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Visiting Disneyland Paris for the first time

Visiting Disneyland Paris for the first time

Visiting Disneyland Paris for the first time as a family. I wanted to write about our trip to Disneyland Paris as soon as I could because I want to remember every single amazing moment.

When I was younger I visited Disney World in America and it was brilliant so I hoped Disneyland Paris was going to be just as special. I also wanted to take them when they are young. Harri still believes that Princesses are real which I love and Alfie thinks that Buzz is his best friend. I wanted to experience this magical place and enjoy all of its glory.

The journey for visiting Disneyland Paris for the first time

We decided to drive which of course worried me, it entailed a 5 hour trip to Dover, a 90 minuted boat trip and then a further 3 hour drive to Paris. The girls I knew would be ok, but Alfie, well he is a different story. However, it was fine, no problems at all. We stayed over for the night in Dover which broke the trip up and it was like a real adventure.

visiting Disneyland Paris for the first time
Arriving in Dover to this beautiful sky

Arriving at Disneyland Paris

However, once arriving in Disneyland Paris it all went a little pear shaped. It was so busy and bitter cold. We didn’t know what we were doing really. Alfie was upset and to cut a long story short we ended up going for some tea (where Alfie screamed for the majority of the time ) then going back to the hotel. I remember feeling upset, questioning what have we done, why have we come? It is a little overwhelming. A lot of people possibly feel the same.

visiting Disneyland Paris for the first time

However, we needn’t of worried. We woke up Monday feeling excited and ready to explore. The first ride we go on is Peter Pan which I thought is just beautiful. We spent the day going on rides, exploring Main St and even managed to get a seat in a little bakery for some tea and croissants.

The next few days pretty much followed suit. The rides were all amazing especially the ones we could go on together – the ride Ratatouille left Alfie mesmerised.

What I don’t think I was expecting was how excited the girls would be meeting the characters. We spent an evening in Cafe Mickey where a few characters interacted during our evening meal. Harri was so excited, shouting their names and asking for autographs, her eyes were full of magic and wonder and it completely made the trip worthwhile.

visiting Disneyland Paris for the first time

visiting Disneyland Paris for the first time visiting Disneyland Paris for the first time visiting Disneyland Paris for the first time visiting Disneyland Paris for the first time

The weather was pretty awful the whole time we were there. One day it was heavy rain and after a few hours we were all a bit cold and fed up so decided, after a meet and greet with Buzz Lightyear, to head back to the hotel for a rest and warm up.

We actually debated skipping Buzz but he is Alfie’s favourite character so we went along (like drowned rats). I am so glad we did. He was great, the kids loved him (especially Alfie) and the whole experience really lifted all our spirits. Harri got his autograph, we got some pictures and off we went with a smile on our face.

visiting Disneyland Paris for the first time

visiting Disneyland Paris for the first time

visiting Disneyland Paris for the first time

visiting Disneyland Paris for the first time

What we thought about Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris is a funny old place. Exhausting, full on, busy, expensive and, for us, really cold. A relaxing holiday it is not. Yet, despite all this, we loved it. It really is something special. Magical memories made and special moments captured.

We often ask ourselves are we crazy to go on so many adventures, taking these little trips every months to new places. Spending any spare money we have on experiencing a new place. Some times just driving an hour down the road and other times flying a few hours. It is hard work, especially at the age Alfie is. We all stay in the same roon, me and my husband sit in the dark whilst we try to get our children asleep.

Yet, we keep doing it, because I honestly believe that we all benefit so much from it. Not just seeing new places and meeting new people but just spending that precious time together. Having that break from normality and capturing a little bit of magic. I want our Children to have all these amazing memories of our trips. I want us to be constantly saying ‘remember when…’ and I plan to cling on to these special days when our children are small and life is one huge adventure.

Have you been to Disneyland Paris?

11 thoughts on “Visiting Disneyland Paris for the first time

  1. I love this! I have never been to Disneyland or Disney World. We have 2 here in America. I think California and Florida? I’m not sure which is which. I have always dreamed about going and I would love to be able to take my kids one day. Thanks for sharing. I love the pictures! #kcacols

  2. I cannot wait to take my LO to Disneyland! We will do Paris first, but you are right, it can be SO cold at this time of year because it is in a valley. But the magic of the Christmas Disney just has to be seen to be believed! #KCACOLS

  3. Ooh when were you there? We went 12-15th November and the weather was very wet the first day. We also did the long drive (we had previously flown) so a bit more of an adventure. It is such a magical place and we can’t wait to go back 🙂 LOVE your photos xx #KCACOLS

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