Disneyland Paris Made Easy: 1- and 2-Day Plans for Families
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Disneyland Paris is one of those magical places where you can pack a ton into a single day or stretch it out over two for a more relaxed, immersive experience. Whether you’re squeezing Disney into a larger European adventure or planning a dedicated trip, here’s how I’d recommend making the most of your time.
1-Day Disneyland Paris Itinerary
Morning: Start Early at Disneyland Park
Arrive at rope drop (or use Extra Magic Time if staying at a Disney hotel).
Head straight to the most popular rides before lines build:
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (so much better here than in the U.S.!)
Peter Pan’s Flight (always a long wait)
Grab a quick breakfast pastry on Main Street (croissants taste so much better at Disney in France).
Late Morning: Explore Fantasyland & Adventureland
Ride It’s a Small World with its European flair.
Check out Phantom Manor (Paris’ unique spin on Haunted Mansion).
Walk through Sleeping Beauty Castle and visit the dragon lurking underneath. It’s one of the most unique attractions in any Disney park (and heads up, it can be a little spooky for the littles)!
Lunch:
Bring a picnic lunch or grab a quick bite at Casey’s Corner for familiar American food or Bella Notte for charming Italian.
Afternoon: Walt Disney Studios Park
Hop over to Walt Disney Studios. Focus on headliners:
Ratatouille: The Adventure
Crush’s Coaster (lines get long, so consider Premier Access if available)
Avengers Assemble: Flight Force or Spider-Man W.E.B. Adventure if you’re a Marvel fan.
Evening: Back to Disneyland Park
Secure a spot for the evening parade and fireworks. It’s truly spectacular against the Parisian castle.
If time allows, re-ride favorites like Big Thunder or Pirates of the Caribbean (often shorter waits later at night).
Pro Tip: With only one day in the parks, you’ll want to use Premier Access (paid skip-the-line) for at least a few key rides to maximize your time. Or upgrade to a VIP tour to be able to maximize your ride time!
2-Day Disneyland Paris Itinerary
If you can stretch your visit, two days allows you to slow down, enjoy both parks fully, and soak in all the details.
Day 1: Disneyland Park Magic
Morning:
Rope drop Fantasyland and Discoveryland.
Do Peter Pan’s Flight, Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast, and Hyperspace Mountain.
Stroll through Sleeping Beauty Castle, and don’t miss the upstairs stained glass gallery.
Midday:
Head to Adventureland and Frontierland for Pirates of the Caribbean and Big Thunder Mountain.
Lunch at Captain Jack’s Restaurant (inside Pirates of the Caribbean ride!) or dine with the Princesses at Auberge de Cendrillon.
Afternoon:
Slow down with classic attractions: It’s a Small World, Dumbo, or a character meet-and-greet.
Explore shops on Main Street or grab a snack (a Mickey-shaped waffle is a must).
Evening:
Enjoy the parade, then end with fireworks and castle projections.
Day 2: Walt Disney Studios + Park Hopping
Morning:
Head to Walt Disney Studios at opening. Focus on:
Ratatouille: The Adventure
Crush’s Coaster
Spider-Man W.E.B. Adventure
Catch a show like Frozen: A Musical Invitation.
Lunch:
Try Bistrot Chez Rémy, the adorable Ratatouille-themed restaurant with French flair.
Afternoon:
Park-hop back to Disneyland Park. Revisit your favorites or catch rides you missed on Day 1.
Use this time for character experiences or slower attractions.
Evening:
Cap off your trip with one last fireworks show, or stay late to squeeze in those final magical rides.
Disneyland Paris boasts all of the magic you’ll get from the U.S. parks but with a few extra special surprises that make it an experience all of its own. And more fun is coming soon. In 2026, The World of Frozen, an immersive land inspired by the kingdom of Arendelle, is set to open. This area will feature iconic elements such as Elsa's castle, a boat ride through scenes from the films, themed dining and shopping, and a nighttime show on the central lake.
Only have one day to explore the parks? No problem, you’ll easily get a quick taste of the magic if you’re already in Paris. If you can extend to 2 days, you’ll get the full experience at a relaxed pace, with time for both parks, dining, and re-rides.
As a travel advisor, I help families build personalized Disneyland Paris itineraries, from park tickets to hotel stays to insider tips on skipping lines and finding the best meals. Ready to plan your adventure? Let’s chat!
