It had been ten years since I last ventured across the Channel to my “local” Disney park, Disneyland Paris. The last time, I bravely took a toddler; now that toddler is a fully fledged teenager, and I was looking forward to trying some of the more thrill-seeking rides. Here’s a rundown of our adventure this year, with some tips that could help you make the most of a trip of your own.
Since the direct Eurostar service from the UK to Disneyland Paris ended in May 2024, we travelled via Lille this time. Though a change of train and a one-hour wait at Lille was manageable, there’s something special about going directly. The transfer was smooth enough, but next time, I might consider flying for that extra convenience. For this trip, however, the train served us well.
We opted for an early train and arrived just in time for lunch. Bags dropped at Hotel Cheyenne (more on that gem later!), and we made our way straight to the parks to catch the parade. No matter the Disney park, there’s always something special about that first glimpse of the castle at the end of Main Street. I may have shed a tear, and this moment was just as magical as the last time I was there.
Disneyland Paris, with its subtle nods to French architecture, truly stands out—especially with the beautiful arcades running along the back of Main Street. These lovely walkways, styled like Victorian arcades, offer a peaceful escape from the crowds and work as a great, less busy shortcut in and out of the park. Sleeping Beauty’s castle is also highly interactive. We loved the dragon animatronic in the dungeon beneath the castle, which adds to the castle’s unique charm, and the shops nestled within its walls.
Classic Rides Amongst The Thrills
Disneyland Paris holds a special place in my heart for keeping attractions like Blanche-Neige et les Sept Nains (Snow White’s Scary Adventures), which I hadn’t ridden since Disney World in the late ‘90s. Nostalgia aside, it’s the enjoyably just-scary-enough experience that Disney does so well.
No trip to Fantasyland is complete without a ride on it’s a small world (a classic that needs no introduction). Other must-dos for us included Pirates of the Caribbean and Phantom Manor, which has a slightly scarier vibe than its Disney World counterpart. Peter Pan’s Flight remains an all-time favourite, and I love how Disneyland Paris offers some unique attractions like Les Voyages de Pinocchio that you don’t find everywhere.
Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast, as expected, means the family rivalry kicks into gear! Despite studying all the high-scoring targets, I still lost to the Xbox-loving teen.
Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain stands out as one of the most thrilling versions of Space Mountain I’ve experienced. This Star Wars-themed ride includes inversions, and the high-speed launch rivals Disney World’s Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. Big Thunder Mountain, another Disney staple, is just as fun and offers stunning views of the park until it flings you down the wildest ride in the wilderness!
The Night-Time Drone Show
One absolute must-see is the night-time Disney Electrical Sky Parade drone show which precedes the firework spectacular, Disney Illuminations. It’s weather-dependent, so I recommend catching it as early in your trip as possible to avoid missing it completely. The combination of lights, 500 drones, and music showcases Disney’s talent for blending magic with cutting-edge technology. It’s an absolute win for the park, especially when combined with the classic Disney fireworks experience just after.
Walt Disney Studios Park – was it a Marvel?
Walt Disney Studios Park, soon to be renamed Disney Adventure World, is Disneyland Paris’s second park. While it’s smaller than Disneyland Park, it’s packed with excitement and is currently undergoing some major expansions.
The latest edition is Avengers Campus which was a massive hit for us. Spider-Man W.E.B. Adventure quickly became my son’s favourite ride, combining interactivity with more ‘friendly’ family competition, it’s perfect for older kids. After two rides, though, our arms were exhausted! The whole campus is beautifully themed with hidden “Easter eggs” for serious Marvel fans to discover. Avengers Assemble: Flight Force—a reimagining of the classic Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster—was also a thrill, and seeing the Iron Man animatronic in the pre-show was a treat.
Ratatouille: The Adventure is my personal favourite—it captures that classic Disney magic with all the charm you’d expect. The whole Ratatouille area is so well themed and a great addition to the park. Crush’s Coaster was as fun and twisty as I remembered, but it’s fast, and for anyone with motion sensitivity, it might be a bit intense.
If you’re looking for a break from the crowds, Together: a Pixar Musical Adventure is a top recommendation. Held in the Studio Theater, this show immerses you in the Pixar stories through live music, vibrant LED screens, and even scent effects. With quieter crowds at the first and last shows of the day, it’s a bit of a hidden treat that the whole family can enjoy.
Walt Disney Studios: Exciting Changes Ahead
With the park currently under construction, I have to mention that you WILL notice that currently, significant areas are cordoned off as they prepare for expansion. Concept art for the Frozen-themed area and boulevard look promising, and it will be exciting to see the park transform. Until then, be mindful there are building walls in place and some dining options are limited. For lunch on that day, we just took a quick break from the parks and tried Brasserie Rosalie just outside in the (also under construction) Disney Village which worked well as a much needed respite.
Dining Options Weren’t Half Bad!
Speaking of food, we opted for the half-board meal plan, which includes a breakfast voucher and one for lunch or dinner each day. This option made budgeting easier, knowing our main meals were covered, and allowed us to splurge on a few extras. It’s worth considering if you prefer a more all-inclusive feel to your stay without feeling like you have to constantly be managing the budget.
For our special dining experience, we booked Bistrot Chez Rémy, which was one of our best meals of the trip. In the Ratatouille-themed setting you feel like you’re the size of Rémy himself, dining in a French bistro! The menu is classic French cuisine, and while it’s on the pricier side, the theming and ambience are well worth it. For a quick bite, I recommend the bake shop quiche and sandwiches on Main Street or Au Chalet de la Marionnette in Fantasyland, serving Bavarian-themed options like rotisserie chicken and sausages.
We saved shopping for our last day to avoid carrying bags on the rides. We found the prices on par with Disney World, and made sure to find items that were exclusive to the park. We picked up the obligatory pins to add to the collection and also an exclusive Disneyland Paris Starbucks mug.
Staying at Hotel Cheyenne: Wild West on a Budget
We stayed at Disney’s Hotel Cheyenne, which was a great budget friendly choice. I’ve previously stayed at the Newport Beach Club and Hotel New York, but actually enjoyed the relaxed, chilled out atmosphere of this hotel the most. The Wild West theme made the hotel feel cosy and fun, with the rooms designed to make you feel like you’re stepping into a Western movie. It’s super family-friendly, with easy access to the parks via free bus shuttle or walkway (about 20-25mins walk). If you’re looking for classic comfort and affordability, Cheyenne is definitely worth considering.
A Peek Inside the Reopened Disneyland Hotel
I couldn’t resist a quick look around the recently reopened Disneyland Hotel. In a word, it’s stunning. The main lobby chandelier and refined decor create an elegant atmosphere that feels like stepping into a different world. Character meals are available here if you’re looking for an extra special dining experience, though we didn’t partake this time.
Final Thoughts
Our Disneyland Paris adventure was a perfect blend of nostalgia, thrill rides, and new experiences. While the indirect Eurostar route was manageable, I’d likely consider flying next time for the direct convenience. Between the cosy Wild West charm of Hotel Cheyenne, the joy of classic and new attractions, and the excitement of Disneyland Paris’s upcoming changes, we’ll definitely be back. If you’re planning a visit soon, pack your patience for some construction—but know that the magic of Disney shines through, no matter the season.
Author Bio:
Gemma C is a UK-based Disney content creator with many years of Disney travel experience and expert park knowledge. She loves helping families and Disney fans make the most of their trips by sharing the latest updates, hidden gems, and top tips from every park. When she and her teenage son aren’t exploring Disney parks, you can bet she’s already planning their next magical adventure.