No doubt a destination near the top of many children's (and adult's) wish lists, a holiday at Disneyland Paris offer a great value treat and a magical experience no child will ever forget.
Situated to the east of Paris, since it opened in 1992 the theme park resort has firmly established itself as one of Europe's busiest attractions. With a combination of the main theme park, the Walt Disney film studios and Disney Village there is a great range of things to do, not just enjoying the main thrill rides.
Even the older and more cynical of us will be won over by the sheer scale of the place and the way in which Disney really wins over all audiences with its high quality offering.
Disneyland Park
The main theme park is split into five distinct areas.
Main Street USA is a romanticised impression of small town living in 1900s America. Victorian stores, horse drawn carriages and the Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlour all contribute to the charm of this All-American fantasy. The Discovery Arcade teaches children how some of the 20th century's greatest inventions work. Horse-drawn streetcars run through the town all day, alternatively hopping on the steam train at Main Street Station will take you along the Disneyland Railroad and onto your next land.
Fantasyland as the name suggests is the place where all the famous fairy tales and classic children's stories are kept. Children can admire Sleeping Beauty's Castle or get lost in Alice's Curious Labyrinth maze. Rides include Dumbo the Flying Elephant and The Mad Hatter's Tea Cups.
Frontierland takes visitors back to the legends of the Wild West, featuring the Pocahontas Indian Village or the chance to test your aim in the Rustler Roundup Shootin' Gallery. The Phantom Manor haunted mansion will give children a fright before a wild train ride down Big Thunder Mountain or relaxing on the Mark Twain Paddleboat cruise.
Adventureland ups the action with the runaway wagon of the Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril ride. Or the Pirates of the Caribbean ride that first inspired the multi-million pound film franchise.
Discoveryland is the futuristic home of Buzz Lightyear and Space Mountain. This unpredictable, space obsessed land brings in everyone from Darth Vadar to Michael Jackson.
Walt Disney Studios Park
Walt Disney Studios lets you get behind the scenes of Disney cinema and television, with thrilling attractions and spectacular shows.
The Toon Studio shows the secrets of Disney's animators and how they created some of the 20th centuries most recognised animated characters. The Cars Race Rally puts kids aboard Flash McQueen for a virtual race across America's highways. The Art of Disney Animation section teaches tricks of the trade with interactive animation displays to help you create your own works of art.
The Armageddon Special Effects unveils the secrets of cinematic production and special effects before throwing you into the centre of a major disaster movie.
The Flying Carpets Over Agrabah ride takes families on a magical ride with Aladdin's genie, while the music of rock band Aerosmith accompanies you on the Rock 'n' Roller coaster, a lightning fast, stomach turning ride.
The Production Courtyard takes you through the costume and make-up side of production visit recreations of sets. Rides include The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Studio Tram Tour: Behind the Magic, which throws your tram into the centre of a simulated earthquake.
The Walt Disney Studios Park is also your place to meet all your favourite Disney characters. Micky Mouse, Donald Duck and Buzz Lightyear will pose for photos and sign autographs, there are also a number of meet ups where kids can sit for meal time with their favourite characters.
Accommodation
The Official Disneyland Paris hotels are in walking distance of the park and offer a range of accommodation styles at a variety of budgets. Disneyland Hotel is set right at the entrance to the park, offering quality service and hospitality. Disney's Hotel New York takes on the feel of a hotel in the big apple with high service and big décor. Disney's Newport Bay Club is a beautiful homage to the golden age of yachting, perfectly set against the ocean. Disney's Sequoia Lodge is inspired by America's national parks and offers visitors a stay in a comfortable mountain lodge. Disney's Hotel Cheyenne - sits in a mocked up town from the Old West and continues the frontier experience. Each hotel holds the famous character breakfasts, giving you the chance to meet Mickey and co whilst munching on your breakfast croissants!
However you may want to cut costs by staying in one of the city's nearby hotels and commuting in each day.
Entertainment
At regular times throughout the day and night spectacular parades march through the park, featuring large-scale floats and Disney characters waving for the crowds. The park also has its own Sports Bar, IMAX Cinema, or the chance to take a flight above Lake Disney on one of the largest hot air balloons in the world.
Away from the rides and attractions visitors are invited to take on one of the man fitness trails, tee off on the golf course, or relaz in the Celestia Spa. The Disney Village has lots to offer for day and evening entertainment as well as lots of shopping boutiques and eateries.
And if it all gets a bit too much then hop on the train to Paris and enjoy some world class museums, galleries and sightseeing with the world famous Eiffel Tower.
Eating on site
There are a number of restaurants and bars within the park. Many of them are themed, such as the Hakuna Matata jungle restaurant or Buzz Lightyear's Pizza Planet Restaurant. The types of cuisine on offer vary from the expected diner-style hamburgers and hot dogs, to Mediterranean-oriental buffet and even an English themed restaurant serving traditional British dishes.
Getting there
Disneyland Paris holidays begin by either a flight from around the UK to Paris or by direct Eurostar trains. The resort has its dedicated rail station and is easily reached from the French capital on the fast RER trains.
Coach services operate from Charles de Gaulle airport and it is a fairly easy journey, especially important when taking the young.
It is also easily accessible by car for those looking to hop on a cross channel ferry or the Eurotunnel train service.
When to go
Disneyland Paris operates year round and despite the very cold temperatures of the winter months there is always lots to see and do with Christmas time in particular turning the park into a Winter Wonderland.
