Welcome to Disneyland Paris, just outside the heart of Paris, the two parks that make up this world of Disney include: Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park and are the sole representation of the Disney magic in Europe. With its Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant or The Castle of the Sleeping Beauty the overall design and atmosphere of Disneyland Paris blends Disney magic with French charm creating a unique ambiance that sets it apart from other Disney parks.
Here is what you need to know if you are planning a trip to Paris’ Disneyland.
Can’t Miss Experiences:
Nighttime Spectacular Firework and Drone Show
The park’s mesmerizing drone show brings together cutting-edge technology with the magic of Disney. Combining fireworks with hundreds of synchronized drones choreographed to music and storytelling, the drone show at Disneyland Paris is a truly unforgettable experience.
Maleficent’s Dragon Form Beneath Sleeping Beauty’s Castle
Beneath the castle is a giant animatronic, known as La Tanière du Dragon, is unlike any other. This one-of-a-kind approximately 27 meters (89 ft) long dragon, is one of the largest animatronics of all Disney parks.
French Dining
I have to say my favorite thing in Paris, to the dismay of my husband who booked an expensive seine boat dinner cruise and tour of Versailles, was the croissants I got each morning in Paris. That being said, unfortunately I found the food at Disneyland Paris disappointing. It was just underwhelming and not always very fresh. What was good was the character themed macrons sold at various locations in bakeries and confectionery shops throughout Disneyland Paris.
Also, thankfully they just so happened to be trying out temporary food booths around the Walt Disney Studios Park, offering raclette and sweet crepes or savory galettes.
Otherwise we escaped to the Disney Village shopping area just outside the parks to visit one of their restaurants such as Five Guys or Starbucks.
Bistrot Chez Rémy
However, located within Walt Disney Studios Park, you must try Bistrot Chez Rémy, the Ratatouille-themed French cuisine fine dining experience. Although the fixed menu is limited in options, we found our meal enjoyable. The real highlight is the immersive theming, featuring oversized props and items that make guests feel as if they’ve been magically shrunk down to the size of a rat.
Signature dishes include “Bœuf Bourguignon,” “Ratatouille,” and the decadent “Gâteau au Chocolat”. The adorable ambiance makes it a must-visit destination for Disney fans but be sure to make reservations beforehand or you won’t be able to find a table!
The Most Popular Rides: (By Park)
Disneyland Park: (The Classics)
1.Hyperspace Mountain: This roller coaster was our favorite ride in Paris Disney and my favorite version of “Space Mountain” that I have ever been on. The Star Wars theming just makes sense, transporting riders on an epic ride of twists and turns through what feels like your very own galactic space battle.
2. Big Thunder Mountain: the classic runaway mine train roller coaster set in the Wild West, similar to other Disney parks.
3. Pirates of the Caribbean: the classic boat ride taking guests through scenes of the famous film franchise, including encounters with Jack Sparrow and his crew.
4. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril: Another roller coaster adventure, this time themed around the iconic Indiana Jones series.
5. Peter Pan’s Flight: A family-friendly dark ride that takes guests on a magical journey over the rooftops of London and into the world of Neverland, it’s pretty similar to the other Disney parks.
5. It’s a Small World: A classic Disney attraction taking guests on a gentle boat ride through various scenes representing different countries, accompanied by the famous “It’s a Small World” song.
6. Phantom Manor: A haunted house attraction where guests explore the mysteries of Ravenswood Manor.
Walt Disney Studios Park: (The New)
1.Spider-Man W.E.B. Adventure: an interactive 3-D glasses wearing dark ride, no “shooter equipment” required due to cutting-edge technology that maps guest’s movements as you develop your web-slinging abilities like the original Spiderman. Help capture rogue Spider-Bots that have wreaked havoc on the Avengers Campus while competing for the highest score. Each spider is worth different points: red/blue are 300 points each, green are 900 points, red are 1,500 points, blue are 3,000 points, and gold are the highest at 6,000 points each.
This is my other favorite ride at Paris Disney. The wait was often long but we loved competing for the top score on this one. Make sure to aim for the higher value spiders, my husband and I were absolutely outperformed by some 12 year olds on this attraction.
2. Avengers Assemble: Flight Force a new enclosed roller coaster that immerses visitors in the Marvel Universe as they team up with Avengers characters like Iron Man, Captain America, and Thor. If you like thrill rides, put this on your list!
3. Ratatouille: The Adventure: a trackless dark ride that “shrinks” guests down to the size of a rat and takes them on a culinary adventure through Gusteau’s restaurant from the Disney-Pixar film Ratatouille. Although it’s similar to Epcot in DW, I wholeheartedly love this ride and recommend you don’t miss this one!
4. Crush’s Coaster: a spinning roller coaster that twists and turns as you move along the track. This coaster takes riders on a journey through the East Australian Current with Crush, the sea turtle from Finding Nemo. This one is also pretty unique so be sure not to miss this one either!
5. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror: Based on the classic TV series, this drop tower ride with its randomized drop sequences, is a favorite among thrill seekers
6. RC Racer: inspired by the Toy Story films, guests ride in a giant RC car that races up and down a half-pipe coaster track, providing exhilarating thrills.
7. Cars Quatre Roues Rallye: this is a more laid-back family attraction where guests can ride in cars inspired by the characters from Cars as they race around a track reminiscent of a dirt rally race.
Staying in Disney
We stayed at Disney Newport Bay, a deluxe hotel themed around New England’s seaside resorts from the late 19th century. Our room was spacious and comfortable, with touches of classic Disney character nautical theming. Amenities include indoor and outdoor pools, fitness center, gift shops and restaurants. Newport Bay Club is conveniently located within walking distance or a short shuttle ride from the Disneyland Paris parks and the Disney Village entertainment district. We loved staying in the “Disney Bubble” and we really loved the early access it offered to the parks.
Shopping
I shopped mostly around the Disney Village but I didn’t leave with much. My main purchases were the Disney themed Starbucks mugs, some Disney keepsake metal cookie filled tins for me and as gifts for friends, and a few reusable packable totes.
When I was a kid we did all 4 Disney parks in one day to save money and any souvenirs were bought at the Walmart down the street. So where do I fall now? I love a good plastic popcorn bucket with the rest of them but I still cannot let myself buy the $70ish dollar spirit jersey. Here in Asia, especially in the Tokyo Disney parks I find merch isn’t as outrageous, but in the US I bought directly from the Disney store when they had a sale, using my Disney credit card for extra discounts and savings (that’s also how I saved a few hundred dollars the one time I stayed at an actual Disney resort in DW). I also love the Disney collection at Baublebar, which I often found at Marshalls. Lastly for truly unique t-shirts and Disney ears, I would checkout etsy.
How long do you need to visit Disneyland Paris?
You can definitely experience the highlights of both parks in one day if you plan well, get there early and stay late. Two days would be perfect to explore the parks more thoroughly or in case it is crowded when you visit. We stayed for 4 days which was more than necessary but we moved at a leisurely pace and broke up our days with afternoons at the Disney resort we were staying in.
My Perfect One Day Itinerary:
Start at Walt Disney Studios Park and prioritize Spider-Man W.E.B. Adventure, Crush’s Coaster, Avengers Assemble: Flight Force and Ratatouille: The Adventure, in that order. Don’t forget to reserve your spot for lunch at Bistrot Chez Rémy.
Next make your way to Disneyland park, ride Hyperspace Mountain, explore sleeping beauty’s castle with its giant dragon animatronic, and find a good spot for the nighttime spectacular.
Lastly, shop Disney Village or grab a late bite with most shops and restaurants open past park closing.
See ya real soon…
So grab your Mickey ears and experience Euro Disney!
For more Disney inspiration or other travel tips, check out my other articles.