We are a family of four, two boys 7 and 11, from the US. We go to Disney World almost once a year and stay for 10 days. I grew up with
Disneyland annual passes. We have 5 full days in Paris on our very 1st European Vacation. I'm not sure if I want to devote 2 full days to Disney, but we are a Disney family. And... we may still do 10 days in Disney World this fall as well. (I booked free dining, but not too excited about hotel choice and maybe no Star Wars Land
)
We are adults going for the first time as well and will only have a day and a half. We will be spending most of our time in London but will have 4 days in Paris plus the time I mentioned for DLP. We have never been to Europe before either. When is your trip?
I debated this as well for our trip this November. Live in the US, been to US parks several times, love Disney. Kids are 15 and 13, first trip to Europe for them (my wife and I have each been to Paris separately, though many years ago). We're staying in Paris for almost 5 days (arriving in the morning, plus 4 more full days). I waffled between two days at DL Paris at the end of the trip, and moving to one of the hotels out there, or just doing one day at DL and spending an extra day in the city. Ended up booking the 2 full days at DL. Just doing one day felt like it would be too chaotic and rushed, wasn't sure we'd really enjoy it. And I think by that part of the trip, the kids will be tiring of museums and seeing the sights, and ready for something different.
Hi all!
Difficult dilemma, but 1 day at Disney is still better than no day at Disney.
Yes, 2 days or maybe even 3 would be better. You can see more, take things slow etc.
But does that mean that 1 day will be a bad trip, or overwhelming, disappointing? I don't think so.
It is about mentality and the ability and willingness to make choice.
Whether you have short opening hours in winter, long in summer or staying onsite and can make use of EMH, you cannot do it all in one day and that is something you have to accept before, not during, your visit. Enjoy what you can do, try not to regret the things you cannot do.
Preparations:
- decide what is important to you and your family, what is a must do during a Disney visit and what is a nice to have. Not just rides, but also shows, parades, characters, breaks, sit down meals, etc.
- when you are used to other Disney parks, compare the identical rides, your favorites and make a must do list. Peter Pan is almost fully identical to US parks, but if it is your favorite ride and is normally your first ride tradition, don't feel bad to keep it on your list. There is no right way to Disney and you almost never know 100% sure if you will return.
- take a look at the map before! Very important when used to other parks. Rides are in different places where you expect them to be.
- when you travel with your family, involve them when you make your list and the preparations. When you are used to do everything, your children will expect this. Discuss it with them and ask what their favorites are and what they are willing to skip. They might surprise you.