Disneyland Paris Ride Planning Guide (2025) – Skip the Queues

🎢 Ride Planning Guide for Disneyland Paris (2025)

Ready to outsmart the queues and ride like a pro? Whether you’re heading to Disneyland Paris for one jam-packed day or a leisurely four-night break, this 2025 ride planning guide will help you squeeze the magic out of every minute. From early starts to sneaky hacks, here’s how to do it like a seasoned Disney strategist.

🧭 Related Content – Plan Like a Pro:

• Premier Access Guide 2025
• Best Days to Visit – Crowd Calendar 2025
• Extra Magic Hours Guide 
• Family Rides at Disneyland Paris

🎟️ Step 1: Know What’s Open (and What You Want Most)

Not all rides are open during Extra Magic Time, refurbishments do happen, and not every ride is suitable for all ages. Here’s what to do:

• Check the official app the night before and morning of your visit
• Prioritise rides that:
  • Regularly have long queues (40+ mins)
  • Don’t offer Premier Access
  • Are top of your family’s wish list

Example top-tier rides to plan around:

• Big Thunder Mountain
• Crush’s Coaster
• Spider-Man W.E.B. Adventure
• Peter Pan’s Flight
• Phantom Manor
• Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain

☀️ Step 2: Make the Most of Extra Magic Time

If you’re staying in a Disney hotel (or have a qualifying Annual Pass), you’ll get Extra Magic Time — early entry from 8:30am to 9:30am.

✅ Best rides to target during EMH in 2025:

• Peter Pan’s Flight
• Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast
• Orbitron
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant
• Le Carrousel de Lancelot
• Spider-Man W.E.B. Adventure (often open, but double-check)

🎯 Strategy: Pick one land and clear the top rides before the gates open to the public. Fantasyland is a great starting point if you’ve got younger kids.

⚡ Step 3: Decide if Premier Access is Worth It

Premier Access (Ultimate or One) lets you skip the standby queue on select attractions.

💡 TIP: Use Premier Access for rides that consistently get 60+ minute queues (Crush’s Coaster, Big Thunder Mountain, etc.) and can’t be tackled in EMH.

👉 See our full Premier Access Guide for hacks and pricing.

🧠 Step 4: Prioritise Like a Pro

Create a rough order of attack:

• Start with EMH rides
• Knock out 1–2 big rides before lunch
• Slot in midday shows, parades, or meals when queues are longest
• Hit less popular rides and walkthroughs after 3pm
• Save evening slots for nighttime shows and a few low-wait surprises (Pirates of the Caribbean often drops in queue time after 8pm)

📅 Sample Day Plan: 1-Day Visit

8:30am–9:30am – EMH: Peter Pan, Dumbo, Buzz

9:30am–11:00am – Big Thunder, Phantom Manor

11:00am–1:00pm – Pirates, lunch

1:00pm–3:00pm – Shows, shops, snacks

3:00pm–5:30pm – Star Tours, Orbitron, It’s a Small World

5:30pm–7:00pm – Dinner break

7:00pm–8:30pm – Ride re-runs or use Premier Access

8:30pm onward – Find spot for Disney Dreams night show

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Tips

• Use baby switch if you’ve got a little one and want to ride big rides without splitting up
• Pack snacks — queues are more tolerable when you’re munching
• Bring entertainment for longer waits: games, bubbles, or Disney trivia

🎠 Don’t Miss These Low-Queue Gems

These often get overlooked but rarely have long waits:

• Alice’s Curious Labyrinth (great photo ops!)
• La Cabane des Robinson (treehouse views)
• Adventure Isle caves
• Sleeping Beauty Castle walkthrough
• Mickey & the Magician (indoor and comfy!)

📦 Final Thoughts

Ride planning doesn’t mean over-scheduling — it means avoiding the dreaded “we only managed 5 rides all day!” regret. With a smart mix of strategy, flexibility, and snacks, you can conquer the parks like a pro. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a family with toddlers, or a photo-hunting Disney adult — this guide has your back!

🛏️ Still planning your stay? Check out our Hotel Reviews to pick the best location for early starts!