For those of you who are thinking about spending time in or near Paris, Disneyland Paris is the perfect place to go for a day trip! I went there with a friend who was visiting from the U.S. and had a great time! It takes about an hour to get there on public transport from La Defense (where I leave), so it is closer to 45 minutes from central Paris. The park is a few steps from the Marne-la-Vallee Chessy RER (Regional Express Train) station and consists of two parks; Disneyland and Walt Disney Studios.
We went to Disneyland first, which is a copy of Magic Kingdom, but on a smaller scale. As we walked through Main Street USA, it was a strange feeling because it seemed like I was in Disney World, Florida, yet I am in France. It was cool to see similar shops and restaurants as the ones in Disney World and feel like I was at home again. The park has the same major rides including Thunder Mountain, Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Snow White, It's A Small World, Tea Cups, Dumbo, Peter Pan, and Buzz Lightyear. We went to Walt Disney Studios next, which has a studio tour ride, Rockin Roller Coaster, Toy Story ride, Finding Nemo ride, Armageddon simulator, and a few other rides. This park is smaller than Disneyland, but offers a number of places to eat. There is a 50s diner and fast food cafeteria-style places to enjoy.
After visiting the parks, a walk through Disney Village is the best way to end your day. The Village has an IMAX theater, Planet Hollywood, souvenir shops, and restaurants.
A week after my trip, the Marketing and Communications Director of Disneyland came to one of my marketing courses to tell us more about the parks and how Disneyland creates its promotions, commercials, and advertisements around the city to attract more visitors. She told us that Disneyland is adding a Ratatouille ride that should be done within the next year! It is the only ride that will be unique to Disneyland Paris because the other Disney parks around the world will not have it.
Check out their website for more information! It is worth the trip, especially if you are missing home. :)
