Disneyland Paris- Travel #24

Bonjour Steemit friends, let me take you on a magical journey to Disneyland Paris. Whether or not we want to admit it, Disney played a huge role in our childhood. There is something surreal and magical about visiting a Walt Disney Park. Disneyland Paris was originally known as Euro Disney and it is a Disney themed amusement resort in Marne-la-Vallée. Which is situated approximately 32 kilometres east of central Paris. It is by no surprise the most visited theme park in Europe bringing in over 8 million visitors a year. It is owned and operated by The Walt Disney Company. The nothing short of impressive resort covers over 4,800 acres and encompasses two theme parks, along with many resort hotels, a shopping, dining, and entertainment complex, even a golf course. In addition to several recreational and entertainment venues. Disneyland Park is the original theme park of the establishment opening its gates for the first time on April 12th 1992. A second theme park, Walt Disney Studios, opened a whole decade later in 2002. The French resort is the second Disney park to open outside of the United States following the opening of the Tokyo Disney Resort in 1983.

As a child I always dreamed of going to Disneyland. This was my first trip to Paris and I could not resist the temptation of going to Disneyland, this was my first time going to any Disney park. If you are staying in central Paris, the most popular way to travel between the city centre and Disneyland is on the suburban commuter trains called the RER (Regional Express Network). Line A of the RER system terminates at Marne-la-Valee station which is very conveniently located next to the front gates of Disney Village and the theme parks at Disneyland Paris. The journey takes about 40 minutes. My family and I decided to stay on-site at one of Disneyland's many resort hotels. This offered easy access around the resort via complimentary shuttles. Other transportation options include hiring a car, catching a shuttle from Charles De Gaulle airport or from your central Parisian hotel.

To find me, look for my chihuahua's face

Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris is made up of 4 lands, Frontierland, Adventureland, Fantasyland and Discoveryland. All connected by the famous Main Street USA which leads you from the front gates to the infamous Disney Castle. Laying your eyes on that magical castle that adorns the start of every Disney movie for the first time is truly special. For some, even a teary emotional moment. It really is incredible how much impact and influence Disney really has on us and to think it all started with a mouse.

Walt Disney was a talented cartoonist who never gave up on his dream. During the great depression, paid work was hard to come by and Walt's wife Lillian almost left him because of how frustrated she was at his persistence to draw. Then one day in 1928, Walt created Mickey Mouse and well the rest is history. Mickey Mouse went on to become one of the most iconic and globally recognisable characters. From the humble beginnings of a black and white mouse came all of our all time classics like Snow White, Bambi, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King and still to this day new smash hits like Frozen. There is hardly a person on the planet that wouldn't be able to recognise at least one Disney character, now what an accomplishment that is, in the words of Walt himself 'If you can dream it you can do it'.

Welcome

One of the many things that Disney does best is theming. They decorate everything with the finest attention to detail, once you walk through those front gates, every worry in the world disappears, truly the happiest place on earth. Disneyland is not just for children, there really is something for everyone, young and old. As long as you believe in the magic, it will be an unforgettable experience. The Disney parks across the world hold many world records in fact, the most requested last wish visit by children of the 'make a wish foundation', the place where people make the most marriage proposals and the most popular honeymoon destination. This proves that all of us no matter our age love to believe in the magic, take a trip to Disney and make the younger child version of yourself smile and be a child for a day. My family and I went together, my mum and both my brothers Wayne and Scott. My brother Scott is wheelchair bound and I have to say the way he was treated was outstanding. He didn't have to wait in any lines and the park was completely wheelchair accessible. He didn't have to miss out on anything and his wheelchair almost became invisible, that's how comfortable it was for him. When we got to a ride and say the line was 40 minutes long, he would be given a ticket for entry to come back in 40 minutes and then he could go straight on the ride without having to physically wait in line. What 5 star service and at no cost. He was looked after well and of course making his life easier is what we as his family endeavour to do on a daily basics. To see him so happy was worth it enough for me.

Mum, Scott and I

Mum, Wayne and Scott

One of the Hotels you can stay at

Disneyland Paris Park Map

A trip to Disneyland requires some pre-planning to maximise your time. There are two theme parks within the complex, Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney Studios Paris. You need a full day at both of them, I would not recommend trying to do them both in one day because you will be rushed and will miss out on a lot and who wants to be rushed and flustered on holiday. I will cover Walt Disney Studios Paris in my next blog. Disneyland Paris is large so I recommend getting your hands on a park map and shows timetable before you go, get there as the gates open and leave when they kick you out at the end of the day. There are high adrenaline thrill rides not for the faint of heart and there are also slow gentle rides depending on your personal preference. To those adrenaline junkies out there, if you are a true Disney fan do not dismiss the slow gentle rides as "kiddie rides" they are themed incredibly well and take you into the movie or the book and it is worth it for the detail and magic.

Attention to detail...even their hedges and trees are themed

Walt's Restaurant

Lilly's Boutique

I am ready for a mad hatters tea party

So let me take you through what to expect from each land. Starting with Main Street USA. Main Street USA is the street that leads you into the park and it is almost the exact replica of the one at the original Disneyland in California. It is filled with shops, cafes, boutiques and often has characters out for photo opportunities. The Jersey boys even come out to do a little street performance. Let me just say that the quality of the talent here is sensational, how they are not on Broadway or West End baffles me. Main Street USA leads up to the Disney Castle and what a sight that is, when you first see it, it literally takes your breath away. Make sure to stay till after dark as well as it lights up for a spectacular visual and audible show ending in fireworks every single night.

Snow

Toad Hall is just the cutest café

It's a small world after all.... FantasyLand

Directly behind and to the right of the castle is Fantasyland, this is the most classic and traditional of the Disney lands. This land is the most colourful and a favourite amongst children. It has all the rides and shows relating to classic Disney such as Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, Ariel, Peter Pan, Dumbo, Alice in Wonderland and many more. This is the Disney most of us grew up with, the stories we were told at bedtime. These rides are the slow and gentle rides that are themed to perfection. This is also the land where these classic characters walk around and interact. There is a show stage here as well where throughout the day, these classic characters will re-enact one of our all time favourite stories so be sure not to miss out, the talent is outstanding.

Wayne and I in Adventureland

At the top left hand side of the park, behind and to the left of the castle is Adventureland. Adventureland is for our intermediate ride goers, my mum managed these rides so they are not quite adrenaline junkie attractions. One of my favourite attractions is the Pirates of the Caribbean boat ride not just because I am in love with Jack Sparrow but because it is such a well done out ride, you really feel like you are in the movie living the scenes. It takes you on a journey following the life of Jack Sparrow, definitely one not to be missed. In Adventureland, you will also find Indiana Jones and the temple of Peril. What is interesting about this attraction is that it is the only Indiana Jones themed ride at a Disney park and it is pretty awesome. The other Disney parks across the world have Indiana Jones themed shows and live action re-enactments so this ride really is something special and packs a few surprises. Amongst all the live action adventure heroes, Aladdin can also be found in Adventureland. Take a stroll through the enchanting city of Agrabah and be transported into the story.

We met Jack Sparrow

Adventureland

Theming and attention to detail

Welcome to Agrabah

Next up Frontierland, time to use your best wild west accent. Frontierland can be found bottom left hand side of the park, turn left before the castle. Probably the most famous attraction here is Big Thunder Mountain, a wild west themed roller coaster. This ride will please the thrill seekers as it twists and bends you through the mountain just mildly escaping explosions. Yes I did get my mum on this one too and she enjoyed it. Frontierland has a special place in my heart as it is here you can find my favourite Disney Princess, can you take a guess? Pocahontas. She has her own Indian village that you can explore. Why is she my favourite you ask, well she loves animals and is so in touch with nature. Two things I can relate to well. Being here in France, you would only expect there to be differences from the original park in California and no it isn't that all the characters speak French. Everything is bi-lingual, my family and I don't speak a lick of French and we managed just fine. It is the subtle changes to the most popular attractions. Here in Frontierland, there is Phantom manor. It is Disneyland Paris' version of the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland, Magic Kingdom and Tokyo Disneyland, although a lot of scenes from the Haunted Mansion have been reimagined to coincide with a darker theme. If you are a spooky fan this is one attraction not to be missed. If being spooked is not your thing, you can enjoy a light hearted show at The Chaparral Theater located in Frontierland. When you enter the park be sure to grab a shows timetable so you don't miss out.

Phantom Mansion... hiding behind the tracks of Big Thunder Mountain

Entrance to the Phantom Mansion

What a view of Big Thunder Mountain

Spooky or charming?

After being spooked and creeped out, it was time to sit and enjoy some afternoon tea by the castle. What better setting than this. The incredible detail blows you away and it is my favourite colour pink which makes it even more magical for me.

The Castle

The last and final land is Discoveryland. This is a futuristic land that is very similar to Tomorrowland at the other Disney parks. Discoveryland can be found at the bottom right hand side of the park and be accessed by turning right before the castle. I always use the castle as a directional point as it is so prominent and cannot be missed. This is the land for the thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies. Space mountain is the most popular ride here and will blast you on a mission into outer space, this ride is not for the faint of heart. This futuristic land is also where you can find your favourite Star Wars characters. Even if you are not a thrill seeker or a space nerd, don't miss out on Discoveryland. They have hilarious re-enactments and shows even a 'Honey I shrunk the audience" experience. Everything within this entire park is worth seeing and I mean why would you want to miss out on anything. Get all the bang for your buck and make your inner child smile.

Discoveryland

The Mouse, the myth, the legend

My family and I had a magical time at Disneyland Paris and you will as well. What is life without a little magic. Before leaving, stay for the spectacular lights and see all the lands transform into lands of colour. I love fairy lights and when there are this many, it is impossible to feel sad or feel anything but happiness. It really is so beautiful and is the perfect way to end a wonderful day. Stay tuned for my next blog as it will be on Walt Disney Studios Paris.

Main Street USA by night

I hope you have enjoyed my blog on Disneyland Paris, France, thank you for reading and I look forward to sharing more adventures with you, until next time, Au revoir , Vegoutt Everybody!

The Castle by night