In June 2023, I went on my first ever trip to Europe! I booked a 7-night Mediterranean Cruise (check out my previous blog about sailing on a Disney Cruise) aboard the Disney Dream out of Rome, Italy. France has always been on my bucket list, so we decided to extend our vacation and start in Paris. Of course, knowing that we would be SO close to a Disney Park, we included a day to explore Disneyland Paris!
“Good morning, Belle!”
From Paris, we took the RER Réseau Express Régional), public transportation to Marne-La-Vallée Chessy (spot the little hidden Mickey on the sign?). It was so easy and convenient. It took us less than an hour, only about 40 minutes, on the train from (Châtelet – Les Halles – closest station from the Louvre Museum.
Once we arrived at the Marne-La-Vallée Chessy station, it took probably less than a minute (I was excited, so maybe I was speed walking) to get to the gate entrance of Disneyland Paris. Once you are through the security gate, you can access Disney Village (a dining, shopping and entertainment complex) and Disneyland Hotel (a beautiful onsite Disney owned and operated hotel).
“I walked with you once upon a dream”
Too excited to see anything else, we headed straight to Disneyland Park (there are two theme parks within walking distance of each other – I’ll get to Walt Disney Studios Park shortly). At the center of the park is the iconic – and I mean ICONIC, Sleeping Beauty Castle. I remember a documentary talking about how the classic castle design would not be enough for the European market, since in France alone there are 45,000 castles! So the Disney Imagineers designed the castle based on illustrations that inspired the 1959 animated film.
After a quick photo op in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle, we started to explore the five lands of Disneyland Park Main Street U.S.A., Frontierland, Adventureland, Fantasyland, and Discoveryland.
Since the two theme parks are steps from each other, it’s easy to head over to Walt Disney Studios Park – so a 2 Park ticket is a necessity! I loved the walk between the two theme parks, especially the beautiful gardens and the view of the gorgeous Disneyland Hotel.
Over atWalt Disney Studios Park (soon to be Disney Adventure World in 2026) we explored the various 
‘worlds’: Worlds of Pixar, Marvel Avenger Campus, Toon Studio, Production Courtyard, and Front Lot.
“May the ‘g’-force be with you”
The thrills are next level at Disneyland Paris. In Discoveryland over at Disneyland Park, I could not get enough of Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain! The architecture of the attraction, to the soundtrack, I was so impressed by this coaster. Fun fact: it’s the only ‘Space Mountain’ attraction in the world that goes upside down!
Perhaps you’d prefer to stay upright? No worries – Discoveryland (and the rest of the Disneyland Paris) has attractions for everyone! Like Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast. Space Cadets – can you beat the high score of 999,999?
Or do you prefer sightseeing? Head to Fantasyland and go inside the Sleeping Beauty Castle (Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant). Beware, beneath the castle you will find a dark dungeon where the “Mistress of All Evil” lurks (La Tanière du Dragon).
Time to say ‘bonne nuit’ to the magic!
After a magical day you don’t need to leave the magic behind just yet. There are seven Disney hotels nearby to slumber before your next big adventure. But personally, I’d travel across the spider-verse to spend more time at Disney Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel. I ‘marvelled’ at the amazing art work on display!
– Miranda Burton
Thinking about hopping across the pond and experiencing Disneyland Paris for yourself?
Contact Fairytale Dreams & Destinations to begin writing your Fairytale, Today!
(905) 857.3611 | 1.855.FDMAGIC
12598 Highway #50 Bolton ON L7E 1T6
www.fairytaledestinations.com