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Albion Gould

Albion Gould

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Disneyland Paris in February

March 19, 2018 by Albion

Scott and I have been really excited to take the girls to Disneyland Paris. Our new close proximity meant that we could go fairly easily and we intended to make the most of it. It’s a short flight to Paris from Edinburgh (which means that travel to Disneyland Paris is much cheaper and quicker than it was to go to either of the parks in the States when we lived there) and then an easy bus or train ride to the parks. We have an annual pass, but we still need to plan around the girls’ school schedule (it’s quite different in the UK and you simply don’t take kids out of school for a vacation–in England you even get fined). February wasn’t our first choice for a trip, but it’s what we could do. This is what you need to know if you’re planning on going to Disneyland Paris in February.

Disneyland Paris in February

It’s going to be cold. We could see the snow over France as we arrived. It hadn’t really occurred to me that there could be real snow at Disneyland, but there absolutely was and snowed pretty hard at times while we were there. If you think you have enough layers, put on three more and you might be ok. The ground is very wet, so rain boots are highly recommended. We didn’t have any, so brought extra socks to layer up and change into if needed.

Disneyland Paris in February

We took the Magical Shuttle Airport Transfer from the airport to the hotel. It was about an hour. You catch it right at the airport (similar to the bus in California) and it takes you to each of the Disney hotels and to a bus station outside the park that’s near a bunch of off-site hotels (which is where we stayed).

Disneyland Paris in February

Our first visit into the park was to get our annual passes. We paid to enter as normal, went to the office, and got our cards. We paid the difference between the price of the annual pass and the day tickets we had purchased to get in. As we left the office, it started snowing pretty hard, which was both quite pretty and a bit strange as we were used to needing a sweatshirt at most during our Disney adventures.

Disneyland Paris in February

The weather was predominantly grey, wet, and snowy, but we did have spots of sun. To enter the park, you go through this front building that has a hotel on top. Or you can go around to the right side that very few people use and skip the queue!

Disneyland Paris in February

Disneyland Paris in February

Disneyland Paris in February

Disneyland Paris in February

Matilda had had a bad experience on a ride last year and we knew we had to ease her into riding again. A Small World was the obvious choice. It had the perk of being a pretty steadily moving line, too.

Disneyland Paris in February

Our favorite part of any Small World ride is finding New Zealand.

Disneyland Paris in February

Disneyland Paris in February

There were ducks everywhere. Each time we rode Small World, we saw the same three ducks paddling next to the boats.

Disneyland Paris in February

One of the unique attractions at Disneyland Paris is the dragon under Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. You can walk through the cave and get up close to it.

Disneyland Paris in February

Disneyland Paris in February

Dumbo has just as long a wait as it does in any of the other parks. When we entered the queue, the listed wait time was twenty minutes. A solid hour later and we were on.

Disneyland Paris in February

Disneyland Paris in February

Le Carrousel de Lancelot is large, but the ride itself is quite short. Still, it’s a favorite and the girls were happy to wait for it.

Disneyland Paris in February

Mad Hatter’s Teacups are fun, but you can’t spin as fast as in the other parks. It’s much more of a just sit back and enjoy it ride.

Disneyland Paris in February

Alice’s Curious Labyrinth was a big hit and we spent a good amount of time in it. It’s designed to feel like a proper maze to kids (but is actually a pretty straight shot if you’re paying attention) and letting the girls lead meant we saw every bit of it. There are plenty of photo opportunities and if you go to the top of the Queen of Heart’s castle at the end, you’ll get a fantastic view.

Disneyland Paris in February

Disneyland Paris in February

Disneyland Paris in February

Disneyland Paris in February

Disneyland Paris in February

Disneyland Paris in February

Disneyland Paris in February

There are fast pass options on some rides (not as many as there should be in my opinion). Unfortunately the system was down for one of our days. Because the UK was on school holidays, the park was extra crowded and not having access to fast passes made some of our waits quite long.

Disneyland Paris in February

Have I mentioned how cold it was? It’s easy to say that it was cold and to bundle up, but you also need to remember just how many Disney rides are in the open air. This meant that we were waiting in cold lines and then getting on a ride where the cold wind and sometimes rain was hitting us in the face.

Disneyland Paris in February

Disneyland Paris in February

Disneyland Paris in February

Disneyland Paris in February

Discoveryland has a Jules Verne style theming and you can walk through the Nautilus. Space Mountain even carries the theming. While we were there, Seasons of the Force was going on, so there was the Star Wars overlay as well.

Disneyland Paris in February

Disneyland Paris in February

Again, the bulk of the line is outside and part of the coaster itself is outside the building.

Disneyland Paris in February

Disneyland Paris in February

Let’s talk food. I’m a huge fan of Disney food and you know how much I love to eat. I was excited because Disney + Paris had to equal fantastic food–but I didn’t feel like it did. This is obviously a personal opinion, but I felt like there were very limited food options, everything was barely warm, and the Disney food standards that I love in other parks just weren’t there.

Disneyland Paris in February

Disneyland Paris in February

Disneyland Paris in February

Smoking is only allowed in designated areas (something that has improved since our last trip), but it isn’t enforced. It was quite common for people to be smoking in lines or walking around in crowds without any cast members saying anything.

Disneyland Paris in February

We found ourselves heading to Pirates of the Caribbean over and over again. It’s a long ride, a moving line, but most importantly, the line is inside and heated. The importance of finding warm spots can not be stressed enough.

Disneyland Paris in February

Disneyland Paris in February

Pirates seemed to be the exception to the line estimate rule–it felt like we were never in the line for as long as the listed estimate was.

Disneyland Paris in February

Disneyland Paris in February

Disneyland Paris in February

Disneyland Paris in February

Disneyland Paris in February

Disneyland Paris has a reputation for being the prettiest Disney park, but it doesn’t show that in February. There aren’t any pretty flowers, the water was all low and dirty, and there were areas that hadn’t been weeded in quite a while. While I understand that this park is in a place that gets a full winter, it’s a shame that the decorations and upkeep aren’t kept up better in winter. The footpaths were also quite slick in places and we saw a good number of people slip.

Disneyland Paris in February

Walt Disney Studios is just a short walk outside of Disneyland (again, similar to California).

Disneyland Paris in February

Disneyland Paris in February

Disneyland Paris in February

My absolute favorite Disney ride is Tower of Terror and I’m thrilled that Paris still has it (let’s just not talk about California!).

Disneyland Paris in February

Madeline had ridden it when we were in Anaheim two years ago and decided to give it another go.

Disneyland Paris in February

It’s not an exact replica of what was in California Adventure, but it does the trick.

Disneyland Paris in February

Disneyland Paris in February

No, you don’t need to know French to visit Disneyland Paris, but a few basic phrases can help. Most cast members will say or ask something in French first, so if they’re looking for a party of two, you can jump right on that. Also, it’s just polite to be able to say thank you in the country you’re in.

Disneyland Paris in February

A PhotoPass is an option, but I honestly don’t think it’s necessary unless you like buying a ride photo every time you go on. We didn’t see a single photographer walking around, not even with the (very) few characters that were out. This might have been a fluke, but it’s worth noting. We obviously bought a few ride photos, but if you buy more than one on the same day, you can show your receipt from the first purchase and get a discount on a photo from other rides.

Disneyland Paris in February

Disneyland Paris in February

Disneyland Paris in February

We chose Bistro Chez Remy for our “fancy” meal. Reservations are needed and it’s one of the pricier restaurants. It’s located right next to the ride and you can see people getting out of the cars if you’re on the far end of the restaurant. The theming is a lot of fun and you feel like you’ve shrunken down to the size of a rat.

Disneyland Paris in February

Disneyland Paris in February

Disneyland Paris in February

We ordered off a somewhat set menu. We all got a starter, main (all mains include ratatouille) and dessert. I’m going to be a bit unpopular here, but again, I was disappointed with the food. The restaurant itself was cold, the meals were barely warm, and it was super expensive for what it was.

Disneyland Paris in February

Disneyland Paris in February

Disneyland Paris in February

Disneyland Paris in February

We took a day trip into Paris from Disneyland, but I would recommend staying in Paris and making a day trip out of Disneyland Paris instead. At most, you only need two days to get everything out of the parks. With a train station right at the park, it’s an easy 45 minute trip from the city.

Disneyland Paris in February

If you need to be reminded again, it’s *cold* in Paris in February.

Disneyland Paris in February

A part of me wants to say to not go to Disneyland Paris in February, but that’s not totally fair. You need to be prepared for the cold (and while we thought we were, we were pretty miserable at times). It is quite likely to be pretty grey and wet. If you are there over UK school holidays, you need to be prepared for long waits. I struggled with the food because I wanted it to be warmer and just better. The food just doesn’t compare to Florida or California. I am looking forward to visiting in warmer weather when the flowers are out and it’s prettier. And while the cold really got to us at times, we did have fun and it was a holiday to remember.

 

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Category: geek, travelTag: Disneyland Paris

About Albion

I’ve wanted to be an archaeologist, in theatre, a judge and to run a museum. I’m now in my mid-30s and have no idea what I want to be when I grow up.

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Comments

  1. Gaye

    March 19, 2018 at 11:38 pm

    What a pity that Paris Disney was so disappointing in so many ways. The weather, of course, is something one must put up with, and I suppose it might have affected the temperature of the food; but the killer for me is the smoking. For a park like Disney to allow smoking at all, even in designated areas, is a big no-no for me. I haven’t yet been to Paris Disney, and I have to say, after your report, it’s not high on my bucket list. As you say, perhaps when it’s warmer and flowers are out, it might be better. But, I dare say the smokers will still be about. 🙁

    Reply
  2. Willow

    March 20, 2018 at 8:22 pm

    I have always wondered how Disneyland Paris compares. It’s good to know the food isn’t so great. I have a hard time as it is because I am vegan and gluten free.

    Reply
  3. Rachel

    March 21, 2018 at 2:02 am

    How fun! I’d love to visit Disneyland Paris! Crazy how similar it looks with the rides to Disney World!
    Rachel recently posted…The Best Amazon Echo FeaturesMy Profile

    Reply
    • Albion

      March 21, 2018 at 6:11 pm

      It was fun to compare the rides that matched up. There was a sense of familiarity along with a strange feeling of something being not quite right.

      Reply
  4. Daniela

    March 21, 2018 at 4:17 pm

    This was such a lovely post to read! I, too, am a huge Disney fan and am DREAMING to go to Disneyland Paris. What beautiful pictures of your kiddos as well! Crazy that you can still smoke in the parks and also crazy to hear that the landscaping wasn’t kept up as much through the Winter. You’d think they’d make the most out of having a park that experiences all of the seasons!

    Reply
    • Albion

      March 21, 2018 at 6:09 pm

      We’ll definitely go back, but we’ll make sure it’s at a warmer time of year and now we’ll know what to expect. The girls have already forgotten how cold it was. If you haven’t been to the American parks, things that caught me by surprise probably wouldn’t be a big deal.

      Reply
  5. LINDSAY INGALLS

    March 21, 2018 at 4:43 pm

    Sorry that your experience wasn’t was magical as you had hoped.

    Reply
    • Albion

      March 21, 2018 at 6:07 pm

      I was probably a bit more dramatic at times than I needed to be (I blame the cold!). We’ll definitely go back when it’s warmer. 🙂

      Reply

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