7 Things That Surprised Us About Disneyland Paris
Disneyland Paris was unique and had its own European flair, but was also familiar with that classic Disney feel that we all know and love. During our visit, there were a few things that surprised us on our first family trip to Disneyland Paris.
1. A Dragon Beneath Sleeping Beauty Castle
Unlike any other Disney park, Disneyland Paris houses an animatronic dragon beneath its iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle. The castle is beautiful, the square trees give that storybook look, and the ability to explore the interior is sooo much fun! The dragon is known as La Tanière du Dragon this 89-foot-long creature resides in a dimly lit cavern, occasionally awakening to puff smoke and growl. It was exciting, and although it was crowded, we were able to get up close and experience the dragon coming alive from its sleep. It was a fun fairytale experience.
2. Indiana Jones: Disney’s First Inversion Coaster
Unlike the other Indiana Jones experiences at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Anaheim, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril in Disneyland Paris is a high-speed roller coaster featuring a full inversion loop . It also has a height requirement of 140 cm (approximately 55 inches), making it the highest height requirement in all Disney parks. We would say it is a bit head-jarring, and in some comment threads, it’s referred to as the “concussion of doom”, which made me laugh. It is the most intense Indiana Jones-themed ride we have experienced. Our youngest was not tall enough to ride and honestly was a little too scared to undertake the ride even if she could, so the boys and their Dad took the first turn while we waited in an army-style tent off the ride exit. The line was quick (the entire time we were there, the line never seemed very long). We were unaware of the loop, and it does come out of nowhere unexpectedly. My boys got off the ride and were jumping up and down, excited and begging to ride again. So this time I got to go, and Dad waited with our youngest in the tent. The boys were giggling and raising their eyebrows at each other as we waited in the queue. It wasn’t under I was upside down in the loop that I figured out why they being so secretive. They couldn’t wait to see my reaction to the surprise loop. Overall, it was a really fun ride, but I don’t think my head can handle it more than once.
3. Big Thunder Mountain: An Island Expedition
We were so disappointed that this ride was closed for repair while we were there. Its design is unique to Disneyland Paris as Big Thunder Mountain is situated on an island in the middle of the Rivers of the Far West. Guests board the ride on the mainland and travel through underwater tunnels to reach the island, where the wildest ride in the wilderness awaits. We got excited when we saw a train car running through the ride until we realized the riders were workers with hard hats and orange vests. But how cool of a job is that?! Test rider at Disneyland! Sign me up!
4. Auberge de Cendrillon: A Royal Dining Experience
To celebrate our children's birthdays, we dined at Auberge de Cendrillon, a fine dining restaurant located in Fantasyland. I had to watch and wait for a reservation to open up, and snapped it up as soon as I saw availability. The food was okay, but the French cuisine, including dishes like duck pâté, while beautifully presented, was different than our usual food preferences. We navigated the menu, finding chicken and veggies and pasta, and of course, the desserts were delicious, especially the cute Cinderella shoe made out of chocolate. The restaurant did get an A+ for friendly staff, storybook decor, and so many opportunities to meet Disney princesses and other favorite Disney characters. This made it a memorable experience. Keep in mind though, this was a very expensive meal. It was our most expensive dining experience of our entire trip, including London and Paris. We survived just fine, even if we didn’t love the food at this restaurant. There were plenty of croissants and crepes to be had throughout the parks.
5. Phantom Manor: An American West Story!
Phantom Manor offers a unique take on the traditional Haunted Mansion ride, incorporating a darker storyline set in the American Old West. The attraction is in Frontierland. It was interesting to see this and other American themes while in another country. It doesn’t seem novel when it’s your own heritage, but it did feel a bit like we were back in the US. The attraction tells the tale of Melanie Ravenswood, a bride whose suitors mysteriously vanish, leaving her to wander the manor in eternal sorrow. Honestly, the storyline was hard to follow, but the special effects were awesome, and the line was not long at all. We barely had any wait. It was really fun for us to hear the ride in both English and French.
6. Location: It’s Not Actually in Paris!
Despite its name, Disneyland Paris is located in Marne-la-Vallée, approximately 40 minutes east of central Paris by train. The RER A train line offers direct access to the park, making it a convenient day trip for those staying in the city. Even though it didn’t seem like too bad a journey from Central Paris, we still decided to stay at Disneyland Hotel, which is literally steps from the park and has its own entrance.
7. Cars Road Trip: A Scenic Adventure
In Walt Disney Studios Park, Cars Road Trip invites guests on a leisurely journey through the world of Disney-Pixar's Cars. We thought this was going to be a kind of boring ride, which is what we wanted because we were tired. So we wanted to ride it and relax for a bit while enjoying a calm tram ride. Well, we were wrong. It was a nice and cute ride along Route 66, like we thought, until "Cars-tastrophe Canyon.” This was a scream and giggle-inducing showcase of fire and water. We loved it so much that this is one of the few rides we went back to ride the second day.
Bonus Tip: Prepare for Unpredictable Weather
Visiting in March, we encountered chilly temperatures and intermittent rain. We had to go buy bigger jackets. Even though where we live gets snow and cold, we thought it was going to be mild spring weather in March, but not freezing cold, so we didn’t bring them. We bought jackets that got us through the rest of the trip. Of course, being March, we didn’t need that for many more weeks once we got back home. Oh well, though, you live and learn. Definitely pack for layers and pack a poncho.
Disneyland Paris is a treasure trove of unique attractions and experiences that distinguish it from other Disney destinations. Whether you're a seasoned Disney enthusiast or a first-time visitor, these surprises add an extra layer of magic to your adventure.
