Dubbed as “The happiest place on earth”, Disneyland from all parts of the globe has certainly lived up to its reputation of providing a warm and joyous experience whenever you visit their place. However, the amount of happiness you’re going to have relies heavily on who you’re with. There are a lot of people in and out of Paris who seek to share the experience of Disneyland with someone else, incorporating a day’s worth of fun into your plan will make it more memorable. You’ll be surprised at how much you’re going to enjoy yourself when you’ve made that bond in a magical place.
The vast estate is full of sites and attractions, here is a shortlist of what exciting things you can do at the park:
1. Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant
This is the reason why most people visit Disneyland Paris even if they have been to their other parks. The Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant or Sleeping Beauty Castle is touted as the most beautiful among the Disney castles around the world. And like most of the attractions in Disneyland Paris, the Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant is a grand display of art and magic, standing over the end of Main St.
The structure is not the only element of the ensemble as it is surrounded by charming and quaint landscapes with well-crafted details described in the classic fairytale story. This whimsical child-like surrounding makes it for a perfect place to stroll, and as you step into a clear, you perchance this majestic castle with all its color and vibrance.
You have to realize that you just don’t see the castle from a single view, the park is designed to give you a different perspective depending on where you stand. It’s worthwhile to go around the castle and see how it fits into the different themed “lands” it surrounds itself.
a. Looking over from Main St.
It is a timeless view, and it’ll never get old no matter what time of day you find yourself there. Standing on the pavers with themed shops all around you and the castle stands afar, you and your companion would feel like visitors to a picturesque fairytale town. Once you have booked your Paris Disneyland tickets, it should be the first port of call.
b. West Path
The west path leads you to Futureland, and if you don’t feel like getting into the rides, you can take your time admiring the trees trimmed imaginatively into various shapes. You’ll also find the grass stretched towards the castle moat, as it elevates the structure like it sprung up from the ground.
c. La Tanière du Dragon Entrance
One of the unique sites in Disneyland Paris is the La Tanière du Dragon Entrance or the “Entrance to the Dragon’s Lair”. The theme is the total opposite of the lush vegetation of the West Path entrance, here you’ll find rocks in the foreground, which makes for an interesting view. A little further, you’ll find the wooden bridge with various textures and colors that will take some time to take in, not to mention you’ll also find an audio-animatronic dragon.
2. VIP Tour
If you’re looking to impress your date in Disneyland (okay, that sounds funny), you can splurge on availing of the VIP tour. Unlike other Disney themed parks, this is a traditional VIP experience wherein you’ll be accompanied by a personal concierge to take you around the park. This lavish experience won’t come cheap, but you’ll have perks availed to you, including skipping in lines on all rides in both parks, getting table reservations at any restaurants in the park, skipping the lines of photo opportunities (for all characters and a special seat on parade), and a VIP seat for all shows and other spectaculars.
3. Dinner at Themed Restaurants
If you’re happy sharing a meal outside, then skip this part. But if you don’t want to miss a feast, not only of the tongue but the eyes as well, then you need to take your companion and try some cuisine from different parts of the world. Leave no expense even at dinner time as you try your palate and visual senses on a selection of over 100 themed restaurants found in the park.
Here are some suggestions to narrow your list down:
- Walt’s American Restaurant
- Agrabah Cafe
- Lucky Nugget Saloon
4. Try Some Rides and Games
You don’t just go to a theme park without getting into different rides and playing some games. The park is loaded with them, and for this particular park, here are some must-try rides to make the most of your time:
a. Phantom Manor
Their own take of the “Haunted House”, the Phantom Manor exhibits similar visual displays as to the others, but it has a darker overall tone. This is one of the most popular rides, so you’ll have to expect some long lines.
b. Alice Curious Labyrinth
Unique to this park, the interactive maze is filled with designs based on the book with the Queen of Heart’s Castle found at the end. You’ll find different things along the way, which is perfect for a photo op with your companion.
c. Hyperspace Mountain
This intense roller coaster ride takes you through a Star Wars-themed outer space visual effect. The ride is not short of giving you the exhilarating rush as it blasts you off to and gives you some proper thrashing. It’s rather dark, and you’ll definitely feel a beating from the rides, so make sure you time this ride appropriately.
5. Riverboat Ride
The Thunder Mesa Riverboat takes you through the rivers of South America on-board either the Mark Twain or the Molly Brown. You need to try this ride as you’ll have a unique view of beautiful sites that you won’t see from any parts of the park. It’s recommended to take in at nighttime or when the sunsets.
6. Stay For The Fireworks
If you’ve spent most of the day in the park, then you might as well stay for the fireworks. The Disney Illuminations is a spectacular display of fireworks, fountains, laser lights, and castle projections. There’s usually a story told during the presentation, but you’re not really there for the plot for the light show.
There are still hosts of cool activities you can try with your companion when in Disneyland. The place is filled with Instagram-worthy shots and sites, and when you’re with somebody that fills up your senses, every moment should be captured. Getting a taste of Disney magic in Europe will be a unique experience for both of you as every park has its own distinct appeal.