Top 5 Things to do in Fantasyland
Fantasyland at Disneyland Paris is a magical world where fairytales come to life. It is one of the most popular and enchanting lands in the park, and for good reason. With its whimsical attractions and charming atmosphere, it's easy to lose yourself in the fantasy world of Disney. Let’s explore the five best things to do in Fantasyland at Disneyland Paris.
Experience the Magic of It's a Small World
It's a Small World is a classic ride in Disneyland Paris that takes you on a journey around the world. The ride is a celebration of diversity, showcasing the different cultures and traditions of countries around the globe. With over 300 audio-animatronic dolls dressed in traditional costumes, the ride is a visual feast for the eyes.
As you board your boat, you are transported to different countries (including Ireland!), each with their own unique scenery and music. From the beautiful cherry blossoms of Japan to the bustling streets of India and the Irish Leprechauns, It's a Small World captures the essence of each country with incredible attention to detail. The ride features catchy music that you will find yourself humming long after you've disembarked (possibly years).
It's a Small World is a great ride for families with young children, as it is gentle and non-threatening. The ride is also wheelchair accessible and finally features dolls of varying abilities, making it a great option for guests with disabilities.. Additionally, the ride is located indoors, making it a perfect activity for rainy or hot days.
It's a Small World is a must-see attraction in Disneyland Paris. It is a celebration of diversity, promoting unity and understanding through the power of imagination and fantasy. Hop on a boat and embark on a journey around our small small world – you won't be disappointed!
Explore the Enchanted Castle of Sleeping Beauty
Another must-visit attraction in Fantasyland is the Sleeping Beauty Castle. This iconic castle is the centerpiece of the land and is inspired by the fairy tale of Sleeping Beauty. The castle mezzanine on the 1st floor features a walk-through attraction that takes you through various scenes from the story, including the spinning wheel room, the thorn forest, and the grand ballroom. The walk-through is interactive and engaging, with special effects that bring the story to life, such beautiful stained glass windows and snoring Knights!
The castle also features a dragon’s lair underneath, with a large animatronic Dragon breathing smoke and letting out the occasional roar. This adds to the magical atmosphere of the castle and is a great photo opportunity for visitors (albeit a bit dark!). The castle features two olde-style shoppes. On the left as you enter you’ll find “Merlin L’Enchanteur”, a sorcerer’s cave featuring etched crystal, jewellery and custom-made glass wands. On the right you’ll find “La Boutique du Chateau” otherwise known as the Christmas Shop! You’ll find baubles, candleholders, Christmas train sets and festive plush toys - all year round!
Fun Rides for Little Ones
For a fun and whimsical ride, head over to the Mad Hatter's Tea Cups. This spinning teacup ride is based on the classic scene from Alice in Wonderland and is a favorite among visitors of all ages. The ride allows you to control the spinning of the teacup, making it more or less intense depending on your preference. The ride is set in a colorful and vibrant teapot, with giant teacups that spin around. The ride also features a soundtrack of classic Disney songs, adding to the fun atmosphere. The Mad Hatter's Tea Cups are a great option for families as well as and groups, as it allows for multiple people to ride together in one teacup.
The Dumbo ride in Disneyland Paris is a classic ride that has been entertaining guests for generations. This iconic attraction features a carousel of flying elephants that soar up and down, giving riders a sense of flying through the air. The ride is a favorite among children and adults alike and is a must-ride attraction in Fantasyland. As you board your own Dumbo, you can control how high or low your elephant flies, making each ride unique and exciting. The ride also offers a beautiful view of Fantasyland and the surrounding areas, adding an extra element of magic to the experience. The Dumbo ride is a great option for families with young children, as it is a gentle ride that doesn't have any sudden drops or scary elements. The ride is also wheelchair accessible, making it a great option for guests with disabilities.
Other notable mentions must be made for Casey Junior and Le Pays des Contes de Fées (the Story book boats). Its easy to entirely miss this section of Fantasyland as its hidden behind the Alice’s Curious Labyrinth, to the left of the Old Mill. Casey Junior is a surprisingly energetic little train ride based on the Circus train from Dumbo. Le Pays de Contes de Fées is an extremely relaxing boat attraction taking you on journey through fairytale classic such as the Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Rapunzel, Belle’s village and even the Wizard of Oz!
Speaking of little ones, don’t forget to get their face painted (it’s advised to do this on your last day!) right behind the Cinderella Statue / fountain. You pay for the service in Sir Mickey’s Boutique and then the queue is right in front of the door.
Meeting Characters
Fantasyland is home to two of the most popular character meet and greet locations at Disneyland Paris. First up we have the (in)famous Princess Pavilion. Located at the back of Fantasyland to the left of “It’s A Small World”, the pavilion is where you can queue to meet a real-life Disney Princess. The Princess at hand is now a random selection, so you won’t know who you are queueing to meet. Even if you ask those leaving, it’s likely they will swap out before you get to the top of the queue… and what a queue! Average wait times for Princess Pavilion are 1-2 hours. Luckily the entire queue is normally indoors. In the queue you’ll find glass artefacts from your favourite Princesses including Aurora’s crown, the Rose from Beauty and the Beast, Genie’s lamp, Cinderella’s slipper, Ariel’s voice, Rapunzel’s enchanted flower and the Magic Mirror from Snow White. Once you reach the top of the queue, you’ll turn a corner for a magic moment where the Princess-in-waiting will be revealed. There is always a Photopass photographer on hand to capture high quality photos and there’s a handy shop afterwords if you want to purchase the prints or upgrade to Photopass+.
Next up we have Meet Mickey Mouse. Mickey’s house is located centrally at the back of Fantasyland, to the left of Alice’s Curious Labyrinth and to the right of Toad Hall. Here you will queue for approx 60 mins on average to meet the main man himself. The queue is entirely indoors and features short cartoons playing on a big screen to help the time pass by. Once you reach the top of the queue, be sure to take your time! Mickey is an absolute gent and will happily chat for a good while about whatever you are wearing or any stories you have for him. Once again, there is a Photopass photographer on hand to capture your moment and there’s a shop right after to purchase the prints or take up Photopass+.
But fear not! Lots of characters use the streets and bridges of Fantasyland to get from A to B. This means you’ll regularly see Peter Pan or Captain Hook on their way to Adventureland, or multiple Princesses swapping out of Princess Pavilion or heading to Auberge de Cendrillon. Lately, Royal Couples such as Aurora with Prince Phillip and Rapunzel with Flynn Rider can be spotted meeting under the bridge across from the Peter Pan’s flight attraction, just in front of the Chalet des Marionette restaurant/toilets.
Peter Pan’s Flight
Peter Pan's Flight is a classic dark ride at Disneyland Paris, which takes you on a magical journey through the story of Peter Pan. As you board your pirate ship, you'll fly over London and Neverland, encountering familiar scenes and characters from the beloved tale. One of the highlights of this ride is the feeling of flight as your ship lifts off the ground and takes you soaring through the air. It's a thrilling experience that's sure to delight both children and adults alike.
If you're planning to ride Peter Pan's Flight, make sure to get there during Extra Magic Time if you have it. Queue times during the day can exceed one hour, and most of the queue is outdoors in the elements (usually lashing rain or baking heat!), so Extra Magic time should cut this queue time in half at least. Although the ride itself is quite basic and “old school” (like much of Fantasyland), it might be worth considering Premier Access if you want to go on the ride during peak times like school holidays.
Bonus - Places to eat and pick up some snacks
One of my favourite quick service restaurants exists within the jurisdiction of Fantasyland - Pizerria Bella Notte! Step into this popular Italian restaurant inspired by Lady & The Tramp, and you’ll be floored by the waft of delicious garlic bread. Main courses on the menu include the famous spaghetti and meatballs (classic kiss scene is optional), Mickey-shaped pizza options and Rigatoni pasta. Outside Bella Notte is a great place to catch Disney Stars on Parade at 5.30pm most days (check the app for confirmed times).
There’s some great snack options in Fantasyland which get updated seasonally with appropriate varieties. L’Arbe Enchanté right behind the Carousel does a great vegan panini and magical shortbread lollipops. March Hare refreshments located in between the Tea cups and the Curious Labyrinth has lovely ice creams. Finally, the Old Mill situated to the left of Princess Pavilion (you can’t miss it, its a big windmill) has mini crepe poffertjes (think little balls of pancake batter) and savoury bitterballen (kinda like breaded meatballs, but nicer!).
Most of all, Fantasyland is a place to hang out and soak up the atmosphere. With classic rides, character interactions and lovely food, you’ll find yourself using it as a base to explore the rest of Disneyland Park almost everyday of your trip.