By contrast, another friend never plans anything, but just goes with the flow. While this is perhaps less obsessive than planning every detail, it is just as bad. When he goes on trips he is always lost, never knows where to go and often spends much of his time trying to figure out what to do.
My suggestion is to adopt a happy medium between the two extremes. Sketch out a general idea of what you want to do each day. Check out some of the touring plans offered in guidebooks, and use them as a general guide for how to proceed each day (IE: On Magic Kingdom day, start in Fantasyland, then Adventureland, etc). But keep the plans flexible enough that you can adapt to change.
When to Go
The crowds fluctuate throughout the year. The busiest times of the year tend to be around holiday and during the summer. It makes sense to assume that the times kids are off match up with the times of year the park is more crowded. Remember that some of the holiday schedules in Europe are different than those in the United States, so be sure and check to see if you are going during a crowded time.
Here are the current hours from now until the end of the summer 2002:
Disneyland Park
January 7th to March 8th, 2002
10.00 - 20.00 from Monday to Friday
9.00 - 20.00 on Saturday and Sunday
March 9th to March 17th, 2002
10.00 - 20.00 from Monday to Friday
9.00 - 23.00 on Saturday and Sunday
March 18th to July 5th, 2002
9.00 - 20.00 daily
July 6th to September 1st, 2002
9.00 - 23.00 daily
Walt Disney Studios Park
March 16th to July 5th, 2002
9.00 - 20.00 daily
July 6th to September 1st, 2002
9.00 - 21.00 daily
Parades and Shows
Disneyland Paris offers a variety of shows during the year. Currently there are three major shows and two parades being offered.
Mickey's Winter Wonderland: A seasonal show featuring Mickey Mouse, it is shown at the Chaparal Theater in Frontierland.
Minnie's Birthday Surprise: A special show featuring Minnie Mouse shown at Videopolis in the Magic Kingdom
Winnie The Pooh: Pooh and friends offer a daily show at the Castle Stage in Fantasyland.
Wonderful World of Disney Parade: A daily parade at Main Street in the Magic Kingdom.
Main Street Electrical Parade: The classic parade hits Europe
Disney's Magic Music Days: During March and April the park features musicians from all around Europe, much like the local schools features at Disneyland in California and at Walt Disney World. For details click: Magic Music Days
Disneyland Paris offers detailed information on show times
Click here to check daily parade and show schedules: Parade Times
How Long Should I Stay?
Disneyland requires two or three days for a thorough visit, not counting travel time. Since every vacation has a time limitation, I strongly suggest you look at what you really want to do and set priorities. Then you can plan a reasonable pace and see and do those things that are most important to you and everyone in your party.
Other places to go
Disneyland Paris is located a short ride from the magical city, and there are tour packages which offer time at Disneyland and time in the city. You can also see a number of historical sites all around France, and England is only a short train ride away, with a station located right at the park gates.
Good Information to Know
The Disneyland Paris web site offers lots of good information. If you want to access the information click here
Phone Numbers
General Information and Park Hours.
International - 00 44 990 03 03 03
