Disneyland Paris, needing some advice

[InTheCludgie]

Hi all, my 2 SILs are talking about potentially taking my 2 DCs (DD age 7, DS age 11) to Disneyland Paris as they are coming into an inheritance soon and want to treat them (I feel a bit anxious about this as DCs have never been away with anyone else before, and we have only had an odd night away from them when my DSis has watched them in our home, but that's another thread I guess!).

DH is doubtful that the kids would enjoy this, neither are particularly interested in Disney or Marvel but if it has plenty in the way of rides they would be more keen. Watching parading Mickeys etc would probably bore them witless. Can anyone who has been before offer some insight?

Thanks!

They'd love it! Yes it is all 'Disney themed' but the rides themselves are fantastic! If they don't want to watch the parades, they'll even be able to get onto some of the rides which usually have massive queues, much quicker as everyone else will be waiting for/ watching the parade.

They have amazing rides. If they like rides they'll be in their element.

We managed two visits to DLP without seeing a single parading Mickey. We are not Disney obsessed as a family but still had a great time going on the rides abs exploring. It’s fun for kids. There must be some Disney films they like? We enjoyed seeing the references to various films dotted around the parks.

You don’t need to be disney obsessed, its basically a very good and much cleaner version of alton towers/thorpe park with better weather.

We went at half term . Ds is nearly 12 and dd is 7.

Neither are huge Disney fans but we had such a great time. We want to go back!

There are loads of decent rides, especially if they get passes for Disney studios (aerosmith roller coaster and tower of terror are in that part).

IMO, it is rather shit. Dirty, overpriced, run down, rides breaking down.

I could check the height restrictions for rides, if the 7 yo can't go on things the 11 yo can't it might cause issues between them.

I wouldn't let someone take my children abroad to a insanely busy theme park at those ages. DLP is the pits as well.

Thank you for all the replies, it looks like the Dcs might enjoy it. We've had a couple of trips to Alton Towers which the kids love so comparisons to it sound promising! I'll see if I can talk DH into a trip to Paris for both of us while DCs are at DLP - we won't get this same chance again until they're grown up!

Just read your reply @frydae . I have reservations about other people taking DCs away to a strange country. Yes, it's their aunts, but they haven't ever as much as taken them away locally to an attraction for a few hours, never mind abroad for several days. This is why I would feel better about being closer by if we were to take a trip into Paris at the same time.

I'd say DLP is more Chessington than Alton Towers/Thorpe Park - the park is split into different themed sections eg Fairytale etc

I know it's a bit extreme but you can buy small tracking devices for their bags or such if you are worried, it might put your mind at ease a bit.
I loved DLP and we're doing a day trip there in august.
Your kids will love it, the atmosphere is special and the rides are great.

Disney land is fab. Even if you’re not a massive Disney fans they’ll still get caught up in the magic.

they’re the perfect ages to go imo. As they’re old enough to go on everything and really enjoy it.

though if want to be going with them, as wouldn’t want to miss out on the fun. Anyway you could tag along as well?

Could you not stay at DLP and get the train into Paris, so your on hand overnight but not with them during the day?

@Respectforpeople that's an idea. DS in particular is an early riser (has ADHD) whereas SILs have never had children so they may be in for a shock with 630am wake up calls!

@Ohhelpicantthinkofaname while it's great DHs sisters want to do this, I definitely would not want to spend prolonged time with them - DH would probably feel the same tbh.

Just got back from DLP and can share my thoughts -

• A good range of rides for kids who want some thrills. Enough to easily fill a couple of days if they don’t want to rush around madly. If you download the app you can check height restrictions, but my DS5 was able to go on everything so I’m sure your 7 year old will be fine.


• they may be too old to meet Mickey, but I’d highly recommend the Darth Vader meet and greet for older kids (and adults). Absolutely worth the queue.


• they may enjoy the lion king show but would be too old for the others


• the main park has some twee areas and some more non-cheesy bits. It is easy enough to avoid too much Mickey if you want. The smaller park has some great rides, even if they are Disney themed (eg the ratatouille 3d ride and the Nemo themed rollercoaster were great)


• stay on the park if you can - the train station is right opposite the park so you can do a Paris day trip as a PP suggested. Maybe do one family day in Paris together? The hotels are overpriced, but they are very convenient for the parks.


• food is generally overpriced, so do budget that into the stay.


• Fireworks are fantastic, even for non-Disney fans


• if you stay on the park, you get entry an hour before other visitors so you can get onto the big rides first thing. The queues are short during the parades, which helps

hope that helps!