Best Disneyland Paris Itineraries for Families

Planning a Disneyland Paris family vacation can feel magical and overwhelming at the same time. With two parks, world-class shows, character dining, and can’t-miss rides, you’ll want a thoughtful plan to make every minute count. This guide shares the best Disneyland Paris itineraries for families—whether you have one, two, or three days—plus practical tips, dining suggestions, height-requirement insights, and time-saving strategies like Extra Magic Time and Disney Premier Access.

Disneyland Paris overview (for families)

Disneyland Paris includes two parks side by side, a short walk apart:

• Disneyland Park (the castle park): Classic lands, parades, and the nighttime spectacular at Sleeping Beauty Castle.
• Walt Disney Studios Park: Home to Avengers Campus, Pixar favorites like Ratatouille: The Adventure, and family shows such as Mickey and the Magician (seasonal).

Staying at a Disney hotel grants Extra Magic Time (usually 1 hour early entry), which is invaluable for high-demand rides.

When to go, tickets, and tools

Best time to visit

• Weekdays outside school holidays for lower wait times.
• Arrive before park opening to “rope drop.”
• Check the official app for seasonal events, parades, and show schedules.

Tickets & park-hopping

• If you have only one day, a 2-park (hopper) ticket helps you sample both parks.
• For 2–3 days, either stick to one park per day or hop in late afternoon for shows.

Time-savers you should know

• Extra Magic Time: Early entry for Disney hotel guests and some passholders.
• Disney Premier Access (paid): Skip-the-queue for select attractions. Buy individual (One) or a bundle (Ultimate) when value is strong.
• Single Rider lines: Available on select attractions (e.g., Ratatouille, Hyperspace Mountain, RC Racer), great for families with older kids.
• Rider Switch/Baby Switch: Adults take turns on height-restricted rides without waiting twice.

Best 1-day Disneyland Paris itinerary for families

This balanced itinerary assumes a mix of ages and a 2-park ticket. If staying at a Disney hotel, start during Extra Magic Time.

Morning: Disneyland Park (rope drop)

1. Enter via Main Street, U.S.A.. Snap a quick family photo with the castle while crowds are light.
2. Head to Peter Pan’s Flight or Big Thunder Mountain first (choose based on ages). These gain long queues quickly.
3. Do two to three Fantasyland classics: Dumbo the Flying Elephant, “it’s a small world”, and Le Carrousel de Lancelot.
4. If you have thrill-seekers and meet height requirements, split for Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain (use Single Rider or Premier Access if needed).

Late morning snack & frontier fun

• Grab a quick bite: Market House Deli (Main Street) or Cable Car Bake Shop.
• Ride Pirates of the Caribbean and Phantom Manor. Both are family favorites with no big drops (dark/spooky themes may scare some younger kids).

Lunch

• Quick service: Hakuna Matata (Adventureland) or Pizzeria Bella Notte (Fantasyland).
• Table service: Bistrot Chez Rémy (in the Studios) is a delightfully themed lunch; time it when you hop parks.

Early afternoon: Hop to Walt Disney Studios Park

1. Ride Ratatouille: The Adventure. Consider Premier Access if standby is over 45 minutes.
2. Experience Spider-Man W.E.B. Adventure (great for all ages; interactive web-shooting).
3. Thrill seekers: Crush’s Coaster (height applies; queues can be long) or Tower of Terror (height applies).
4. Catch a show if available: Mickey and the Magician is a top-tier family production.

Late afternoon: Parade & character time

• Return to Disneyland Park to secure a spot for Disney Stars on Parade (check the app for the day’s time).
• Consider a character meet at the Princess Pavilion or Meet Mickey if lines fit your day.

Dinner and nighttime spectacular

• Table service: Plaza Gardens Restaurant (character dining options on some services; reserve early) or Captain Jack’s (overlooking Pirates of the Caribbean).
• End with the nighttime spectacular at the castle. Arrive 30–45 minutes early for a central view.

2-day Disneyland Paris itinerary for families (balanced)

Day 1 focuses on Disneyland Park, Day 2 on Walt Disney Studios Park, with flexibility to hop for shows and dinner.

Day 1: Disneyland Park

1. Rope drop strategy: Peter Pan’s Flight, Big Thunder Mountain, and a Fantasyland loop while queues are shortest.
2. Mid-morning: Pirates of the Caribbean, Phantom Manor, and Adventureland exploration.
3. Lunch: Plaza Gardens (buffet) or Toad Hall (fish & chips) for quick options.
4. Afternoon: Discoveryland choices—Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast (family), Hyperspace Mountain (thrill), Autopia (kids love it).
5. Evening: Parade, dinner, and the nighttime spectacular.

Day 2: Walt Disney Studios Park

1. Rope drop: Crush’s Coaster (if height is met) or Spider-Man W.E.B. Adventure.
2. Late morning: Ratatouille: The Adventure; grab a snack in the Parisian quarter.
3. Lunch: Bistrot Chez Rémy (reserve early).
4. Afternoon: Avengers Campus—meet heroes, tackle Avengers Assemble: Flight Force (height applies), and re-ride favorites using Premier Access if desired.
5. Evening: Hop to Disneyland Park for the nighttime show or enjoy a relaxed dinner at Disney Village.

3-day relaxed family itinerary

Three days give you flexibility for mid-day breaks and repeat favorites without rushing.

• Day 1: Disneyland Park classics (Fantasyland and Frontierland). Early night or swim at the hotel.
• Day 2: Walt Disney Studios Park, Avengers Campus, and shows. Dinner at Disney Village (e.g., Annette’s Diner).
• Day 3: Mix-and-match: repeat top rides, savor character meets, shop on Main Street, and schedule a special meal like Auberge de Cendrillon (princess dining; reserve far ahead).

Itinerary tweaks for toddlers & preschoolers

• Focus on Fantasyland: “it’s a small world,” Dumbo, Le Pays des Contes de Fées (Storybook Canal Boats), and Casey Jr. Train.
• Plan nap-friendly breaks during early afternoon: parade viewing spot doubles as downtime.
• Use Baby Care Centers in both parks for feeding, changing, and quiet space.
• Skip loud thrills; pick gentle attractions and character meets. Choose earlier dinner and consider leaving before the nighttime show if bedtime is strict.

Itinerary tweaks for tweens & teens

• Prioritize thrills: Big Thunder Mountain, Hyperspace Mountain, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril, Tower of Terror, Avengers Flight Force, and Crush’s Coaster.
• Leverage Single Rider and Premier Access strategically to stack headliners.
• Late-night advantage: Teens can stay for the nighttime spectacular and re-ride during the last hour when lines drop.

Benefits & practical planning tips

• Stay on-site: Short walk/shuttle, theming, and Extra Magic Time can save an hour or more daily.
• Download the official app: Live waits, show schedules, dining reservations, and mobile-friendly maps.
• Pack smart: Layers for changing weather, portable charger, water bottle, and snacks.
• Stroller strategy: Bring a compact stroller or rent one at the park. Label it clearly.
• PhotoPass+: Worth it if you love ride photos and character meets; it keeps you in the moment.
• Dining reservations: Book table-service and character dining weeks in advance—especially Plaza Gardens and Auberge de Cendrillon.
• Rider Switch: Perfect for families with a mix of heights; ask Cast Members at attraction entrances.
• Accessibility & allergens: Guest Services can help with accessibility passes and allergy-friendly menus.
• Transport: From central Paris, take the RER A to Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy; the station sits at the park gates.

Height requirements cheat sheet (popular rides)

Always verify on the day in the app or at the attraction—requirements can change.

Sample daily rhythm for families

Use this as a template and adjust to the day’s showtimes.

First-hand family case study: 2 days, kids 5 and 10

Trip goals: See the parade, enjoy 3–4 headliners per day, and keep the 5-year-old happy without meltdowns.

• Day 1 (Disneyland Park): Arrived 30 minutes before opening, did Peter Pan, Dumbo, and “it’s a small world” by 10:00. Used Premier Access for Big Thunder Mountain before lunch. Afternoon show break, then Pirates and Buzz Lightyear. Parade at a spot near Central Plaza. Early dinner at Plaza Gardens. Kids lasted for the nighttime show with ear protection.
• Day 2 (Studios + hop): Rope dropped W.E.B. Adventure, then Ratatouille. Booked Bistrot Chez Rémy for 12:30. The 10-year-old rode Crush’s Coaster with parent using Rider Switch. Caught Mickey and the Magician. Hopped to Disneyland Park for shopping and fireworks. Zero meltdowns thanks to a stroller nap and strategic breaks.

What worked: Early start, realistic daily ride targets, a reserved sit-down lunch, and choosing Premier Access only when wait times spiked.

Quick FAQ: Disneyland Paris family planning

Is one day enough for Disneyland Paris with kids?

Yes, if you prioritize. Use this 1-day itinerary to hit 6–9 attractions plus the parade and nighttime show. For a more relaxed pace and characters, plan 2–3 days.

Should we buy Disney Premier Access?

It’s optional and most valuable on high-demand rides (Peter Pan, Big Thunder, Ratatouille, Crush’s Coaster). Check live waits in the app and purchase selectively.

Where are the best parade viewing spots?

• Central Plaza (in front of the castle): Best atmosphere; arrive early.
• Town Square/Main Street: Easier exits for dinner and shows.

What’s the best character meal for families?

Plaza Gardens Restaurant offers wide character variety. For princess fans, Auberge de Cendrillon is the splurge pick.

Can we do naps?

Yes—use Baby Care Centers, quiet corners in Fantasyland, or return to your hotel if you’re close by. An early dinner helps younger children manage the fireworks.

Conclusion: Your best Disneyland Paris family itinerary

The best Disneyland Paris itineraries for families match your kids’ ages, energy, and must-do rides. With smart rope-drop choices, well-timed breaks, and selective use of Extra Magic Time and Disney Premier Access, even a single day can feel magical—not rushed. For the most relaxed experience, plan two to three days, lock in one special meal, and leave space for spontaneous moments: an unexpected character meet, a second ride on a new favorite, or simply watching the castle glow at sunset. With this plan in hand, your Disneyland Paris family trip will be unforgettable—for the right reasons.