Disneyland Paris with 4yo boy. What shouldn't we miss?

[lucylookout]

Title says it all really. I'm feeling a bit bamboozled by everything that's there. We'll be there for 2 days (although 2 day trips from Paris, not staying on site). I'm not sure whether to just stick to Disneyland Park or do the Studios too (bearing in mind I'm 22 weeks pregnant with slightly dodgy hips, so want to keep the days not too long and keep walking to as much of a minimum as possible ) He's not that into Mickey etc, but likes Cars and Buzz Lightyear. Top recommendations please!

cars and toystory rides at studios, but they are veeeeery queuy (sp?)

buzz lightyear blast is at magic kingdom in discoveryland I think.

magicforum is a good DLP site, also Dis and Dib have DLP sites.

unnoficial guide to DLP is fantastic.

that's DIBB, sorry.

unofficial, gah.

he will probably love most of fantasyland at that age.

Don't forget the dragon under the castle, it is ace.

Thanks Silverbay, sounds like a 2 day, 2 park ticket will be best for us

Echo what silverbay said. Also cars stunt show. There is a casey junior train ride which he might like.

Perhaps book a character lunch so you get a proper sit down and rest half way through the day.

Silverbay, are you still around, what is 'dragon under the castle'?

Thanks Hermione, everlong and fluffy, you're being added to my list!

Just another quick question, the cars stunt show looks really good, but how do we go about seeing it? Do you need tickets in advance? Or do you just turn up before the start time and queue?

Stitch live is also good fun as is playhouse live. Our DS1 5 loved them! We did a character breakfast this one and both boys loved it! I recommend that.

If you are eating on site earl of sandwich is the most reasonably priced and they aren't bad at all.

You want to try and see as many of the parades as you can, they are brilliant!

As you're pregnant you can get a priority queue jumping card. Just go to guest relations on your first day- City hall, first big building on your left as you come under the arches into Main Street.

www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTopic-g226865-i2224-k4399624-Special_passes_for_pregnant_women_in_the_parks-Marne_la_Vallee_Seine_et_Marne_Ile_de_France.html

To get to the dragon under the castle- when you come down Main Street towards the castle, turn left by the moat, there is a little path going into fantasy land. On your right will be the castle and there is a sign next to a little door way into the castle saying 'Taniere du Dragon'- this is the dragon's lair.

oooh you have to go and see the dragon under the castle. Our family theory is that he/she provides the central heating for the castle. It was closed last time we went because the dragon had gone off to visit her friend in Florida and the princesses were therefore freezing

Buzz Lightyear ride. Lots of times.

Probably the car stunt show in Studios (good chance for you to sit down, although you will freeze)

The studios are an absolute must, in fact the last few time we've gone we've spent more time in the studios than in the Disney park

You probably want one day in Disneyland and one in the studios. The studios day is mostly shows, try and catch the first Stunt show of the day, because the stunt show is the one that runs less frequently.

Car Stunt show is an absolute must, particularly as Lightening Mcqueen is now in it. You just turn up. But as others have said it is very very cold (certainly in winter when we tend to go). If you've got a pushchair bring two blankets one to sit on one to spread over you. Or coats that cover your bottom and have hoods.

Studios: Another vote for Stitch Live and Playhouse disney. Also the stars in cars parade may well be of more interest than the Disneyland parade if you find you only have the time to do one.

Disneyland - Buzz Lightyear spin (awesome!!). Pirates of the Carribean and Phantom manor are slightly scary but awesome. If yours are keen on fast rides (and you have someone to go on them with him!!) runaway mine train and Star tours (an awesome space simulator ride).

If you're going pregnant (speaking from experience!!) Plan things well - plan the the shows so you get a good sit down at regular points during the day.

Food-wise the pizza restaurants tend to be faster service in Disney Park. Still haven't worked out a good way of doing food in the studios!! If you want to meet characters I would normally say characters meals (esp breakfast at Cafe Mickey) are a must, but frankly if your boy isn't a Mickey fan I wouldn't bother. If you do decide you want to it might be worth looking into the BBQ cookout in Disneyland cos I think Woody appears there

Thanks all, sound like the studio shows and parades are worth a look (and advice noted - we'll take lots of layers and blankets to keep warm). And thanks for the tip on the pregnancy card sleepy sox. My hips are already a bit dodgy so that'll come in very handy!

Oh if you can get a priority card that would be ace.

I recommend Animagic. Even as a grown up I thoroughly enjoyed it.

If you can, also try do Buffalo Bills Wild West Show. Its in Disney Village and you could do it after the parks. You get a meal included in the ticket price and is great fun, and sitting don as well.

YY to above suggestions. Word of warning though re playhouse disney. There are no seats, the kids sit on the floor so if you are struggling with walking/sitting because of pregnancy, then you won't get the chance of a seat during the show (my mum took DD when we went last year, and she did not enjoy having to sit on the floor - she's 63 so a bit creaky in her old bones ).

Don't bother with cinemagic - we took DD as well, and she was a bit freaked out by it (she was 5 at the time). Def agree the animagic show - that's fab.

Banana has a point about playhouse disney, but they do have disabled seat s around the sides, and if you've got the easy access pass anyway I'm sure they would let you use them if you need ed it

Oh and if you're ds is into drawing don't miss the magic of animation thing. The show you can totally miss if your short of time, but go in the exit and they have the interesting drawing stuff your ds can do.nice bit of quiet esp. Iat the end of the day

My daughter loved it, and still talks about it. Peter Pan's flight is beautiful, the flying elephant/planet/carpet rides are great and she must have gone on the tea cups and carousel 4 times each. She was 20 months when we took her. Had to bf on the Pirates of the Caribbean ride as it was too scary for her. A first?

You must go on the Haunted Mansion, unfortunately it was closed when we went and it's the only dark ride we missed. The dark rides are what the parks are all about - a real bit of American Gothic.

It's a shame you're pg and can't go on Space Mountain...

Just one other thing you shouldn't miss....make sure you get one of the 'buggies' available for hire. You may think at 4 he is too old but believe me he will need it! It is very tiring....I could have done with one myself!

Thanks Ellabella, I thought might do that. It's also a good way of carrying bags, snacks etc (and yes, I was wondering if I'd fit on if I get too knackered!)

We're all booked. I think I'm more excited than ds!