Dreaming of a magical adventure across the pond? Join me as I share my first-time experience traveling from the U.S. to Disneyland Paris—from navigating international travel to exploring the parks, trying the food, and soaking up all the Disney magic with a French twist! Was it worth the trip? What surprised me the most? Here’s everything you need to know before planning your own Disneyland Paris adventure!
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Our First Visit to Disneyland Paris
Taking my family to Disneyland Paris for the first time was an absolute dream! From the moment we arrived, we were swept up in the magic—soaking in every enchanting detail, thrilling ride, and unforgettable character encounter.
Staying at the Disneyland Hotel, right at the park’s entrance, made the experience even more special. We woke up in the heart of the magic and stayed immersed in it from sunrise to sunset.
Of course, not everything went perfectly—there was the language barrier to navigate and an unexpected illness that threw us a curveball. But those challenges only made our adventure more memorable, proving that Disney magic isn’t just about rides and castles; it’s also in the little moments of kindness and resilience along the way.
If you’re dreaming of your own Disneyland Paris adventure, I’ve got all the tips and tricks to help make your trip just as magical (hopefully with fewer surprises!).
My friends at Get Away Today would love to help you plan a visit to DISNEYLAND® Paris. Call them at 855-GET-AWAY or tap the button below to get a FREE quote and be sure to mention Mommy Mouse Clubhouse sent you!
Booking a Disneyland Paris Vacation
Let’s start from the very beginning. I have always wanted to visit Disneyland Paris, but never had a serious reason to book one. I came across an amazing deal posted by Flights from Home for a roundtrip flight from Salt Lake City (SLC) to Paris and figured it would be a great time to plan a Disneyland Paris trip. So I jumped at the opportunity and purchased five Economy Tickets on United Airlines.
This flight required us to fly from SLC to San Francisco. We had a hard time finding something to eat for lunch in the International terminal, but ended up getting baguettes and pizza from Napa Farms Market. We then boarded our 10.5 hour flight to CDG airport.
If you want to find a deal on flights, I suggest signing up for your favorite airline’s credit card (I have a Delta American Express card and a Southwest Visa card) to accumulate miles. I like to charge all of my expenses on these cards and pay them off in full each month, to avoid interest charges.
You can also sign up for a service similar to Flights from Home or use Google Flights to monitor flight prices from your local airport to your desired destination.
After securing our flights, I contacted my travel partner Get Away Today to begin the booking process for our Disneyland Paris package. The great thing about booking with them, is that they can make any changes or adjustments to your package, without you having to use international rates to call Disneyland Paris yourself!
If you’re interested, get a no obligation quote by calling 855-GET-AWAY and mentioning Mommy Mouse Clubhouse sent you.
Choosing the Perfect Disney Hotel
Picking the right Disney hotel was a big deal for us, and after some research, the Disneyland Hotel felt like the perfect fit—especially after its stunning refurbishment. Staying in a Deluxe Room wasn’t just about having a comfy place to sleep; it was about being fully immersed in the magic of Disneyland Paris from the moment we woke up.
We had the option of superior or deluxe rooms, and we went with deluxe for the awesome perks—like complimentary breakfast, drinks, snacks and early park access. The hotel itself has serious Grand Floridian vibes, and being right at the park entrance made everything so easy. Plus, the early park entry was a total game-changer, letting us enjoy the magic before the crowds rolled in.
Sure, it wasn’t the cheapest choice, but for us, it was worth every penny. It wasn’t just a hotel—it was part of the Disney experience, making our trip even more unforgettable!
Other Disney Hotels to Consider:
- Disneyland Hotel
- Disney Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel
- Disney Newport Bay Club Hotel
- Disney Sequoia Lodge
- Disney Hotel Cheyenne
- Disney Hotel Santa Fe
- Disney Davy Crockett Ranch
Superior vs. Deluxe Rooms
Choosing between a superior or deluxe room at the Disneyland Hotel is a fun little dilemma. The superior rooms are a solid choice—they’re comfortable, practical, and won’t break the bank. You’ll get all the essentials for a great stay without going over budget.
But if you’re after a little extra magic, the deluxe rooms really step it up. Think complimentary drinks, access to the Deluxe Lounge for breakfast and tea time, and all-around more comfort and luxury. Of course, with that extra magic comes a higher price tag, but if you’re looking to really elevate your experience, it’s totally worth it.
It really comes down to what you’re looking for in your Disney getaway. If you just need a comfy place to crash after long days at the parks, a superior room will do the trick. But if you want that extra sprinkle of Disney magic and more perks, a deluxe room could make your trip feel even more special!
Journey to Disneyland Paris
Our Disneyland Paris adventure kicked off with a flight from Salt Lake City on United Airlines, and we couldn’t wait to get there! After landing, we had everything lined up with Prestige Transfer, which made the whole arrival process super smooth. We got to relax in a comfy Mercedes Van—a family of five, all buzzing with excitement.
When we pulled up to the Disneyland Hotel, we were instantly wowed by its pink beauty, kind of like the Grand Floridian but with its own unique Disney magic. Stepping inside, we felt the Disney enchantment right away—it was the perfect way to kick off our time at the parks. The excitement was unreal, and we knew we were in for an unforgettable experience!
Disneyland Paris totally blew us away! With Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park, there was so much to explore, and even as longtime Walt Disney World and Disneyland California fans, we found plenty of new magic to love.
At Disneyland Park, we hit up classics like Big Thunder Mountain and took a spooky dive into Phantom Manor. While similar to their U.S. versions, these rides had their own unique twists that made them feel fresh and exciting. It was such a cool experience seeing familiar favorites with a Parisian flair!
Walt Disney Studios Park presented us with a cinematic exploration, where Avengers Assemble: Flight Force catapulted us into Marvel’s dynamic universe – a stark, thrilling contrast to the fairytale ambiance of Disneyland Park. This ride stood out as a modern marvel, something we had not experienced at other Disney parks. It encapsulated the innovative spirit of Walt Disney Studios Park, setting it apart from the traditional charm of its sibling park and offering us a glimpse into the expansive world of Disney storytelling. Comparing the parks, each held its own allure. Disneyland Paris mirrored the magic of its American predecessors while encapsulating a distinct European elegance that charmed us at every turn. The union of these elements made for an unforgettable adventure, weaving the familiarity of Disney magic with the novelty of its Parisian setting.
Experiencing the Attractions
Hyperspace Mountain launched us into a galaxy far, far away, a thrilling ride that rivals its American counterparts. Phantom Manor, with its eerie charm, gave us shivers, reminding us of the Haunted Mansion yet holding its unique mystique.
- Big Thunder Mountain roared through the wilderness, offering us an exhilarating journey with unforgettable views.
- Indiana Jones threw us into an adventurous chase, packed with twists that had us gripping our seats tighter.
- Pirates of the Caribbean sailed us through pirate-infested waters, a classic attraction that felt both familiar and new.
- Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast had us in a playful competition, zapping our way to the highest score.
These rides, each with their distinct flavor, proved that Disneyland Paris holds its special magic, a blend of nostalgia and discovery. They were the highlights of our visit, ensuring our Disney bucket list grew shorter yet richer.
Dining at Disneyland Paris
I faced many options when planning our meals at Disneyland Paris. Table service restaurants had me excited with choices from Bistrot Chez Rémy to Captain Jack’s. Each promised unique Disney magic with its themed dining experience. Deciding felt like strategizing our park rides, requiring precision and enthusiasm.
We booked various dining spots including Walt’s American Diner, Bistrot Chez Rémy, Captain Jack’s and PYM Test Kitchen, but later decided to prioritize simplicity and convenience amid our adventure-packed days. PYM Kitchen won our hearts and plates in the end. Here, the innovative buffet spread dazzled us, delighting in a casual yet immersive setting where taste and creativity merged seamlessly. It stood out as a meal embodying the spirit of Disneyland Paris.
The Disney Village also beckoned but our allegiance stayed with the park’s culinary offerings. Disney characters roamed, adding an unforgettable flair to our dining moments. Every meal was a fresh discovery, a testament to the rich tapestry of experiences Disney parks weave, with Disneyland Paris casting its own enchanting spell.
Utilizing the Disneyland Paris App
My trip to Disneyland Paris was made easier with the Disneyland Paris app. This digital tool became our go-to guide. I downloaded it weeks before we flew out from Salt Lake City. After arrival, I quickly found its value immense. Not just for looking up park tickets or navigating through Disney Village, the app made real-time planning seamless.
Securing table service at Bistrot Chez Rémy or a quick snack next door became a breeze. The app’s interface allowed me to check available times, avoiding long queues that could dampen our Disney magic moment.
Attractions like Big Thunder Mountain or Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast displayed their wait times, letting us optimize our day. We dodged the peak times, saving precious moments that added up to extra rides or that spontaneous meet with Mickey Mouse.
Moreover, language barriers felt less daunting. The app provided enough information in English, making us feel right at home at Disneyland Paris. It was as if the app held a magic wand, making long lines disappear and ensuring we had enough time for all we dreamt of doing. Truly, it was a good thing nestled in our pockets, whispering the secrets of the parks directly to us.
Benefits of Staying at Disney’s Hotels
Choosing a Disney hotel for our stay was a good decision. The proximity of the Disneyland Hotel to the parks stood out. We could roll out of bed and be at the gates in minutes. This convenience was unparalleled, especially with kids.
The early park entry perk felt like Pixie Dust. Before the crowds swelled, we had already savored some rides. This head start enriched our days, allowing us more time for fun and exploration. It felt like the park belonged to us during those first hours.
Staying at a Disney hotel wraps you in the Disney magic 24/7. From the moment we woke until we closed our eyes at night, the enchantment never waned. The hotel itself was a continuation of the theme park’s wonder, with Disney characters greeting us and Disney magic around every corner.
The seamless transition between dream and reality enriched our experience, affirming that staying on-site is not just convenient but pivotal for the full Disneyland Paris adventure.
I worried a language barrier at Disneyland Paris might trip us up. Thankfully, I found that wasn’t the case. Most of the cast members we encountered spoke some English, which eased our fears. Drawing on our high school French, we greeted everyone with “Bonjour” and closed our conversations with a heartfelt “Merci.” This approach bridged any language gaps and enriched our interactions.
Still, navigating Disneyland Paris can feel daunting when you’re not fluent in French. Despite this, the helpfulness of the Disneyland Paris app and the bilingual signs spread throughout both parks and Disney Village guided us smoothly.
It was a good idea to familiarize ourselves with some basic French phrases before our trip. This small effort made a big difference, ensuring we felt welcome and could navigate the theme park, restaurants, and even gift shops without much trouble. It underscored a key theme of our adventure: at the heart of Disney magic, communication extends beyond words to create connections.
Daily Itinerary Highlights
We spent a total of three nights at the Disneyland Hotel and three days in both Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park. Below is an overview of our trip itinerary. All times are approximate.
Day One
10:30 AM: We arrived at Charles de Gaulle Airport from our United Airlines flight. I had previously booked transportation to our hotel through Prestige Transfer. Our driver was waiting at baggage claim with our name on an iPad. We traveled in a large van that comfortably fit my family of five. The service we received from Prestige Transfer was great and I highly recommend them.
11:30 AM: Our private transfer dropped us off at the Disneyland Hotel, our accommodation for the next three nights. We reserved a Deluxe room with two double beds (Queen Size) and a fold-out couch. We proceeded to the Deluxe Reception area to get checked in. After providing our information, we dropped our bags at Bell Services as our room was not ready yet.
12:00 PM: We headed to the Deluxe Lounge for drinks. This lounge is available for guests staying in Deluxe rooms and is similar to staying “Club Level” at Disney resorts in the United States.
1:00 PM: During check in, we were given our Magic Passes which were our tickets for the park as well as room keys. We next went to Disneyland Park. The first thing we saw was Sleeping Beauty Castle, and it was breathtaking to view in person. We had lunch at Market Street Deli which included a Croque Monsier, Mickey Pretzel Sandwich, Mickey Beignet, and Pan Au Chocolat. After lunch we went to Adventureland to ride Pirates of the Caribbean with a 45 minute wait.
3:00 PM: By this time our room was ready, so we went back to the hotel. My husband and son were tired from travel and went to bed. My other two boys and I went to get tea time snacks in the Deluxe Lounge then went swimming in the hotel’s pool. After that we went to bed as well.
Day Two
7:30 AM: My youngest son woke up with the stomach flu, so I stayed with him while my husband took my other boys to breakfast.
8:30 AM Following that, they went to Disneyland for early entry and were able to ride Hyperspace Mountain, Phantom Manor (Haunted Mansion), Big Thunder Mountain, and Indiana Jones. It was raining, so they wore rain coats that I had purchased from Amazon.
11:00 AM: They returned to the hotel room, and I went back to Disneyland with my two kids who were not sick, while my husband stayed with our youngest son. My boys got strawberry ice cream and salted caramel ice cream. We rode Hyperspace Mountain and Phantom Manor then watched the Disney Stars on Parade before getting a cake pop and some fudge.
3:00 PM: We went back to the hotel for a nap, Tea Time in the Lounge, and to look around the hotel. My husband and son went to the pool and sauna at the hotel.
6:00 PM: Following that, my husband took my two sons to Walt Disney Studios Park where they rode Tower of Terror and Avengers Assemble: Flight Force. They picked up dinner in Disney Village at New York Subs. We were not very impressed with our sandwich or Mickey Mouse-shaped pizza. I recommend finding another location to eat in Disney Village.
Day Three
7:00 AM: We woke up early and went to the Deluxe Lounge for breakfast so we could make it to the parks for early entry. Everyone was feeling great that day so my youngest son was able to join us.
8:30 AM: Our family entered Disneyland and rode Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast, Hyperspace Mountain (Space Mountain), Big Thunder Mountain, Indiana Jones, and Phantom Manor.
10:00 AM: We then headed over to Disney Studios and rode Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. It began to rain pretty hard, so we went back to the hotel for a break. The kids took a nap and then went swimming in the hotel’s pool
2:00 PM: After our break we went back to Disney Studios to have a late lunch at PYM Test Kitchen, which we enjoyed a lot. After our meal, the kids rode Flight Force.
4:00 PM: The kids wanted to swim again so we went back at the hotel. We also had snacks in the Deluxe Lounge.
6:00 PM: Back at Disneyland Park we saw the dragon under Sleeping Beauty Castle, then walked through Fantasyland to Alice’s Curious Labyrinth.
6:30 PM: The line was short for Phantom Manor, so we were able to ride again. It was getting dark at this time, so we headed over to Discovery Land (Tomorrowland) and the kids rode Hyperspace Mountain again.
8:00 PM: The boys were hungry and had wanted to get a hot dog from Casey’s Corner during our visit. My oldest son ordered a regular hot dog, my second son had an ice cream bar, and my youngest son ordered a cheese, nacho, hotdog with barbecue sauce.
8:30 PM: We headed back to the hotel to get ready for bed.
Day Four
8:30 AM: We slept in a little bit and went to breakfast in the Deluxe Lounge, then packed up our suitcases to prepare for check out.
11:00 AM: and ordered a taxi on the G7 app to take us into Paris for the rest of our trip.
Challenges and Solutions
Every magical adventure might face its set of challenges, and ours was no exception during our first-time visit to Disneyland Paris. The most unexpected twist came when my youngest son woke up with the stomach flu. I felt a mix of concern and disappointment, knowing how much he had looked forward to the Disney magic. But, in true Disney spirit, we turned this hiccup into an opportunity for rest and recuperation.
The Disneyland hotel staff showed immense understanding and support, providing us with extra bedding and room amenities to make my son’s recovery as comfortable as possible. Thankfully, the language barrier was hardly an issue; most cast members communicated with us fluently in English, ensuring we had everything we needed.
Resilience was key; we adapted our plans, ensuring the rest of the family could still enjoy the theme park while giving our son enough time to recover. By the next day, he joined us with renewed energy, ready to explore the magic of Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park once more.
Comparing Disneyland Paris to Other Disney Parks
Having trotted around the globe to various Disney kingdoms, my recent whirlwind encounter at Disneyland Paris etched a unique chapter in our family’s story. Our trips to Walt Disney World and Disneyland Park in California have always been bursting with that quintessential Disney magic.
Yet, Disneyland Paris adds its exclusive fairy dust to the mix. The enchantment of Disneyland Paris lies not just in its attractions but in the unique blend of Disney’s storytelling prowess with a distinct European flair.
Disneyland Hotel’s lavish pink facade, reminiscent of the Grand Floridian, offered a grand entrance to this fairy tale. Within the hotel, cast members greeted us, bridging any language barrier with warmth reminiscent of every Disney resort we’ve visited. But Disneyland Paris stands distinct. It masterfully weaves its French heritage into the fabric of Disney’s dreamlike narratives, setting a backdrop that’s both familiar and refreshingly new.
Comparing attractions, Phantom Manor evoked a distinctly eerie ambiance not found in its Haunted Mansion counterparts. The whimsicality of Space Mountain as Hyperspace Mountain presented thrills with a Star Wars twist, showcasing Disneyland Paris’s knack for reimagining classics in fresh lights.
Whether dining at Bistrot Chez Rémy, riding Big Thunder Mountain, or exploring the manicured paths of Disneyland Park, the park’s dedication to immersing guests in expansive narratives shone through. Such was the marvel of our journey, encapsulating both the universal allure of Disney parks and the unique enchantments of Disneyland Paris, proving it a must-visit destination for enthusiasts and first-timers alike.
My Final Thoughts
Reflecting on our adventure, Disneyland Paris carved a magical marvel deep into our hearts. Standing at the footsteps of the whimsical Disneyland Park, a rush of exhilaration swept over us. The experience was an enthralling blend of joy, challenges, and wonder, encompassing everything a Disney fan could dream of.
Our stay at the Disneyland Hotel, a beacon of elegance and comfort, was the crown jewel of the visit. It stood proudly, reminiscent of the Grand Floridian, with its delightful pink hues and enchanting ambiance, welcoming us to a world where dreams come alive.
Our days, meticulously mapped out with the aid of the Disneyland Paris App, were a testament to the marvel that Disney parks hold. From the thrill of the Hyperspace Mountain to the charming eeriness of Phantom Manor, each ride etched a vivid memory in our minds, striking a perfect balance with the Disney classics at Walt Disney World and Disneyland in California. Even the rain couldn’t dampen our spirits; it only added to our epic tale, with our rain-soaked adventures bringing us closer as a family.
The dining experiences, though few due to cancellations, brought tastes of uniqueness and delight. Lunch at PYM Kitchen buffet was more than a meal; it was a feast for the senses. Disney characters meandering around the Disneyland Hotel infused our stay with that quintessential Disney magic, turning fleeting moments into cherished memories.
Choosing the Disneyland Hotel proved to be the right decision. Its location, offering unmatched convenience and direct access to the heart of magic, significantly maximized our park time, allowing for nights filled with the soft glow of Disney Village and days starting with the enchantment of extra time in the parks. Despite concerns, language barriers were comfortably navigated with smiles, ‘Bonjour’s and ‘Merci’s, and the gracious assistance of cast members.
Disneyland Paris, with its unique European charm, stands distinct yet familiar against its American counterparts. Its celebration of beloved characters, engaging rides, and immersive experiences place it firmly on the bucket list of every Disney enthusiast.
The magic here isn’t just seen but felt, deeply, with every part of the park whispering tales of adventure, fantasy, and wonder. Our visit, marked by laughter, discovery, and family, will be a treasure in our hearts, always reminding us why every ending at Disneyland is just the beginning of a new journey.
My friends at Get Away Today would love to help you plan a visit to DISNEYLAND® Paris. Call them at 855-GET-AWAY or tap the button below to get a FREE quote and be sure to mention Mommy Mouse Clubhouse sent you!
