DISNEYLAND PARIS

​So.  Who had a good week???  Yes, no?  Still hung-over?  Moving to Canada?  If you’re reading this and it makes no sense, you have either been avoiding the news for the last year and a half in America (you lucky duck) so just Google US Election 2016 and then go back to avoid it all again for the next four years.
 
After the last week, I found the rollercoaster effect of emotions made it hard to focus.  I couldn’t help but try and find a “happy place”, going through my photo archive to find something – anything really – that could take my mind far, far, away.   

And then I hit the jackpot.  The thousand or so photos on my phone from my day in Disneyland Paris with my travel buddy last March.  Yes, I am the fool who will somehow crank out thousands of photos in a day and not think twice about it. 
 
Disneyland Paris is about 20 miles east of central Paris, a 30-minute drive or an hour by the metro (you can also take the EuroStar directly from London to Disneyland instead of going into Paris first)
My lovely travel buddy, Kelly, and I stayed in an AIrBnB near Eiffel Tower and the Arch De Triumph.  We took the metro and it took us an hour to get to Disney in the morning.   

​The theme park itself opens up all of the rides at 10AM, but they open up the gates and let you start walking around Main Street around 9AM.  When we arrived around 9:30, some of the characters were already out to meet and greet visitors.  Disneyland Paris has two parks: Disneyland Park, similar to Magic Kingdom, and Walt Disney Studios Park, similar to Hollywood Studios.  Because it is two separate parks, you need two different ticket admissions for each.  Disneyland Paris has promotions during the down season where you can get two tickets for the price of one or discounts.  (EU students can get discounted tickets at the gate.  We were pumped because we got the student discount for our tickets and got two for one).

​Disneyland Park has five lands.  Some main attractions within in them:
Main Street
            City Hall, Main Street Railroad Station, Liberty Arcade
Frontier Land
            Phantom Manor, Woody’s Roundup, and Pocahontas’s Village
Adventure Land
            Pirates of the Caribbean, Aladdin & Agrabah, Indiana Jones
Fantasy Land
            Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, “It’s a Small World”, Peter Pan, Pinocchio, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Mad Hatter’s Tea Cups
Discovery Land 
            Space Mountain: Mission 2, Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids

​Walt Disney Studio Park main attractions:
            The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Rock ‘n’ RollerCoaster: Aerosmith, Toy Story Playland, Art of Disney Animation, Aladdin’s Flying Carpet 

We were able to cover both parks in one day without rushing or waiting in long lines.  My best recommendation is to try an plan you trip for a Monday through Thursday, the park is not busy at all, Friday is a little busy, and then the crowds are in on the weekends.  The down season at Disneyland Paris is November/December to March, and usually the best time for deals and promotions.  The weather can be a little dreary and cold with a few closed rides for the season and maintenance, but it doesn't take away form the magic.   

Some Photography Park Tips:
- Get someone to take your picture: Offer to take another group or couple's picture first to break the ice and in exchange have them take yours!  Don't be nervous to do a few to get your pose right or ask for a reshoot.  Everyone will be happy to get their perfect photo.
- Use props!  Take pictures of:
  Your Mickey/Minnie Ears infant of the Castle or your favorite ride
  Your favorite treat
  Find "Hidden Ears", Messages, or Designs on the ground to take From Where I Stand photos
  ​Souvenirs you buy!  Pins, Mickey Ears, Mickey Mouse Gloves, Balloons, Alex & Ani/Pandora Charms/Disney Jewelry, Disney themed accessories etc
        ​Tip:  Buy some souvenirs before you go, like Mickey/Minnie Ear, shirts, pins, etc.  You can get cheaper ones online at Etsy or Amazon 
- On the rides (Spinning Tea Cups, Dumbo, Flying Carpet, Carousel, in the Castle, Phantom Mansion, etc.)
-Characters! If you know there is a specific character you are going to see google some "character poses" and questions to ask your favorite character
​-Poses:
  Blow a Kiss, Reach for the stars, "Peace Sign" it, Do a Princess or Character Pose, Laugh it Off with Your Friends, Touch Your Mickey Ears, Follow Me To Pose  

I hope these mini tips for Disneyland Paris and other Disney theme park tips brighten up your day, leave your worries behind, and inspire you for the week. 

​xx A Traveler's Bliss