A bit of Disney magic goes a long way!

Can you believe that it’s March already?!  The start to 2024 has been so busy for me, with gigs, preparing for the upcoming Collabro reunion concerts in June (have you bought your tickets yet?) and planning some new and exciting projects which I can’t wait to share with you… so it felt like a good time to take a quick breather and head to Disneyland Paris for a family getaway!

We took the Eurostar across to France which I have to say was really great. We were in ‘standard’ seating but it was very comfortable so felt good value for money there. We were staying in an air B n B 20 minutes walk from the park which was very nice. Two bathrooms between 7 of us was a bit interesting but it worked very well that we were all together in the evenings rather than split across hotel rooms!

The next morning we woke early to get ready to head to the Disneyland Park. The park opens at 9.30 so we got there about 9 and weren’t too far from the front of the queue so when it opened, we were through the gates in about 5 minutes.

We got lucky with the weather, it was was lovely and walking up to the iconic Disney castle was magical - in fact as soon as we went through the main entrance, we looked back up to find Minnie and Mickey on the balcony waving to greet everyone which was a lovely touch.

We headed first to Discovery Land and our first ride was Buzz Lightyear Laser blast which was a great start and the queue was only 15 mins which always helps!!  What a ride, we loved it! I did some research about which targets are worth more points - aim for the Triangles!!!

Then straight to Space Mountain - which was A LOT faster than I remember but I love fast rollercoasters!!

Of course we had to do It’s A Small World which I actually enjoy as I like the boat ride element.  Don’t worry you don’t get wet haha.

Then into Alice’s curious labyrinth which is a maze although I wish they made it harder!

We had to get a photo by the castle and then the sun fully came out and blue skies appeared as we watched the Splash Of Colour show on the parade which was magical - a random mix of songs and characters but that was actually lovely. Stitch was very heavily featured in Disneyland Paris this season and I even got myself a shoulder pal!

We saw a lot of characters walking around the park and they all waved and smiled which was an unexpected treat, much like the Mickey shaped cookie which is probably the best cookie I’ve ever had!! Speaking of food, we ate so much. Everything that is Mickey shaped draws you in as you feel you’re getting a unique experience as well as a tasty treat!

We watched The Lion King show this day as well here which was great although we were near the back of the queue which meant we were on the edge of the audience seating so would have preferred a more central seat. Think you need to queue for a while to get a good spot. There’s a tip for you if you go!

We did then get a great spot for the parade right by the entrance doors and my advice would be to get there about 45 mins before to secure your spot. The parade starts at 5.30pm and it is well worth it.  The parade music is really fun and everyone is very energetic which is fab for kids and a real highlight.

We splurged out on the dinner with characters at the plaza gardens where we met Eeyore, Tigger, Mickey, Donald, goofy & Pluto! They come right to your table and you can get pictures and have hugs etc.  More money, but totally worth it. You can’t come and not meet them! That said, the dinner is £75 so it isn’t cheap, but you do get an all you can eat buffet and the food is good quality.  Plus, this is all about making memories so if you can do it, you won’t regret it.

There is just so much to do here. After dinner we stayed to watch the drone show (Disney Electrical Sky Parade) and the castle show (Disney Dreams Nighttime Eztravaganza) which includes fireworks. This is one of my favourite things about the park- if you don’t mind people pushing in front of you and holding up their phones to take pictures constantly!!! ….but honestly, it’s so well done and really was brilliant.

On the second day we went to the Walt Disney Studios park.  No lie-ins here, we arrived just before 9 and again weren’t too far from the front of the queue but it really picked up about 9.10 so seemed like the perfect time to arrive.

We went straight to the Avengers ride as there was only a 5 minute wait and I have to say this was my favourite ride of the trip. Sooo fast but smoother than space mountain!! We loved it.

We saw TOGETHER: a PIXAR musical adventure which was really great except the shows tended to be half French half English and I think that throws everyone off!  Stitch Live had specific French or English shows which I think works better. Take the time to plan what you’re going to see and do and keep this is mind. I have to say, Frozen: A Musical Invitation was a bit underwhelming.  It was completely in French so it would have been good for them to offer it in other languages.  More positively, I do love Frozen and found Let It Go in French quite beautiful. Maybe I should learn it?!

We went on practically every other ride - one to mention is Tower of Terror which was fun but a bit sickly. I love the feeling of going up in the elevator but being pulled down was intense. Ugh!

The same night, we went back to the Disneyland Park and just walked the shops which was so calming to have time to look at all the Disney products! There is so much to buy and I really had to resist the urge to buy all the sweets!!

On the third day, we split our time between the parks, doing any rides we had missed but for some reason it was sooo busy everywhere and we were queuing for at least 40 mins a ride which was not ideal!  We must’ve got lucky on the other days.

We made a day of it though and went on Avengers again, Space Mountain again and even queued for the Peter Pan Ride - a bit underwhelming for me, but others would have loved it for sure.

Crushes Coaster was another one that had a long wait time - 90 minutes it showed at one point. I went single rider and still queued for 30 mins and I actually didn’t think it was that great. I thought I’d see Nemo and friends but instead felt like I was caught in a wave getting chased by a shark!

We stayed to watch the shows again that evening and got a spot quite near the front which just felt very magical and the perfect end to our Disneyland trip.

It was so great to get away for a few days and I’d 100% recommend Disneyland Paris. I think the 3 day, 2 park ticket was just right. If you do go, let me know what your highlights are!   I think I might try the Disney Cruise next…

Michael :D