If you’re packing for a Disneyland Paris vacation and planning to hit the hotel pool, you might be wondering: is there a dress code? Swimwear rules in France can be surprisingly strict compared to what many international travelers are used to, particularly when it comes to public swimming pools. But when it comes to Disney hotels, the guidelines are a bit more relaxed—though not entirely without structure.
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A recent post on Reddit raised exactly this concern. The traveler, who typically wears a rash guard top with bikini bottoms due to medical reasons, asked whether this kind of swimwear would be accepted at the Disneyland Paris hotel pools.
Private Pools vs. Public Policies
France is known for its tight swimwear regulations in municipal and public pools. These rules often stem from hygiene codes: for example, baggy board shorts are typically banned, and men are often required to wear snug-fitting swim briefs. Full-body swimsuits such as burkinis have also been prohibited in many areas under the guise of hygiene, though these policies have stirred legal and cultural controversy.
But here’s the key distinction: Disney hotels operate private pools, and that gives them more freedom in what they allow guests to wear.
What Guests Are Saying
One helpful Redditor responded with firsthand experience, saying they wore a rash guard top with no issue at one of the Disneyland Paris resort pools. According to their account, Disney’s concern is less about modesty and more about practicality.
“The only time they might say something is if your top is see-through or not clearly made for swimming,” they wrote. “It’s a family resort—so modesty is appreciated, but no one’s going to enforce French public pool rules.”
They also noted the irony in applying the word “modest” to French swimwear: “Some of the French swimwear would draw crowds elsewhere.” French men, for instance, are expected to wear speedo-style suits in many public pools, while oversized or casual swimwear is often frowned upon.
What French Law Actually Says
Contrary to popular belief, France doesn’t have a national law specifying swimwear styles, but many municipal pools have adopted localized policies banning certain garments. The most controversial of these is the ban on burkinis, which France’s Council of State upheld in recent years. While authorities argue these policies are about hygiene, critics claim they disproportionately affect Muslim women and infringe on religious freedom.
None of these public mandates apply to private pools like those at Disney, but the confusion is understandable for foreign guests.
Staying at Disneyland Paris? Here’s What to Bring
If you’re staying at one of the Disneyland Paris hotels—including Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel, which is currently redirecting guests to other resort pools during pool renovations—you can generally wear any type of swimwear as long as it’s:
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Made from proper swim fabric (no cotton shirts or athletic wear)
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Reasonably fitted and not bulky
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Not transparent when wet
Rash guards, modest swimsuits, swim leggings, and other alternatives are typically fine. The pool staff are mostly concerned with hygiene and safety—so avoid wearing anything that could interfere with filtration systems or make movement difficult in the water.
While France has its quirks when it comes to swimwear, Disneyland Paris hotel pools are traveler-friendly and do not enforce the stricter standards seen in public aquatic centers. So go ahead and pack your swimwear top, rash guard, or modest suit—just make sure it’s made for swimming, and you should be good to go.
As always, if you’re unsure, asking at the hotel front desk is never a bad idea. Better safe than packing twice.
