We woke up early and took the metro out to the Park. We learned at Versailles that getting your ticket back home right after arrival is the best idea. We bought metro tickets then headed to the park! As we walked into the park and saw this wonderful entrance, the Disney magic began to kick in:
We arrived in the park and headed straight for the beautiful castle. I have to say out of all the Disney parks this is my all time favorite castle:
Beneath the castle there is an anamatronic dragon who blows smoke and fire:
Next we headed off to our first ride of the day 'Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril', unlike in the US this was simply an Indiana Jones themed rollercoaster, not an immersive experience:
Then we wondered around main street for some snacks and to look at all the exclusive Disneyland Paris merchandise. Next it was off to Star Tours for a mission in space. We enjoyed it just like we do in US Disney. Now it was off to Disneyland Paris' sister park 'Walt Disney Studios':
I took a photo at a statue between the parks:
The classic Walt and Mickey statue is located in the Walt Disney Studios just inside the park entrance:
We tried a new lemon flavored soda, tasted like a san pellegrino lemonata with Splenda instead of sugar:
I used to HATE tower of terror but recently began to fall back in love with it! Cal wasn't feeling it but she was kind enough to stand in line with me and wait in the gift shop while I rode it! They dropped us a ton of times and we got to the top three times which only happens when wait times are low:
We tried to get on the Ratatouille ride but the wait was 75 minutes and fast passes sold out. We still got to see the Paris themed section of the park which was adorable:
I loved the touch of Peter Pan and Wendy Darling flying around Mickey's sorcery hat on the way out:
We went back to the main park to watch the parade, we ended up a bit early so we walked around the top of the castle:
I loved the stained glass depicting the Sleeping Beauty story:
The parade began and we noticed a few differences. Winnie the Pooh had a float which does not exist in any other parks. The princesses/women were a bit more shapely than in the US (I thought this was refreshing encouraging normal body image for young girls). Lastly there were princes, in the US its very rare to see princes with their princesses. It normally only happens in stage shows:
We had dinner reservations at the Disneyland Resort so we headed off. The resort is just above the entrance to the park so its extremely easy to get to. The California Grill was delicious and a welcome time of relaxation away from the bustle of the park at this peak hour.
Outside of the hotel/ticket area:
Hotel Lobby, love the disney touches in decor:
Got to love subtle Disney themed wallpaper:
The view from our table (you could see half of the castle and some of Mainstreet USA):
Delicious apple and tomato salad to start:
Best meat of the trip so far, filet mignon with a red wine sauce:
We returned to the main park and rode Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (super smooth and fun):
Next we headed to the back of the park to see the castle from the back and look at some more classic Disney staples. I forced Cal to ride Small World with me (I made dad ride it over and over again as a small girl).
We found a cove with Cinderella's carriage along the way:
Alice's Labyrinth had a cool Cheshire Cat made of flowers:
My favorite classic ride (sorry Cal):
It was getting late so we headed back to the front of the castle to save space for the fireworks show. This is when things got a little crazy! First of all let me say how most fireworks shows at Disney work. Everyone stakes a claim on there spot and then sits there. Five minutes before the show everyone stands up and scoots forwards to allow more people close to the castle. This was a new experience, five minutes before the show Cal and I stand up along with those around us. The rest of the people stay sitting and begin to yell at those standing to sit down. People have climbed over the fences to sit in the flowerbeds and not a single cast member says anything. We continue to stand as the show starts. An American couple behind us says "Im guessing its time now everyone will stand". False, no one else stood up! We left about a minute before the show ended in order to get to the metro on time, and as we walked back down mainstream people stood watching all the way back to the entrance. It was a new experience not being directed by cast members to stand and allow others forward. We still enjoyed the show I'll post a link to a youtube video of the Disney Dreams firework show below (note the use of english and french mixed together):
Heres a link to the show: https://youtu.be/KMgD7wQfy1Y
Overall I was happy with Disneyland Paris. The only things that could make the experience more special would be more branding, better cast members and better upkeep of the park. That being said we enjoyed our time and of course felt some of that Disney magic!
I'm posting this a day late because we spent the majority of today on a bus to Chamonix! I'm hoping to get all caught up on the blog tomorrow! Look forward to our Chamonix adventures soon!
<3 Morgs
Did Mickey speak French to you? :)
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