I know both WDW and Disneyland in California quite well and have been to Disneyland Paris and Tokyo Disney… but both a looong time ago. In fact, the last time I went to DLP there was no studios, just a big hole in the ground!

We have just arranged a trip with our toddler to visit DLP and although it isn’t our first time, it feels like it because it’s been far too long. Accommodation is all booked, so is the train so all that is left now is to plan our days and make sure that we see everything that is worth seeing.

I know many of you are experienced visitors to DLP so I throw myself at your knowledgeable feet and say: any tips? Any advice? Anything that we should avoid? Anything that we MUST do?

We’re there for 5 days in early October and staying on property so I’m sure we will have time to do lots and lots… but will be grateful from information from those that know more than I do!

Spend three or four of your five days in Paris. Skip the studios--by far Disney's worst and least visited theme park.

Early October should be reasonably quiet but the weather not too cold 9still coats needed and maybe gloves in the evenings) unless it coincides with Half term across Europe (it should be late october half term though).

Don't skip the Studios - fair enough they aren't the most exciting park that Disney has done but they are still worth visiting.

The Studios are ok - but there's not a lot for little kids. As a tip -if there are 2 Motor stunt show showings in the day - got ot the second one of these. Most people seem to try and go to the first one - and the auditorium holds a huge amount of people - it soaks up so many people that the queuse for other rides get quite short. Go to the busier rides like Aerosmith coaster (and probably the new crush and cars rides) while the first stunt show is running.

The new crush coaster is supposed to be quite good.

The studios are a park where you need to plan ahead - there are three big attractions that are shows and therefore run to specific times. The motor stunt show there's usually 2 of, Cinemagique there's plenty of and Animagique varies - avergaes about 5 performances. Kids will love Animagique though it gets quite dark (it's a glow in the dark show with performers acting out various musical scenes from the disney vaults).

Cinemagique is also pretty clever - but more clever for adults (though not wasted on kids). A perfect spot to sit for this is the aisle seats of the back row of the front left block (as you look at the stage). You'll understand why when you see the show.

DLP park probably hasn't changed all that much since you went before - Buzz Lightyear AB was new last yr, and Space Mountain has become more modern with its Mission 2 (rather than the Jules Verne themed interior - which i much preferred) in the past few yrs.

In the main park my favourite place to eat is Plaza Gardens - it's a buffet restaurant but is never crowded - possibly because it is a little on the secluded side being in amongst the trees between mainstreet and Buzz. They do buffet lunch with normal food but also do buffet afternoon tea with cakes etc.

As previous poster said, make sure you spend time in Paris too. The trains to and from Disney (RER line A) are reasonably frequent and usually not too crowded until you get close to Paris.

I'd recommend a couple of days in paris, 1 day at the studios and 2 days in the main park. (You can head back to the studios one of those 2 days if you missed any of the shows). And don't forget Studios close earlier than the main park so on you studio day you can head over to the main park for a few end of the day rides in fantasyland.

Enjoy!

Thanks for the huge list - I certainly do need as much help as I can get!

I know Paris reasonably well and we visited A LOT (DH used to work for Eurostar) until we got, well, frankly sick of it so perhaps we'll only visit one day this time. It might not be that exciting for our little one and if the weather is poor then perhaps time will be better spent in the hotel pool or something.

Thanks for the tips on the Studios - we are definitely planning on visiting, seeing as we've got tickets and everything. I'm curious to see them as I have heard so many mixed reviews. But, like you say, it doesn't appear that there is a lot for little ones to enjoy other than the shows which I'm sure he'll like. It's so weird not knowing much about a Disney park as we know WDW pretty well and this is like a first-time visit.

Spend three or four of your five days in Paris. Skip the studios--by far Disney's worst and least visited theme park.

Although the Studios is not my favourite park, they do have nice attractions.
The new Crush Coaster is amazing; and unfortunately, everyone shares that opinion => very long lines. Be at the Studios before it opens, and "run" there once it opens. It's on the right side (Big blue building). Animagique is a nice live show, and Cinemagique has been awarded as best attraction by professionals.

Did you know that the oldest Disney diner can be found at the Studios? The Cafe des Cascadeurs is a real 40's diner from germany => older than Disneyland in California, so the oldest diner at a Disney park! (yes, I have been on the tour :D )

Personally, I like the animation building a lot, and if you're in for thrills, Rock 'n' Rollercoaster is nice too.


At Disneyland Park, the new parade is fun. Be sure to be sniffing around, because there are some smells to be smelled! ;)

I think it'll be Halloween season, so Frontierland will be transformed into Halloweenland, and some special shows/ entertainment will be on. You should Google it, I don't know the details, since I'll be at WDW instead of DLP :)

The Lion King show is good. Sometimes you need to pick up free tickets beforehand, sometimes you have to just wait in line. And you can always sit in the restaurant, don't know what it is called.

Big Thunder Mountain is cool, since it's on an island => the train goes through a tunnel.
Phantom Manor is one of my favourites, as is POTC. Space Mountain is good, and the Storybookland ride is so pretty!
Don't forget to visit the dragon, it's unique, and the Sleeping Beauty exhibition in the Castle.

Nice dinner at Walt's (my absolute favourite), Blue Lagoon (in the POTC ride) or princess-dinner at Auberge de Cendrillon (although a little expensive). Don't forget to make a reservation earlier during the day (no need to call beforehand, not even when the park is filled like last weeekend)

all I can say is I'm so jealous. DLP has the coolest Halloween decorations in the world.

Come and visit my daughter then, she will be working at the restaurant En Coulisses at the Studios... Enjoy!

Enjoy it! DLP holds a certain magic and beauty to it. It doesn't feel as "rushed" as WDW or DL do. My favorites there (in the main park) are Space Mountain, ( just because it's different from others...more thrilling), Phantom Manor (just because it's WAY different than what you expect), Thunder Mountain (cause the caves are long and dark and it's soooo fun:)), and Small World. The Small World is the best Disney has. Everything is bright and clean and soooo close to the boat. You should also try a pizzaburger at Pizza Planet in Tomorrowland. It's the only place in the world where you can get one and they're strangely yummy. It's fun to say you've had one.
I haven't ever got to visit the studios, so I don't know about that one.
But don't rush around. The resort is just so pretty. We laugh because everything feels familiar, yet you still feel like you're in Europe. Have fun....I'm jealous!

Thanks everyone for your tips - all very useful. Any others?

Don't miss the dragon in the dungeon of Sleeping Beauty's Castle. :)

It is truly amazing! Best attraction at the park! :D