The Ultimate Guide to Disneyland Paris: A Perfect Travel Itinerary for Families

Planning a magical family vacation to Disneyland Paris? Look no further for the perfect travel itinerary and insider tips to make the most of your visit to the happiest place on earth. Get ready to create unforgettable memories with your family. If you have just one day follow our 'Day 1' itinerary. There are several transport options from Paris for a day trip. Or stay at one of the many resort hotels and immerse yourself in the magic and fully explore all that Disneyland Paris has to offer.

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Getting to Disneyland from Paris:

OPTION 1. Train from Paris Châtelet les Halles to Marne-la-Vallée Chessy (41 min)

OPTION 2. Take the bus direct from Paris Bercy Siene to Chessy Sud (40 min)

OPTION 3. Disneyland Paris Express arrives at Disneyland 9.45 with three central Paris pick up locations (50 min)

8.30 a.m. Eiffel Tower District 14-16, Rue Jean Rey – 75015 Paris

8.35 a.m. Opéra Garnier, 8 Place de l'Opéra - 75009 Paris

8.55 a.m. Châtelet, 1 Place du Châtelet - 75001 Paris

OPTION 4. Private car

Getting to Disneyland from Charles-de-Gaulle:

OPTION 1: Magical airport shuttle bus to Disney hotels (35 min)

OPTION 2: Highspeed TGV train. (12 min)

Before you arrive:

Download the Disneyland Paris mobile app. You can familiarize yourself with the park layout and create a wish list of all the attractions you want to experience. This app will be essential to see live wait times for rides, restaurants and show times so you can maximize your fun on the day. You can also book restaurants and fast access passes to skip the line. Be prepared for some queueing and waiting, and if you can, get there early or stay late so you can make the most of the attractions. If you want to see the fireworks they usually take place very late in summer so you may need to spend a night in one of the Disneyland hotels if you have little ones.

Day 1: Exploring Disneyland Park

HIGHLIGHTS:

For the whole family: Mad Hatter's Tea Cups, Pirates of the Caribbean and Phantom Manor.

For the thrill seekers: Big Thunder Mountain, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril and Hyperspace Mountain.

For eating: Captain Jack's - Immersive dining located within the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction

Upon your arrival at Disneyland Paris, the excitement will be palpable. Head straight to Disneyland Park, the heart and soul of the resort. As you step through the gates, you'll be transported to a world of magic and fantasy. Having always wanted to visit Disneyland, it was thrilling to share the experience with my kids.

Begin your day with a visit to Main Street, U.S.A., a charming street that will take you back in time. Take a leisurely stroll, explore the shops, and soak in the nostalgic atmosphere. Don't forget to grab a delicious breakfast at one of the cozy cafes along the way.

Next, make your way to Fantasyland, where your little ones' dreams will come true. From classic attractions like "The Mad Hatter's Tea Cups" to the whimsical "Peter Pan's Flight," there is something for everyone. Be sure to check the schedule for character meet and greets, as your kids will love getting up close and personal with their favorite Disney characters.

After a fun-filled morning, it's time for a well-deserved lunch break. Venture through the Pirates Caribbean ride to dine at Captain Jack's an immersive restaurant, its a pretty cool setting but it's quite expensive and super popular (make sure you book). Whether you're craving pizza, burgers, or traditional French cuisine, there's a dining option to suit every taste. We enjoyed lunch at Pizzaria Bella Notte from Lady and the Tramp where you'll delight the kids with a Mickey Mouse shaped pizza!

In the afternoon, you can go on the rickety Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril rollercoaster. If your kids are feeling adventurous, you can seek out some more thrills on Big Thunder Mountain and Hyperspace Mountain.

Image: Pirates of the Caribbean Ride Image: Phantom Manor

As the day draws to a close, make sure to catch the spectacular nighttime parade, Disney Illuminations. This mesmerizing show features fireworks, projections, and beloved Disney characters, bringing the park to life in a magical way. It's the perfect way to end your first day at Disneyland Paris.

Day 2: Discovering Walt Disney Studios Park

HIGHLIGHTS:

For the whole family: Crush's Coaster, Toy Soldiers Parachute Drop and Cars Race Rally.

For the thrill seekers: The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Avengers Assemble: Flight Force

For eating: Bistrot Chez Rémy - Make sure you book in advance on the App.

On your second day, it's time to explore Walt Disney Studios Park, where the magic of Disney movies comes to life. Start your day by immersing yourself in the world of animation at Toon Studio. From the thrilling Ratatouille: The Adventure to the enchanting Crush's Coaster, there are plenty of attractions to keep the whole family entertained.

Next, head to Production Courtyard and experience the magic of the silver screen. Take a behind-the-scenes tour on Studio Tram Tour: Behind the Magic and discover the secrets of movie making. Don't miss the chance to meet your favorite Marvel superheroes at the Marvel Super Hero Station.

After a morning of excitement, it's time to refuel. Grab a quick bite at one of the many snack stands or sit down for a delicious lunch at Bistrot Chez Rémy where the food is traditionally French and quite yummy.

In the afternoon, make your way to Backlot and buckle up for some high-speed thrills. From the adrenaline-pumping Avengers Assemble: Flight force to the breathtaking special effects of The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, there's no shortage of excitement in this part of the park.

As the day comes to an end, be sure to catch the spectacular nighttime show, Disney Stars on Parade. Watch as your favorite Disney characters parade through the park on dazzling floats in vibrant costumes. It's a magical experience that will leave you and your kids in awe.

Day 3: Exploring Disney Village and Extra Magic

On your final day, take some time to explore Disney Village, a vibrant entertainment district located just outside the parks. Indulge in some retail therapy at the Disney Store or browse the many boutiques for souvenirs to take home. Treat your taste buds to a delicious meal at one of the diverse restaurants, ranging from Italian cuisine to American favorites.

After exploring Disney Village, it's time to make the most of the Extra Magic Hours. As a guest of a Disney hotel, you have exclusive access to the parks before they open to the general public. Take advantage of this opportunity to enjoy shorter queues and experience some of your favorite attractions without the crowds. During the Extra Magic Hours, revisit your favorite attractions or explore areas of the parks you may have missed.

So pack your bags, put on your Mickey ears, and get ready for a truly unforgettable adventure at Disneyland Paris!