New Train Operators Could Soon Rival Eurostar Changing How UK Families Reach Disneyland Paris
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Eurostar’s €2 billion investment in new double-decker trains is part of a much bigger story. Several rival rail operators are now preparing to run their own services through the Channel Tunnel. The change could soon give you more travel choices from the UK to Disneyland Pairs.
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The End of Eurostar’s Monopoly
For years, Eurostar has been the only passenger train operator allowed through the Channel Tunnel. This means that anyone wanting to travel to Disneyland Paris by train had to use their service. This may be about to change.
According to recent reports, the UK rail regulator is reviewing access rights to the Temple Mills Depot in London, which has long been Eurostar’s exclusive maintenance base. Opening it up to competitors is a key step in allowing other companies to operate cross-Channel routes.
Italian rail group FS Group, in partnership with Spanish company Evolyn, has already announced plans for a London-Paris high speed service by 2029. Commenting on the service UK visitors will be able to expect, the FS Group said:
"the Group will be able to offer travellers a greater range of products, an increasingly high-quality service and simplified ticketing, taking advantage of an already well-known brand."
While nothing is confirmed and checks are needed to check the viability of the line for the high-speed service, a change is on the cards.
A Change Is Likely
The Office of Rail and Road (ORR), who govern access to Temple Mills, confirmed that assessments have been made for a new provider to join Eurostar in providing services to the UK. This is a huge step towards a competitive market that could see costs decrease and capacity increase.
Martin Jones, deputy director, access and international said:
"The growing appetite to provide international rail services is great news for passengers. We now need operators to set out more detail on their proposals at pace, and will work quickly and as thoroughly as possible to determine the best use of capacity at Temple Mills."
Other Interested Parties
Virgin Group has also confirmed it is exploring potential cross-Channel operations. This competitor offer is very interesting for UK travellers, as Virgin is reportedly looking to offer services from Manchester and Birmingham direct to Europe as part of it’s proposal.
Metro are reporting that the bid by Virgin is “the first significant challenge to Eurostar’s dominance of the Channel Tunnel since it began operating in 1994.”
What It Means for Travelling to Disneyland Paris
At present, Eurostar runs limited direct services from London St Pancras to Marne-al-Valle-Chessy, the station right outside Disneyland Paris. Since 5th June 2023, Eurostar have not operated a direct route to the park, and all travel involves a change at either Lille or Paris.
If more operators join the market this will change the landscape of train travel to Disneyland Paris. The benefits of taking the train may outweigh those of the ferry or boat, and Disneyland trippers from the UK could get:
More direct trains to Disneyland Paris
Lower fares
New departure points beyond London St Pancras
A wider choice of travel times during school holidays
If you’re used to paying hundreds for Eurostar peak-season tickets, this shift could bring welcome relief. More competition usually means better value and improved flexibility which is ideal for UK families planning multi-day Disneyland Paris holidays on a budget.
Magic In A Minute
Rival rail companies are lining up to cross the Channel, meaning your future trip to Disneyland Paris by train could soon be changing for the better, saving you money on the cost of travel from the UK.