To Disneyland Paris with Célia

I've never been a huge fan of all things Disney when I was kid. I only enjoyed Mickey cartoons on TV. I remember my first visits to Disneyland Paris, I never set my foot on the Fantasyland. I mostly rode big thrill attractions over and over again. Thanks to my daughter, Célia, I have rediscovered the magic of Disneyland.

There are two parks at Disneyland Paris: Disneyland Park (DP) which is the classic Disney attractions and Walt Disney Studio Park (WDSP) which is the cinema and animation related attractions. This review will focus on Célia's favorite Fantasyland, the happiest of Lands where the fairytales and stories that inspired Disney's Classic animated films come vividly and magically to life.

Here are Célia's top picks for the attractions/shows:

It's a small world (located in DP), a joyful boat ride that takes you a tour of world. Fantastic scenery as dolls of all nations sing and dance to the theme song that changes instrumentally and lyrically to match the country you’re sailing through. It’s hard to catch everything,  your head darts back and forth to see things on the left side, and the right, and then there are things on the ceiling as well. Célia was totally enchanted and sang the song along the ride.

Playhouse Disney Live on Stage! (located in WDSP), a live entertainment featuring stars of the Playhouse Disney television shows. It's full of fun and special effects. Célia gets her chance to mingle with the other kids, clap her hands, sing and dance with the Playhouse Disney friends.

And of course the parades: Once Upon a Dream Parade in DP and Disney's stars 'n' Cars in WDSP. The parades are full of magic. The floats, the characters, the beautiful costumes, the song theme, they are absolutely fa-bu-lous. It doesn't come for free though, you need to standby at least 30 minutes before the parade for the one in DP and less for the one in WDSP (If needed, I could give you a tip for the best spot), but it's worth waiting.

Last but not least  Meet 'n' Greet with beloved Disney Characters. Check the list of the venues in the programme. You have some choices: patiently queing at some specific spots, after a performance or sometimes you just stumble accross them on the street.

Here are some tips to make the best of your visit:

• Buy the ticket with your hotel reservation or online. It's too bad that you have to queue when you have not even started the visit. Kids under 3 are free.

• Pick up a programme to know the opening hours, lists of times and various shows, parades and Disney Character Meet 'n' Greets. Summer has long hours but more queues.

• Plan your day (check weather you have 1 or 2 parks ticket). It's impossible to see all shows/spectacles and visit all the rides because there are too many and the queues are just too long (expect to queue for >30 mins for a 45 second ride)

• There are facilities for babies: stroller rental, microwaves, bottle warmers, rocking chairs and changing tables are available at Baby Care Centers, "Baby switch" service: allows mom then dad to take turns on adult rides without having to queue a second time.

• There are play areas: Pocahontas Village and Pirates' Beach at DP

• Shopping service, do your shopping befor 3PM and get them delivered to your hotel or simply pick up before heading off home.

• For the most popular attractions, use FastPass to cut down your queuing time.

For more information (hotels, access, etc) check out Disneyland Paris website

Revive your magical moment at Disneyland.