Disneyland Paris
Disneyland Paris has five different lands; each one allowing guests to step into a different world. Main Street USA harks back to a simpler time in a 1920s American town, and Discoveryland looks to the future as seen by the likes of Jules Verne. Little princesses will want to wish upon a star in Fantasyland, and burgeoning explorers can fight pirates in Adventureland, or ride a runaway train in Frontierland.
Main Street USA
Main Street sits at the heart of Disneyland Paris. This recreation of an early 20th century American street is bookended by the Disney Railroad at one end and Sleeping Beauty’s Castle at the other. The Disney Railroad offers a scenic tour around the outside of the park. Main Street USA is heartwarmingly traditional, with painted timber houses, shops, boutiques, restaurants, and ice cream parlours. Guest Services is also located here.
There are two covered arcades on Main Street; the Liberty Arcade, which charts the history of the Statue of Liberty; and the Discovery Arcade, which displays inventions and how they have shaped our lives. Main Street is also the best place to see the famous daily Disney Parades.
Frontierland
Frontierland brings to life the era of conquest and the Gold Rush in the Wild West. Thunder Mesa is a frontier town complete with a saloon, dancing girls, a shooting gallery, and the Frontierland Station on the Disney Railroad. Why not watch your favourite Disney characters come alive at the Chaparral Stage before catching a train from Frontierland station for a tour of the park?
Frontierland is overshadowed by Big Thunder Mountain, whose runaway trains whistle through the abandoned mines. If that’s not enough, dare you take a ride on a doombuggy through the Phantom Manor and discover the Ravenswood curse? Once you escape the phantom’s clutches take a gentle trip on board a paddle steamers around The Rivers of the Far West.
Adventureland
Adventureland is one of the most beautiful parts of Disneyland Park, with landscape elements taken from Caribbean islands, African deserts and Asian jungles. Wander through the oriental bazaar with its many gift shops. Perhaps you will meet Aladdin? Board a ship and experience life as a buccaneer with the Pirates of the Caribbean, now a major motion picture series. Once you disembark, imagine yourself as Peter Pan at Skull Rock or on board Captain Hook’s Ship. Visitors can also explore the exotic jungle, with undiscovered jungle paths, waterfalls and bamboo-lined walkways. Jump aboard one of the mine cars which run around the rickety scaffolding on Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril, a roller coaster which includes a complete inversion. Gain a bird’s eye view of Adventureland from the Swiss Family Robinson’s tree house. If all this adventure leaves you hungry you will find plenty of restaurants and cafes here, or take home some adventurer’s treasure from one of the many boutiques.
Fantasyland
Entering Fantasyland, visitors are immediately struck by the magnificent and enchanting Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, which is the park’s most prominent landmark. Visitors to the castle can admire the tapestries and stained glass windows and enjoy panoramic views of Fantasyland from the balconies – but try not to wake the dragon! Beyond the castle, enter the heart of Disney’s most enduring fairytales. Take a ride into the stories of Pinocchio and Snow White or board a floating galleon over the streets of London with Peter Pan. Find your way around Alice in Wonderland’s Curious Labyrinth, enjoy a boat trip through the miniature scenes of Storybook Land, or take a journey on the iconic It’s a Small World ride. Meet the Disney characters, with everyone from Mickey Mouse to Cinderella wandering round the area.
Discoveryland
This is the European version of Tomorrowland, dedicated to the visionaries of the past; Jules Verne, H.G. Wells and Leonardo da Vinci take centre stage. Visitors can travel through time and space via the main themes of science fiction, special effects and speed. The Star Wars inspired Star Tours is one of the most famous rides, offering a motion simulator trip through space to the Ewok planet of Endor. Autopia speedway, Orbitron rocketships and The Mystery of the Nautilus (based on Captain Nemo’s mythical submarine) are also all recommended. Alternatively, join Buzz Lightyear to stop Emperor Zurg’s nefarious plans in the Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast, or take a rollercoaster ride into another dimension on Space Mountain: Mission 2.
