DISNEYLAND PARIS TOP TIPS

DISNEYLAND PARIS TOP TIPS

After just returning from Disneyland Paris with my family (including 3 kids - 4/7/9), I thought I would share my top experiences and tips for this fabulous resort. We had an absolute amazing time- a trip where memories are made.
* We booked Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show in second category seats. The show was amazing! You really get involved and you want your team to win! You get unlimited drinks (alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks) and a proper feast of foods.  The second category seats were just fine; you are all raised so you see the show from any seat you are sitting in.  Arrive as early as possible as you have to wait in a queue to get in otherwise.
*We also opted for the Cafe Mickey which was a great way to meet the characters, instead of waiting in long lines in the park.  We saw five characters (including Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto and Tiger) and they all had time for the kids. We pre-booked before arriving which works out cheaper and also saves queuing. The menu was a set menu which was basic - pizza, pasta or stew option, kids was burger, pizza or nuggets.
*Staying on Disney meant we got the extra two hours in Disney between 8am-10am. This is great if you have younger children as there are only around 8-10 rides open . We didn't have to wait long. Most rides are for the younger kids, the main bigger rides don't open till 10 and people start queuing from 9am for when they open.
If you have children that want the Disney photos then you are best to go in these extra Disney hours to miss the longer queue.
*I stayed at Newport Bay which was a lovely hotel. The pool was also an advantage if you wanted to take a break from the parks which we did one afternoon. This hotel is around 10 mins walk to Disney Village and 20 mins to the Park. You do have access to a free shuttle but we didn't do this as we found the walk very pleasant.
*The Walt Disney Studios is another park next to Disneyland and this had a mixture of small to medium rides which my children loved (there's also a Toy Story area which was great). The park opens at 10, but again they let people in early to get in line for the rides.
*Fast Passes which you get when booking a Disney on site hotel: we used these for a few rides (the bigger rides also have Fast Pass option too). Just be hot on the Fast Passes though as once they have used their allocation for the day they shut them. Buzz Lightyear was a popular one and we got a Fast Pass every day for this.
In Walt Disney Studios Ratatouille offers a Fast Pass but these often went within the first hour of the park opening so I would get in the queue early for a pass (queue times without fast hit 160mins) and take advantage of this 3d ride.
*Breakfast in the hotel was really busy from 7.30-9.30 as everyone turns up and you had to wait to get in. We only ate in the hotel once and then we opted to get a breakfast voucher for Plaza Gardens which is located inside Disneyland. Here it was quieter and with us using the extra Disney hours it was handy to eat after a few rides so we could get the best of both worlds.
*An absolute MUST is the laser and firework show- this happens at 10pm every night (it is a late one with kids- but well worth it). The castle comes alive with a fantastic laser show and fireworks.  My daughter hates fireworks with the loud bangs, but the fireworks here were very quiet so even young kids can enjoy the show.
*Another MUST is the parade which starts at 5.30 every day and lasts for around 20 minutes. It starts by the castle and finishes were you come into the park. We had to get a space from around 5pm so we could get front row, but if you don't mind were you stand you don't need to arrive early.
*We flew, but if you decide to take the train, the station is handy for the park and if you have the Magical Express you can drop luggage and head straight to the park.
There are some great Disneyland offers to book early so if you want anything quoting please get in touch. It was a wonderful, magical experience.  Florida Next!

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