As I said, I am currently doing an internship in Europe (Prague, Czech Republic). We are having a great time, but unfortunately we are very far from the most magical place on Earth. Still, the guy needs to have his Disney fix, right? The big plus of being in Europe is that traveling across the continent is relatively easy. There is no passport control in the EU, there are trains and cheap flights. I have to take advantage of this, right?
You know that one of my first travel priorities must have been a visit to Disneyland Paris, especially as it is the 30th anniversary of the resort and I am happy to say that we finally made it!
We used Disney transportation to get from the airport to the resort. We went to Disney Village, shopped and ate. We visited both Disneyland Park and Disney Studios Paris, riding all the rides, watching all the shows and eating. I think I keep mentioning food. I hadn’t been there for almost 20 years and loved almost every minute of it. I have plenty to share – impressions of the attraction, compared to my home Walt Disney World field and of course me as me, the merchandise.
With all these thoughts in my head, I am going to introduce this in a series to give you an idea of what we did, how we planned, and what we think about this place.
Planning
My departure strategy was quite simple. Although we have already visited Paris several times, Mike and I wanted to go away for a long weekend that included three days at Disneyland Paris as well as three days in Paris itself.
For our part of Disneyland Paris, we wanted to stay in magic, so I looked at the five resorts on the property. We chose Disney’s Sequoia Lodge. I’ll be honest. We chose it mainly because it was the cheapest “deluxe” resort on the shores of Lake Disney.
Near the parks, across Disney Village, is a large lake that has three large hotels: Sequoia, Disney’s Newport Bay Club, and Disney’s Hotel New York. The theme in Sequoia looked nice and it was only 15 minutes to the theme parks.
Like Walt Disney World, Disneyland Paris offers packages that include hotel stays and park tickets. And while they also have an amusement park booking system, this isn’t necessary if you are visiting a hotel package. Your admission to both parks is guaranteed on hotel overnight days, so you effectively get a guaranteed jump for the duration of your stay.
We booked three nights: Thursday (the day of our arrival), Friday and Saturday, planning to get up early on Sunday morning to take the train from Disney’s convenient train station to Paris.
Disneyland Paris offers a fixed-price “Premier Access” ticket that allows you to go to the top of the attraction list once per day of purchase of the pass. During my visit, the pass gave you access to a total of 12 attractions between Disneyland Park and Disney Studios.
I decided to buy Premier Access for Friday, our first day at the parks. It cost about $ 200 for both of us. A Saturday pass would cost $ 300 for two. I didn’t want to pay for both days so chose the cheaper day thinking we’d spend Friday running trying to get as many rides as possible.
Transportation & Itinerary
If you plan ahead, getting around Europe is quite easy and relatively inexpensive. We found flights that took us to Paris Orly Airport at 4pm. From there, Disney offers the Magical Shuttle, a shuttle bus that will take you from the airport straight to your hotel. Although it’s a bit steep at $ 45 per person it’s very convenient. You also don’t need to make a reservation for a specific period of time. The rep on the phone told me to just jump on the next available transfer [Note: even though I booked everything online I had a few questions so I called customer service. Unlike the US, where waiting times regularly exceed two hours, I only waited for about five minutes].
We were ready to go and here is our plan:
So… transport: Check it out! Hotel: Check it out! Tickets to the park: Check it out! Route: Check it out!
The Trip
On the day of our departure, we dropped off our two dogs at the animal facility and then headed to the airport. The flight went smoothly and on time and we landed at 4:05. Our Disney travel coupons told us where to go to get the bus so we headed to the bus stop to start the magic.
Gregg looks very happy to be on the way to meet Mickey Mouse. Photo: Mike Ciani.
We arrived at the bus grounds around 4:15 and a bright red bus was waiting to take us to charmland. I assumed buses departed every few minutes. But since they actually ran on an hourly schedule, we had to wait almost an hour for the next bus that was due to leave at 5:10 (I wanted to go now!). There were actually two bus stops on Orly. In another terminal, according to the timetable, the bus departs at 5:00 AM. We had time to kill so thought we’d go there and save 10 minutes.
We found a stop after a 20 minute walk, had a coffee and waited. She came at 5:00. No bus. 5:05… 5:10… no bus. I panicked (it was after all shopping time at Disney Village}) and then at 5:20 am the red bus pulled up – with the same driver as the other bus! I don’t know why he said the other terminal was earlier but we landed on the same bus and the driver asked us why we left (it turns out there are two stops but the same bus stops at each one). Oh well.
We finally left and after some rush hour traffic in Paris, we got to the resort a little after 6:00.
We checked into Disney’s Sequoia Lodge – essentially Disneyland Paris Wilderness Lodge in Walt Disney World. It didn’t have a towering lobby but was very nice. The rooms were like a cabin and the grounds were absolutely beautiful. As a luxury hotel, Sequoia Lodge faces Disney Lake making you feel like you are in the wild.
Disney’s Seqouia Lodge looks like it is located in an American national park. Photo: Gregg Jacobs.
We went to our room in the Monterey part of the hotel, left our bags and took a short walk to Disney Village, Disney’s Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs or Disneyland’s Downtown Disney.
Disneyland Paris hotels are on one side, luxury resorts surround the lake, while the other two (which are also well-themed and beautiful) are a little further away. Disney Village connects the hotel grounds with the parks on the other side. The entire resort has a more compact Disneyland Resort feel than the massive Walt Disney World, and the walk from our hotel to Disney Studios, the farthest point, is approximately 15 minutes away.
We walked around Lake Disney and dropped into Disney’s Hotel New York, which is now subtitled “Marvel Art.” The whole hotel has been faintly Marvel style, with large statues of Ironman and Captain Marvel in front, overlooking the lake.
The tall Capital Marvel is located in front of Disney’s New York.
We continued our trek around the lake and walked through security to enter Disney Village.
Disney Village is the French answer to Disney Springs / Downtown Disney.
Disney Village is relatively small but has a nice collection of shops and restaurants. There were a couple of Disney themed stores such as World of Disney, the real Disney Store (which was partially closed for construction when we arrived), Disney Gallery, and Disney Fashion. There were a few other shops and four or five large restaurants surrounded by several fast food (including Earl of Sandwich and McDonald’s) and several food trucks.
The big Mickey Mouse greets you at the entrance to Disney Village. Photo: Gregg Jacobs.
We went through all of this to check it out and make sure we hit World of Disney first.
The large World of Disney Store is located at the entrance to Disney Village in Disneyland Paris. Photo: Gregg Jacobs.
World of Disney was quite large and had loads of Disneyland Paris related merchandise. They had toys and stuffed animals, ordinary cups and key rings, and lots of clothes specially themed for the 30th anniversary. The 30th product was actually pretty creative. Much of this has been a reversion to the primary colors used in the original 1992 logo (similar to what they do in Orlando’s 50th WDW), and some styles are brand new.
After World of Disney, we continued our trek through the village, strolling through the shops. My favorite was the Disney Gallery. They had many limited edition sculptures and sketches, and original artwork on the walls. There was also a mock-up of Le Chateau de la Belle au Bois Dormant (Sleeping Beauty’s Castle) from the park’s original design team.
The next big shopping stop was the Disney Store. Not many of them remain in the world (they are certainly not in Prague, although Mickey is alive and well there) so it was nice to see one here in Disney Village. They had what you’d expect at the Disney Store: lots of toys and stuffed animals, and less for adults. Half of the shop was actually behind a construction tarpaulin (we saw they opened this area on the last day so they had to finish).
DLP has one of the few remaining Disney stores. Photo: Gregg Jacobs.
After some time of good-quality shopping at the sites (I only bought the 30th anniversary baseball cap because I forgot to take it with me on the trip), it’s time for something to eat. I originally made a reservation here at Billy’s Bob’s Country Western Saloon (live music and BBQ area) but canceled it as I didn’t want to waste time walking. We scanned the food options and found several bars, including a huge sports bar with American baseball on TV screens and fast food. During our visit, a restaurant called Cafe Mickey was closed for refurbishment.
As the Jersey boys that we are, we finally chose Annette’s Diner. The line was not very long and we were seated in about 10 minutes. I realize that for our first meal in Paris we decided to eat American food (I’m not proud) – we gorged ourselves on burgers, fries and cherry cola. Our waiter was kind and polite and on rolls!
We had a great dinner at Annette’s Diner our first night. Photo: Gregg Jacobs.
We left very tired so decided to call it night.
Disney Village is lovely (if it needs some TLC) but it’s not too big so I feel like I got my money and was ready to turn around the next day and relax in the parks. We walked back through the village and then around the lake which is lit and beautiful at night.
Disney’s Newport Bay Club shimmers at the head of Lake Disney. Photo: Gregg Jacobs.
We went back to the hotel, watched a little Disney TV (and surfed the channels), then went hay for the night.
Be sure to come back for my next article where we run amusement parks and I’ll give you some insight into rides and shows – and I’m entering the dangerous area of comparing attractions to what Disney has in the States.
If you want to see more photos from our trip, check me out on Instagram @gregginprague. I have a few posts from Disney.
As I write this, Hurricane Ian is approaching Florida and hopefully it will pass without causing too much damage while you read this. Everyone stay safe and sound and see you soon!
Is there a galaxy’s edge in Disneyland Paris?
It opened on January 17, 2020 at Disneyland. A smaller version of Galaxy’s Edge will also open after 2021 at Walt Disney Studios Park at Disneyland Paris Resort. However, as of August 2022, this is uncertain following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Will Galaxy Edge appear at Disneyland Paris? While Disney has not released the new high-level concept art, it is almost certain that Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is no longer part of the expansion plans. Disneyland Paris hasn’t mentioned it in over 3 years, and it was reportedly held on hold even before closing.
Which Disney park is galaxy’s edge in?
You can explore a whole new land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Discover your own Star Wars story and experience your adventure in a galaxy far, far away as you explore a remote outpost and fly the Millennium Falcon.
Is Galaxy edge in Disney or California adventure?
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is located in Disneyland Park, in the northwest of the park, so you won’t be able to see it if you decide to visit Disney California Adventure Park (another Disney park in California).
Is galaxy’s edge included in Hollywood studios?
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is available during Extra Magic Hours at Disney Hollywood Studios for guests of Disney Resort hotels and other select hotels – but Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is not currently included. * Available for iPhone® and Android ™ smartphones.
Is there any Star Wars at Disneyland Paris?
Visitors immersed themselves in the Star Wars universe at Disneyland Paris from January 11 to March 15, 2020. They were able to travel to a galaxy far away during Legends of the Force: an unforgettable interstellar adventure with amazing shows, Chewbecca, Darth Vader, Kylo Ren and more.
Is Star Wars coming to Disneyland Paris?
The Disney Group announced an investment of 2 billion euros ($ 2.47 billion) to expand Disneyland Paris. In conclusion, three new theme parks have been announced around the Marvel superheroes, Frozen and Star Wars, work will begin in 2019, with each zone scheduled to open in 2022.
Is there a Star Wars thing at Disneyland?
Discover Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, where you can relive your own Star Wars story, fly the Millennium Falcon and explore a remote outpost where adventure awaits.
How much does Disneyland Paris Fastpass cost?
Disneyland Paris will now charge visitors up to $ 18 for Fast Passes if they wish to skip the lines.
How much is the Disney fast pass now? It costs $ 15 a day per person at Disney World.
Is Disneyland Paris Fast Pass worth it?
The standard Disneyland Paris fast pass is included in your park tickets and is available to anyone with a park ticket. While you can easily enjoy your time at Disneyland Paris without using the fast pass system, it is definitely worth taking advantage of to make the most of your day.
How do fast passes work at Disneyland Paris?
Disney Premier Access One: How Does It Work?
- Create or log in to your account on the official Disneyland Paris app.
- Link your ticket, pass or hotel ticket package to your account.
- When at Disney parks, select an attraction, pay and receive your time slot and QR code.
- Scan your QR code and join the fast lane!
Is Disney fast track worth it?
Most people find the Disneyland MaxPass price worth it. It’s worth it for our family on both crowded and uncrowded days. Visitors who make shorter visits – one or two days, especially during peak times – will benefit from time savings and the ability to do more in a short amount of time.
What did Avengers campus replace in Disneyland Paris?
The indoor roller coaster, Avengers Assemble: Flight Force, is the main attraction on land where guests team up with Iron Man and Captain Marvel to save Earth. The intense roller coaster replaces Aerosmith’s beloved Rock ‘n’ Roller roller coaster, which closed in 2019 to be renewed in Flight Force.
Is the Avengers Campus separate from Disneyland? The campus replaces the area formerly known as Bug Land adjacent to Carland. You don’t need a separate ticket to access the Avengers Campus, but getting to the Avengers Campus requires some planning and maybe the power of a superhero or two. First you need to buy a ticket to the Disneyland theme park.
Did Avengers Campus replace Bugs Life?
The Bug Land is the now defunct “Land” from the Disney California Adventure movie, referring to the movie A Bug’s Life (1998). Earth has been replaced by the Avengers Campus, which has various allusions and altered functions from the earth.
What are they replacing Bug’s Land with?
The new Disney Avengers campus is now open. A new area, which is located at Disneyland California Adventure, has replaced A Bug’s Land.
What ride did Avengers Campus replace?
| Attractions | |
|---|---|
| Status | Operating |
| Opened | June 4, 2021 |
| Replaced | Dread Tower in the Dark Zone (Guardians of the Galaxy Mission: Breakout!) Land of the Worms It’s hard to be a Worm! (by Web Slingers: The Spider-Man Adventure) |
| Avengers campus in Paris (Walt Disney Park) |
Is there an Avengers Campus in Disneyland Paris?
The Avengers have gathered, and their next mission takes them across the Atlantic and to Disneyland Paris. As Disney’s second Marvel Cinematic Universe land, the Avengers campus officially opened on July 22 at Walt Disney Studios Park in Disneyland Paris.
Is there any Marvel rides at Disneyland Paris?
There are two new Marvel themed rides at Disneyland Paris. The highlight is the new Spider-man W.E.B. Adventure.
Which park is Avengers Campus in Paris?
The long-awaited Marvel-themed land of Disneyland Paris, Avengers Campus, will open on July 20, and any Marvel fan might be jealous that this is not the version we have in the US. Insider was invited to visit the Avengers campus, located in the Walt Disney Studios park in Disneyland Paris, on the weekend of July 8-10 in Chessy, France.
What are they adding to Avengers Campus?
The latest addition to Disneyland Resort – California Adventure Park’s Avengers Campus – will add an attraction that will force Marvel’s legion of superheroes to fight an army of villains led by crown-wielding genocidal king Thanos.
Will they add more to Avengers Campus?
At the Disney Legends Ceremony at Expo, Disney CEO Bob Chapek announced that the Avengers Campus will be expanded to include the multiverse, as we’ve seen in recent Marvel movies and TV shows.
What is coming to Avengers Campus?
During D23 Expo 2022, details were discussed about a third future attraction that will appear at Avengers Campus at the Disney California Adventure theme park with King Thanos, a villain specifically designed for this attraction. (Concept Artist / Disneyland Resort) “You’ll meet a new villain named King Thanos,” Feige said.
Where are Star Wars rides at Disney?
If the name is any clue, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge sits literally on the edge of Hollywood Studios, across from the park’s entrance and adjacent to Toy Story Land. There are two entrances to the land. You can enter via Toy Story Land or Grand Avenue (via Muppet * Vision 3D).
What kind of park in Disney is Star Wars? Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Walt Disney World Resort, Florida. Discover the land of Star Wars at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! This is your chance to live your Star Wars story – and discover who you really are in a galaxy far, far away …
How many Star Wars rides at Disney World?
What are Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge rides? There are two rides in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, although both are so detailed and engaging that they’ll likely feel like twice as many as guests wade through the long lines and the driving experience involved.
What are the names of the Star Wars rides at Disney World?
Star Wars attractions at Disney World
- While there are only two rides, there are tons of other things to do and see in Galaxy’s Edge.
- Star Wars: A Distant Galaxy. …
- Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacle. …
- Star Wars photo opportunities. …
- Star Wars Treats. …
- Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser.
Is there anything Star Wars at Disney World?
Discover Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, where you can relive your own Star Wars story, fly the Millennium Falcon and explore a remote outpost where adventure awaits.
Can you vape in Disneyland Paris?
Indoor and outdoor theme parks are non-smoking, except in designated outdoor areas specifically designed and equipped for smokers. This rule also applies to electronic cigarettes.
Does Disney not allow Vapes? Can I smoke or vaporize in Disney parks? Not. As of May 1, 2019, all designated smoking areas have been removed from the parks. Guests will have to leave the park if they wish to smoke.
Where are the smoking areas at Disneyland Paris?
Smoking areas at Disneyland Park
- 1 On both sides of the toilets on the main entrance / exit square. …
- 2 Within Main Street Arboretum, next to City Hall. …
- 3 Behind Fort Comstock, in a covered walkway. …
- 4 Around the Pueblo Shopping Center. …
- 5 In front of the Hakuna Matata restaurant, in the lower seating area by the river.
Where can I smoke at Disneyland Paris?
Can I smoke in Disney parks? A. Indoor and outdoor theme parks are non-smoking, except in designated outdoor areas specifically designed and equipped for smokers. This rule also applies to electronic cigarettes.
Did Disneyland get rid of smoking areas?
This includes all the theme parks and water parks at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. Instead of designating smoking areas in the park, they will now only be outside the gates. While some can see the smoking ban at Disney parks has been coming for a long time, why pull the trigger now?
What is not allowed in Disneyland Paris?
Any illegal or dangerous substances, alcoholic beverages, glass bottles, dangerous items (in particular any type of offensive or defensive weapon) or items that look like toy guns or guns (including toy throwers, water guns, etc.) that may endanger safety visitors in the Parks are prohibited.
Can you bring food and water into Disneyland Paris?
Yes, you can bring your own food and drink to Disneyland Paris.
Can I bring a water bottle to Disneyland Paris?
Tap water at Disneyland Paris is safe to drink. Feel free to fill your water bottles!
Can you vape or smoke at Disneyland?
For the convenience of all guests, smoking is not permitted in the theme parks and hotels of Disneyland Resort, Esplanade Between Parks and the Downtown Disney District.
Do they allow smoking in Disneyland?
Disneyland Resort is non-smoking. Smoking is not allowed in Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure Park, Esplanade between theme parks and in the Downtown Disney District.
Where can you vape at Disneyland?
Smoking / E-cigarette / Vaping – Smoking and vaping will no longer be allowed in Disneyland and Walt Disney World. In the past, smoking areas were designated, but these are no longer available at the resort.