DISNEYLAND PARIS / WANDERING SMART

Here are some tips to make your day at Disneyland Paris even more magical...

I think everyone in the world must have heard of Disneyland Paris and its charm. It seems that everything here is perfectly made, not one hedge untrimmed or light bulb not shining. And for the days of your visit, that feeling of being in this perfect little oasis of fairytales and imagination just wraps you up like a warm blanket.

To make the most out of your trip, you need not do painstakingly plan an itinerary. Definitely looking up a few things online is a good start, but it's actually (and perhaps surprisingly) easy to just turn up and have a great day.

However, a very small amount of *thinking* could just pay off ...

I have learned a few things from many special days spent hear throughout my life, and I am so excited to share them with you all.

Getting here 

The Paris metro, while being one of the most efficient systems of public transport in the world, can be so daunting! The only train that will get you from Paris to Disneyland is the RER A. This enormous train connects city to suburbs, and it's pretty easy to work out if you're on the right train as Disneyland is the last stop - Marne la Vallée Chessy Parc Disneyland. 

You can find a station close to you which is on the RER A line (the thick red line) on this metro map. After that, it couldn't be simpler; find that station on this weekday or weekend train schedule and just follow down the schedule to be sure that your train will arrive at Marne la Vallée, and at your desired time.

Bags or no bags?

Just outside of the station is the Disney Village, where you can access both Disney Parks. When we got there, we were somewhat surprised to see a huge crowd that didn't seem to be moving much. This was in fact a queue for security and bag checking. 

If you had no bag you could walk straight on in without much fuss, but while waiting for a security check is boring we have to remember it's for everyone's safety at the park! 

I would advise, if you can, to bring a coat with large pockets and put your belongings there. Alternatively, one member of your party could carry a bag on behalf of all of you, meaning that the rest of the party can get a headstart into the park. 

So many shops!

There are so many shops at Disneyland Paris, though fortunately it doesn't feel as overwhelmingly commercial as other theme parks I've been to, especially as every shop is elaborately decorated with the theme of where it is. 

A lot of the shops contain the same products, but not every product is in every shop, obviously. On Main Street, the Emporium is an enormous and equally insanely busy shop which has so many amazing products in it. But at the same time, a smaller and less busy shop could have similar items or even different, better ones. 

Fast Pass

With most tickets, fast passes are included. This is done in such a nice and relatively fair way at Disneyland. You scan a bar code at the fast pass stations (these will be next to the ride, and if a ride has a fast pass option it will be made clear on the park map with FP written next to the attraction) and return at the allotted time on the pass that the machine prints. Be wary that you can't use your park ticket to generate another fast pass for a different ride whilst you have one that hasn't yet been used.  

It's best to try to be smart about when to get a fast pass. If there's a long queue next to a ride with a fast pass, consider waiting in the long queue but getting a fast pass for the other ride so that you can go on that ride straight after!

Food

Bringing food into the park is a must if you don't want to break the bank. I saw a bottle of Coke being sold for 4 euros - that's definitely money I would rather spend on a keepsake of my time there.

And even though I've already said carrying a bag is a pain, it's far more painful to part with so much money just for a few meals. That being said, bringing lunch with you and having a nice meal out is such a treat and a good balance.

Check online for discount vouchers for Planet Hollywood and the Rainforest Cafe, they often have group discounts.

Parades and all things Disney!

When you get through the gates, pick up a map in your language and get a programme too! The programme gives you details of when and where the Disney characters will be doing meet-and-greets. It also gives you the show times and locations, and details about the parades. We didn't realise this programme existed (as it used to be included on the park map) so spent quite a while trying to track one down. You can find them in the Meet Mickey building (looks like a train station) or by the entrance. 

As for the shows, the parade on Main Street is breathtaking and not to be missed. However, it is super busy so get there about 30 minutes early and wait on the curb of the pavement - everyone stands up during the parades so even if you're a few rows back, when people stand you may not have a good view. Just take the 30-minute wait to rest your feet and maybe edit a few pics for Insta?

Finally - just give in to it and have fun! Going to Disneyland is not something you get to do every day (unfortunately), so even if the rides have long queues or the weather isn't perfect, just try and embrace the Disney philosophy and let your inner kid run free...