Disneyland Paris - 13 June 2006

When you wish upon a star….

In my childhood years, I’m often glued to the tv, watching Mickey Mouse Club and it was my fervent wish to go to Disneyland, the happiest place on earth. Disneyland Paris is near to us now and several years ago, I was in Paris but I always wanted to go to the one in Florida. However, spotted a really sweet deal in the papers and after a hurried consultation with hubby and Jenol, we are off to Parc Disneyland.

It was such an early start, catching the underground to Waterloo for the Eurostar. The little one is beyond excitement. We had done a sticker chart thingy for her where if she does well, she get a sticker and when it reaches the top, we will go to Disneyland. It is very effective!! Many a tantrum had been averted with threats to remove a sticker.

After arriving at Gare du Nord, we changed to the RER train to Val d’Europe. The Hotel Elysee where we would be staying for 2 nights is absolutely fab! A very good 3-star with spacious rooms and right across a shopping mall and factory outlet. We should have really taken the day easy; perhaps as a rest day before tackling Disneyland but we were far too excited!

There is a free shuttle service to Disneyland. I excitedly pointed out the large Mickey Mouse ears in the distance to the little one and before long we are at the gates of Disneyland. Went through the ticket barrier and we found ourselves on Main Street USA. It was 3.30pm (about 30min. away from the Disney Parade) and already people were plonking themselves by the rope barrier.

We dashed into one of the stores and grabbed a Minnie Mouse hat (complete with ears and bow) for the little one and stood by the rope barrier. Mickey Mouse himself was driven past in a little golf buggy. I waved till my arm was about to fall off and had tears in my eyes. Dahsyat you! 15 minutes later, music blared out of the speakers and the first float, Steamboat Willie complete with Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy and the whole gang passed by. It was amazing! One after another, each Disney character pass by in gorgeous floats – Cinderella with her prince in a pumpkin coach, Belle with the huge glowering Beast, Princess Aurora with her price and the Maleficient dragon, Ariel the little mermaid; they were all there.


Details on the Aladdin's float as seen during the Parade.


Dumbo's train in the Parade


Alaadin and Jasmine on the magic carpet


First in the Parade, Steamboat Willie! (Mickey Mouse first appearance as a cartoon)



Hmm.. who cannot guess what is this float about?


Beast and Lumiere, the talking candlestick who speaks with an outrageous French accent.


Another of the Beauty and the Beast float with Belle standing on top of a cake


After the parade, we went to Fantasyland. The Sleeping Beauty castle is as beautiful as in the pictures and it was a gateway to more kiddies ride. Despite the searing heat, the queues are phenomenal. We went on the carousel and Dumbo, the flying elephant. By the time, little one and I were done with Dumbo, it was time to wake up Jenol and MH.

The queue to It’s a Small World is definitely more manageable.I had been telling the little one about this ride; that there are dancing dolls and they are all singing. Even sang the song to her a few times. So she was raring to go. I was expecting some tacky ride and was pleasantly surprised. Yes, there are dancing dolls and wooden cutouts but all so very well done. The lighting and the animation were all first class and I could go on again.


A Thai representation in Disneyland's It's a Small World. I love the shadow puppet.


And of London with the Tower Bridge, Beefeaters and double decker bus


Here's another of the It's a Small World ride

Instead we went on the Disney Railroad Train, just to get our bearings for tomorrow all-day trip. The train went round to the five lands and I was pointing out the rides that we would take tomorrow to the little one. We squeezed in a few more sightseeing on foot and a quick recce at the shops before MH pleaded exhaustion and we had to go home.