Disneyland Paris Resort

The first attraction I would like to mention is the Disneyland Railway, This train takes you all around the park with stations at Main Street, Frontierland, Fantasyland and Discoveryland. It also features unique dioramas, and even takes you inside some of the attractions around the park. I could spend hours riding on the Disneyland railway taking in the different scenes in this beautiful Disney Park. READ MORE...

Unlike other Disney Parks around the world, the first land that you come to as you reach the end of Main Street USA and head to the left is Frontierland rather than the standard Adventureland.

The first attraction you see will most likely be Big Thunder Mountain. This popular minecart rollercoaster has similarities to the magic kingdom version in Orlando Florida, but with a totally unique layout. It is mainly situated on an island in the middle of the Rivers of the Far West, where Tom Sawyer’s island would normally sit. It’s a great coaster that offers amazing views of other attractions in Frontierland and the rest of the Disneyland Paris Resort.

Next is the Phantom Manor. This dark ride is Disneyland Paris’ version of a Haunted Mansion attraction which can be found at other Disney Parks around the world. Although it is similar to the other Haunted Mansions, it has been designed to be darker and scarier than previous versions and offers a unique storyline and soundtrack. Similar to Big Thunder Mountain, this was an opening day attraction but has gone through various updates throughout the years.

You can take ride on either of the two riverboats at the Thunder Mesa Riverboat Landing. The two riverboats are Mark Twain based on the original Disneyland version and the unique Molly Brown named after the famous Titanic survivor. Each riverboat features a recorded conversation with the captain and either Mark Twain or Molly Brown, as they discuss the different attractions within Frontierland. This is a great way to have a little break and take in the beautiful sights and sounds within this amazing immersive land!

For the little ones, you can visit the Frontierland Playground, which was formally the Pocahontas Indian Village. This features canoe shaped slides, teepees and other small playground activities that are perfect for the younger guests.

Frontierland also houses the Chaparral Theatre, which has previously shown productions of Pocahontas, Tarzan and most recently the Lion King. Due to covid, it is still unknown if the Lion King- Rhythm of the Pride Lands will return or a new production that will take its place. We will have to wait and see.

There are plenty of restaurants and other smaller attractions within Frontierland which makes it a great way to start your day in the Disneyland Paris park.

The next land you come to as you walk through the connected walkways is Adventureland, and my favorite land in the park! This Adventureland has four different areas, with the first being the Adventureland Bazaar with middle eastern influences and houses the walkthrough attraction ‘Aladdin’s Enchanted Passage’. This attraction features a series of different scenes from the classic Disney animation Aladdin.

The next area has more of an African inspiration and mainly features shops and restaurants which will be included in a future Disney Parks Addict video when we take a look at all the dining locations in Disneyland Paris.

At the back of Adventureland is the Mysterious Asian jungle which is home to the amazing rollercoaster Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril. This was the first rollercoaster to feature an inversion at any Disney Park when it opened in 1993. You are taken on an adventure in a mining train through a lost temple as you help Indiana Jones escape. It has gone through some changes over the years, most notably, when the whole rollercoaster was converted to run backwards instead of forwards, but it has now returned to its original state. So it went from forwards to backwards then back to forwards.

The final area of Adventureland and by far the largest area is inspired by the Caribbean. You can go to the Adventure Isle which is comprised of two different islands and four different attractions. On the north island is the classic Swiss Family Treehouse which has more details than any version found at other Disney Parks around the world. You can under the tree where you can explore a network of caves filled with roots and was used as the Swiss Family’s cellar. You can also find a wrecked ship that the castaways originally used. On the south island, you can find Captain Hook’s ship moored near Skull rock, where you can meet Mr. Smee and Peter Pan’s nemesis, Captain Hook. You can find two playgrounds at the Pirates’ Beach that has plenty of rope ladders, slides and you can even walk the plank. The last part of Adventure Isle is the huge mountain, known as Spyglass Hill. It is mainly composed of mazes and caves, where you can search for the hidden treasure. Some caves even reference the 1950 Disney movie, Treasure Island.

The final attraction in Adventureland is the guest favorite- Pirates of the Caribbean. This floating dark-ride is most similar to the original Disneyland version, and is the second longest version with a ride duration of 10 minutes and 30 seconds. It takes you through various scenes of battles, a town being raided by pirates and of course the infamous Jack Sparrow makes an appearance. If you’re only going to ride one ride in Adventureland, then this has to be it!

We now move onto the land with the most attractions, Fantasyland!

The first attraction is right underneath the beautiful Sleeping Beauty castle, and that is the Dragon’s Lair. This walkthrough attraction takes you to the dimly lit cavern and features a 27 meter long dragon that was the largest audio-animatronic that Disney Imagineering had ever created when the park opened in 1992. Don’t worry, the dragon is sleeping, but you still need to be careful not to wake it!

Next is the Lancelot’s Carousel, which is similar to the other carousels found at the various Disney parks around the world. It is best to ride this attraction at night, so you can experience all the amazing lights around Fantasyland and within the Carousel itself!

There are three classic dark rides in fantasyland, the first being Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, which is almost identical to the 1983 Disneyland version albeit with the happier ending that was added to Magic Kingdoms version in 1994. You’ll see Snow White meeting the dwarfs, the Evil Queen creating her masterplan and of course the Prince saving the day. The next dark ride is Pinocchio’s Fantastic Journey, which will take you through scenes that feature the Stromboli’s circus, Pleasure Island, Monstro the whale and other characters from the 1940 classic animated film.

The final classic dark ride is Peter Pan’s flight, which is one of the most popular attractions in the park. You board the flying pirate ship as you travel through scenes in London and Neverland. This version is slightly longer than the original with an extended scene of flying over London at night. I would definitely suggest getting a Fastpass for this one!

From one classic to another, Dumbo the flying elephant, is an aerial carousel-style ride that is perfect for younger guests. This is the only attraction that can be found at all six Disney castle parks worldwide, so you know it’s a fan-favorite!

Alice’s Curious Labyrinth is a hedge maze attraction that takes you through different scenes from the 1951 animated version of the film. It is comprised of two sections. The Tulgey woods focuses on Alice’s journey through wonderland and all the characters she meets. The second section is the Queen of Hearts Maze, where you’ll finally reach the Queen’s castle which will give you amazing views of Fantasyland and other areas of Disneyland Paris.

Next is another Alice in Wonderland themed attraction, the Mad Hatter’s Tea Cups. This spinning teacup ride can be found at four other Disney parks, but this is the only version to feature a petal-shaped glass roof and surrounding gardens.

Next up is everybody’s favorite dark ride on water, ok second favorite. Of course, It’s a Small World needs no introduction with its catchy song and iconic Mary-blair style audio-animatronic dolls dressed in traditional costumes from cultures all around the world. Disneyand Paris’ version has a completely different façade and is the only one to feature a section of dolls from North America, so you won’t want to miss this one!

The Storybook Land canal boats will take you on a leisurely paced outdoor boat ride through a winding canal featuring settings from Disney animated films recreated in miniature. This is a perfect way to relax and take in the different stories that Disney has shown us over its 70 year history.

The final attraction in Fantasyland is the Casey Jr. Circus Train, which is a roller coaster for small children which has great views of the Storybook Land castle and other scenes that are featured in the Storybook land canal boats.

We now move onto our final land within the Disneyland Paris Park, which is the amazing Discoveryland, which is of course known as Tomorrowland at other Disney parks. This land has a complete different aesthetic, as it has used influences from Leonardo Da Vinci, HG Wells and most notably Jules Verne, which creates a completely unique and wonderful setting.

The first attraction that you will come to is Star Tours- The adventure continues. This 3D motion simulator takes you on a journey with C3PO and R2D2 and has great re-rideability, as there are randomized scenes from all the different movies which creates 54 different combinations, so each time feels new and exciting.

Sticking with the Star Wars theme, you have to check out Hyperspace Mountain, which was previously known as Space Mountain: Mission 2 but to celebrate the parks 25th Anniversary, a Star Wars overlay was added to this exciting rollercoaster. This is the only ‘space mountain’ to feature inversions and a section of the track that exits and re-enters the interior. It’s my favorite attraction at Disneyland Paris, so I hope you go and try it out!

Next is Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast, this shooting dark ride, takes you to battle the evil emperor Zurg as you fight alongside Buzz Lightyear and the Space Command. Do you have what it takes to be a Galactic Hero?

Similar to other Tomorrowlands, there is a spinning rocket attraction named Orbitron- Machines Volantes. Instead of a rocket at its central axis, this version resembles a bronze 19th century rotating planetarium, and is also the first version of the attraction to be installed at ground level instead of atop an elevated platform.

Next is Autopia, which lets guests steer specially designed cars through an enclosed track for 7-9 minutes. This is perfect for younger guests that love cars and want to experience the drive of a lifetime within 7-9 minutes.

The mysteries of the Nautilus, is a walkthrough attraction based on the movie 20000 leagues under the sea. You can explore Captain Nemo’s submarine and even see the battle with a giant squid.

The final attraction in Discoveryland is Mickey’s PhilharMagic. This 4-D show features 3D effects, scents, and water as well as a number of different

characters and scenes from Disney Animations. And from July 17th a brand new scene featuring characters from the popular Coco movie will be added, so make sure you go and check it out!

On the parks 25th Anniversary, they created a brand new parade called Disney Stars on parade. This parade celebrates the discovery of the lands of imagination represented by various Disney and Pixar films, such as Toy Story, The Jungle Book, The Lion King, Finding Nemo, Sleeping Beauty and Frozen. If you have ever seen a Disney Parade before, then you know they are not to be missed. In 2022, they will create a brand new parade to celebrate their 30th Anniversary, so go check out Disney Stars on parade while you still can!

The fireworks show is called Disney Illuminations, which uses projection mapping on the castle, water fountains, fire, music, other special effects and of course fireworks to create a special nighttime show filled with all your favorite Disney songs and characters which is the perfect way to end your night at this great Disney Park.

Due to covid, the parades and fireworks have still not returned to Disneyland Paris, but we hope they will coming back in the very near future.

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