Visiting Disneyland Paris

Waking up well before the parks opened we stuffed ourselves full of fresh crescents (coated in Nutella) before catching the Disney shuttle. Disneyland Paris is made up of two parks, Walt Disney Studios and Disneyland. This was our final international park and we couldn’t wait to dive in to find the subtle differences that make these parks feel like they could only belong in Paris.

We started our day off at Walt Disney Studios. This park closes earlier than Disneyland but has a perfect half day worth of activities.

 Ratatouille Area

I love that Aerosmith is here to stay on their Rockin’ Roller Coast. The band had been integrated into the ride in Anaheim for a while but was not kept as a permeant feature. The music really builds up the anticipation and excitement as you lurch into motion (1-60 mph in 2.8 seconds!).

They also have the classic Tower of Terror which is always worth a ride. This is the only ride that makes me shake in my boots before stepping on.

I also would take a walk through Toy Story Playland. This area of the park is really well themed and reminds us of the first Toy Story movie. The only other park that currently has a similar land is Hong Kong.

The remainder on this park feels a bit outdated. If you are familiar with the other Disney Parks, I’d skip the remainder of the park to save the rest of your day for Disneyland (Note: it has been announced that this park is getting a major renovation over the next decade).

Walk into the magic of the park through the Disneyland Hotel. This pale pink Parisian style hotel is your entry way into Disneyland where the first stop, as always, is Main Street. This park has a detailed Main Street with adorable arcades you can walk through just behind the shops – offering another layer of magic. Stop by for a haircut at the barber shop or continue onwards towards Sleeping Beauties Castle.

If you are looking for an adrenaline rush look no further! The classic rides in the Disneyland Paris Park offer more twists and upside down turns than their counter parts.

Space Mountain is the fastest space mountain to date. This ride has a loop that will make you wish you had waited to go to the confectionary shop. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril are a high speed train ride whizzing you past scenes that look like they came right from this popular flick.

Not only does this castle stand out against the grey skies of Paris it also offers a more whimsical take on Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. Since there are so many castles located in and around Europe the designers wanted the architecture to make this castle stand out and it sure does with its fantasy design.

Castle Facts:

• Visit the only captured Disney dragon just below the castle. Enter a dimly lit tunnel and proceed with caution so as not to anger the 79 foot beast!
• Stain glass windows inside the castle tell the story of sleeping beauty and were overseen by the same man who helped with restorations at the Notre Dame Cathedral.