Eurodisney/Disneyland Paris : An overview.
I'm just back from an 8-day holiday, three days spent at Eurodisney and five in Paris. Today's blog post is a rundown of all the things I did at Disneyland Theme Park which may help readers plan their own trip to Disneyland.
Main Street, U.S.A. :-
An early 20th century style land. On rainy days, it's probably a great place to reenact the Singin' in the Rain scene from 'Singin' in the Rain'. This land is more of a gateway to the other four lands than anything else, complete with several shops and restaurants.
Disneyland Railroad - Beginning its journey from Main Street Station, this takes you all around the park. The scenes between Main Street and Frontierland are very nice with cave animals placed for all to see with the appropriate sound effects. It makes stops at all lands' depots except Adventureland which does not have a depot. The queue is usually very long - especially in Main Street. Also bear in mind that the railway closes at around 9pm, so after that time you'll have to make your own way around the park.
Horse-Drawn Streetcars - These were unavailable while I was there but we did ride inside a Disneyland Police Car. I'm not sure whether this was a replacement service or always functions. One may also opt to ride a Disneyland Fire Engine. Just like the horse-drawn streetcar this is a pleasant one way drive from Town Square (Main Street Entrance) to Central Plaza (Gateway to all other lands) or Central Plaza to Town Square. I never encountered any queues for this and always got on the first car which arrived. Service ends sometime between 6 and 7 pm - an hour before the Once Upon A Dream Parade.
Once Upon A Dream Parade - Starts at around 7:25pm. I had to watch this in a hurry as I had to catch my bus ride to my new hotel in the centre of Paris (I watched this parade on my last day). It's made up of 7 themed floats (8 really, as the Princess theme is spread out onto two floats). The music is appropriate to each float - be they princesses, villains or jungle. Not a parade you want to miss.
Fantillusion - Parade stars at 10:20 and ends at 11 - when the park closes. These are a bunch of new floats which are beautifully lit up and is worth watching . The lights and the music is typical of the Disney magic everyone expects. These are followed by fireworks at about 11 : 15 just over Sleeping Beauty's Castle (In America, this is Cinderella's Castle, I believe). While I was there they were fired to the instrumental tunes of Enchanted. DO NOT MISS.
Liberty Arcade - Mostly shops but right opposite the entrance is an enclosed section (Statue of Liberty Tableau) with a very cool screen of the presentation of the Statue of Liberty to the Americans. DO have a look at it. The Statue is behind the clouds so look closely.
Discovery Arcade - Not as impressive as Liberty Arcade but is filled with posters of what people from the 1900's though the future would look like. Worth a look if you have time at the end of the day. Main Street, U.S.A. is the last park to close so after the fireworks you could walk through this arcade on your way out.
Frontierland :-
So, you thought Main Street, U.S.A. took you back in time? Go back a whole century in this land which takes you to the early 19th century cowboy-dominated era. It's a great land but vegetarians be warned - all restaurants serve typical rootin'-tootin' meals.
Phantom Manor - Those planning to visit in October should take note that during this month Frontierland becomes Halloweenland. The rides remain the same but it is decorated differently. The set up of Phantom Manor should give you some insight into what it would look like. The attraction itself isn't one you would want to miss. It isn't scary per se - it is a typical Disney Haunted House which focuses more on spooky comedy then frightening anyone. The commentary is entirely in French...so those who do not speak the language will have a hard time understanding what is going on. I recommend reading a walkthrough of Phantom Manor beforehand so that you know what to look for as otherwise only French speakers will enjoy the ride. One thing I can tell you is to constantly watch the four portraits in the first room.
Thunder Mesa Riverboat Landing - A river cruise around the Frontierland complete with appropriately decorated sets. A pleasant ride which takes up a lot of people at once so waiting time is short. Closes early...around 6pm if memory serves so you'll have to catch it early.
Big Thunder Mountain - A very good roller coaster to start off with. It's mild compared to the rest around Disneyland but it is still thrilling. It's good for everyone...just hold on!
Critter Corral - Woody's Roundup Village - I went here expecting a petting zoo...but later I found out it was closed. In its place is a photo section based on Toy Story 2 where one can pose with characters, on horseback and among the scenery. In the background, one can hear the sounds of farm animals. In Frontierland it is not unusual to see some other animals running around. All sorts of birds can be found throughout EuroDisney but it's also possible to see a rooster in Frontierland.
Adventureland :-
This land can be split into two segments. On the side closest to Frontierland - imagine yourself trekking through the rainforests of Africa. On the side closest to Fantasyland, you become a pirate looking for treasure. This land doesn't have a railroad depot and is therefore only accessible on foot (enhancing the adventuring theme). It can be accessed from Main Street, U.S.A., Frontierland and I believe even Fantasyland. This land closes at 10pm not 11 pm due to the firework show which can be watched from Main Street.
La Cabane des Robinson (Robinson's Cabin) - Climb up a typical tree house which would be built by a family marooned on an island for a long stretch of time.
Le Passage Enchante d'Alladin (Alladin's Enchanted Passage) - A mini-section within Adventureland with an Arabian theme including shops and a restaurant. This particular attraction is a walk-through depicting scenes from 'Alladin', the movie.
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril - Don't expect a Big Thunder Mountain ride. Unlike Big Thunder Mountain, this is absolutely not suitable for the fragile and easily frightened visitors. But for the rest of us, it is worth the visit. It serves as a continuation of the warm-up provided by Big Thunder Mountain for the rest of the roller coasters in both the park and studios. Yes...I did say it is just a warm up. If you think Indiana Jones is too thrilling...you probably shouldn't go on the others.
Adventure Isle - A MUST see. Travel over bridges and through caves around Adventureland. You can just walk through without any queues whatsoever. Discover and explore every nook and cranny. It's so grand that I didn't even manage to see it all and if I do go back to Eurodisney (and I will) I will definitely explore it again...both the parts I already saw as well as those I didn't. The reason I didn't see them, actually, was due to a tight time schedule. Had I stayed longer I wouldn't have been able to bring you information on rides such as...
Pirates of the Caribbean - Youngsters will think that this ride is based on the movie. However, it is the opposite case. The movie, was based on the ride. Ride on water through a pirates' cave watching battles and listening to the ever famous - 'Yo Ho, Yo Ho, A Pirate's Life for Me'. Very pleasant and worth the wait (assuming there is a long queue).
Fantasyland :-
Walt Disney's favourite land and the best place to take young children and girls who are a bit older but love the idea of being a princess. For thrill seekers, this land will be boring, but for Disneyland fans it's still a great place to visit. Like Adventureland, Fantasyland closes at 10pm due to the firework show.
Sleeping Beauty's Castle - Just like the American Cinderella's Castle, this is the centre piece of the Disneyland Park. Walk in without any queues and either stay downstairs to do some shopping or walk upstairs to gaze down on the Kingdom.
Blanche-Neige et les Sept Nains (Snow White and the Seven Dwarves) - Take a sweet ride through the scenes of the movie with the same name. It is not without scary scenes though, so for little ones - this makes a very good thrill ride. For the older folk, one can appreciate the genius of the creators of the ride in the way it is set up. Worth visiting.
Les Voyages de Pinocchio (Pinocchio's Voyage) - Like Blanche-Neige et les Sept Nains, this is a ride through the scenes of the movie. Perhaps not as cool as Snow White, but I still wouldn't brush it off and would recommend waiting in line if it isn't too long. If you do go on the ride, look out for a hologram of the Blue Fairy. She disappears when you get to close to her so you might miss her. I was lucky to be looking in that direction. It's quite impressive.
Le Carousel de Lancelot (Lancelot's Carousel) - A simple Carousel which is great for kids and may also be enjoyable for adults. Adults may want to take the outermost horses as they rise the highest while the innermost horses rise less (there are five horses per row, each with differing levels of altitude). For adults travelling by themselves, I'd recommend leaving this for the end so as not to miss out on other rides. If you still have time afterwards then go ahead and get in line. The queues aren't long as the carousel takes around a 100 each turn.
Peter Pan's Flight - This is a ride over scenes of London and Neverland just like in the movie. It is fantastic for children and adults will also enjoy it. It is beautifully designed to seem that you are miles over London town. This is a fastpass ride and you should definitely get the fastpass as it is a ride everyone will enjoy.
Alice's Curious Labyrinth - Walk through an Alice in Wonderland themes maze being careful for water spurts overhead. Be careful NOT to go through the Unbirthday passage way before visiting the castle as that is actually a poorly marked exit. The castle is a good place to take pictures. Unfortunately, my family kept going through the Unbirthday passage and I didn't have the opportunity to walk through the castle.
Le Pays des Contes de Fees (The Land of Fairy Tales) - Sail through various minature versions of fairy tales. It is a smooth pleasant ride and a good place to take photos of your favourite model fairy tale scenes.
"it's a small world" - Everyone knows what this ride is. My parents who had seen the version in America claimed that the Paris version is much better as it is longer and more realistic (and they loved the one in Orlando). Basically sail through the earth encountering dolls of several countries from all continents as they sing "It's a Small World" in their own languages. The final room has dolls from all previous countries singing together. This ride is a look into a Utopian paradise beyond prejudice and filled with happiness and tolerance. I wouldn't miss it if I were you, even if you've already seen it before or in another park.
Discoveryland :-
Forget the past portrayed in Main Street, U.S.A. and Frontierland. This takes you all the way to the 22nd Century. However, unlike Tomorrowland in America, Discoveryland is closer to what 20th century folk thought the future would look like. Having said this, it still has elements of what people today think the 22nd century will look like.
Buzz Lightyear Laser Blasts - A fun shooting game. You ride through alien scenes helping Buzz Lightyear of 'Toy Story' fame defeat evil aliens. There's a score counter so that you can compete with your friends and family (I came first out of four people with over 24k). Remember, however, to use the lever on your cart to turn it around so that you are facing the aliens at all times. I didn't realise at first and in the beginning was in last place with just 600 points as I was facing the wrong side.
Orbitron - A merry go round which allows you to control how high you go. The higher you go, the further you tilt. Which, unfortunately, if you are two adults in a space ship is a bit frightening as the driver may be scared of dropping the person in the back out of the ship since holding on is difficult. However, an adult and a child or two children will be just fine.
Star Tours - A spaceship simulation complete with jerks and thrusts. However, don't be afraid of it...it's completely safe and appropriate for people of all ages. The guide lists it as a thrill ride but it is mild enough for it to be fun for people who are not seeking thrills.
Honey, I Shrunk the Audience - Those who do not speak French will need to use the headphones to hear the English version. Unfortunately sometimes the French voices overpower the English ones. 3D goggles are given to you so as to fully enjoy the experience which is complete with water sprays, air sprays and vibrating seats.
La Mysteres du Nautilus (The Mysteries of Nautilus) - This is similar to La Cabane des Robinson in Adventureland. This time, you walk through a submarine. No queues and impressively built.
Space Mountain : Mission 2 - The most extreme roller coaster in Disneyland Theme Park. Not for the fragile. Not for the easily frightened. Not for those in their mid- to late-forties and above. I wouldn't recommend riding if you're under 18 either. But...for those of us in the 18-43 age bracket, this is quite a thrill ride. Extreme turns and jerks unlike Big Thunder Mountain and long unlike Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril. In fact, it's best to do those two before setting foot on Space Mountain : Mission 2, both as a warm up as well as to test how fit you are for Space Mountain. This ride, doesn't have much head protection and at one point you head is jerked from side to side. Only by a few degrees, but you may bump against the body and neck protection which may be somewhat uncomfortable.
Autopia : Drive some 1950's styled cars on a rail track at about 6m/s. It may sound like I'm putting it down, but it's really a great ride and worth waiting in line for. Even though it's slow, you can still feel you hair brushing in the wind. The presence of tracks doesn't mean you don't use the steering wheel, you do. Well...you don't have to, but if you don't your car will jerk from side to side on turns.
This brings me to the end of my run-through on the EuroDisney Theme Park. The rides I did not go on are not listed here. If and when I return to EuroDisney, I definitely plan on including them in my agenda together with revisiting some old favourites. So...planning a holiday and not sure where to go? Let me give you some help according to age brackets (Note : I only list the attractions I've actually been on)
12 and under : Horse-Drawn Streetcars, Disneyland Railroad, Phantom Manor, Big Thunder Mountain (For 10+ years), Woody's Roundup Village, Le Passage Enchante d'Alladin, Pirates of the Caribbean, Sleeping Beauty Castle, Blanche-Neige et les Sept Nains, Les Voyages de Pinocchio, Le Carousel de Lancelot, Peter Pan's Flight, Alice's Curious Labyrinth, Buzz Lightyear Laser Blasts, Orbitron, Star Tours, Honey, I Shrunk the Audience, Autopia.
13 - 17 : Horse-Drawn Streetcars, Disneyland Railroad, Phantom Manor, Big Thunder Mountain, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril(For 15+ years), Adventure Isle, Pirates of the Caribbean, Peter Pan's Flight, Buzz Lightyear Laser Blasts, Orbitron, Star Tours, Autopia.
18-29 : Disneyland Railroad, Liberty Arcade, Phantom Manor, Big Thunder Mountain, La Cabane des Robinson, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril, Adventure Isle, Pirates of the Caribbean, Peter Pan's Flight, "it's a small world", Buzz Lightyear Laser Blasts, Space Mountain : Mission 2.
30-45 : Disneyland Railroad, Liberty Arcade, Discovery Arcade, Thunder Mesa Riverboat Landing, Big Thunder Mountain, La Cabane des Robinson, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril, Adventure Isle, Pirates of the Caribbean, Le Pays de Contes de Fees, "it's a small world", Les Mysteres du Nautilus, Space Mountain : Mission 2 (under 43 years).
46 - 59 : Disneyland Railroad, Liberty Arcade, Discovery Arcade, Thunder Mesa Riverboat Landing, Big Thunder Mountain, Le Passage Enchante d'Aladdin, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril (under 50 years), Adventure Isle, Les Voyages de Pinocchio, Peter Pan's Flight, Le Pays de Contes de Fees, "it's a small world", Star Tours (under 55 years), Honey, I Shrunk the Audience, Les Mysteres du Nautilus.
60+ : Disneyland Railroad, Thunder Mesa Riverboat Landing, Big Thunder Mountain (under 70 years), Pirates of the Caribbean, Blanche-Neige et les Sept Nains, Les Voyages de Pinocchio, Peter Pan's Flight, Le Pays de Contes de Fees, "it's a small world", Honey, I Shrunk the Audience, Les Mysteres du Nautilus.
It goes without saying that both parades, the firework show and a walk through all five lands is a must for all ages. Also, learn which rides have a fast pass so that you may jump the queues. Naturally, you may still enjoy things which I did not place in your age group especially if other family members (particularly from that age group) are with you. Anyway, whether you're going alone, with a partner, with family or with friends, Disneyland in general is not a place you'll want to miss out on...it is, ultimately, the land of dreams.
It's taken me a whole day to write this (with breaks) so I hope someone out there will find it useful.
Au revoir,
Darryl, from Malta - Online.
Main Street, U.S.A. :-
An early 20th century style land. On rainy days, it's probably a great place to reenact the Singin' in the Rain scene from 'Singin' in the Rain'. This land is more of a gateway to the other four lands than anything else, complete with several shops and restaurants.
Disneyland Railroad - Beginning its journey from Main Street Station, this takes you all around the park. The scenes between Main Street and Frontierland are very nice with cave animals placed for all to see with the appropriate sound effects. It makes stops at all lands' depots except Adventureland which does not have a depot. The queue is usually very long - especially in Main Street. Also bear in mind that the railway closes at around 9pm, so after that time you'll have to make your own way around the park.
Horse-Drawn Streetcars - These were unavailable while I was there but we did ride inside a Disneyland Police Car. I'm not sure whether this was a replacement service or always functions. One may also opt to ride a Disneyland Fire Engine. Just like the horse-drawn streetcar this is a pleasant one way drive from Town Square (Main Street Entrance) to Central Plaza (Gateway to all other lands) or Central Plaza to Town Square. I never encountered any queues for this and always got on the first car which arrived. Service ends sometime between 6 and 7 pm - an hour before the Once Upon A Dream Parade.
Once Upon A Dream Parade - Starts at around 7:25pm. I had to watch this in a hurry as I had to catch my bus ride to my new hotel in the centre of Paris (I watched this parade on my last day). It's made up of 7 themed floats (8 really, as the Princess theme is spread out onto two floats). The music is appropriate to each float - be they princesses, villains or jungle. Not a parade you want to miss.
Fantillusion - Parade stars at 10:20 and ends at 11 - when the park closes. These are a bunch of new floats which are beautifully lit up and is worth watching . The lights and the music is typical of the Disney magic everyone expects. These are followed by fireworks at about 11 : 15 just over Sleeping Beauty's Castle (In America, this is Cinderella's Castle, I believe). While I was there they were fired to the instrumental tunes of Enchanted. DO NOT MISS.
Liberty Arcade - Mostly shops but right opposite the entrance is an enclosed section (Statue of Liberty Tableau) with a very cool screen of the presentation of the Statue of Liberty to the Americans. DO have a look at it. The Statue is behind the clouds so look closely.
Discovery Arcade - Not as impressive as Liberty Arcade but is filled with posters of what people from the 1900's though the future would look like. Worth a look if you have time at the end of the day. Main Street, U.S.A. is the last park to close so after the fireworks you could walk through this arcade on your way out.
Frontierland :-
So, you thought Main Street, U.S.A. took you back in time? Go back a whole century in this land which takes you to the early 19th century cowboy-dominated era. It's a great land but vegetarians be warned - all restaurants serve typical rootin'-tootin' meals.
Phantom Manor - Those planning to visit in October should take note that during this month Frontierland becomes Halloweenland. The rides remain the same but it is decorated differently. The set up of Phantom Manor should give you some insight into what it would look like. The attraction itself isn't one you would want to miss. It isn't scary per se - it is a typical Disney Haunted House which focuses more on spooky comedy then frightening anyone. The commentary is entirely in French...so those who do not speak the language will have a hard time understanding what is going on. I recommend reading a walkthrough of Phantom Manor beforehand so that you know what to look for as otherwise only French speakers will enjoy the ride. One thing I can tell you is to constantly watch the four portraits in the first room.
Thunder Mesa Riverboat Landing - A river cruise around the Frontierland complete with appropriately decorated sets. A pleasant ride which takes up a lot of people at once so waiting time is short. Closes early...around 6pm if memory serves so you'll have to catch it early.
Big Thunder Mountain - A very good roller coaster to start off with. It's mild compared to the rest around Disneyland but it is still thrilling. It's good for everyone...just hold on!
Critter Corral - Woody's Roundup Village - I went here expecting a petting zoo...but later I found out it was closed. In its place is a photo section based on Toy Story 2 where one can pose with characters, on horseback and among the scenery. In the background, one can hear the sounds of farm animals. In Frontierland it is not unusual to see some other animals running around. All sorts of birds can be found throughout EuroDisney but it's also possible to see a rooster in Frontierland.
Adventureland :-
This land can be split into two segments. On the side closest to Frontierland - imagine yourself trekking through the rainforests of Africa. On the side closest to Fantasyland, you become a pirate looking for treasure. This land doesn't have a railroad depot and is therefore only accessible on foot (enhancing the adventuring theme). It can be accessed from Main Street, U.S.A., Frontierland and I believe even Fantasyland. This land closes at 10pm not 11 pm due to the firework show which can be watched from Main Street.
La Cabane des Robinson (Robinson's Cabin) - Climb up a typical tree house which would be built by a family marooned on an island for a long stretch of time.
Le Passage Enchante d'Alladin (Alladin's Enchanted Passage) - A mini-section within Adventureland with an Arabian theme including shops and a restaurant. This particular attraction is a walk-through depicting scenes from 'Alladin', the movie.
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril - Don't expect a Big Thunder Mountain ride. Unlike Big Thunder Mountain, this is absolutely not suitable for the fragile and easily frightened visitors. But for the rest of us, it is worth the visit. It serves as a continuation of the warm-up provided by Big Thunder Mountain for the rest of the roller coasters in both the park and studios. Yes...I did say it is just a warm up. If you think Indiana Jones is too thrilling...you probably shouldn't go on the others.
Adventure Isle - A MUST see. Travel over bridges and through caves around Adventureland. You can just walk through without any queues whatsoever. Discover and explore every nook and cranny. It's so grand that I didn't even manage to see it all and if I do go back to Eurodisney (and I will) I will definitely explore it again...both the parts I already saw as well as those I didn't. The reason I didn't see them, actually, was due to a tight time schedule. Had I stayed longer I wouldn't have been able to bring you information on rides such as...
Pirates of the Caribbean - Youngsters will think that this ride is based on the movie. However, it is the opposite case. The movie, was based on the ride. Ride on water through a pirates' cave watching battles and listening to the ever famous - 'Yo Ho, Yo Ho, A Pirate's Life for Me'. Very pleasant and worth the wait (assuming there is a long queue).
Fantasyland :-
Walt Disney's favourite land and the best place to take young children and girls who are a bit older but love the idea of being a princess. For thrill seekers, this land will be boring, but for Disneyland fans it's still a great place to visit. Like Adventureland, Fantasyland closes at 10pm due to the firework show.
Sleeping Beauty's Castle - Just like the American Cinderella's Castle, this is the centre piece of the Disneyland Park. Walk in without any queues and either stay downstairs to do some shopping or walk upstairs to gaze down on the Kingdom.
Blanche-Neige et les Sept Nains (Snow White and the Seven Dwarves) - Take a sweet ride through the scenes of the movie with the same name. It is not without scary scenes though, so for little ones - this makes a very good thrill ride. For the older folk, one can appreciate the genius of the creators of the ride in the way it is set up. Worth visiting.
Les Voyages de Pinocchio (Pinocchio's Voyage) - Like Blanche-Neige et les Sept Nains, this is a ride through the scenes of the movie. Perhaps not as cool as Snow White, but I still wouldn't brush it off and would recommend waiting in line if it isn't too long. If you do go on the ride, look out for a hologram of the Blue Fairy. She disappears when you get to close to her so you might miss her. I was lucky to be looking in that direction. It's quite impressive.
Le Carousel de Lancelot (Lancelot's Carousel) - A simple Carousel which is great for kids and may also be enjoyable for adults. Adults may want to take the outermost horses as they rise the highest while the innermost horses rise less (there are five horses per row, each with differing levels of altitude). For adults travelling by themselves, I'd recommend leaving this for the end so as not to miss out on other rides. If you still have time afterwards then go ahead and get in line. The queues aren't long as the carousel takes around a 100 each turn.
Peter Pan's Flight - This is a ride over scenes of London and Neverland just like in the movie. It is fantastic for children and adults will also enjoy it. It is beautifully designed to seem that you are miles over London town. This is a fastpass ride and you should definitely get the fastpass as it is a ride everyone will enjoy.
Alice's Curious Labyrinth - Walk through an Alice in Wonderland themes maze being careful for water spurts overhead. Be careful NOT to go through the Unbirthday passage way before visiting the castle as that is actually a poorly marked exit. The castle is a good place to take pictures. Unfortunately, my family kept going through the Unbirthday passage and I didn't have the opportunity to walk through the castle.
Le Pays des Contes de Fees (The Land of Fairy Tales) - Sail through various minature versions of fairy tales. It is a smooth pleasant ride and a good place to take photos of your favourite model fairy tale scenes.
"it's a small world" - Everyone knows what this ride is. My parents who had seen the version in America claimed that the Paris version is much better as it is longer and more realistic (and they loved the one in Orlando). Basically sail through the earth encountering dolls of several countries from all continents as they sing "It's a Small World" in their own languages. The final room has dolls from all previous countries singing together. This ride is a look into a Utopian paradise beyond prejudice and filled with happiness and tolerance. I wouldn't miss it if I were you, even if you've already seen it before or in another park.
Discoveryland :-
Forget the past portrayed in Main Street, U.S.A. and Frontierland. This takes you all the way to the 22nd Century. However, unlike Tomorrowland in America, Discoveryland is closer to what 20th century folk thought the future would look like. Having said this, it still has elements of what people today think the 22nd century will look like.
Buzz Lightyear Laser Blasts - A fun shooting game. You ride through alien scenes helping Buzz Lightyear of 'Toy Story' fame defeat evil aliens. There's a score counter so that you can compete with your friends and family (I came first out of four people with over 24k). Remember, however, to use the lever on your cart to turn it around so that you are facing the aliens at all times. I didn't realise at first and in the beginning was in last place with just 600 points as I was facing the wrong side.
Orbitron - A merry go round which allows you to control how high you go. The higher you go, the further you tilt. Which, unfortunately, if you are two adults in a space ship is a bit frightening as the driver may be scared of dropping the person in the back out of the ship since holding on is difficult. However, an adult and a child or two children will be just fine.
Star Tours - A spaceship simulation complete with jerks and thrusts. However, don't be afraid of it...it's completely safe and appropriate for people of all ages. The guide lists it as a thrill ride but it is mild enough for it to be fun for people who are not seeking thrills.
Honey, I Shrunk the Audience - Those who do not speak French will need to use the headphones to hear the English version. Unfortunately sometimes the French voices overpower the English ones. 3D goggles are given to you so as to fully enjoy the experience which is complete with water sprays, air sprays and vibrating seats.
La Mysteres du Nautilus (The Mysteries of Nautilus) - This is similar to La Cabane des Robinson in Adventureland. This time, you walk through a submarine. No queues and impressively built.
Space Mountain : Mission 2 - The most extreme roller coaster in Disneyland Theme Park. Not for the fragile. Not for the easily frightened. Not for those in their mid- to late-forties and above. I wouldn't recommend riding if you're under 18 either. But...for those of us in the 18-43 age bracket, this is quite a thrill ride. Extreme turns and jerks unlike Big Thunder Mountain and long unlike Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril. In fact, it's best to do those two before setting foot on Space Mountain : Mission 2, both as a warm up as well as to test how fit you are for Space Mountain. This ride, doesn't have much head protection and at one point you head is jerked from side to side. Only by a few degrees, but you may bump against the body and neck protection which may be somewhat uncomfortable.
Autopia : Drive some 1950's styled cars on a rail track at about 6m/s. It may sound like I'm putting it down, but it's really a great ride and worth waiting in line for. Even though it's slow, you can still feel you hair brushing in the wind. The presence of tracks doesn't mean you don't use the steering wheel, you do. Well...you don't have to, but if you don't your car will jerk from side to side on turns.
This brings me to the end of my run-through on the EuroDisney Theme Park. The rides I did not go on are not listed here. If and when I return to EuroDisney, I definitely plan on including them in my agenda together with revisiting some old favourites. So...planning a holiday and not sure where to go? Let me give you some help according to age brackets (Note : I only list the attractions I've actually been on)
12 and under : Horse-Drawn Streetcars, Disneyland Railroad, Phantom Manor, Big Thunder Mountain (For 10+ years), Woody's Roundup Village, Le Passage Enchante d'Alladin, Pirates of the Caribbean, Sleeping Beauty Castle, Blanche-Neige et les Sept Nains, Les Voyages de Pinocchio, Le Carousel de Lancelot, Peter Pan's Flight, Alice's Curious Labyrinth, Buzz Lightyear Laser Blasts, Orbitron, Star Tours, Honey, I Shrunk the Audience, Autopia.
13 - 17 : Horse-Drawn Streetcars, Disneyland Railroad, Phantom Manor, Big Thunder Mountain, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril(For 15+ years), Adventure Isle, Pirates of the Caribbean, Peter Pan's Flight, Buzz Lightyear Laser Blasts, Orbitron, Star Tours, Autopia.
18-29 : Disneyland Railroad, Liberty Arcade, Phantom Manor, Big Thunder Mountain, La Cabane des Robinson, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril, Adventure Isle, Pirates of the Caribbean, Peter Pan's Flight, "it's a small world", Buzz Lightyear Laser Blasts, Space Mountain : Mission 2.
30-45 : Disneyland Railroad, Liberty Arcade, Discovery Arcade, Thunder Mesa Riverboat Landing, Big Thunder Mountain, La Cabane des Robinson, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril, Adventure Isle, Pirates of the Caribbean, Le Pays de Contes de Fees, "it's a small world", Les Mysteres du Nautilus, Space Mountain : Mission 2 (under 43 years).
46 - 59 : Disneyland Railroad, Liberty Arcade, Discovery Arcade, Thunder Mesa Riverboat Landing, Big Thunder Mountain, Le Passage Enchante d'Aladdin, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril (under 50 years), Adventure Isle, Les Voyages de Pinocchio, Peter Pan's Flight, Le Pays de Contes de Fees, "it's a small world", Star Tours (under 55 years), Honey, I Shrunk the Audience, Les Mysteres du Nautilus.
60+ : Disneyland Railroad, Thunder Mesa Riverboat Landing, Big Thunder Mountain (under 70 years), Pirates of the Caribbean, Blanche-Neige et les Sept Nains, Les Voyages de Pinocchio, Peter Pan's Flight, Le Pays de Contes de Fees, "it's a small world", Honey, I Shrunk the Audience, Les Mysteres du Nautilus.
It goes without saying that both parades, the firework show and a walk through all five lands is a must for all ages. Also, learn which rides have a fast pass so that you may jump the queues. Naturally, you may still enjoy things which I did not place in your age group especially if other family members (particularly from that age group) are with you. Anyway, whether you're going alone, with a partner, with family or with friends, Disneyland in general is not a place you'll want to miss out on...it is, ultimately, the land of dreams.
It's taken me a whole day to write this (with breaks) so I hope someone out there will find it useful.
Au revoir,
Darryl, from Malta - Online.
Labels: Eurodisney, Paris
posted by Darryl | 4:10 PM
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