Top Tips For How to Do Disneyland Paris in One Day

So, you’ve got just one day to experience the magic of Disneyland Paris, and you’re determined to make the most of it?

No pressure, right?

But don’t worry—while one day might not be enough to dive deep into every single corner of the parks, it’s definitely enough to enjoy a truly magical adventure.

Let’s dive into some top tips for maximizing your chances of successfully doing Disneyland Paris in one day without the headache.

Tips For How To Do Disneyland Paris In One Day

When it comes to a single day at Disneyland Paris, channel your inner Genie and make every moment count—because with the right plan, you can fit a whole lot of magic into just one day!

1. Make a Wish List of Your Must-Dos

When you’ve only got a day, the last thing you want is to waste time wandering around aimlessly. That said, trying to see and do absolutely everything isn’t realistic either. The trick is to prioritize. Take some time before your trip to decide what’s most important to you.

Are you there for the thrill rides? Or is meeting your favorite Disney characters the highlight of your day?
Maybe catching a show like Disney Illuminations or soaking in the beauty of the parades is what excites you.

For thrill-seekers, Space Mountain, Avengers Flight Force, and Big Thunder Mountain are essential, but don’t forget Indiana Jones for an extra adrenaline rush.

If you’re visiting with kids, It’s a Small World and Peter Pan’s Flight are must-dos, while character fanatics should make a beeline for the Princess Pavilion or Meet Mickey Mouse.

Focus on those key experiences, and know that even if you can’t do everything, you’ll still have a blast. One day is enough to get a real feel for the parks—you just might not experience everything in-depth. But hey, that’s what future trips are for!

2. Time of Year Matters—Extended Hours vs. Crowds

Planning your visit in summer? Good news: the parks stay open later, giving you more time to explore.

The bad news? You’ll also be dealing with larger crowds, which means longer queues.
It’s a bit of a catch-22!

To make the most of those longer days, try to avoid peak times like school holidays, even in summer, as this can help you dodge some of the chaos.

If summer isn’t a must, consider visiting during other seasons.
Spring brings fewer crowds and beautiful flower displays, while Autumn offers a fun Halloween twist with spooky decor and themed parades.

Winter is magical with its Christmas atmosphere, but be prepared for chilly temperatures (indoor rides like Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast or Phantom Manor can provide a nice break from the cold).

Just remember, the trade-off for lower crowds in these seasons is often shorter park hours.

And don’t forget, Walt Disney Studios closes earlier than Disneyland Park, so plan accordingly.

You’ll want to hit your top rides at the Studios before it closes, then hop back over to Disneyland Park to enjoy those magical evening hours.

3. Fast Food Over Sit-Down Meals

Okay, let’s be real—the food at Disneyland Paris is amazing. The restaurants are top-notch, with themed dining experiences that really add to the magic. This is where you would also make the most of your meal plan.

But if food isn’t your top priority, sitting down for a long meal will eat into your day (pun intended!).

Opt for snacks, and fast food options like burgers or chicken strips at spots like Café Hyperion or Cowboy Cookout. There’s even a McDonald’s in Disney Village if you don’t mind grabbing something familiar.

Not only will you save time, but you can eat on the go and get back to the rides faster. For those with dietary preferences, the parks also offer vegetarian and vegan options, so there’s something for everyone.

One pro tip: eat a solid breakfast before you enter the parks to fuel up for the day ahead! You can also take your own food in, but check what is restricted in Disneyland’s bag policy.

4. Download the Disneyland Paris App and Monitor Queue Times

This is a game-changer, and the tip I always give when anyone says they are visiting Disneyland. The Disneyland Paris app gives you live updates on queue times for rides, and trust me, you’ll want to use this feature.

Instead of trying to cover the parks by “lands,” focus on which rides have the shortest wait times and bounce between them.
The app will also alert you to ride closures or any temporary downtimes.
Plus, it shows showtimes and parade schedules, so you can plan your breaks while keeping an eye on the next ride!

You can also use the app to find bathroom locations, quick-service restaurants, and even see character meet-and-greet times. It’s a one-stop shop for planning your day on the go.

5. Be Strategic with Parade Watching

The parades at Disneyland Paris are a must-see, but they also create a little window of opportunity.

Stand on the bridge of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle for a prime view. Once the last float passes, sneak through the shopping arcades on either side of Main Street to get a head start on your next ride while everyone else is still watching the parade.

It’s the perfect way to squeeze in a couple more attractions without getting stuck in post-parade traffic!

If parades aren’t a priority, use the time when the parade is happening to grab a snack or head to a ride with traditionally longer queues, as many guests will be focused on the parade.

6. Crush’s Coaster & Tower of Terror: Jump in the Queue if Wait Times Drop

These two rides are must-do’s (and ToT is my all-time favorite ride). Crush’s Coaster gives you a wild underwater adventure with Nemo and friends, while Tower of Terror delivers those heart-pounding drops that’ll have you screaming all the way down.

But here’s the thing: they’re notorious for their long wait times. Seriously, you can blink, and suddenly there’s a 90-minute queue out of nowhere.

That’s why, if you ever see Crush’s Coaster or Tower of Terror with a wait time of 30 minutes or less, it’s your cue to drop everything and jump in line.

The chances of the queue getting any shorter are slim, and if you hesitate, you might miss your chance altogether.

7. Utilize Single Rider Queues (If You’re Confident)

If you’re comfortable riding solo, the single-rider queues are a brilliant way to skip the longer lines.

Some of the most popular attractions, like Ratatouille and Indiana Jones, have single-rider options that can shave a good chunk of time off your wait.

While you might not get to sit next to your travel companions, it’s worth it if you want to maximize the number of rides you hit in a day.

And don’t worry—everyone is friendly at Disneyland (happiest place on earth, duh!), so don’t let the fear of being with strangers deter you from this!

8. A Personal Story With A Twist

If you’re plus-sized and worried about fitting on rides, you’re not alone. I had my own “walk of shame” moment when the bar on Space Mountain wouldn’t come down far enough, but let me tell you—Disneyland Paris cast members were beyond sweet.

They made me feel so welcome (despite the tears), and as a consolation, I even got a Fast Pass for another ride.

So, don’t let this possibility discourage you from enjoying the parks. And if the worst happens and you get turned away, you’ll get a cheeky Fast Pass out of it as compensation!

9. Character Queues: Be Prepared for a Wait

Meeting your favorite Disney characters is a huge part of the magic, but be warned—character queues can be long. If this is a priority for you, plan to arrive early and know which characters you absolutely must meet.

Some characters are more popular than others (there was a 4-hour queue to meet Stitch), so check the app for wait times and plan accordingly.

We met Wendy, Peter Pan, Baloo, Aladdin, and Captain Hook all on an absolute whim as we just happened to walk past as they were setting up.

Sometimes it’s all about being in the right place at the right time!If you want to skip the queues altogether, consider booking a character dining experience at Plaza Gardens or Auberge de Cendrillon—you’ll get to meet characters while enjoying a meal.

10. Fast Passes & Quietest Times of Year

If you’re visiting during peak season, consider investing in Fast Passes to save yourself hours in queue time. On the busiest days, a Fast Pass can be an absolute game-changer, shaving off up to four hours of wait time!

However, if you visit during the quieter months—like January, February, or midweek in September—you may not need them.

During these times, the parks are quieter, and you’ll find shorter queues without the extra expense.

The parks tend to be quieter right after major holidays, in the colder months, or during weekdays in off-peak seasons. You’ll get more done without having to shell out for a Fast Pass if you time your visit right.

Buying 1-Day Disneyland Paris Tickets

If you’re only visiting Disneyland Paris for a single day, purchasing the right ticket in advance can make all the difference.

You can buy 1-day tickets directly from the Disneyland Paris website, but I always recommend checking out trusted third-party sellers for potential discounts or offers (this is where I’ll pop in some handy links for you!).

There are two types of 1-day tickets:

Dated Tickets: These are slightly cheaper and guarantee entry on a specific date. Perfect if you’re planning your visit during quieter times.
Flexible Tickets: These give you the flexibility to choose your visit date later and are ideal if you’re unsure of your exact plans.

Make sure to book ahead, especially during peak seasons, as tickets can sell out. And if you’re planning on hopping between Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios, go for the 1-Day Park Hopper Ticket, which allows you to visit both parks on the same day. It’s totally doable to enjoy both parks in one day if you’re strategic!

Conclusion:

Don’t be afraid to tackle both parks in one day—it’s totally doable, especially if you’re traveling with adults or older kids who can keep up with the pace.

The key is flexibility, a bit of smart planning (not too much), and staying on top of those queue times.

I’ve done one-day trips to Disneyland Paris multiple times, and each time, I left with plenty of magical memories.

So download that app, and prepare for a day filled with laughter, adventure, and a whole lot of Disney magic!