollers. The main building features Disney-themed decorations. Bright, sunny weather with a partly cloudy sky and lush greenery surrounds the area.
Credit: MyFrozenLife, Flickr

If you’re planning a magical trip to Disneyland Paris and intend to drive through France, you need to be aware of an important requirement: the Crit’ Air sticker.

This small, round decal categorizes your vehicle based on its emissions and is essential for navigating France’s increasing number of low-emission zones (known as ZFE zones). Here’s everything you need to know to ensure your trip to Disneyland Paris goes smoothly.

Snow-covered garlands form Mickey Mouse ears across a street in a Disney Park. Snow fall adds to the wintery atmosphere, while nearby buildings peek through the flurry.

Credit: Thomas Hitchen

What Is a Crit’ Air Sticker?

The Crit’ Air sticker (Air Quality Emissions Certificate) is a mandatory badge for vehicles traveling through specific areas in France. It was introduced to help lower emissions in cities and regions where air quality is a concern. By categorizing vehicles based on their emissions, the system encourages the use of cleaner cars and aims to reduce pollution.

A fairy tale castle with ornate spires and turrets stands behind decorative gates, hosting eager theme park goers. The scene unfolds under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds, creating a whimsical and magical atmosphere reminiscent of Disney World.

Credit: Thomas Domachowski, Flickr

There are six categories of Crit’ Air stickers, ranging from green for zero-emission vehicles to grey for older, higher-polluting diesel cars. Each vehicle is assigned a sticker based on its emissions level, which you can determine using your Vehicle Category and Euro Type Approval Classification listed in your registration documents.

Is a Crit’ Air Sticker Necessary for Disneyland Paris?

The image shows the main entrance of Disneyland Paris under a bright, clear sky. The building features ornate architecture with a sign reading "Disneyland Paris" and is decorated with gold-painted accents and floral arrangements. In the background is the Disneyland Railroad.

Credit: Disney

The good news for Disney fans is that Disneyland Paris itself is not located within a ZFE zone. However, depending on your route, you may need to pass through Paris or other restricted areas where a Crit’ Air sticker is mandatory. For instance, if you’re coming from the UK or another European country, you’ll likely drive through Paris or the Île-de-France region, which requires the sticker.

Given the potential fines of up to €135 for driving in these zones without a Crit’ Air sticker, it’s a wise decision to purchase one in advance. Planning your route carefully and obtaining the appropriate sticker ensures you won’t face unexpected delays or penalties.

If you are driving to Disneyland Paris in the near future, you can purchase the sticker here. 

Why Is the Crit’ Air Sticker Important?

A horse-drawn trolley travels down a bustling street in a theme park with a castle in the background. The street is lined with colorful buildings, and people are walking and enjoying the scenery. Two people are riding on the trolley, which has festive decorations.

Credit: Disneyland Paris

France has been expanding its low-emission zones to combat pollution, and by 2025, all towns with a population over 150,000 will be required to implement Low Emissions Mobility Zones. Current ZFE zones include major cities like Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Lille, and Toulouse.

Even if Disneyland Paris is your main destination, driving through these cities without a Crit’ Air sticker could lead to trouble. Heavy fines and the potential for restricted access to certain areas could disrupt your magical getaway.

Disneyland Paris During the Holidays

For many, visiting Disneyland Paris is a dream come true, especially during the holiday season. The resort comes alive with festive decorations, seasonal parades, and unique attractions. However, the holidays are also one of the busiest times of the year, with thousands of visitors flocking to the park daily.

Navigating crowded roads and busy parking areas at Disneyland Paris can already be stressful, so being unprepared with the necessary driving documentation, like a Crit’ Air sticker, could add unnecessary complications.

How to Get Your Crit’ Air Sticker

A vibrant amusement ride featuring a Dumbo the Flying Elephant character is seen in motion. The elephant is gray with blue eyes, wearing a pink hat and collar. A whimsical castle is visible in the background, enhancing the magical atmosphere of the scene.

Credit: Disneyland Paris

Obtaining a Crit’ Air sticker is straightforward but requires advance planning:

  1. Order Online: Purchase your sticker through the official French government website. Avoid third-party sellers who may charge inflated prices or provide fraudulent stickers.
  2. Cost: The sticker costs €3.11 plus €1.65 for international postage, totaling less than €5.
  3. Timing: It can take anywhere from 10 days to six weeks for your sticker to arrive, so order well in advance of your trip.

Remember, you cannot purchase Crit’ Air stickers at Eurotunnel or in France for UK-registered vehicles, so it’s vital to handle this task before leaving home.

Tips for Driving to Disneyland Paris

  1. Plan Your Route: Avoid ZFE zones if you don’t have the appropriate Crit’ Air sticker.
  2. Display the Sticker Correctly: Place it on the lower right-hand side of your windscreen to ensure visibility.
  3. Check for Updates: Regulations for low-emission zones are frequently updated, so double-check your route closer to your travel date.
  4. Include It in Your Checklist: Alongside your passports, park tickets, and luggage, make the Crit’ Air sticker a priority in your travel plans.

Why Visit Disneyland Paris?

Mickey Mouse in Mickey and the Magician

Credit: Disney

Disneyland Paris is Europe’s most visited theme park, offering unforgettable experiences for families, couples, and Disney enthusiasts. The resort boasts two parks: Disneyland Park, featuring iconic attractions like Sleeping Beauty Castle and Space Mountain, and Walt Disney Studios Park (soon to be Disney Adventure World), home to thrilling rides and lands such as  Avengers Campus and Ratatouille: The Adventure.

From magical parades and character meet-and-greets to breathtaking evening fireworks displays, Disneyland Paris delivers the enchantment Disney fans expect. However, ensuring your trip is seamless requires careful planning, especially if you’re driving.

Driving to Disneyland Paris offers flexibility and convenience, but it also comes with responsibilities, like obtaining the Crit’ Air sticker for low-emission zones. Preparing ahead will help you avoid fines and disruptions, allowing you to focus on enjoying the magic of Disneyland Paris.

Make your Disney dreams come true without the stress—secure your Crit’ Air sticker, plan your route, and let the adventure begin.

About Alessia Dunn

Orlando theme park lover who loves thrills and theming, with a side of entertainment. You can often catch me at Disney or Universal sipping a cocktail, or crying during Happily Ever After or Fantasmic.

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