zipzap - just seen your post.
The problem with guide books is that they can be out of date by the time they are printed! Things change in DLP often, according to the seasons. It is much better to spend time planning before you go, rather than reading a guide book when you are there, or trying to work out a park map.
One good book I have is called the Unofficial Guide to Disneyland Paris. ( they also do guides for WDW and other places in America ). The DLP one is new.
Mine cost £ 12.99. By Bob Sehlinger and Len Testa.
They have suggested touring plans of the parks in the back as well, but these only work if you follow their plan exactly, without stopping to look at something else on the way. They also criss cross the park a lot, so a lot more walking. It is hard telling kids that they have to keep going if they want to watch something. The main thing is that kids and parents have a good time there, even if they don't see and do everything on that trip. It is also very hard to predict crowd levels. Friday is usually the less busy day in summer holidays. Weds and Thurs vary. Sat, Sun, Mon, Tues are usually the busiest. The weather can also make a difference - fewer local people will go on a wet day.
Summer holidays are very busy, but there are more shows, longer park hours, and Fantillusion electric parade and fireworks at 11pm. Also great atmosphere and hopefully sunny days and warm evenings.
Once Upon A Dream Parade is at 7.15pm. Mickeys Magical Celebration show is at 9.15pm. Fantillusion will begin at 10.25pm - get a good position on the outside curve around Central Plaza, with the Castle on your left. You can see the floats coming towards you, passing, and the backs. Better than standing in a straight line down Main Street or an inside kerb where your view will be blocked by people leaning out to take photos and video.
You are also in a good spot to watch the fireworks over the Castle afterwards. ( I usually move to the front of the castle before they begin, standing on the kerb with Central Plaza Stage behind me ).
Then hang back and let all the crowds leave the park so you can walk out without being crushed or losing kids. ( happened to us once - very scary for a while ). Shops and some fast food places in the park stay open for some time afterwards. We prefer to walk back to our hotel instead of queueing for the bus, as this can be manic. Lots of pushing and shoving goes on. Or wait until most people have gone.
Eating around 4-5pm means that you won't miss any shows or parades later because of having dinner. You need to get a place for a parade about an hour in advance, when people start lining the parade route.
Stars n cars parade in the Studios is earlier - 5.15pm. This park closes at 7pm. With hopper tickets, you can then go over to the main park for the last few hours. This is a great time for Thunder Mountain in the dark.
Crowds of people seem to leave the park for dinner or putting kids to bed after OUAD parade, so ride queue lines go down. ( around 7.45pm ).
Check the park programme for times of shows, and Character Meet & Greet times and locations.
The best thing I can suggest is to spend some time on the Trip Advisor DLP forum before you go, reading previous posts and Top Questions lists, or asking your own questions if you are a member.
I read DLP books out of interest, but find that some things are out of date. The majority of them are useful though. People on DLP forums usually keep up to date with what is going on there.
Disney hotels reception desks are 24 hr. You can check in anytime and collect your park tickets. Rooms are not usually ready until 3pm, so leave luggage in the hotel bag storage, and go straight into the parks. Disney hotels guests can go in from 8am for Extra Magic Hours. Rides are open in Fantasyland and Discoveryland so no point queueing for these during the day if you have EMH. You don't have to go back at 3pm to get your room key. We often return after midnight in summer after leaving the park.
You have to play it how suits your family. Loads of young kids and babies are still in the parks late at night, or in restaurants, but that does not suit everyone. Some kids need routine and usual bedtime, or will get crabby and tearful.
After EMH go to the Frontierland gates around 09.45 so you can go straight to Big Thunder Mountain when they let people through. Most people will be heading for it. We usually go to the Fastpass machines, and get FP tickets as soon as they uncover them. That gives us the first 30 min timeslot.
Then we join the main queue for BTM, as the queue is not usually very long yet. As soon as we get off the ride, our timeslot has usually arrived, so we can go straight on again using the Fastpass entrance for a 2nd ride.
Alternatively do the ride first, then if you want a second ride get a FP when you get off. Go to Phantom Manor while you are waiting for your timeslot. You may also have time for a coffee after PM.
Then go to Adventureland for Pirates OTC ride which has large capacity boats, so the queue moves quickly. Kids might like the caves and rope bridge in Adventure Isle. Swiss Family Robinson Tree House ( Cabine Des Robinson ) is closed for refurb. Older kids and adults may like Indiana Jones coaster.
People with young kids tend to stay in Fantasyland after EMH and do the rides that were not open early. Autopia cars are very popular and have no Fastpass. Also slow loading/ unloading time. People start queuing for this ride during EMH, so they are near the front when it opens.
Some kids want to do favourite rides again and again. Letting them choose what to do is better than rushing around trying to do everything. A large part of parents' enjoyment is watching their faces. Do things that don't have long queues at the busiest times - there are boards showing ride queue times in both parks.
The Studios has more large capacity indoor theatre attractions, so good for busy days and also wet weather. Moteurs Action show has 3 performances daily. Try to see the first one at 11.15am. Otherwise, get there in good time for the later ones so they are not full.