Our family’s spring adventure to Disneyland Paris in 2024 was a milestone moment filled with joy and nostalgia. As someone who grew up visiting both Disneyland and Disney World in the USA, sharing the Disney magic with our children, aged 2 and 6, was deeply special. This trip was our first to Disneyland Paris, and staying onsite at the Newport Bay Club Hotel—just a short 10-minute walk from the parks—made exploring easy. With two nights and one and a half days, we found just the right balance to enjoy all our must-see rides and experiences in both Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park.
Disneyland Park
We dedicated a full day to Disneyland Park, the larger of the two at Disneyland Paris, starting bright and early with a character breakfast at Plaza Gardens Restaurant. This coveted experience allowed us to enter the park before the crowds, capturing lovely photos in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle. In addition, we were able to stroll through the empty Liberty Arcades (unique to Paris), a covered walkway running parallel to Main Street. Strategic midday breaks at the hotel—thanks to its proximity—kept our little ones in good spirits, helped further by the handy stroller with an attachable seat so both could ride at the same time. Energy-conserving breaks at mealtimes meant we could end our day with the spectacular nighttime fireworks.
Favorite Rides and Attractions
Disneyland Paris offered a fantastic lineup of rides, some with delightful twists:
- Big Thunder Mountain (Paris’s version is on an island and features the longest track of any Disney park)
- Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain (classic coaster with a space twist)
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- Phantom Manor (Paris’s spooky western spin on Haunted Mansion)
- It’s a Small World
- Alice’s Labyrinth (walk-through hedge maze with charming park views)
- Autopia
- Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast
- The Dragon’s Lair (walk-through under the castle featuring a fire-breathing dragon)
The rollercoaster fans in our family rode Big Thunder Mountain and Hyperspace Mountain twice, and although Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril was off-limits for my son due to height restrictions, it gave us a reason to return. The walk-through experiences, such as Alice’s Labyrinth and Dragon’s Lair, were especially memorable. We loved comparing these attractions to their American counterparts.
Shows & Parade Highlights
Serendipity struck when we found ourselves front and center for the A Million Splashes of Colour parade, where the kids danced and waved to their favorite Disney characters. Flexibility in the itinerary made these spontaneous moments possible. After a restful afternoon break, we enjoyed the Disney fireworks from a quieter spot between Main Street USA and Discoveryland—both spectacles were visually stunning and created magical moments for our family.
Dining Experiences
Booking meals ahead is a huge perk of staying at a Disney hotel—highly recommended, since walk-ups can mean long waits or no luck at all. Character breakfasts were a childhood favorite, so we booked one in Paris. At Plaza Gardens, we enjoyed delicious Mickey waffles and met Tigger, Eeyore, Captain Hook, Mr. Smee, Pinocchio, and Geppetto (note that the characters present are a surprise). It’s truly the best way for kids to meet many characters without queueing. Park character meet-and-greets had manageable waits, and all the characters took time to make each meeting special.
Dinner at Captain Jack’s—my husband’s pick for best ambiance—was good, but the setting was unforgettable, as we dined alongside the boats from Pirates of the Caribbean.
Wrapping Up Disneyland Park
With smart planning and a steady pace, we managed to experience almost everything we set out to do in Disneyland Park. Every moment blended classic Disney nostalgia with unique Parisian charm. Conveniences like the stroller seat and the hotel’s proximity were game-changers for us.
Walt Disney Studios Park
Our arrival day was devoted to Walt Disney Studios Park, the perfect fit for a half-day visit. Even with less time, we still captured all the highlights. We were able to ride several attractions, sing with Elsa at the Frozen: A Musical Invitation show, and have whimsical dining experiences.
Ride Favorites
Standouts included:
- Crush’s Coaster (spinning turtle shell—our rollercoaster fans declared it a top pick)
- Avengers Assemble (a thrilling Parisian take on Rock’n Rollercoaster)
- Tower of Terror
- Cars Road Trip
- Ratatouille (immersive and creative)
- Spider Man W.E.B. Adventure (kids loved shooting webs at bots for points)
Spiderman’s interactive design was tons of fun and my favorite ride. Thrill rides like Crush’s Coaster were hits for my son and husband. The family loved shrinking down on Ratatouille.
Show Experience
Frozen: A Musical Invitation was a family must, especially for our Elsa-obsessed toddler. Advance queueing was essential, as every show filled well before start time. The bilingual entertainment was both charming and engaging, making the wait worthwhile.
Dining at Disney Studios
Early reservations guaranteed us meals at PYM Kitchen and Bistrot Chez Remy, which were highlights. PYM Kitchen’s buffet in Avengers Campus wowed us with giant burgers and delicious desserts, and the kids loved the fries and pretzels. Bistrot Chez Remy immersed us in the Ratatouille theme, with whimsical decor, champagne bottle cap chairs, jar lid tables, and twinkling lights—though the food was just good, not great.
Walt Disney Studios Conclusion
Even a few hours at Walt Disney Studios Park were packed with laughs and adventure. Strategic planning allowed us to fit in every favorite and leave satisfied.
Newport Bay Club Resort
Our stay at Newport Bay Club Resort was outstanding for its location and practical comforts. The quick walk to the parks was ideal for midday breaks, especially for a napping toddler and an energetic older child, who loved the heated indoor pool. Unique perks included evening character meet-and-greets and early park access, though the lines for characters were longer in the hotel than in the parks. While staff were friendly and helpful, rooms and pools felt dated, though cleanliness and comfort were good. Next visit, a nearby Airbnb might offer more modern rooms and better value. The lakeside breakfast buffet at the hotel was a beautiful start to our Disneyland days.
Premier Access: Skip-the-Line
Disneyland Paris’s Premier Access allows families to pay to skip lines on specific rides rather than an “Ultimate” all-access pass. Most queues were manageable, around 30 minutes or less, so purchasing skip-the-line passes only for select rides made sense for our budget. Snacks in line kept the kids happy, and the themed queue areas were visually interesting.
Photo Pass Review
Unlike US Disney parks, Disneyland Paris’s Photo Pass only covers ride photos and does not include roaming photographers or character greeting shots, which was less valuable to us and a notable difference.
Final Thoughts
Disneyland Paris created memories we’ll cherish forever. Unique rides, magical parades and shows, and imaginative dining experiences, plus manageable crowds and meaningful character encounters, made this trip special. While amenities like the hotel and Photo Pass had downsides, overall, we look forward to returning to relive the Disney magic in Paris.