NAVIGATING THE PARKS
If it’s your first time to Disneyland Paris or if you are tight on time, you’ll want to get around without getting lost! Here’s my usual route:
Disneyland Park
The main (Castle) park at Disneyland Paris is in a handy circle! You’ll enter either under or to the side of the Disneyland Hotel - which at the time of writing (January 2023) is undergoing a serious refurbishment expected to last until mid-2024. Whichever side you enter from, keep to that side as you walk under the “EuroDisneyland Rail Road” station - you’ll see why in a second. Do not walk under the middle! When you enter the Town Square you’ll see the bandstand in the middle which usually has a character meet during the day. On the left of the Town Square is City Hall, where you can get park information, birthday badges and priority passes. On the opposite side you is where you rent strollers and wheelchairs.
Mainstreet USA
Then you turn the corner onto Mainstreet USA. On the left of the corner you’ll find Emporium which is a huge shop running half the length of Mainstreet selling all types of merchandise. On the right of the corner you’ll find Flora’s which has recently housed exclusive 30th Anniversary merchandise. Behold Sleeping Beauty’s Castle! It’s much more fun to have the castle unveiled to you coming around the corner than to catch a sneak peek under the train station or through the bandstand! All the stores and cafes on Mainstreet are designed to draw you down towards the Castle using a technique called “forced perspective” - it’s the opposite on the way back up, where you are subconsciously invited to take your time and spend money on merchandise on your way home! Speaking of spending money, my favourite stores on Mainstreet are Harringtons (unique collectable ornaments and prints), Victoria’s (lovely sweet treats) and Dapper Dan’s barbershop, where YES you can get your haircut! Plaza Gardens buffet restaurant is located at the “bottom right” of Mainstreet, just at the end of Discovery arcade. As at January 2023, characters are present for Breakfast and Dinner, but not lunch. You’ll also find a first aid centre and baby care facility (with microwaves and privacy for feeding if you desire).
Tip: During busy periods, use the arcades located to the left and ride of Mainstreet USA. Liberty arcade is beautiful inside with gas-fired lanterns and a tribute to Lady Liberty in New York. Discovery arcade on the other side brings you swiftly down to Discoveryland! Both arcades have “back doors” into all the shops on Mainstreet. Handy for patches of bad weather too! There’s usually benches, tables and chairs to enjoy your takeaway food or snacks.
Frontierland
At the bottom of Mainstreet, I take the first left that brings you into Frontierland. Step into the prospectors’ era village of Thunder Mesa! You’ll find restaurants on your left such the Lucky Nugget Saloon, Last Chance Cafe and the Silver Spur Steakhouse. I usually poodle on down to Phantom Manor which sits menacingly overlooking the river. Speaking of the river, you can actually jump on the Molly Brown Riverboat for a relaxing jaunt around the mountain. When you exit Phantom Manor or the Riverboat, keep left and the next ride is my favourite in all the Disney parks: Big Thunder Mountain. Use magic hours, premier access or parent/baby swap to avoid the 60+ minute wait times. The burrito restaurant Fuente Del Oro (with frozen margherita’s) sits across from Big Thunder - eat after, not before. Trundle on down, keeping left and you’ll find a true gem, the Frontierland playground. This is a must for all children up to 4 years old, with lovely views of the mountain and riverboat. In this general little Cul De Sac you also have my favourite quick-service restaurant, Cowboy Cookout BBQ and my favourite show at Disneyland Paris… Rhythm of the Pride Lands (Lion King) at the Frontierland Theatre. Another branch of the Cul de Sac brings you to the Indiana Jones ride which is not for the faint of heart, including a full loop the loop. Colonel Haithi’s restaurant is a handy menu replica of the fantastic Bella Notte in Fantasyland (Pizza, Pasta and Lasagne).
Adventureland
There’s two “routes” - Adventure Isle and the mainland. Venture across one of the bridges into Adventure Isle and you’ll find playgrounds, climbing activities and open lands to explore. Stay on the mainland and you’ll pass by the Hakuna Matata restaurant, the village of Agrabah (including Agrabah Cafe and the Aladdin walk-through attraction), the Cafe De La Brouse (that sells Dole whip!) and the Jafar meet and greet. Whether you ventured through the Island and under Skull-rock or kept the mainland, you’ll end up at the brilliant Pirates of the Caribbean ride. This usually has a short queue and is a nice sit down after all that walking. When you exit Pirates you’ll be drawn under low rooftops and into Fantasyland!
Fantasyland
On your left you’ll see the ever-busy Peter Pan’s flights (try to do this during magic time or right before park close). It’s quite a quick ride but regularly has queues over 60 mins. Over the bridge to your right you’ll find Au Chalet de la Marionette (counter service Pinocchio restaurant - does a nice half chicken meal), covered outdoor seating and toilets! Staying on that side of the bridge you’ll find the Pinocchio ride, Snow white ride, the Princess-wear shop (just behind the castle on the right as you look at the back of the castle), the sword in the stone, Auberge De Cendrillon (Princess dining), 15 EUR face painting next-door and the Carousel de Lancelot. If you go back over the same bridge you crossed, you’ll see Toad Hall (english fish and chip style counter service restaurant) and Meet Mickey Mouse. Yes, Mickey Mouse has a permanent meet and greet at the very back of Fantasyland with average queues of 60 mins. Moving on and you’ll find Alice’s curious labyrinth (actually great fun) and the Dumbo ride - both give super views over the entire park. The spinning tea cups are next to Princess Pavilion then, where you can happily queue for up to 2 hours for a random Princess meet and greet. It’s a magical experience and it’s a rite of passage unless you are booked in for Princess dining in Auberge. You’ll exit Fantasyland by “It’s a small world” (reopening Spring 2023) and past the fantastic Belle Notte Italian counter service restaurant, inspired by Lady and the Tramp. All along this little avenue is a great spot to catch the daily parades as the main ones begin here. Follow the road past the two pink towers into a land of Discovery!
Discoveryland
Keep to the left as you wrap around by the old Annual Pass office and you’ll step into Discoveryland. On your left you’ll find the fantastic Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast - fun for everyone and the queue moves well. On your right you’ll see Autopia and Hyperspace mountain. On your left you’ll find the huge Videopolis building which houses Cafe Hyperion (burger counter service restaurant with handy mobile order), Videopolis Theatre (regular shows during special seasons) and Arcade Beta (meet and greet location for Santa for example). Continuing on down keeping left, you’ll find yourself in the Star Wars mini-land. This area has the brilliant Star Tours (3D motion simulator ride with dozens of possible storylines), Star Traders (merchandise store where you can build your own Light Sabre) and Starport (usually the meet and greet with Darth Vader). If you’re looking to have a little rest, catch Mickey’s Philharmagic 4D show which lasts 15 minutes.
Walt Disney Studios Park
The “second gate” at Disneyland Paris was originally created as a tribute to Hollywood, moviemaking and American pop-culture…. which didn’t grab the imagination of the local Europeans! Since opening in 2002, the smallest Disney park in the world has gone through a lot of change, with even more coming very soon! Studios services is situated just before the gate on your right. Here you can get your Priority pass, Annual pass, Privilege tickets and miltiary/disability discount tickets.
Front lot, Studio 1 and Production Courtyard
Enter through the turnstiles and you are greeted with a wide concourse. On your left you’ll find merchandise stores offering exclusive Studios merchandise. On the right you’ll find a first aid centre, an exclusive Avengers campus mini-store and stroller/wheelchair rental. Just before you enter Studio 1 you’ll see a meet and greet location where “Director Goofy” usually hangs out.
Studio 1 is a huge hangar welcoming you with neon signs and 3D effects of Hollywood landscapes. On the right you’ll see Restaurant en Coullise which specialises in all types of burgers (Beef, Fish, Chicken and even plant-based!). If you are passing through right after park opening, look up and you’ll see Mickey Mouse waving from a balcony to welcome you into Walt Disney Studios park! On the same side, Hep Cat Corner does “sweet treats” such as cookies, ice cream, shortbreads and drinks. On the left you’ll find the “Legends of Hollywood merchandise store which spans the entire length of the building. Out on the “street” in the middle of the building there is fantastic face painting for 15 EUR. Importantly, there’s toilets the end of the building, on the left before you exit.
When you walk out of Studio 1, you’ll regularly see a “Magic Shot” where a Photopass photographer will take your picture in front of the famous “partners” statue of Walt Disney holding hands with Mickey Mouse. Keep left and the first building is Studio 2 or “Studio Theatre”. Recently this has hosted meets with two Avengers and Minnie Mouse’s Parisien and Christmas themed meets, with a friend! Summer 2023 promises the very exciting new Pixar show called “We Belong Together”. Next up is Studio D, where’ll you find the fantastic and massively underrated show “Disney Junior Dream Factory”. You don’t have to be a fan of Fancy Nancy, Vamperina or the Lion Guard to enjoy the show - but it helps. Next to Studio D is Stitch Live! This is a super fun interactive show where Stitch actually talks to the audience whilst animated on his spaceship. Check the Disneyland Paris app to catch a show in English Language (they have both English and French shows).
Avengers Campus
Step right up to the best thing ever to happen to Walt Disney Studios Park. When you enter the campus, be sure to take the classic photo with the Avengers logo on your left. Take in Alan Silvestri’s amazing musical score and prepare to be bombarded with a land that is truly alive. First up on your left is the “portal” meet and greet which where you can usually find Ant Man, the Wasp or even Groot (but he doesn’t say much). On the same side you’ll find Pym Kitchen - a buffet dining experience with experimental food styles, shapes, flavours and colours. Across the road from Pym you’ll see Spiderman W.E.B. adventures. This is a brilliant 3D interactive ride which will make you wish you didn’t skip “arms day” for the last 20 years in a row! You’ll be drawn down to the spectacular Quinjet perched upon it’s landing platform. This concourse with the A written on the floor is where you’ll find a lot of action. Stay here for an hour and you’ll see lots of characters! On the left you have Stark Factory quick service restaurant - this is a great option for families because their Pizza is made fresh and their Pasta portions are easily shareable. Listen up, recruits! Yes that’s the dulcet Irish accent of F.R.I.D.A.Y. who organises shows and tells you where to be. The Irish Artificial Inteillgence is housed within the Avengers Flight Force building. This is an extremely fast, dark and rough rollercoaster which is a re-theme of the old Aeromith Rockin’ Rollercoaster. The pre-show features an amazing Iron-Man animatronic and a 1 million EUR TV screen! Pass under the Quinjet and you’ll see the Training Centre. Here you can arrange a training session with an Avenger! Just login to the Disneyland Paris app after you enter the park and book a slot using the virtual queue. It’s a great system and an unforgettable experience! Exit Avengers Campus by coming back on yourself, or follow the Campus to the right of Training Centre down to the FAN-tastic food truck (serving hot dogs) and the Super Diner (that does tasty Reuben sandwiches). If you keep going there’s a little lane to bring you back around to Studio 1 again.
Tower of Terror, Frozen show and more!
You cannot miss the Twilight Zone Terror of Tower. Towering 200feet over Disneyland Paris, it’s best not to go on this ride immediately after eating, as it repeatedly drops and lifts you up faster than gravity. You will hear the screams! Across the corner you’ll see Frozen: A musical invitation. This is a fun, multi-room show that you’ll want to queue for about an hour before showtime to guarantee a spot. Right next to the Frozen show you’ll find Animation Academy where you can draw popular Disney characters with an expert and it’s also the location where you can meet Olaf! Across the road you’ll find Animagique Theatre where the fabulous “Mickey and the Magician” show resides. Check the Disneyland Paris app for times - it’s not to be missed. You’ll see Mickey, Belle (and the Beast), Cinderella, Elsa, Genie and more! Possibly the best show at Disneyland Paris.
Keep moving down the land and you’ll find the traditional flying carpet ride and the force of nature that is Crush’s Coaster. This is a spinning indoor rollercoaster that has incredibly long wait times so it’s best to attempt right before Studios closing time. On the left opposite Crush you’ll see the Cars “Quatre Roues Rallye” - this is a fun spinning ride just in case you didn’t get enough on Crush! Next you’ll find yourself in Disneyland Paris’ small version of “Toontown” - this is purely a meet and greet for 2 characters. Usually Buzz Lightyear, Woody or Jessie. I’ve also met Minnie Mouse here in the past in her classic polka dot outfit.
Toy Story Playland and Place De Remy
Make sure to stop for a Photo at Buzz Lightyear’s huge 30ft statue! Here you have two choices which actually link up again by a tunnel as the entire area is a Cul De Sac so you can go down one way and come back the other!
If you go straight you’ll be in Toy Story Playland! The first ride you’ll see is Toy Soldiers parachute drop. The ride lifts you up so high that you can see all over Disneyland Paris and the surrounding area. Every seat has a different view! The slinky dog ride is suitable for the whole family but still has a bit of oomph to the ups and downs. Speaking of ups and downs - for those looking for a bit more adrenaline, hope on board RC racer. This U shape attraction reaches pretty high speeds! If you keep walking through Toy Story playland for about 2 minutes you’ll find yourself at Cars Road Trip. This attraction might seem a bit off the beaten track but it’s most likely going to link in with the Walt Disney Studios expansion. It’s a simple bus type Attraction which brings you around into Cars-tasrophe Canyon for a surprise that’s hot and wet! Tip - don’t sit on the left of the bus if you don’t want to get wet!
Take a right at Buzz and you will find yourself in Place de Remy - this is Ratatouille land! For most of the year there are little wooden chalets down the left serving fresh snacks and fine French delicacies from third party vendors. On the right there is a lovely little store selling Ratatouille themed cooking merchandise and some toilets. The actual Ratatouile ride is fantastic. It’s a full screen 4D experience on a moving trackless system which activates all your senses! When there is heat, you feel heat. When there is a spray of water, you feel it. When you enter the kitchen, you smell the cooking! One of the best rides at Disneyland Paris for sure. Complete the Ratatouille experience by eating a Bistro Chez Remy, with excellent theming and nice steaks!
Wrap up! What’s next?
And that’s it! you go back the way you came all the way back to Studio 1! Remember that this park is going to go through another massive transformation in 2024 which the opening of the new lake area. The promenade down to the lake promises a Rapunzel spinning ride (similar to teacups) and an “English Gardens” area. Around the lake will be Arendelle (Frozen land) and maybe Star Wars land - although promotion for the Star Wars land has gone suspiciously quiet in recent years with rumours that an Avatar land (similar to Pandora in Walt Disney World Florida) might be built first.
Google Maps - Did you know?
Disneyland Paris took advantage of the COVID19 closures in 2020 and 2021 to update the park “street view” pictures on Google Maps! You can use my above walk around of the parks in conjunction with Google Maps to familiarise yourself even more.
