Disneyland Paris with Children: A One-Day Plan for Families

The key to making the most of a single day at Disneyland Paris is to arrive early, do the two or three rides you want most at the start of the day, turn to shows, food and drink during the midday crowds and save some energy for the evening show. Working out in advance which areas suit your child's age and height saves hours inside the park. This article is written especially for families who have a single Disneyland day as part of a European tour.

Getting to know Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris is a large entertainment complex east of Paris, not far from the city centre. It contains two separate theme parks. The main and best known of these is Disneyland Park, with Sleeping Beauty Castle rising at its centre. On one-day visits, most families spend their time in this park.

Disneyland Park is made up of five lands:

• Main Street, U.S.A.: The main street running from the entrance to the castle, designed like an old American town. The shops, cafés and parades are here.
• Fantasyland: The world of fairy-tale characters. Most of the rides best suited to young children are here.
• Adventureland: Areas themed around pirates, adventure and exploration.
• Frontierland: A Wild West theme and train-based adventure rides.
• Discoveryland: The space and science fiction themed land.

Plan by age

Ages 0 to 5

For young children, Fantasyland is the main stop. Carousels, gentle boat rides and fairy-tale-themed rides are ideal for this age group. If you are bringing a pushchair, there are usually pushchair parking areas near the rides. Leave free time during the day for naps and feeding breaks.

Ages 6 to 10

This age group can enjoy both Fantasyland and the livelier rides of Adventureland and Frontierland. Character meeting points are very popular at this age.

Ages 11 and over

The faster, more thrilling rides are mostly found in Discoveryland, Frontierland and Adventureland. Some rides have height restrictions; knowing your child's height prevents disappointment before you join the queue.

A strategy for dealing with queues

At Disneyland, queues are what waste the most time. On a one-day visit, this order works well:

1. The most popular ride first thing at opening: Queues are relatively short at the start of the day. Put the ride your child wants most in the first hour.
2. Shows at midday: When queues are at their longest, it makes sense to watch shows, eat and rest.
3. Rides during the parade: While everyone is watching the parade, queues for some rides may get shorter.
4. Evening show: The show in front of the castle at the end of the day is a favourite way to close the day. You need to go a little early to get a good spot.

Disneyland's official mobile app shows waiting times and show times. Downloading it and having a look before you go makes planning easier.

What to pack

• Comfortable shoes: you walk a lot during the day.
• A water bottle and small snacks.
• Depending on the season, a raincoat or a hat and sunscreen. In Paris the weather can change during the day.
• A power bank for your phone: the app, maps and photos drain the battery quickly.
• Spare clothes for young children.
• Wet wipes.

There is a security check at the park entrance. It is a good idea to check the current rules on which items may be brought in from official sources.

Food and breaks

There are many restaurants and kiosks in the park. These get crowded at midday too; eating a little early or a little late cuts the queues. Planning short rest breaks for children throughout the day is the easiest way to keep their energy up until the evening. Make a note of shady places to sit at the start of the day.

Precautions against getting lost

In a crowded park, you may briefly get separated from your child. Simple precautions:

• At the start of the day, agree a meeting point with everyone, for example in front of the castle.
• Put a piece of paper with your phone number in young children's pockets.
• Take a photo of what your child is wearing that day.
• Tell your child in advance to go to a park staff member if they get lost.

A few reminders for parents

• Do not overfill the day. Trying to fit everything in leaves both children and adults tired and restless.
• Tell your child the day's plan in the morning: knowing which rides you will go on makes waiting easier.
• Leave souvenir shopping until the end of the day so you are not carrying bags around all day.
• It is crowded on the way out after the evening show; confirm the meeting point and your group's gathering time in advance.

A Disneyland day within a tour

The Benelux, Paris and Germany Tour combines Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany and France in 5 nights, 6 days, and day 5 of the programme is listed as Disneyland. Whether the entry ticket is included in the package is stated in writing in the quote. The programme is designed as an enjoyable route for families too.

We describe the other cities on the route in our article on places to visit in the Benelux, Paris and Cologne.

Frequently asked questions

Can you do Disneyland Paris in one day?

Most of the main park, Disneyland Park, can be seen in one day; but whether you get on every ride depends on the crowds. Setting your priorities in advance makes the day more rewarding.

What ages is Disneyland Paris suitable for?

There are sections for all ages. Fantasyland stands out for young children, and Discoveryland, Adventureland and Frontierland for older children and teenagers.

Are there height restrictions on the rides?

Some rides have height restrictions for safety reasons. Check the current limits on the park's official channels or app.

Is Disneyland entry included in the tour?

On the Benelux, Paris and Germany Tour, day 5 is listed as Disneyland. Whether the entry ticket is included in the package is stated in writing in the quote.