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Secrets of Disneyland Paris

Have you been to any of the Disney Parks? We’re from Los Angeles, so all of my kids grew up going to Disneyland and have also made the pilgrimage to Disney World in Orlando so when our summer vacation took us through Paris this past weekend we thought why not? While a lot of both parks will look familiar with a twist (example: the Haunted Mansion is called Phantom Manor 👻) there are some big surprises…some good and some, well, head scratching 🤔

🏰🇫🇷 DISNEYLAND PARIS 🤫 SECRETS 🎢✨

One of the most unique things about Disneyland Paris is that it’s the only Disney park in the world where guests can enjoy a glass of Champagne right on Main Street! It’s a uniquely Parisian touch that makes the experience feel even more magical.

One of the coolest secrets at Disneyland Paris is that Sleeping Beauty Castle has a dragon hiding underneath it! This massive animatronic dragon lives beneath the castle and is unlike anything you’ll find at any other Disney park. The dragon occasionally wakes up, moves, growls, and even breathes smoke, making it a must-see attraction that many guests completely miss.

If you’re used to grabbing an iced coffee or your favorite Starbucks drink while visiting a Disney park, Disneyland Paris may catch you off guard! Unlike the U.S. parks, there is no Starbucks inside the parks, and iced coffee drinks are surprisingly hard to find. Instead, you’ll find a more traditional European coffee culture with options like hot café au lait or cappuccinos.They don’t offer non-dairy milk alternatives so it’s something worth planning for if you have dietary preferences.

One thing that surprises many visitors is that Disneyland Paris is the only Disney park in the world that still has designated smoking areas inside the park. While smoking is restricted to specific locations, it’s definitely something you don’t expect to see at a Disney destination. For guests who are used to the completely smoke-free policies at other Disney parks, it can feel a bit out of place and not quite what you’d associate with the typical Disney experience. It’s one of those unique cultural differences that makes Disneyland Paris stand apart from its Disney counterparts around the world.

Compared to Disney parks in the United States, Disneyland Paris has a much smaller selection of food and snack options throughout the park, but the French-inspired offerings are actually quite good. From fresh pastries to sandwiches and classic French desserts, the quality tends to be better than many visitors expect. One surprising difference? There is only one churro stand in the entire park! For Disney fans who are used to spotting churro carts around every corner, this comes as a bit of a shock.

One thing many visitors don’t realize before arriving at Disneyland Paris is just how often it rains. The weather can change quickly, and a sunny morning can easily turn into a rainy afternoon. While some attractions are covered, many are outdoors, meaning you could find yourself standing in the rain if you’re not prepared. Bringing a lightweight rain jacket, poncho, or compact umbrella can make a huge difference during your visit.

If seeing Anna and Elsa is high on your Disneyland Paris bucket list, be prepared…Frozen Ever After is one of the most popular attractions in the park, and wait times can easily climb to two hours or more! To save yourself a lot of time, consider purchasing a Premier Access pass, taking advantage of the Single Rider line, or heading to the attraction right at park opening or near closing time. A little planning can make a huge difference and help you spend less time waiting in line and more time enjoying the magic.

Here’s a fun Disney fact: it actually took longer to build the Ratatouille attraction at Disneyland Paris than it took Pixar to create the movie itself! Considering the level of storytelling and detail, it’s easy to see why bringing Remy’s world to life took so much time.

This one might sound funny, but if you’ve spent much time traveling around Paris, you’ll understand! Disneyland Paris is one of the few places where you’ll find toilet seat covers available in many of the restrooms. While it’s certainly not the most magical part of the park, it’s a small convenience that many visitors appreciate. Sometimes it’s the little details that make a big difference!

What Disney Parks have you been to? If you haven’t, which one would you like to go to? I’d like to see Tokyo Disneyland 🎡


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