> Blog: Can You Do Disneyland Paris in One Day?

From thrilling rides to enchanting shows, this magical kingdom is bursting with adventure. But can you do Disneyland Paris in one day? While the idea sounds ambitious, with the right planning and a sprinkle of pixie dust, it’s absolutely possible to enjoy a Disney experience in just 24 hours.

In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about visiting Disneyland Paris in one day, with an example itinerary and practical advice tailored for families. Plus, we’ll share how our Paris and Disneyland package combines fun and a dream trip to France! 

Is one day at Disneyland Paris enough?

One day at Disneyland Paris is definitely achievable with a well-thought-out plan. You’ll get to experience the atmosphere, meet your favourite characters, enjoy the best rides, and even catch a parade or fireworks show. 

If you prioritise well and keep your schedule flexible, you can even visit both Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park.

Considerations for families

When deciding how to do Disneyland Paris in one day, it’s good to consider:

• The ages and energy levels of your children: Young children (under 6) may struggle with the long hours, walking, and stimulation of a full-day visit. Plan for breaks, snacks, and possibly a pushchair. Kids aged 7–12 tend to handle a full day better, while teens are often happy to go from open to close. 

• Time of year: Disneyland Paris is magical all year round! Travelling during the UK school holidays (mid-February, Easter, late July to early September, and Christmas) means enjoying the park at its liveliest, with longer opening hours, more entertainment, and a buzzing atmosphere. Quieter times, like midweek visits in January, March, and mid-November, offer a more relaxed pace and shorter queues.

• Budget: One-day visits can benefit from extras like Disney Premier Access (starting from €90 per person), which saves time, but it can be a costly add-on. Similarly, quick-service eating options like Casa de Coco (Mexican food with burritos and churros) or bringing our own snacks might be cheaper than sit-down restaurants.

How to do Disneyland Paris in one day

With all this in mind, here are a few essential steps on how to enjoy Disneyland Paris in one day. From buying tickets in advance to prioritising your top attractions and rides, smart planning is key to navigating both parks efficiently and ensuring your Disney adventure is as magical and stress-free as possible.

1. Buy a two-park ticket in advance 

To make the most of your Disneyland Paris adventure, it’s worth buying a two-park ticket in advance. This gives you the flexibility to move between Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park throughout the day. For better value, consider booking a break that includes your park tickets as part of the package—it’s often more cost effective than buying separately. Keep an eye out for deals and discounts when booking online, and remember, prices can go up closer to your travel dates. Bonus: Add Disney Premier Access for quicker entry to top rides!

2. Pre-book transportation 

If you're staying in Paris, book a direct train like the RER A to Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy station, which is just a 2-minute walk from the park gates. Better still, if you’re travelling from the UK, you have several convenient options: drive and take LeShuttle or a P&O Ferry, or fly with airlines like easyJet, British Airways, or Air France. For a more seamless experience, look into a Paris and Disneyland package that includes Eurostar travel, accommodation, and park entry! 

3. Find suitable family accommodation 

Every extra hour counts, so why not stay as close to the park as possible? Staying offsite gives you the best of both worlds, with easy access to Disneyland Paris plus the chance to explore nearby French towns and even central Paris. Château de Grande Romaine is a great choice for families, set in peaceful countryside just 30 miles from the park. It’s the perfect base to relax after a busy day at Disney while soaking up a bit more of France during your trip.

4. Download the Disneyland Paris app

Get the official Disneyland Paris app before your visit. This is your go-to magical guide to the park, providing real-time queue times for rides, so you can decide where to go next, entertainment schedules for shows like ‘The Lion King: Rhythms of the Pride Lands’, and an interactive map to help you quickly find your way around. It also offers click & collect food ordering, and you can even make table reservations (60 days in advance of your trip), allowing you to secure your spot at popular restaurants. 

5. Choose your top rides and attractions

Time is limited, and with only one day to visit Disneyland Paris, it’s important to prioritise the best rides and attractions. Focus on the experiences that matter most to your family by considering age suitability, thrill level, and average queue times.

Popular picks include:

It’s a Small World 

Location: Fantasyland, Disneyland Park.

Perfect for younger children and first-time visitors, this gentle boat ride takes you through a colourful, musical tour of cultures from around the world. It’s bright, cheerful, and relaxing, with typically shorter wait times (between 15-30 minutes), especially in the morning.

Big Thunder Mountain 

Location: Frontierland, Disneyland Park

A runaway mine train through a rugged canyon landscape, this high-speed coaster is ideal for families with children aged 7+ who enjoy a thrill. It’s one of the park’s most popular rides, often with queues exceeding 60 minutes, so head here early or use Premier Access.

Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast

Location: Discoveryland, Disneyland Park

Help Buzz Lightyear defeat the Evil Emperor Zurg by shooting laser targets from your spaceship. This ride is a hit with kids aged 5+ and competitive parents alike. It often has moderate queue times with an average of 30-45 minutes. Use the Disneyland Paris app to monitor wait times.

Avengers Assemble: Flight Force

Location: Avengers Campus, Walt Disney Studios Park

Fantastic for Marvel fans, you'll team up with Iron Man and Captain Marvel on a mission through space, complete with loops and high-speed launches. This ride has a height requirement of 120cm and is best suited to older children (around 8+), teens, and adults. Queue times can be very long, especially during peak hours (45-90+ minutes).

6. Arrive at the park before opening time

Aim to arrive at least 30 to 60 minutes before the official park opening time (9:00 AM). Arriving early means you’ll be among the first through security and ticket checks, allowing you to hit the most popular rides before the crowds build. This is one of our top tips for visiting Disneyland Paris.

7. Plan your itinerary

Now you have a list of all the rides you’d like to go on and the attractions you’d like to see; this will make planning an itinerary a breeze! Factor in key timings like parade start times (usually around 5:30 PM) and fireworks (8:30–9:30 PM). Don’t forget to schedule meals, whether a quick bite at Toad Hall for sandwiches and snacks or an evening meal at Plaza Gardens Restaurant for a whole-family buffet. 

We also recommend splitting the day up into morning, afternoon and evening so you have a timeframe for your Disney adventure. Below is an example itinerary to use as a guide: 

Morning

8:30 AM – Arrive at Disneyland Paris

Arrive early at Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy station, a 2-minute walk from the park entrance. Get through security before the gates open and have your tickets ready (ideally via the Disneyland Paris app) to save time. 

9:00 AM – Enter Disneyland Park

Step into the magic via Main Street, U.S.A., a charming turn-of-the-century American town lined with shops, cafés, and that perfect view of Sleeping Beauty Castle. Take a moment to soak in the atmosphere and snap those essential family photos.

9:30 AM – Explore Fantasyland & Adventureland

Head straight for your top rides:

• Peter Pan’s Flight (Fantasyland) – Fly over London and Neverland in a magical pirate ship. This is one of the most popular rides for younger children and families. 
• Pirates of the Caribbean (Adventureland) – A gentle yet immersive boat ride through pirate-infested waters, full of animatronic scenes and swashbuckling adventure.
• Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril (Adventureland) – For thrill-seekers, this outdoor looping rollercoaster whisks you through an archaeological dig gone wrong. It has a height requirement of 1.40m.

11:30 AM – Discover Discoveryland

Shift gears and head to the sci-fi-inspired land of tomorrow:

• Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast – A fun interactive shooting game where guests help Buzz defeat the Evil Emperor Zurg. Great for all ages and often overlooked early in the day.
• Star Wars: Hyperspace Mountain – A high-speed indoor coaster through outer space with Star Wars theming, loops, and effects. It’s a must for teens and adults who love thrill rides.

Afternoon

12:30 PM – Grab some lunch

Take a break and refuel. Depending on your budget and dining preferences, you have a few great options:

• Quick snack: Last Chance Café (Frontierland) – Offers chicken wings, ribs, and fries with a Wild West vibe, great for a fast and filling meal.
• Packed lunch: Find a bench in Liberty Arcade or Adventureland Garden. Both are ideal shaded spots for families who’ve brought food with them.
• Table service: Captain Jack’s – Restaurant des Pirates (Adventureland) – A unique dining experience located inside the Pirates ride. Enjoy Creole-inspired seafood and meat dishes in a candlelit, tropical lagoon setting.

1:30 PM – Move to Walt Disney Studios Park

Exit Disneyland Park and make the short walk (5–10 minutes) to Walt Disney Studios Park, located just across the esplanade. Alternatively, use the Disney shuttle train for minimal effort if travelling with young children or during hot weather.

2:00 PM – Ride the headliners

Focus on high-demand thrill rides and key attractions:

• Crush’s Coaster – A spinning indoor coaster themed around Finding Nemo. It's dark, fast, and incredibly popular. Queues here can exceed an hour, so if you're using Disney Premier Access, this is a top pick to save time.
• Avengers Assemble: Flight Force – Located in the Avengers Campus, this high-speed launch coaster sends you into space with Iron Man and Captain Marvel. Great for superhero fans and older kids.
• The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – A haunted elevator drops you into the unknown. Based on the classic TV series, this ride blends storytelling and thrills in a way that’s unforgettable and terrifying (in the best way!).

4:00 PM – See a show or meet characters

After the adrenaline rush, take a breather with a show or character meet-and-greet:

• Frozen: A Musical Invitation – A live performance where guests sing along to Let It Go with Elsa and friends. Great for younger children and Frozen fans.
   
• Meet Spider-Man at Avengers Campus – Book your slot via the app to meet and pose with your friendly neighbourhood superhero! 

Evening

5:30 PM – Return to Disneyland Park for the parade

Head back to Disneyland Park to catch “Disney Stars on Parade”, which usually begins around 5:30 PM. Stake out a good viewing spot along Main Street, U.S.A. or near Central Plaza in front of the castle. The colourful floats and characters in costume are a highlight for guests of all ages.

6:30 PM – Dinner time

By now, you’ll be ready for a hearty dinner. Some options include:

• Au Chalet de la Marionnette (Fantasyland) – A Bavarian-style quick-service restaurant with burgers, roast chicken, and kid-friendly options. Themed around Pinocchio, it offers both indoor and outdoor seating.
• Plaza Gardens Restaurant (Main Street, U.S.A.) – A more relaxed, buffet-style restaurant with international cuisine in a beautiful Victorian-style setting. Booking in advance is recommended.

8:30–9:30 PM – Disney Illuminations 

End your day with a magical bang at the Disney Illuminations nighttime spectacular. The show begins just after sunset (around 8:30–9:30 PM, depending on the season) and combines fireworks, lasers, music, and stunning projections on Sleeping Beauty Castle. It’s the perfect finale to your day trip to Disneyland Paris! 

Extra tips to maximise your day at Disneyland Paris

As you can see, a little preparation goes a long way. These extra tips will help you stay comfortable and keep the Disney magic alive from morning until night.

• Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll easily clock up 20,000+ steps in a day at Disneyland Paris, so supportive, broken-in footwear is vital. Trainers or cushioned walking shoes are best, and avoid sandals, heels, or new shoes that haven’t been worn in. Don’t forget plasters or blister pads, just in case!
• Pack smart: Essentials include reusable water bottles, snacks (e.g., granola bars, fruit, and crisps), sun cream (SPF 30 or higher), a portable phone charger, rain ponchos, and layers as early mornings and evenings can be chilly, especially from October to April.
• Stay hydrated and eat regularly: It’s easy to overlook basic needs when caught up in all the excitement. Keep energy levels up with a few small snacks and plenty of fluids—refill stations are available throughout the park. 
• Be flexible: Even the best-planned Disneyland Paris itinerary can run into hiccups. Rides can temporarily close due to maintenance, queues might be longer than expected, and little ones can get overwhelmed. It’s important to adjust expectations and go with the flow, whether it’s meeting a surprise character or ducking into a show during a rain shower.

Explore Disneyland Paris with PGL!

Now you know how to do Disneyland Paris in one day, why not plan your adventure with PGL, which also includes a day trip to Disneyland Paris? 

If you’re looking to visit this enchanted kingdom with your family and love an adventure, check out our epic family holidays to Disneyland Paris! You’ll get a 5-night stay at our Château de Grande Romaine centre on the outskirts of the city, with a day trip to Disneyland Paris and a day to explore Paris itself included.

Request a quote today to arrange your next French family adventure. Or, contact us if you’d like to find out more!