How to See Both Parks in One Day at Disneyland Paris (Ultimate Park‑Hopping Guide)
If you have just one day at Disneyland Paris and want to experience both Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park, this guide will show you exactly how to do it without feeling rushed. From the best order to tackle rides and shows, to smart use of Disney Premier Access, Extra Magic Time, and Single Rider lines, you’ll get a practical, step‑by‑step plan to see both parks in one day.
Why visit both parks in one day?
With the parks literally side‑by‑side, park hopping at Disneyland Paris is surprisingly easy. You pass security once at the resort hub, then it’s a short walk (about 3-5 minutes) between the gates. Doing both parks in one day gives you:
- Variety: Iconic classics in Disneyland Park plus blockbuster attractions and shows in Walt Disney Studios Park.
- Flexibility: Pivot when lines spike or weather changes.
- Value: Maximize a single‑day ticket with a curated, high‑impact plan.
Quick look: the two parks
Disneyland Park (the castle park)
Home to Sleeping Beauty Castle, this park blends nostalgia and thrills: Big Thunder Mountain, Star Wars: Hyperspace Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, Phantom Manor, family favorites like Peter Pan’s Flight, plus the afternoon parade and nighttime spectacular at the castle.
Walt Disney Studios Park
Smaller yet packed with headliners: Avengers Campus (e.g., Spider‑Man W.E.B. Adventure, Avengers Assemble: Flight Force), Ratatouille: The Adventure, Crush’s Coaster, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror; plus popular seasonal shows like Mickey and the Magician.
Note: The Studios Park is undergoing a multi‑year transformation. Always check the official app for refurbishments and showtimes.
Tickets, entry, and park hopping logistics
- Ticket type: Buy a dated 1‑day ticket for 2 Parks (park hopper). Prices vary by date; booking in advance usually saves money.
- Extra Magic Time: Guests of Disney Hotels (and select partners/APs) may enter up to 1 hour early. If you have this, start in the park with the rides you most care about.
- Security & access: Security is at the resort hub (near the train station and Disney Village) and covers both parks. Once inside the hub, it’s a short walk between gates.
- Re‑entry: Yes, you can go back and forth between parks all day with a hopper ticket.
- App: Download the official Disneyland Paris app for real‑time wait times, maps, show schedules, and mobile food ordering (available at select restaurants).
The one‑day park‑hopping strategy (2025)
There are two effective approaches depending on your priorities and whether you have Extra Magic Time.
Strategy A: Start at Walt Disney Studios Park, finish at Disneyland Park
Best for: Thrill seekers and guests without Extra Magic Time. Studios headliners build huge lines fast; doing them first buys you a calmer afternoon and a magical castle evening.
- Rope drop Studios: Head to Crush’s Coaster or Spider‑Man W.E.B. Adventure first; then Ratatouille and Tower of Terror.
- Hop by lunchtime to Disneyland Park for classics and atmosphere.
- Stay through the evening for parade and the nighttime spectacular.
Strategy B: Start at Disneyland Park, midday hop to Studios, return for night
Best for: Families, Extra Magic Time users, or anyone prioritizing the castle and timeless attractions early with minimal waits.
- EMT or rope drop: Tackle Peter Pan’s Flight, Big Thunder Mountain, Hyperspace Mountain, Pirates, Phantom Manor in the first few hours.
- Midday hop to Studios for a couple of headliners and a show.
- Return for the parade and the nighttime show at the castle.
Pro tip: Whichever park you start at, try to be at the gates 45-60 minutes before official opening. Early arrival = fewer lines, more rides.
Sample one‑day itinerary timeline
This sample assumes a typical 9:30 opening with no Extra Magic Time. Adjust times to your date and the app’s schedule.
| Time | Where | Do this | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08:30 | Resort Hub | Clear security; be at Studios turnstiles early | Front‑of‑pack entry |
| 09:30 | Walt Disney Studios Park | Headliner 1: Crush’s Coaster or Spider‑Man W.E.B. Adventure | Lowest queue of the day |
| 10:00 | Studios | Headliner 2: Ratatouille (Single Rider if available) | Beat the late‑morning spike |
| 10:45 | Studios | Tower of Terror or Avengers Assemble: Flight Force | Round out Studios thrills |
| 11:30 | Walk to Disneyland Park | Park hop | 3-5 minute walk door‑to‑door |
| 11:45 | Disneyland Park | Classic dark rides or Pirates/Phantom Manor | Indoor rides during midday heat |
| 13:00 | Disneyland Park | Quick‑service lunch (mobile order if offered) | Keep momentum |
| 14:00 | Disneyland Park | Big Thunder Mountain or Hyperspace Mountain (use Single Rider/Premier Access if needed) | Time‑efficient tackling of long queues |
| 15:30 | Either park | Shows, character meets, shopping | Strategic break; recharge |
| 17:00 | Disneyland Park | Find a parade spot (Stars on Parade) | Great visuals without long waits |
| 18:30 | Disneyland Park | Dinner (table service or late quick‑service) | Fuel up before the finale |
| 20:00+ | Central Plaza | Stake out a spot for the nighttime spectacular | End with the castle show |
Top ride priorities in each park
These attractions typically command the highest waits. Prioritize them early, late, or with Single Rider/Premier Access.
Disneyland Park priorities
- Big Thunder Mountain (iconic, loads of fun; lines spike mid‑day)
- Star Wars: Hyperspace Mountain (intense coaster; Single Rider often available)
- Peter Pan’s Flight (short ride, long queue-hit early)
- Pirates of the Caribbean (family favorite; queue moves but can swell)
- Phantom Manor (unique to Paris tone; steady popularity)
Walt Disney Studios Park priorities
- Crush’s Coaster (infamously long waits; ride first or Single Rider)
- Ratatouille: The Adventure (Single Rider helpful; family‑friendly)
- Spider‑Man W.E.B. Adventure (interactive; lines swell late morning)
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror (multiple drop profiles; steady queue)
- Avengers Assemble: Flight Force (coaster; good to do before lunch)
| Attraction | Best time | Time‑saver |
|---|---|---|
| Crush’s Coaster | Rope drop | Single Rider or Premier Access |
| Big Thunder Mountain | Early morning or late evening | Premier Access |
| Peter Pan’s Flight | Extra Magic Time | Premier Access |
| Ratatouille | Before lunch | Single Rider |
| Hyperspace Mountain | Early or last hour | Single Rider / Premier Access |
Dining strategy for a one‑day visit
- Eat off‑peak: Aim for 11:15-12:00 or after 14:00 to avoid long queues.
- Quick‑service gems: Café Hyperion (Discoveryland), Casey’s Corner (Main Street), Fuente del Oro (Frontierland), Stark Factory (Studios, Avengers Campus).
- Table service (book ahead): Captain Jack’s (inside Pirates), Walt’s – An American Restaurant (Main Street), Bistrot Chez Rémy (Studios). Reservations via the app can fill weeks in advance.
- Mobile Order: Available at select locations-check the app on your day for eligible restaurants.
- Snack smart: Grab pastries, pretzels, or a crêpe between rides to save time for attractions.
Time‑saving tools that make the difference
Disney Premier Access
- Premier Access One: Pay per person, per attraction for expedited access. Pricing is dynamic by date and ride.
- Premier Access Ultimate: One‑time expedited access to multiple participating attractions in a day for a bundled price (varies by date).
- When to buy: If your date is peak season or your must‑do list includes high‑wait rides (Crush, Peter Pan, Big Thunder), purchasing targeted Premier Access can save 2-3 hours.
Single Rider lines
Available on select attractions (notably Crush’s Coaster, Ratatouille, and often Hyperspace Mountain). You’ll be split from your party but can cut waits dramatically-perfect for adults and teens.
Extra Magic Time
If you qualify, arrive early and hit Peter Pan, the Discoveryland coasters, or Fantasyland classics with minimal waits.
The Disneyland Paris app
- Check live wait times and show schedules.
- See ride closures and plan detours quickly.
- Use mobile order if available to skip queues at participating quick‑service locations.
Seasonal notes, crowds, and practical tips
- Peak crowds: Summer, weekends, school holidays, Halloween, and Christmas season.
- Weather: Paris can be cold and wet in winter and hot in summer. Pack layers, sun protection, and a compact poncho.
- Parade and nighttime show: Times vary by season. Check the app day‑of.
- Shows: Fan favorites like Mickey and the Magician are seasonal-verify dates and queue 30-45 mins early on busy days.
- Luggage & lockers: Paid storage is available near the parks/train station; pack light if possible.
- Accessibility: Disneyland Paris offers an Accessibility Program and Priority Cards for eligible guests-arrange documentation ahead of your visit.
Quick FAQ: Seeing both parks in one day
Is one day enough for Disneyland Paris?
One day is enough to experience many highlights across both parks with a focused plan. If you want to explore at a relaxed pace and repeat favorites, two days are ideal.
What’s the best park to start with?
If thrills are your priority and you don’t have Extra Magic Time, start at Walt Disney Studios Park. If you want the most iconic Disney feel or you have Extra Magic Time, start at Disneyland Park.
Do I need Premier Access?
No-but on peak days, buying Premier Access for 2-4 key rides can convert a stressful day into a smooth one. Purchase selectively based on live waits.
How long is the walk between parks?
Roughly 3-5 minutes between gates once you’re inside the resort hub.
Case study: Two adults on a Saturday in July
Arrival 8:30. Studios rope drop with Crush and Ratatouille done by 10:30 using Single Rider. W.E.B. Adventure at 10:45, hop at 11:30. Quick lunch at 12:00, then Pirates, Phantom Manor, Big Thunder with Premier Access for Big Thunder only. Parade at 17:30, dinner at 18:30, a final spin on Hyperspace Mountain during the last hour, nighttime show at the castle. Total: 14 attractions + parade + castle show without feeling rushed.
Packing list and on‑the‑day checklist
- Park‑hopper ticket loaded in the app
- Portable power bank + charging cable
- Reusable water bottle (refill at fountains)
- Light layers/poncho; sunscreen or hat in summer
- Comfortable walking shoes (expect 15,000-25,000 steps)
- Backup plan: Shows or indoor attractions during rain
Mini cheat sheet: What to do if lines explode
- Focus on shows and indoor classics with steady throughput.
- Use Single Rider where offered.
- Buy Premier Access for one or two must‑do headliners.
- Plan a late dinner and ride during typical meal times when queues dip.
- Save a couple of coasters for the last hour when lines shrink.
At‑a‑glance: Tools and choices for a flawless day
| Decision | Best choice for speed | Budget‑friendly alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Park order | Start Studios, finish at Disneyland Park | Start Disneyland Park if you have EMT |
| Skip long queues | Premier Access for 2-4 headliners | Single Rider + early/late riding |
| Food timing | Mobile order + off‑peak lunch | Snacks and late lunch after 14:00 |
| Parade & night show | Stake out 30-45 minutes early | Watch from slightly offset angles |
Conclusion: Yes, you can do both Disneyland Paris parks in one day
With the parks next to each other and a focused game plan, seeing both parks in one day at Disneyland Paris is absolutely achievable-and incredibly fun. Start early, prioritize the right headliners, use Single Rider and Premier Access strategically, eat off‑peak, and anchor your day with the parade and castle nighttime spectacular. Follow the sample itinerary above, keep an eye on live wait times in the app, and you’ll craft a day that captures the magic, thrills, and charm that make Disneyland Paris unforgettable.