Pure Fun

Ooh la la: Disney France is having a party

The European version of Disney is approaching 30 with new attractions

By Denise Bobadilha

The enchanting fantasy of the Disney world – and the efficiency of its parks – surrounded by classic French charm: with this clearly defied recipe, Disneyland Paris, inaugurated 30 years ago, is a respite for families traveling across Europe. Based on the outskirts of Paris, it fits in the itinerary not only for those traveling through France, but it is also quickly accessible from other major centers such as London and Brussels (even faster than from Miami to Orlando, for example, for those visiting the Florida parks). You can spend the day illuminated up by the smiles and enchantment of your children and finish the evening with a dinner in a quiet bistro with an incredible menu (with the children certainly asleep in their chairs after the rush of adrenaline).

For those who already know the other Disney parks, especially those in Florida, Disneyland Paris is quite familiar. The two parks in the complex – Disneyland Paris Parc and Walt Disney Studios Parc – follow the successful formula of the Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, respectively, although in smaller versions. There are similar attractions and even the Main Street, as in Florida, combines the bandstand and castle – with the difference that in France the palace belongs to the Sleeping Beauty and not to Cinderella, as on the other side of the Atlantic. The six themed hotels of the complex also have similarities and advantages (the main one being able to enter the parks earlier).

Having made the comparisons, let’s talk about what is special and unique about Disney’s European complex, which is in the city of Marne-la-Vallée, about 40 km from Paris – the train, which leaves from the French capital, stops a few steps away from the park entrance. It is a good idea to buy tickets well in advance, because reservation is essential (tickets are not sold at the gates).

At Parc Disneyland, the first of the two parks, the little ones are entertained by the maze of Wonderland (“Alice’s Curious Labyrinth”), with Snow White (“Snow White and the Seven Dwarves”), with the parades (even more special in 2022 on account of the 30th anniversary– a new and commemorative night parade, the Disney D-Light, uses 200 drones) and, for more adrenaline, attractions like the Indiana Jones roller coaster and the incredible “Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain.”

At Walt Disney Studios, the neighboring park – right alongside, you can walk from one to the other –, the major attraction of 2022 is the brand new “Avengers Campus,” with characters from Marvel, new rides, restaurants and even a themed hotel, the New York – The Art of Marvel. Note that none of this exists in Orlando, which is a plus for those who know the Florida parks off by heart. The long-awaited area of Frozen, Arendelle (castle included), does not yet have a date for its inauguration but is already under construction. Meanwhile, you can get some scares in the “Twilight Zone” (the elevator that plummets) and in the “RC Racer,” which is the car owned by Andy from Toy Story that rises 25m above the ground.

However, the real delight is living in the world of a typically French character from Disney Pixar: Ratatouille. There is a 4D multi-sensory adventure and a whole world inspired by the rat who is the chef de cuisine. Even better: a restaurant in the complex, the Bistrot Chez Rémy, has a typical French menu (with wines as well) for the parents to delight in the local cuisine while the little ones are distracted by the numerous references to the movie Ratatouille everywhere.

With respect to gastronomy, incidentally, the French house of Disney could not be improved. In 2022, due to the 30th anniversary, more than 60 sweets, snacks and themed drinks have been introduced into the menus of all the stalls and restaurants of the complex (also combined with various commemorative products and souvenirs to take home).In the Disney Village, the collection of stores and restaurants between the two parks, there is that typical mix of the Disney brand (Planet Hollywood, Rainforest Café, Five Guys and Earl of Sandwich) with European offerings such as the German King Ludwig’s Castle or the Italian Vapiano. However, it is inside the main park, at the Auberge de Cendrillon, that you will find French cuisine a la carte and, on top of that, the presence of princesses for photos. Going beyond the parks, there are several interesting bistros in the city of Marne-la-Vallée. In other words, there are plenty of options to end the day with memories that will last a lifetime, including the twinkle in the eyes of your children and the satisfaction of memorable meals.

Another peculiarity not always found in Europe is the proximity to outlet shopping. There are two shopping options: the Val d’Europe mall (next to the train station of the same name, one stop after Marne-la-Vallée), with a Primark superstore and, next to it, the La Vallée Village outlet, which is full of brands like Burberry, Lacoste and Gucci.

For those who prefer to fully enjoy all their days in the fantasy world with a European flavor, the ideal situation is to stay in the nearby hotels – in addition to the six themed hotels in the Disney complex, there are several local accommodations, including inns and hotels. If you want the ultimate in luxury, choose a suite or villa at Les Villages Nature, which is an eco-resort complex run by the Center Parcs group that is full of immersive experiences for the whole family (including cooking classes for all ages, recreation for the little ones and a spa for the adults).

In this case, it is worth booking for at least five days – two to enjoy Disney parks to the fullest, one for the outlet shopping and two to rest in the midst of nature, while the kids experience the endless attractions of a resort with full family service, but in a typically French flavor.

Services

How to get there:

The train station of Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy is accessible by trains run by TGV, Eurostar (from the United Kingdom) and Thalys (from the Netherlands and Belgium). From Paris, take the RER A train from the stations at Gare de Lyon, Châtelet-Les-Halles or La Défense or the special Disney bus that leaves directly from the Charles-de-Gaulle and Orly airports or from the city center.

Where to stay:

Anyone who wants to stay in Marne-la-Vallée can seek out the Disney hotels, including the brand-new Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel (the two-day package with park admission for two people starts at 990 euros outside of the peak season – July and August). Away from Disney, the Radisson Blu Marne-la-Vallée is spacious, close to the parks, next to a golf course and with a guaranteed good service (daily rates from 240 euros).