There’s nothing quite like stepping into a Disney park for the first time, and when that park happens to be Disneyland Paris, it’s even more special. From its storybook charm to unique attractions you won’t find anywhere else, this magical destination is a must-do for any Disney fan or first-time visitor.
But let’s be real—planning a Disney vacation, especially one in another country, can feel a bit overwhelming. That’s where I come in! As a Disney travel concierge, my job is to take care of all the details so you can focus on the fun. And that’s exactly what I did for this first-time trip to Disneyland Paris.
Planning for the Magic: Why Booking with a Travel Agent Makes a Difference
Before I even packed my bags, I knew that having a solid game plan would be key to making the most of my time at Disneyland Paris. While Disney parks in the U.S. have their own systems (think Genie+ and Lightning Lane), Disneyland Paris has a few differences, like Premier Access, that first-timers might not be familiar with.
That’s where having a travel agent (like me!) is a game-changer. Instead of stressing over where to stay, how to book park tickets, or when to make dining reservations, I handled it all, just like I do for my clients. The goal? A hassle-free, stress-free Disney experience that lets you enjoy the magic without the planning headaches.
If you’re thinking about visiting Disneyland Paris, let me do the heavy lifting—from securing the best hotel to making sure you get on all the must-do attractions without spending hours in line.
Arriving at Disneyland Paris: First Impressions
The moment I walked through the gates of Disneyland Park, I could feel the excitement in the air. It had that classic Disney magic, but with a distinctly European flair. The streets of Main Street, U.S.A. felt a little more elegant, the architecture more detailed, and everything had that storybook charm that makes Disneyland Paris stand out.
And then, there it was: Sleeping Beauty Castle.
Now, I’ve seen a lot of Disney castles, but this one? Absolutely breathtaking. The colors, the towers, the stunning stained-glass windows, and—yes—the actual dragon in the dungeon made this castle one of my favorites.
Exploring the Attractions
One of the biggest things that surprised me was how different the rides felt compared to their counterparts in the U.S. parks. Big Thunder Mountain was easily one of the best versions I’ve ever ridden—it’s set on its own island, and the final section in complete darkness was such a thrilling surprise.
Then there was Phantom Manor, which took the classic Haunted Mansion formula and gave it a darker, more haunting Western storyline. It felt spookier, more mysterious, and was a total must-do.
Adventureland felt more immersive than ever, with winding paths, lush greenery, and even an Indiana Jones roller coaster—yes, a full-on looping coaster that had me holding on for dear life.
And let’s not forget Alice’s Curious Labyrinth, a delightful, only-in-Paris attraction where you can actually wander through Wonderland, get lost in a hedge maze, and even climb to the top of the Queen of Hearts’ castle for a stunning view of the park.
A Day at Walt Disney Studios Park
After a full day at Disneyland Park, it was time to check out Walt Disney Studios Park, the smaller but growing second park at Disneyland Paris.
I started my day with Avengers Assemble: Flight Force, which is basically Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, but with Iron Man and Captain Marvel. It was fast, intense, and completely thrilling. From there, I swung into Spider-Man W.E.B. Adventure, an interactive ride where you literally sling webs at Spider-Bots (and, yes, I may have gotten a little too competitive).
But the real standout? Ratatouille: The Adventure. This ride shrinks you down to the size of a rat and takes you on a chaotic journey through Gusteau’s kitchen, dodging rolling carts, escaping hungry chefs, and experiencing Paris from Remy’s perspective. It was charming, fun, and an absolute must-do.
Walt Disney Studios Park is currently expanding, with a Frozen-themed land and more on the way, so it’s only going to get better.
Disney Characters & Live Entertainment
No Disney trip is complete without meeting characters, and Disneyland Paris has some incredible meet-and-greet opportunities. I met Mickey and Minnie in their Parisian outfits, spotted Marie from The Aristocats, and even ran into Jack Skellington near Phantom Manor.
But the live entertainment truly stole the show.
Mickey and the Magician was, without a doubt, one of the best Disney shows I’ve ever seen. It had everything—stunning magic effects, beautiful costumes, and an emotional storyline that had the whole audience hooked.
And then came Disney Dreams, the nighttime spectacular that blends fireworks, projections, and even drones to create one of the most visually stunning nighttime shows I’ve ever experienced. Watching the sky light up over Sleeping Beauty Castle was the perfect way to end the night.
Final Thoughts & Tips for Your First Visit
Looking back, my first trip to Disneyland Paris was absolutely magical, and I’m already planning my next visit. If you’re thinking about making the trip, here are my biggest takeaways:
- Stay at a Disneyland Paris hotel – Staying on property gives you Extra Magic Time (early park entry), which means you can enjoy the most popular rides before the crowds arrive. Plus, the convenience of walking to the parks or taking a quick shuttle makes the experience even more seamless.
- Make dining reservations early – Restaurants like Bistrot Chez Rémy and Captain Jack’s book up fast, and while Disneyland Paris does have quick-service options, the table-service dining experiences add so much to the trip. I recommend booking at least 60 days in advance to secure your top choices.
- Use Premier Access strategically – Instead of waiting in long standby lines, Premier Access allows you to skip the queue for select attractions. You can purchase it per ride or as a bundle, but it’s best used on Ratatouille, Big Thunder Mountain, and Crush’s Coaster, where wait times can get pretty intense.
- Pack layers and prepare for unpredictable weather – Unlike Florida, Paris can be chilly and rainy, even in summer. Bring a light jacket, comfortable shoes, and a compact umbrella or poncho so you’re not caught off guard by a sudden downpour.
- Let me help you plan it all! – The best way to have a stress-free Disneyland Paris trip is to let a travel agent handle the details. From booking your perfect hotel and park tickets to customizing an itinerary that fits your style, I’ll take care of everything so you can just show up and enjoy the magic.
Disneyland Paris is a destination that every Disney fan should experience at least once, and I’d love to help make your dream trip completely stress-free.
✨ Ready to plan your Disneyland Paris adventure? Let’s make some magic happen! ✨
