Disneyland Paris

DISNEYLAND PARIS

Against Jash’s wishes, we made the trek to the Disneyland Paris Park solely for my enjoyment. He has a strong dislike for tourists, children, and fast rides. If I didn’t know his age, I would suspect that he was a very youthful looking crotchety old man. His favourite part of the day (besides the Peter Pan ride, which he later admitted enjoying) was informing me of any wronging that happened to him: aka whenever a child coughed on his hand or stepped on his foot. I assure you, despite what he says, D Land Paris is always worth a visit.

THE AGE OF NOT BELIEVING

MY FAVOURITE PARTS OF DISNEYLAND PARIS

There were a few surprises the first time I visited Disneyland Paris, namely that there were rides that go UPSIDE DOWN. Unbeknownst to me, I boarded Space Mountain (now named Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain) assuming it was similar to the North American version. It was, in fact, not the same. In France it goes upside down. As does the Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril. I also realized that I don’t know the story of Pinocchio very well after riding Les Voyages de Pinocchio. And my French isn’t nearly strong enough to fill in the blanks. With all that in mind, here are the easy breezy rides that I enjoy going on at the French park.

ALICE’S CURIOUS LABYRINTH – FANTASYLAND

One of my favourite spots is Alice’s Curious Labyrinth  – a feature that is exclusive to the Paris park. It’s a fun little walk around a Disneyish English garden. Even for those who care little for landscaping, the walk-through is filled with all the characters we know and love from the animated film. Plus the Mad Hatter’s Tea Cups, a Disney standard ride, is also nearby.

PHANTOM MANOR – FRONTIERLAND

For some reason I did not get a photo of the actual manor, my apologies. The Haunted Mansion (or in France: Phantom Manor) has always been in my top 3 Disneyland rides – at any park. And each variation has nuanced differences. I like making note of the slight changes, however, the Offhand Disney YouTube channel has made it an artform.

BIG THUNDER MOUNTAIN – FRONTIERLAND

Big Thunder Mountain is another old standard that feels familiar but different at every park location. Which is precisely why it’s on my list of rides. The red rocks feel so out of place in France that it makes it even more whimsical than in it’s Calfornia counterpart. 

VISITING THE DISNEYLAND PARIS PARK

Disney played a large role in my childhood entertainment in the 80s/90s so whenever I get the chance to visit a park, I do. It’s the closest I can get to feeling like that little girl wishing for a brass bed that would take me to Portobello Road with Angela Lansbury. (If you haven’t seen Bedknobs and Broomsticks, I highly recommend it. The music is top notch.) One day I hope to make it to Tokyo Disneyland and Hong Kong Disneyland. I can only begin to imagine how incredible their Haunted Mansion ride experience would be!

Do you have a favourite Disney park?

photographs - sandy joe karpetz