Disneyland® Resort Paris is the no.1 tourist destination in Europe, and incorporates 2 theme parks, 7 themed hotels and a range of dining and entertainment options. No doubt kids of all ages love it , but do their parents still need convincing?


With Disney's adverts everywhere highlighting that their 15th year anniversary celebration continues 'big style' I've been toying with the idea of taking my two little ones (aged 3 and 18 months) and joining in the festivities. Disneyland Paris are continuing their kids stay and play for free whilst the party goes on, so it seems like a good time to go. However, talking to the mum's at the nursery gates and further research on the internet I've found a mixed reaction and for a (short) while rethinking my plans.

The Food Critics.
The primary concern for all the parents I spoke to was the lack of suitable healthy food outlets. In addition, the cost for an average fast food meal was approximately 10€ which means that it all becomes an expensive affair. I totally understand this dilemma- our eldest loves pizza and chips, but if we gave her two days of junk I know she'll end up hyperactive and very scary. Some ideas that have been suggested to me include:

* Pack salad and fruit for the first day.
* Buy a sandwich from the Market House Deli on Main Street, but remember to do this first.
* Book a table at the Rainforest Cafe, which has good menu with healthier and colourful meals.
*Stay outside the park in an Apartment such as the Adagio City Aparthotel, where you can make the most of eating what you want outside the Park, or making a fresh packed lunch each day. Of course, this isn't the best option for maximising your time in the park or if your baby/toddler is anything like my youngest who still needs an hours nap in the afternoon (or we're all crying by 5pm!). All in all, I'd prefer to stay in the park and just pop back to the room for an afternoon siesta.

Bad Manners.
Not the wonderful Disneyland park staff, who I've only heard lovely things, but other park visitors. Depending on the time of year, the park is really busy and not all visitors display good manners like us Brits. Many of them push to get to the front of queues and to get better views of the parades. If your little ones don't go to school yet, it is really worth avoiding any of the holidays including UK half terms and French holidays too. You can check out the French school holidays here. By steering clear of either of these holidays, you'll be avoiding much of the madness and also getting a much better deal. May, (but not half-term week), June and September are all good times to visit.

Its a poor relative to its US Big Brother.
It's not really fair to compare the Florida Park with Disneyland Paris. For a start, the weather is not as reliable and it is a fraction of the size. But, for families with young children it is a great opportunity to get a taste of the Disney experience without having to board a plane. Travelling on Eurostar with kids is far simpler and you'll find changing facilities in carriages 1 and 18 on board all their trains . Although Disneyland Paris is a smaller affair, it does mean taking a toddler or baby is much more manageable and you'll still need 3 days to do it all, especially if you want to catch the Parades, meet the Characters for lunch and take the holiday at your child's pace. Whatever you decide to do, don't forget to visit the 'its a small world' ride- apparently every baby's favourite or the new 'Cars' ride for the older toddlers.

Whatever its shortcomings, all kids love Disney. I know I won't be able to wait until my two are 10 to take them to the States to get a taste of the magic, so we will be taking a visit later this year to Disneyland Paris. Watch this space for an update of how this all goes...

Awla

P.S. Have you been to Disneyland Paris with your kids? Please share your experiences below and help others prepare for their visit.