My Top 10 Rides at Disneyland Paris

Okay, so first, I would just like to say how much I dislike this photo, but we all look like we're having a ball, so I guess this is going to do. 

It's been a while since I've done a Disney post hasn't it? And because you guys know that it's my favourite thing to speak about, I'm going to be talking about my top 10 favourite rides in the Disneyland Paris park (both the Walt Disney Park & the Studios). Now, before I start with my countdown of my favourite rides, you must know that this is my opinion, and therefore not everyone is going to agree. But, because I love all of the rides at the parks, I'm picking out my favourites on the basis of the rides I love going on the most. Less of the rambling and more of the countdown...YAY!

1) Big Thunder Mountain
This, without a doubt, is my most favourite ride at the park. It's always been the ride I've been most scared of, because I'm not really a roller coaster kind of gal. I remember going on this when I was younger; my mum had warned me that I wouldn't enjoy it, but I pestered to go on it and when they eventually gave in and took me on the ride, I cried the whole way around. When we went in the Summer, my friends reluctantly dragged me on it, and I actually fell in love. I don't understand how I could ever have hated this ride. I especially recommend going on this of a night when Disney Dreams is happening, because watching the fireworks from the top of BTM is really something to experience. If there's one thing I miss the most, it's the thrill from going on this every night.

2) Peter Pan's Flight
I felt so bad for not putting this as No.1 because, as you know, Peter Pan is my most favourite Disney character. This is, without a doubt, the most magical ride in the Disney Park. I especially love the part when you fly through London in the night time, and the lights represent the starry sky. I went on this every single day when we went in the Summer, and I love more and more every time I go on it.

3) Phantom Manor
Yet again, another ride I was petrified of when I was younger. I can never understand why, because it's really not that scary at all. I just love the special effects, they're amazing. If you actually look up the story behind the ride, it's really really interesting, I love the whole spookiness about it! The cast members who work on the ride really get into the character, they make the experience just that little more spooky, and we particularly enjoyed pulling funny faces at them when they tried to scare us!

4) Pirates of the Caribbean
This was our favourite ride to try and get photos on. I especially love the fact that you pass through a restaurant on your way through the ride, it's absolutely great! This ride is the best ride to go on in any type of weather, it cools you down in the summer, but is also perfect to warm you up in the winter. The big drop at the end is such a thrill, I love it! Plus, the cast members, alike Phantom Manor, are so in character and really make the experience magical!

5) Buzz Lightyear Lazer Blast
Definitely the most competitive ride in the park, but also one of my favourites. I went on this when it first opened, and I absolutely loved it. I first expected it to be scary, but it's nothing like that at all. Going on it with your friends is the best, I think me and Charlotte fell out for about five minutes on the ride, because she kept moving the cart as I was trying to shoot and vice, versa. But it was so so much fun. Also, don't forget the photo opportunity like we always did!

6) Star Tours
I'm not the biggest Star Wars fan, just at the main fact that I've never actually seen any of the films *Shock* *Gasp*. However, my Mum is, so this was the top of her list when we went a few years ago. I hated it at first, but since I've grown up, I've started to love it. The ride itself is basically a simulator, and you're all strapped in and it takes you on a little story where you battle and fly and it's just so much fun!!

7) It's a Small World
Controversial I know. This was the first ride I ever went on when I first visited Disneyland Paris 13 years ago, and to this day it still remains as one of my favourite rides. A lot of people are creeped out by it, I don't really understand that. It's one of the most heart-warming lovely rides, and I especially love the part when all the boats bump into one another at the end of the ride.

8) Ratatouille: The Adventure
This is the newest ride to emerge at the Disney Studios, and we were very much looking forward to trying this out. There are a lot of mixed opinions on the ride, but I personally loved it. It was unlike anything else in the park, and the 4D experience made it very worthwhile. Also, I can't even begin to tell you how cute the little carriages are that you travel in, they're all little mice, and it's the most adorable thing ever. The way the ride works is very clever, and I would recommend going in the single rider queue if you want to avoid the large queues.

9) Toy Soldiers Parachute Drop
Once again, amazing for the single rider service. If Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is not your thing, which is certainly isn't for me, then this is the next best thing in the Disneyland Parks. It gives the most amazing view of the resort, as well as providing a little bit of a thrill. I personally really really loved this ride, and it was the most hilarious thing being sat opposite my friends.

10) Mad Hatter's Tea Cups
I'm picking this ride because of how pretty it is, plus I love a good classic. The teacups were the ride we would always go on when we just wanted to relax for a little bit, or when I wanted to take some nice photos. This is definitely the most picturesque ride, and also so much fun. It really took me back to being a little girl when my grandad would take me on it and would spin me round really really fast. I loved this the most. It especially looks very pretty at night!

So, there we have it; my top 10 rides at Disneyland Paris.
I hope that's given some people an idea of what is good to go on, and the different type of rides there are for everyone in the family. If you have any questions about the rides, or the park in general, don't hesitate to leave a comment and also let me know what your favourite rides are!

Lots of Love
Meg
xox

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Things to know before you go | Disneyland Paris

So, you've booked your holiday to Disneyland Paris, but now you have the horrible wait until you venture into a world beyond your wildest dreams and spend a few days in the residence of Mickey Mouse. I thought I'd do a little blog post with a few things that you should know before you go!

1) Only certain hotels offer the Extra Magic Hours in the Park
Extra Magic Hours provide you with a chance to enter the Disney Parks two hours early so that you can meet and greet Mickey and his friends as well as visit some of the attractions that will get busier later on in the day. However, only Disney hotels have the advantage of these hours which are stated below:
Disneyland Hotel
Disney's Hotel New York
Disney's Newport Bay Club
Disney's Sequoia Lodge
Disney's Hotel Cheyenne
Disney's Hotel Santa Fe
Disney's Davy Crockett Ranch

2) Transportation
The Eurostar (travelling from London) takes you to the Marne-La-Vallée station, just a two minute walk from the main entrance to the Disney Parks and in the immediate vicinity of the Disney Hotels (As stated above, except the Davy Crockett Ranch). If you will be travelling from Paris, it's just a 35 minute trip on the RER A (express train) to get to the Disney Park Station. 

If the train is not your thing and you would prefer to fly, you should definitely take advantage of the VEA shuttle service between the main airports in Paris. It's only an hour trip, if traffic plays in your favour, and it should be included in your flight package (make sure that it is!) 

3) Arrival and Departure
Hotels checking in times tend to be different but the majority are between 2-3pm. However, if you do get there early, check in and your room is already available, they will happily give you the key to your room to allow you to start your Disney Adventure, so always make sure that you check. On your day of departure, you are normally asked to leave your room by 11am. There is a room where you can leave your luggage if you wish to do some last minute shopping or spend one last day in the park. However, this is not available at the Davy Crockett Ranch. 

4) Shopping
Although there are many shops dotted around the Disney Parks, the main place for some retail therapy is the Disney Village. It's the perfect place to venture just before Disney Dreams, or after as it is open until 1am. It offers many shows and bars as well as shops so you're sure to be entertained. 

If you're worried about having to carry all of your things around with you then don't be! Disney now offers a free shopping service; this means that you can leave your purchases at the shop and rest assured that they will be delivered directly to your hotel. This service is available for guests staying in the Disney Hotels and the Val de France Hotels (Hotel l'Eysée Val d'Europe and Pierre & Vacances City Aparthotel Val d'Europe) 

5) Getting Lost
If you're worried about getting lost, there's no need to panic. There are maps, in all different languages, available in both parks, as well as entertainment guides and character meeting points. All the staff are so willing to help you, they always have a smile on their face and cannot do enough for you. Also, don't worry about the language barrier, most cast members speak at least French and English. City Hall is also a good place to go if you need help. 

6) Birthday Celebrations
If there is going to be a birthday celebration whilst you are on your holiday in Disneyland Paris, it is possible to inform City Hall who will then give you a birthday badge with your name on it. Throughout the day, characters will wish you a happy birthday, making your day just that little more magical. 

7) Kids
If you're going to be taking the children to Disney, here are a few little things that you should know. Cots are available free of charge on request, as are basic accessories such as bottle warmers but these are all subject to availability on the day. In the Park, stroller rentals are available as well as baby care centres which allow you to change, feed, or look after your child. There is also a lost children point so if this does happen, you can be sure that your child will be in the safest of hands. 

8) Dining

There are many ways to dine in Disneyland Paris. Each Park offers a variety of restaurants, all of which offer vegetarian food to those who require it. Breakfast in your hotel can be booked when booking your holiday, as can your evening meal, meaning that this could cost you a little bit more.

The Disney Village also offers various different types of restaurant, all serving delicious food. I personally recommend Annette's Diner and Planet Hollywood. 

Character Dining experiences are also the perfect opportunity for you to meet different characters. These can be booked in your hotel, but need to be booked in advance as places are taken up quickly.

Another amazing experience is a diner show at Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show at the Disney Village. Lace up your boots for a wild wild evening as you prepare to indulge in a feast fit for a cowboy as you watch this fast and furious tribute to the Wild West. It lasts for approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, and you also get a really cool cowboy hat to take away with you. Definitely recommended. 

9) Shuttle Buses
There are Disney Shuttle Buses available from all hotels in the Disney area, taking you straight to the Disney bus station. However, if you're staying in the Disney Hotels, your hotel is only a short walk away from the Disney Park. 

10) Safety

Before you enter either the Disney Village or the Disney Park as well as your Hotels, your cases, your baggage and your body are checked. This is to ensure your safety.

I hope this helped some people. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask in the comments below!

Lots of Love
Meg
xox

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