This PERFECT 1 DAY Disneyland Paris plan ensures you have the best day ever in the main park (full step-by-step guide)
Planning my family’s first visit to The Happiest Place on Earth was so overwhelming. There are so many amazing choices, that it’s easy to get confused about how to do everything. This is even harder if you only have one day to visit the main Disneyland Park! So, if you have no clue or are starting to worry about what to do (and when) – this is the post for you. Here is your step-by-step 1 day Disneyland Paris perfect plan to have the best day ever.
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Good To Know Before You Go
I’m so excited to tell you about the perfect 1 day at Disney. But, first I want to mention that there are essential things you have to do before your trip. Be sure to read What to know before your Disneyland Paris trip to have everything in place ahead of your visit.
❓FAQ 1: Is one day enough time at Disneyland Paris?
Is it possible to do the main Disneyland Paris park in one day? Yes, it is! And I want to share with you exactly how to do it in easy steps.
The benefits of doing just one day at Disneyland Park are:
- It is budget-friendly. A one-day, one-park ticket is the cheapest option for visiting Disney in Paris. One day in the park means only one day of spending money on meals, snacks and drinks. Not to mention a visit to the gift shop. This cost multiplies if you are travelling with your family.
- It will save you time. Is Disney only one part of your Paris trip? If you have limited time in Paris, then maximising one day at Disneyland frees you up for more sightseeing opportunities in the city.
- It will save you energy. Lots of first-time visitors make the mistake of getting a park hopper pass. They waste valuable time and energy walking between the two parks over two days. This plan will maximise your time so you can squeeze even more into your one day. You can choose to add a second day in Walt Disney Studios.
- It can make the most of a limited holiday allowance. If you are only able to take a short time off from work or school, then one day at Disneyland may be a part of your perfect weekend mini-break.
But just because you only have one day, doesn’t mean you are going to miss out on any Disney magic! It is entirely possible to do the main Disneyland Paris park in one day with the right touring plan.
🤓 GOOD TO KNOW If you are lucky enough to have two days (or more) in Disneyland, then I recommend you spend your second day at Walt Disney Studios. You will love my 1 PERFECT DAY PLAN for Walt Disney Studios. Follow both of these easy step-by-step one-day plans, and you will experience the best that both parks at Disneyland Paris have to offer.
❓FAQ 2: Who is this 1 day Disneyland Paris ‘Perfect Day Plan’ for?
Because there are as many Disney plans as there are people, this Disneyland Paris Perfect Day Plan has to make a few assumptions.
For this plan, let us assume:
- You want to spend one day at Disneyland Paris
- You are only visiting the main park today, not Walt Disney Studios (The alternate plan for 2-parks in one day is here)
- You are arriving as early as possible to make the most of your one day
- It is a medium busy park day. Note: You can also use this on busy park days, but you might not get to do everything in the plan.
- You want to experience all the must-do’s, but after that your main priority is rides and attractions.
❓FAQ 3: What time should I arrive at Disneyland Paris if I have only one day?
With only one day at Disneyland Paris, set yourself up for greatness: the earlier you arrive, the more magic you will experience.
If you are lucky enough to stay at a Disney Hotel, then you can arrive one hour earlier than the general public.
For example, if the current opening time is 9.30 am, then Disneyland Paris Hotel guests may enter from 8.30 am.
✏️ PRO TIP: Even if you are staying at an offsite hotel, you will benefit from lower wait times if you arrive at the park at least 20 minutes before opening. This will allow you to be at the front of the queue at the entrance.
Read on to see exactly, step-by-step how to plan your perfect day at Disneyland Paris! From rides and attractions to the best place to stop for a break, everything you need to know is all right here.
I. What to Do for Your First Morning at Disneyland Paris – Approx. 08:30/9:30 Am to Noon
1. Begin at the Beginning
If you have arrived with time to spare, check out Fantasia Gardens as you flow downhill to the Disneyland Paris entrance.
There’s a pretty pond and water features, delicately pink gazebos and a gorgeous flower representation of Mickey Mouse. The dancing elephant and hippo topiaries are a treat to see.
Pass under the Disneyland Hotel and see the gilded Victorian ticket booths.
🤓 GOOD TO KNOW You can no longer purchase tickets for Disneyland Paris at the gates. You will need to do that ahead of time and make a park reservation if you are staying offsite or don’t have a dated ticket. For more on this, check out 7 Best Tips for Disneyland Paris.
2. Skip Down Main Street
Breathe it all in. You have finally arrived at the most Magical Place on Earth!
Look up, and Mickey and Minnie might be waving from the Disneyland Railway platform, just after you pass through the gates. Take a moment to wave back before strolling down Main Street, drinking in the sights and smells of the little town of Walt’s imagining.
The music is sure to put a smile on your face, my favourite track is ‘Married Life’ from the movie Up.
3. Cry When You See That Castle IRL
🏰 FUN FACT FOR DISNEY FANS On March 6th, 2022, Disneyland Paris unveiled the completely renovated castle in 14 shades of pink. The reworking took 50,000 hours and 41,200 gold leaves were applied by hand.
Whether you arrive at the gates before the park opens, or drift in from an afternoon Eurostar train, the first thing most people long to see is the iconic Sleeping Beauty castle.
Every Disney park has its own unique castle, and Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant in Paris is arguably the best.
It is truly unmissable.
If you are in the park first thing in the morning, take advantage of the low crowds and grab a few pictures in front of the castle before you do anything else.
✏️ PRO TIP If it’s crowded in front of the castle, take the little path on the left side of the castle to get nearer to it (pictured above). This is a quiet area and you still have a great view!
4. Refuse to Grow Up
It is still early, so after your pictures in front of the castle, you are best positioned to take advantage of the short waits for attractions behind it.
First, head to Fantasyland. It is easy to find; just walk through the castle. Later, we can go below to visit the dragon, but, for now, just send your feet left past the carousel, then across the little bridge and over to Peter Pan’s Flight at the back.
Regularly an hour wait, Peter Pan’s Flight in the morning is usually only 15 minutes.
This attraction is suitable for all ages and persons of any height. You will board a gentle galleon that sweeps over London before visiting mermaids, Indians and pirates in Never Land.
5. Become a Space Ranger
Now that you are metaphorically covered in pixie dust, it is time to briskly walk before crowds build up. Travel back through the castle, heading out to the left. You will see a big, pointed building that looks as if it is from a Jules Verne sci fi novel. The sign for Discoveryland is there.
Then on the left, past the souvenir shop, is Buzz Light Year Laser Blast.
Buzz is another ride suitable for the whole family, a combination of a dark ride and a shooting gallery. With cute green aliens.
✏️ PRO TIP: Have little kids or seniors? Or just prefer the gentler rides? I recommend skipping to number 7 on this 1 day Disneyland Paris plan.
6. Blast into Hyperspace
Have tweens, teens or thrill seekers in your party? Then, you should hit Star Wars HyperSpace Mountain: Rebel Mission straight after Buzz Lightyear because it will get very busy later.
🏰 FUN FACT FOR DISNEY FANS
Although there are 5 versions of this ride in the world, Disneyland Paris’ Space Mountain is unique in three ways:
- It’s the fastest
- It’s the only one that will turn you upside down
- It’s the only one where part of the track is outside
🤓 The height requirement is 1.2 m as it is a full-on high-speed roller coaster to duck, dive and defeat a TIE Fighter ambush under the leadership of Admiral Akbar.
7. Pause for a Smackeral of Something (As Pooh Bear Would Say!)
It is now that the park will start to feel busy. And, a great time to pick up a late-morning snack and rest your feet for a little bit.
You can grab hot chocolate, crepes or an iconic Mickey ice cream bar from one of the food carts nearby.
Or, if you are ready for a spot of lunch, Café Hyperion (entrance at the sign for Videopolis) offers burgers, fish sandwiches, drinks and desserts (and even Mobile Order through the Disneyland app).
It is also a great place to sit, rest and/or escape a rain shower.
✏️ PRO TIP There are two restrooms in Discoveryland – one is on the side of Autopia, and the other is inside (on the far side) of Hyperion Theatre.
8. Laugh at Donald’s Mishaps
Now that you’ve had something to eat, walk to the back part of Discoveryland to the Discoveryland Theatre. (It’s behind HyperSpace Mountain.)
Philharmagic, a hilarious 4D movie theatre experience, is suitable for everyone.
The film stars Donald Duck, but you will also see characters from The Little Mermaid, The Lion King and Coco, to name a few.
The best part is that there is rarely any wait; you will queue just a short while until the next show begins, usually in 5-10 minutes.
9. Visit a Galaxy Far, Far Away
A short hop from Philharmagic will take you to a galaxy far, far away. You can always count on Star Tours: The Adventure Continues to be a reasonable wait time, even in the busy afternoon.
Star Tours is a simulator ride with a bit of a kick to it, but it is not scary and is suitable for anyone over 1.02 m.
There is a great Star Wars-themed gift shop at the exit, too.
II. What to Do for Your Perfect Afternoon in Your 1 Day at Disneyland Paris – Approx. 12 PM – 4 PM
It is now around noon, and the park is buzzing with people. What do you do in the busy afternoon at Disneyland Paris?
Not to worry, here is how to make the best of your afternoon at Disneyland Paris with your family.
10. Venture to the Dungeon
One thing the Disneyland Paris castle has that no other Disney castle in the world has is a dragon in the dungeon!
Facing the castle, head towards the left-hand side and see La Taniere du Dragon (the lair beneath the castle).
It is only a short experience, but one you will never forget.
Follow a Princess Through Her Scary Adventures
If you walk straight through the dragon experience, it will pop you back out towards Fantasyland. Then continue up a few more steps to Blanch-Neige et les Sept Nains – Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
It’s a classic Disney dark ride, suitable for everyone, and the vehicles are shaped like each of the 7 dwarfs’ beds.
12. Stop by the Castle Courtyard
When you finish helping Snow White and Prince Charming live happily ever after, try your luck at obtaining the crown yourself. Can you fulfil the legend and remove the sword from the stone?
Between the castle and Le Carrousel de Lancelot is one of two Sword in the Stone attractions in the world. Merlin occasionally is about.
Take a moment to admire the back of the castle. There are beautiful stained glass windows and even a balcony you can venture up to on a future trip.
13. Oh, I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day…
Easily overlooked by many, if you pop up the steps at the back of the castle where you are now, and look to the left, there is La Boutique du Château – a year-round Christmas shop! This boutique has beautiful Disney Christmas ornaments and plush toys.
14. Sing a Sea Shanty – ‘Yo Ho, Yo Ho…’
A pirate’s life for me, me hearty!
It is time to make haste and leave for Adventureland. To do this, walk up to Peter Pan (where you were this morning), then go left and straight under the arches.
The Pirates of the Caribbean attraction is on your right and usually a reasonable wait.
On this classic water ride, you may get a little bit splashed.
Look out for Captain Jack Sparrow!
15. Enjoy a Late Lunch
Now would be a good time to refuel if you didn’t have lunch earlier. Because it is in between typical French meal times, you will find lower queues right now.
✏️ PRO TIP Be aware that many restaurants close by 5 pm in Disneyland Paris. Planning on dinner in Toad Hall or Bella Notte? Get there by late afternoon.
My favourite spots to eat are open till later:
- Casa de Coco in Frontierland serves delicious burritos (meat or vegan), cheesy nachos, lemon-lime slushies and tasty margaritas. It is opposite Big Thunder Mountain, and there is plenty of indoor seating.
- Another great spot is Colonel Hathis in Adventureland. Here you will find pasta, Mickey-shaped pizzas and lasagne. It is Jungle Book themed, and you might see Baloo in the vicinity.
You do not need reservations for any of these quick-service restaurants, and they all offer a kid’s menu. On this 1-day Disneyland Paris Plan, I do not recommend table reservations as they will eat up a lot of your time.
III. What to Do for Your Perfect Evening at Disneyland Paris – Approx. 4 PM to Closing Time
Now that you are fed and rested, it’s time to take in everything Disneyland Paris has to offer at night!
16. Hakuna Matata
Truly unmissable is The Lion King: Rhythms of the Pride Lands show. It features dancers, acrobats and singers in a production worthy of the West End.
Times are available on the Disneyland Paris App, but it might be the last showing, around 4:50 pm, that you can catch in this Perfect 1 Day Plan for Disneyland Paris.
You want to be sure you are queuing about 30-45 minutes before the show, so head over to the Frontierland Theater by then.
✏️ PRO TIP It’s free for everyone to see The Lion King show. But if you are visiting in high season (and on a tight schedule) it might be worth buying a Guaranteed Access ticket to make sure you a have good seat 15 minutes before the show. You usually won’t need to buy this, though, if you arrive 30-60 minutes early or don’t mind where you are seated. Check out more details and get more Top Tips for Disneyland Paris Shows.
The Lion King: Rhythms of the Pride Lands lasts around 30 minutes.
ALTERNATE PLAN: If the Lion King show is on hiatus, then skip to step 17 in the Perfect Day Plan and visit Phantom Manor. Afterwards, find a spot near Central Plaza or the bottom of Main Street to catch the Disney Stars on Parade instead. Check the Disneyland Paris app for times, but the parade is usually around 5.30 pm. When it finishes, circle back to ride Big Thunder Mountain and see the Frontierland shops before the fireworks at the park’s closing time.
17. Become Happy Haunt number 1,000
From the Lion King’s Frontierland Theatre, wind your way back towards Big Thunder Mountain. If the queue is less than 30 minutes, hop on. Otherwise, keep walking around the water until you get to Phantom Manor. We’ll return to this ride in a bit.
Your next stop is Phantom Manor – a fan favourite and possibly the best version of the Haunted Mansion in the world. Its finale in Frontierland is a boomtown graveyard scene that you won’t see anywhere else.
✏️ PRO TIP The restrooms near the entrance to Phantom Manor are usually very quiet.
18. The Wildest Ride in the Wilderness
Hold on to your hats and glasses folks! You are about to board a runaway mine train on Big Thunder Mountain.
The height requirement is 1.02 m as the train travels at rollicking speed around Thunder Mesa island.
Big Thunder Mountain is an absolute must-do and a fan-favourite for Disneyland Paris. If you are lucky enough to be here before sunset, try to ride it twice, as it has two distinct feels in the daytime and in the dark.
✏️ PRO TIP Have littles or seniors? Or just prefer the gentler rides? I recommend skipping Big Thunder Mountain and instead strolling around the mountain’s lake and taking pictures. It is particularly scenic near the Riverboat Landing, where either the Mark Twain or Molly Brown, the 19th-Century majestic paddleboats, are docked.
19. Treat yourself
It might be time for a treat, you are in Disneyland after all!
In the old west shops (opposite the Shootin’ Gallery) there is a large pic and mix selection and various sweets.
Or, if you sweep past The Lucky Nugget, you can exit Frontierland onto Central Plaza and head down Main Street. On the left side of Main Street is Gibson Girl for ice cream and Boardwalk Candy Palace for everything from fudge and Mickey-shaped cookies to lollies, marshmallows and macaroons. There’s also a café for hot drinks and pastries.
If savoury is what you’re after, find french fries and hot dogs at Casey’s Corner. Try to use mobile order on the Disneyland Paris app as queues get long in the evening.
20. Prepare to Be Dazzled
To close the day, Disneyland Paris will have a night-time spectacular with fireworks like you’ve never seen before. Projections will appear on the castle and water will light up in sync with a soaring soundtrack.
If you’re visiting from January 8, 2024, you can also catch the Disney Electrical Sky Parade, the innovative drone show 10 minutes before the thrilling fireworks explode over the sky.
All of this is set to music from Disney’s best-loved films. Although it is partly in French and partly in English, it’s equally enjoyable no matter what language you speak.
✏️ PRO TIP It will be very crowded when people first exit the park after the fireworks. If you’re in a rush, use the passageways on the far edges of Main Street. These are to the left and right of the shops on either side. If you have time, soak up a bit more magic near the castle or wander the Main Street gift shops and leave at least 15 minutes later.
21. Commemorate Your Day with a Golden Disney Coin
As you exit the park, look to your left just as you pass under the Disneyland Railway. There are a few different machines here to make a commemorative golden coin for only €3. The coin will have the year you are here with a choice of characters. Or, it might even feature a special anniversary picture.
The golden coin is a lovely memento of your perfect day at Disneyland Paris, and you can collect a different one each year.
Sadly, Your Perfect 1 Day in Disneyland Paris Must Come to an End…
All good things must come to an end and so it must happen that your 1 perfect day in Disneyland Paris does also. The most important thing is that you leave with bags of memories. When you get back, the Disney Blues are real!
To battle those blues, be kind to yourself. Ease back into your daily life. Print your favourite picture and put it up on the fridge.
And if you really want to beat the Disney Blues, book your next Disney trip! (Trust me, this really works!)
➡️ READ NEXT If you enjoyed this 1 Day Disneyland Paris Plan, you will also love:
- A perfect day deserves an encore. Check out this 1 Perfect Day Plan for Walt Disney Studios
- Considering a Park Hopping Day? Get this 1 Perfect Day Plan for BOTH Parks
- Is it worth it to pay to skip the queues? Find out about the Disneyland Paris Premier Pass
📌PIN FOR LATER: 1 Day Disneyland Paris Plan – Perfect for First-Timers
Thanks so much for your blog posts. I’ve been scouring them. About to make my first trip to Disneyland Paris next week with my teenagers. 1 day, gonna be hot!! Your posts have been so helpful.
You are very welcome, thanks for the lovely comment. I took a UV umbrella with me last summer when it was roasting, and it was a game changer. Have the best time with your teens!