Only 1 day at DLP -- how to spend it?

[girlbomb]

Hello, fellow Disney lovers! We're about to visit DLP for the first time, and we only have one day to spend there -- can you please suggest what we should not miss? We're a childless couple in our late 30s who LOVE Disney World, especially Space Mountain, Everest, Haunted Mansion -- heck, especially everything! We know we won't get the full DLP experience, as we'll be staying off-site in Paris, but we look forward to soaking up as much DLP as we can in our short visit. Thanks for any suggestions you can send our way!

 

[ben1993]

Be sure not to miss Space Mountain, Phantom Manor, Big Thunder and Pirates as these are all variations on the classic attractions in the US parks that are unique to DLP.

 

[loladelorean]

Are you planning on trying to visit both parks? I'm not sure how easy this would be, but I've done a successful day trip just to the main Disneyland Park.
Yes do try to take in as many attractions as you can but also remember to pause and take in the atmosphere and detail of this beautiful park, especially the castle and Fantasyland. All of it really! It's very much its own entity, not a small version of WDW.
I'd also say, don't forget to have a wander in Alice's Curious Labyrinth, a DLP-exclusive attraction.
Big Thunder is better than the WDW version, in my opinion.
Hope you have a fantastic time!!

 

[girlbomb]

Thanks so much for the feedback, ben1993 and loladelorean! I think we were going to try to do both parks in one day, but we should probably limit it to DLP. And we definitely want to soak up the atmosphere and not try to do too many rides, except the really unmissable ones.

Thanks again, and if anyone else has any advice for a first-time one-dayer, please bring it on!

 

[A Small World]

Go down into the dungeon of the castle to meet the resident dragon - unique to DLP.
Go upstairs in the castle and out onto the balcony to look over Fantasyland - again unique to DLP I think
Wander round Adventure Isle- through the caves, over the wobbly bridges etc
BTM is a must - its longer than its counterparts and goes underground onto an island
SM is rougher and goes upside down unlike the US ones
Wander through the arcades on either side of Main Street- very beautiful

Have fun

 

[purple figment]

We did the same thing last month - stayed in Paris and took a day trip to DLP. We've been to Disneyland and DisneyWorld many times so we concentrated on things that are uniqe to DLP.

-At the MK Phantom Manor is great; it's very different so don't miss it.
-The dragon in the dungeon under the castle is impressive; we went through the entrance in Merlin's(?) shop.
-Pirates of the Caribbean has many of the same screnes, but in a completely different order.
-Alice's Labyrinth is unique to DLP. Take time to wander through it.
-It's a Small World is similar, but a lot more dolls.
-Main St stores - be sure to look up at the ceilings for all of the details and decoration. Also, the covered arcades behind the stores.
-No Mr Toad ride, but if you're a fan, Toad Hall Restaurant has lots of fun decor.

-At the Studio the entryway is unique, again a covered walkway.
-We walked through the new Toy Story Playland, but lines were very long for all of the rides.
-CineMaagique was a clever montage of films and a chance to get off our feet.
-Wanted to see Remy so we had an ADR for lunch at Restaurant des Stars and were seated immediately. Plenty of interaction with Remy.

In General:
-A lot of attractions and CS restaurants close early so plan accordingly. Park hours were 10AM to 10PM the day we were there, but a lot of things closed around 6 at the MK. Studio closed at 6 also.
-Wear comfortable shoes - lots of cobblestone walkways and uneven pavement.
-They were starting to decorate for Halloween in the MK when we were there.
-DLP is visually far more detailed. Take time to look at the facades, interiors and landscaping.
-We took the train from Paris and arrived a little before opening. Although everything was automated at CDG Etoile station, it was all clearly marked so it was relatively easy to buy tickets and find the right platform.

Have fun!

 

[auntyjenn]

What sorts of things closed early? was it listed on the times guide?