Yay! You're finally heading to Disneyland Paris! It's going to be so magical!
Sometimes it can be a little overwhelming when you visit a new park, or even any of the parks for the first time. There's so much to see and do, so many people and smells and sounds that it can be difficult to focus on any one thing for long.
But my first bit of advice is to take your time to take in the magic. It's your first trip, let go of your worries and make the most of it! Get those ears, wear that Disney T-shirt and matching trainers, have fun.
There is no right or wrong way of doing a Disney trip. Do what works for you.
Download the app - you won't regret it!
Make sure that you have the app, so you can always be on top of the ride wait times, if any rides have closures, table bookings for food and what time the shows are.
It can really help you plan either your whole day or just what to do next. It's also super helpful for click&collect for the fast food places. It will mean a lot less queuing and waiting for food, as you can pick a time slot to collect!
Top-Tip: If you want to make dining reservations, book them as early as possible!
Get a badge!
Grab a badge to celebrate your first trip. You'll get a lot of interaction from cast members as well as other park visitors. You can also get badges for different occasions too, not just for your first trip!
Head to City Hall or you can also ask for one at your hotel. I have seen a few of the stores hand them out from behind the tills, so you can always try asking if you forget to call in at City Hall first thing.
Use your Extra Magic Hours
If you stay in one of the Disney Hotels, you will have access to Extra Magic Time in certain parts of the parks. If you've ever heard of 'rope drop' this is it! You can gain access from 08:30. You'll be able to have an extra hour in the park before the general public. Use it wisely!
It's up to you how you choose to spend it. Most people run for their favourite ride before it has a huge wait. Or you can get ready to meet your favourite character or get that magical castle selfie.
Being in the park so early, it is much quieter and it is one of our favourite times. You can honestly get so much done! And then we'll have an afternoon nap before we head back in for some food and get ready for the fireworks!
Take snacks!
You're going to be on your feet a lot, and being so excited can be pretty exhausting. Sometimes you don't want to have to queue for a quick snack or a drink, so having some in your bag handy can get that energy back up for your next adventure!
You can fill your water bottle up in various places at the park.
Obviously you have to buy some of the snacks from Main Street for those important photos, but they aren't the cheapest. So having a stash is always handy.
Top-Tip: If you're staying a hotel with breaksfast included, why not grab a few extras to last you through the day. You can also grab food before you go into the park for a much cheaper option.
Fireworks Show
If you want to make sure you get the very best spots.. you're going to have to be prepared to wait for a long time.
If you get to your spot around an hour to an hour and a half before, you are sure to have a great spot. Here is where those snacks come in handy! Maybe also have something in your bag to keep you entertained, or just enjoy the atmosphere.
Obviously it's great to get as good a view of the castle as possible, but there will probably be less crowds to the sides of the castle or a little further back. You also need to keep in mind that it gets very busy when trying to leave the park after the show, so that might be something to take into account.
But if you're stuck waiting for the crowd to leave and pretty close to the castle, you can sometimes get some good castle shots!
Parade Show
Most people tend to wait on Main Street to watch the parade, so that is where it will be the busiest. Aim for somewhere else about 30-40 minutes before it's due to start!
Good places for viewing are near It's A Small World gates, outside Bella Notte or the gates by the Ribbons and Bows shop.
Clothing
- COMFORTABLE SHOES. Trainers or crocs.
You are going to do a lot of walking, standing around in queues, you're on your feet all day long. You're definitely going to be getting that daily steps target - and beyond!
- BAG
A bag is a must (an excuse to purchase that Disney backpack..) you can carry your water bottles and snacks. You can pop your jacket in there if you get too warm, or grab your poncho if it decides to rain. And you can also put your ears in when you go on a ride or put your souvenirs in there too! You'll never regret taking a bag!
Comfortable footwear is a life saver. The last thing you want is to be in pain. If you're planning on wearing new trainers, bed them in a little before your trip.
- COAT
Depending on the season, there may be a chance of rain. So it's always worth packing a poncho in your bag if that is the case
- SHORTS
Wearing a dress in the heat? Put some shorts underneath. This way there is not chance of getting sore and you're also protected if there is any wind or on the fast rides.
The Castle
Sleeping Beauty's castle really is the prettiest! For great photos you can go a little to the side of the castle on the left, there is a little part where it looks like it would go under the bridge. But it is usually a quieter spot and you can get a lot of the castle in the photo too.
Definitely a great option to use this one day with your Extra Magic Hours as it will be quieter than later in the day.
Don't forget that there is a dragon you can go and visit underneath the castle as well as the balcony upstairs to view stained glass windows and statues of the Sleeping Beauty story.
Explore
Just go for a walk around. Look at all the theming and details. Disney always has little details everywhere, make sure to take the time to take it all in!
Also, we recommend visiting Val de Europe, it's a huge shopping mall and it also has a Primark for more Disney purchases! It's well worth the visit and it's a quick 5-10 minute train journey away.
For more tips there is so much on YouTube if you want to see the rides before you go, etc. You can be as prepared as you like or you can have it be more of a surprise!