FROM Disneyland Paris' magical atmosphere, fairytale hotels and incredible street parades, it's a holiday perfect for the children.
Here, Picture Editor Katie de Toney details what the park has to offer after a trip with husband Justin and children Bonnie, four, and Chloe, 18 months.
THE PAD
With thrones in the foyer, coats of arms lining gilded walls and VIP red carpets, Vienna House Dream Castle is a real-life fairy tale.
Set in peaceful gardens, it’s only a 15-minute free shuttle bus from Disneyland Paris Eurostar station Marne-la-Vallée and the theme parks.
After a long day, unwind on the sun-trap terrace that overlooks a lake and take a dip in the indoor pool and Jacuzzi. Or book in at the Asian Villa Spa, £22 for three hours, where treatments start from £48. Eat on-site at The Market Restaurant – the dinner buffet costs £25 for adults and £10 for kids, with a soft drink included.
Expect classics such as lasagne and kid-friendly fare, plus a cheese and dessert selection to die for. The huge breakfast buffet included in the room price will set you up for a day of fun – food in the parks is expensive, so fill your boots in the AM!
EXPLORE
Disneyland Paris consists of two parks: Disneyland and Walt Disney Studios, plus a shopping and eating district called Disney Village.
Start by exploring both parks to work out where you want to spend your time. There’s an overwhelming number of rides, but Ratatouille: The Adventure in Walt Disney Studios is unmissable, while highlights in Disneyland include Peter Pan’s Flight and Pirates of the Caribbean, which actually inspired the movies.
Want to hug Mickey Mouse? Download the free Lineberty app to book meet and greets with characters – they go quickly, so log in when you wake up. And make sure you catch the Mickey And The Magician live show, a beautifully produced medley of songs from Aladdin, The Lion King, Frozen and more. Get there 30 minutes early to bag a good seat.
REFUEL
Grab a coffee and cake for £5.99 or an ice cream for £3.99 from kiosks in the parks. At lunch, hit Earl of Sandwich in Disney Village for filling and super-tasty hot sandwiches – try the Philly cheese steak, £6.
It’s £7 for the kids’ menu, which includes a drink. You can’t beat Planet Hollywood for a fun dinner – we wolfed down the chicken crunch starter, £8.50, followed by a huge burger, £15.
The two-course kids’ menu, £13, comes with a drink.
DON'T MISS
With so much to take in, it’s worth finding time to mooch, soak up the magical atmosphere and join one of the daily street parades.
Watch Cinderella, Belle and Snow White glide past and stick around to see them dance off against the swashbuckling pirates. The Illuminations – a firework and light display over Sleeping Beauty’s castle – is a totally unforgettable finale.
BOOK IT
A family room at Vienna House Dream Castle costs from £93 B&B, sleeping four (Viennahouse.com). Eurostar runs a daily direct service during the school holidays between London St Pancras and Disneyland Paris, from £38 one-way and £27 for children aged 4-11, with under-fours travelling free (Eurostar.com).
BTW
- Eurostar travel time is 2h 47m from London.
- Use the free Fastpass machines at the entrance to attractions, which print a ticket with a time slot. Return to the ride at that time and beat the queue for happy faces all round!
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