Solo Traveler, 1st time to DLP, # of days

[Lisa24jks]

I'm planning a trip to Paris for either late August 2024 or mid September 2025. I will be visiting the parks solo, and I'm really trying to figure out whether I need two days in the parks, or I can fit in my MUSTs in just one day. Things I do know: Don't buy the premier access pass, because I should be able to utilize single rider and/or individual lightning lane (or whatever they are called) purchases on the day.

So I absolutely can make it two days at the park, but part of me is like... if I cut it down to ONE, then that's more time in the city of Paris itself. I know I COULD fill two days just for atmosphere, which is why I truly can't decide. So below are my MUSTs and MAYBEs for each park. I would also like to see a nighttime show there (especially for the drones!), and if there's a decent parade, maybe fit that in (but not a necessity unless it's something REALLY awesome). I don't really need to carve out time for sit down meals, since I eat very small portions for medical reasons and will be alone.

Note: I am a frequent DLR visitor, but haven't been to WDW since I was a child (which is why both Ratatouille and Tower of Terror are on my list).

HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

Must Do
Crush’s Coaster
Ratatouille: L’Aventure Totalement Toquee de Remy
Tower of Terror
Avengers Assemble: Flight Force

Maybe
Slinky Dog Zigzag Spin
Spider-Man WEB Adventure (yes, I know it’s the same as Web Slingers, but I’m one of the weirdos who MUST do Web Slingers every time I’m at DCA.)

DISNEYLAND PARK

Must Do
Phantom Manor
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril
It’s a Small World
Dragon under the castle

Maybe
Big Thunder Mountain
Pirates of the Caribbean
Hyperspace Mountain

 

[Bad Pink Tink 2.0]

I've been going to Disneyland California for over 10 years and Ive been multiple times to Disneyland Paris, most recently on a family and friends trip in October 2023. You can read my trip report here https://www.disboards.com/threads/t...isneyland-paris-app-and-premier-pass.3933288/

For me as a solo, 2 days would be a minimum, 3 days is the best.

At Disneyland California I always stay offsite, but at Disneyland California I always stay onsite.

Its far more affordable to stay onsite at Disneyland Paris and there are good onsite perks, such as being able to book restaurants 12 months in advance and the early opening access.

 

[Lisa24jks]

I've been going to Disneyland California for over 10 years and Ive been multiple times to Disneyland Paris, most recently on a family and friends trip in October 2023. You can read my trip report here https://www.disboards.com/threads/t...isneyland-paris-app-and-premier-pass.3933288/

For me as a solo, 2 days would be a minimum, 3 days is the best.

At Disneyland California I always stay offsite, but at Disneyland California I always stay onsite.

Its far more affordable to stay onsite at Disneyland Paris and there are good onsite perks, such as being able to book restaurants 12 months in advance and the early opening access.

Thank you @Bad Pink Tink 2.0! I'll take a look at that trip report when I have more time later.

I always stay offsite in California as well, but I'm definitely looking at onsite for Paris. It's more affordable than DLR, and looks much more convenient than bothering with offsite, especially for a short solo trip. Right now I'm also thinking of putting DLP at the end of my Paris trip, because it seems like it's fairly easy to just hop on the train to CDG on the day of departure. (Again, I assume most things are easier when I'm just one person than it is with families or groups!)

 

[Bad Pink Tink 2.0]

. Right now I'm also thinking of putting DLP at the end of my Paris trip, because it seems like it's fairly easy to just hop on the train to CDG on the day of departure. (Again, I assume most things are easier when I'm just one person than it is with families or groups!)

Thats a good plan. While the TGV is the fastest way to CDG, I always use Magic Shuttle. On departure day you can check out early and leave your bags in the luggage store and go into the parks for as long as you want. Then when you are ready to go to the airport, come back to the hotel, collect your bags and the bus picks up at the hotel, and will bring you direct to the airport. Its a longer journey but the times are more flexible.

 

[ocdb8r1]

You could certainly do what's on your Must Do list in a single day, especially if you buy the individual Premier Access pass for Crush's Coaster. However, what srikes me is that you have zero shows on your list, which is one of the things both parks are known for. Even if you're not a "show" person, I would not miss Mickey and the Magician at Studios and the Lion King at Disneyland Paris. I totally get the instinct not to bother if you're not into shows, but these are two things that make this resort unique and are truly stand-out compared to other Disney parks.

Separately, Big Thunder Mountain should absolutely be on your Must Do list. It's the best version of all the parks and probably one of the best rides at the park. I would also put Hyperspace Mountain on the Must Do list given it is unique....however, it can be a bit too intense for some.

Finally, keep in mind there will be a new nightime spectacular at Disneyland Paris next summer that looks like it will also be a not to be missed show. All things considered, I would spend 2 days in the parks.

 

[Karin1984]

We already know some things for Summer 2025:
Very very like we will still have the Stars on Parade-parade. No news yet that this is going to retire. It's not my personal favourite, but some find it the best ever.

They did announce a new festival 19APR-7SEP will be the Disney Music Festival, with 3 shows (my guess is 1 at the hub, 1 at castle stage and 1 on Main Street).

The new night time show will start on January 10.

 

[samsp99]

Personally, I think a 3d/2n trip to DLP is a good length. It gives you 2 nights for fireworks, 2 days for early entry, and enough time to really get to know your way around, especially if you have travel time on the beginning and end of the trip.

August is a peak time, which means lines will be longer.

If you have 3 days, then buying the multi-pass for a day when you are mot doing shows (they eat a lot of time) is a great way to see it all.

 

[Lisa24jks]

Just wanted to thank @Bad Pink Tink 2.0, @ocdb8r1, @Karin1984 & @samsp99 for your replies and help! I wanted to reply sooner, but had a lot of past 5 weeks, so was away from the boards a lot.

I've officially booked my DLP trip for September 24 - September 27, staying onsite at Sequoia, and I'm very excited! I'm sure I'll be back here in the next 244 days with more questions, but appreciate the help already given.