Experiencing Disneyland Paris
A trip to Disneyland Paris is often the dream of every child, while for adults, it can sometimes feel like a challenging adventure! In this article, we share our memorable weekend at Disneyland Paris along with some tips to ensure everyone enjoys their visit.
Affordable stay and arrival
Disneyland frequently offers package deals that provide significant discounts. During our recent weekend, we enjoyed a budget-friendly stay at the Davy Crockett hotel with four kids and two adults.
On Saturday morning, we departed from Paris and chose to forgo the Disney Extra Magic Hours, which allows hotel guests to access the park for two hours early (from 8 AM to 10 AM). We opted to take it easy and save our energy for the main events of the day. Surprisingly, when we arrived, the park was less bustling than usual due to cold weather.
Our first stop was Sleeping Beauty’s castle, where the kids were excited to see all the Disney characters during the parade on Main Street, offering a delightful introduction to the Disney experience. Although the cooler temperatures resulted in shorter lines, we also made good use of Disney’s FastPass system—a new initiative allowing visitors to use their entry ticket to skip long waits on specific attractions. Our kids’ favorite rides included Big Thunder Mountain (which we rode five times!), Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast, Peter Pan, Star Tours, and more.
Interestingly, most attractions are designed for children aged four and a half and up, particularly concerning height prerequisites, so we were delighted that almost all rides were accessible. Some highlights of Day 1 included the Haunted Mansion, It’s a Small World, and Pirates of the Caribbean. To stay prepared, we packed our own water bottles and snacks, along with some sweaters and hats in case it got chilly.
Rest and relaxation at the hotel
After an eventful day, we returned to our hotel, only a short drive away. To our pleasant surprise, the hotel exceeded our expectations, boasting spacious and clean accommodations with a farm, swimming pool, small shop, and restaurant. Our bungalow even had a kitchen complete with all the necessary appliances, though we chose to indulge at the pool and buffet restaurant instead. The kids drifted off to sleep peacefully after an exciting Day 1!
Day 2 adventures
On Day 2, we woke up early to take advantage of the Disney hours from 8 AM to 10 AM. This allowed us to enjoy rides that usually had long wait times, such as Peter Pan, the teacups, Autopia, and of course, Big Thunder Mountain. Following this, we ventured to Disney’s other park, Walt Disney Studios Park, where we experienced the Animagique show (great for young children), Cars Race Rally, Slinky Dog Zigzag Spin, and the infamous Tower of Terror, which was the most thrilling ride of our trip. We concluded our day with a visit to the shops, leaving with a special gift for each child.
A weekend to remember
Looking back, the sheer joy on the kids’ faces made this weekend unforgettable for all of us. As we left Disneyland, the kids echoed one sentiment: “If only we could live at Disneyland!!” They were just relieved to return home after such a magical experience!