One Day Visit

Just booked a trip to Europe this October and we'll be in Paris for a couple of days. We'll be staying at a hotel near the Charles de Gaulle Etoile Metro station and plan to take the RER-A to DLP. If the park opens at 10, what time should we plan to get the train? Also, should we buy DLP tickets ahead of time? Looks like a mini ticket will work for the day we plan to go. Should we buy the train tickets ahead of time?

On another note, we plan to do both parks in one day and it will be a Tuesday in October, so likely limited hours (plus we're going the day after arriving in Europe from the US, so we'll be tired). Can someone point me to a link or list somewhere about what rides/shows/etc are unique to DLP vs WDW and DLR? I'm assuming there's probably such a thing!

We'll have two kids, DS13 and DD11, so is there anything in particular we shouldn't miss? They don't care about characters. We're DVC members so they're quite familiar with WDW and are SO excited to visit DLP!

Do you and your children like rollercoasters? If so I would get to the Studios first for opening (the gates open at 9:30am) and go straight to Crush's Coaster. This is unique to DLP and does not have FP, the lines for this ride are always long! Then go straight away and get a FP for Ratatouille. Whilst waiting for this we usually ride RC racer, again unique to DLP. Unfortunately BTMRR will be down for a refurb when you visit, but in the Disneyland Park I would do Space Mountain. The Paris version is very different to either of the American versions, it is more like RnRC in that it is a fast looping coaster in the dark. Indiana Jones is also a looping coaster in Paris. In addition to the rides, make sure you go up inside the castle and go to see the dragon underneath. Haunted Mansion and POTC are also different to the American versions. Also, make sure you stay for park closing to watch Disney Dreams, the firework/light/laser/projection show on the castle.

In terms of what time to leave Paris. The journey from your station will be a little under an hour, so I would leave by 8:15am at the latest. The last trains back to Paris are after midnight so you will be able to get a train back after Dreams. I would buy park tickets ahead of time as they will be cheaper. Train tickets can be bought on the day. A mobilis ticket for zones 1-5 will get you to DLP and back. They can be bought at the ticket machines at the station on the day (just click on the Union Flag and the machines display in English!)

I hope you have a great trip. DLP is different to WDW, but it is very charming. One thing to be aware though at the time of your visit, several attractions will be down for extended refurbs as the park prepares for its 25th anniversary in 2017. BTMRR will be undergoing a 13 month refurb and the lake it is on will probably be drained at this time.

Perfect- thank you for your response! Yes, we all love roller coasters, so we will head to Crush first. Your itinerary tips help a ton!

Danauk has given you some great tips and I think BTM should still be open in October. Last I heard it was closing early November for its refurb