A July Dreamer

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Disneyland Paris – First visit 

When I was little Disneyland (any) was only a dream one reserved for the rich. I was a kid growing up in a developing country in a middle class family. I always wanted the chance to visit Disneyland but I knew it was something we could never afford so I moved it from the dream side of my brain to the never gonna happen part.

Then we moved to England and I couldn’t contain my excitement but going to Disneyland couldn’t come fast enough. Little did I know that I would have to finish school, go to college then return and still I wouldn’t go until after I had a wonderful job that I could afford without much planning. One day I get a message from a friend about a wonderful deal Eurostar had going on in June through to July; from London to Paris for a mere £29.99 single and I would if I didn’t jump on this I would forever regret it. I quickly booked my return ticket then requested an afternoon off from work for the Friday that I would be heading to Paris. I already had an itinerary planned for Paris and Disneyland but I still didn’t stick much to it as I am a spontaneous person who makes spontaneous decisions when it comes to travel.

Disneyland Paris Park

Friday evening I arrived in Paris, took the RER A train to Torcy (it’s 3 stops to Disneyland) where I had booked a hotel room for Friday – Sunday stay. As I mentioned in my weekend getaway to Paris, I didn’t have much time to explore on Friday so I went straight to my hotel.

When I was up Saturday morning it was 6am, I had booked a day ticket for Disneyland but if you’re not a Disneyland pass holder or guest of Disney hotels then you had to wait until 10am before the gates opened. I was too excited that I couldn’t wait for another 4 hours before I could go to Disneyland. So I decided to watch beauty and the beast to pass time. By 8:30 I was ready to be out of the hotel so I showered and left. I managed to snap the picture above after getting of the train from Torcy.

I had already decided that I would start with Disney park before I visited the Walter Disney studios. I was one of the people at the fore front waiting for the gates to open, I must apologise to the little girl who thought I would move because she was cute, sorry child I had the same excitement as you if not more to visit Disney park. As the picture above shows I headed straight for the Sleeping Beauty Castle. I couldn’t contain my excitement, I had to first take the site in before I started snapping away. The front of the castle was over crowded as expected so this picture is from the side where many people had not yet ventured to.

After absorbing the sleeping beauty castle, I finally managed to pry my eyes away and headed for the “it’s a small world”, I think all the parents got the same memo as within 5 minutes of Disneyland opening the was a 10-20 minute wait queue so I decided to walk around first and see what I could see and enjoy to pleasure my inner child.

It was not long before I was captivated by the…where I got into a small boat and you are taken on a journey of the Disney fairy tales. I was so mesmerised by all the stories that I had either forgotten about or never seen.

After I finished riding the little boat, I walks over to the Alice wonderland maze and I must admit I did get lost in the maze more than once and being a solo traveler I had no one looking for me but I still managed to find my way. I had watched Alice in Wonderland as a kid many times but not seen the recent adaptations so guess what’s on my Disney watch list!!!

After getting lost in the maze, I went on a few more rides across the Disney park which I enjoyed dearly with the Pirates of the Caribbean boat ride being the most scary and fun ride of them all. I was scared stiff when the boat was moving and somehow my mind sprung to the movies which was a bad idea but what can one do. I endured it through and though I was scared I wouldn’t change it for the world.

Walt Disney Studios

I then left the park and headed for Walt Disney studios, where I got so mesmerised I honestly do not remember anything specific. The speak effects we experienced on the ride across the park was so surreal it was hard not to be taken in. There were some sections of the studios that were not in use due to renovations just like at the park but that did not deter me from checking out all the studio had to offer.

Of Walt Disney Studios, the most enchanting and memorable thing I experienced was the cinematic showing which I happened to stumble upon and did not even intend on attending it but I am so glad that I did because it was just so beautiful I would recommend it to all who visit Disneyland Paris.

After I had had enough of both the park and the studio, I went out to the World of Disney to have my unique shopping experience. I picked up a few items for me, a Disney tower and hard rock stone sweat whilst i got a few things for my lovely nephew who I get something for every time I go away.

Going to Disneyland Paris was on my bucketlist and it feels so good to be able to tick it off my bucketlist, I can not wait for my next visit. I would definitely recommend it to anyone and everyone regardless of your age.

Lightening McQueen merchandise for my nephew

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Comments

  2. Kerry Norris says

    We love Disneyland Paris. We went as a family of four in may. As you say it’s great for all ages x

    Reply

  7. Kendall says

    Such fun pictures, I’m so glad you finally got to go! I’ve been to Disney World in Florida countless times – we used to go every single year after Christmas and now we go when we visit my grandparents! It’s so fun for everyone, that’s the best part!

    Reply

  8. Erin says

    I’ve still never been to any Disney Park and would love to one day go. I’m so glad you had the opportunity to visit and enjoy it!

    Reply

  10. Courtneylynne says

    I just love Disney!!! Paris is one I haven’t been to yet! I’ve been to Orlando, Cali, Tokyo! Hopefully Paris is next!

    Reply

  12. Kristen Dann says

    Paris has always been one of my favorite places to visit. I’ve never been to Disneyland there though. It sounds like it’s something I should check out next time.

    Reply

  13. Amanda Love says

    I can only imagine how excited you were. If it’s been a dream since you were a little girl then it must have been beyond amazing! I’m glad you finally got to experience the Disney magic! We were there a month ago and my daughter was very happy!

    Reply

  17. deynece says

    Ahhh this looks magical. I went to Disney for the first time last year and it was awesome I would love to go here. Thanks for sharing your awesome day

    Reply

  23. Sarah says

    Disneyland Paris looks like a fantastic place to visit. Super beautiful photos, glad you were able to have a great first visit there!

    Reply

  24. Nikki Thomas says

    Ah that brought back some lovely memories. We went last year and it is a truly magical experience. I love the rides, the characters, the atmosphere and even though it is always so busy, it is an amazing pace to spend time.

    Reply

  28. Jeanette says

    I have many many places I need to travel, and this is one of them. I have never been to Paris and I must’ve not been to this Disney World. I cannot wait to go over there and check it out.

    Reply

  29. Heather Lawrence says

    I have been to Disney Land 3 times and Disney World once but I have to admit they are by far my favourite vacation. Just thinking about them makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside! Paris is on my list but not until the little ones are a little older. Looks like you guys had a lot of fun!

    Reply

  31. Dean of Little Steps says

    We took T to Disney Paris a couple of years too. And she absolutely loved it. We’re planning to visit Disney in the States, especially since we have family living there. Must start saving up for it 😉

    Reply

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