Disneyland Paris: A Disney Fan's Perspective

When you land in Paris after a night of flying, you are bound to be disoriented. You get to stand in numerous lines to have your passport checked and stamped. Once you make it through, you have several options to get to Disneyland. After researching the options of taxi, RER train, and bus, we decided to use the Disney bus. As we exited the terminal, we found a door leading to a bus stop. When a transit bus displaying "Disneyland" on the top arrived, we jumped on. This bus took us to the Disney bus area. We entered another terminal feeling rather confused. We went directly across the terminal and out the other side. The bright red Disney bus is obvious. Unlike Walt Disney World's Magical Express, you collect your own luggage, and you pay as you board the bus. It helps to have some Euros, but you can pay with a credit card. The drive allows for a short nap, which we took advantage of. (If you are not coming from the airport but from Paris proper, the RER is the way to go. We used it to return to Paris and found the trip very easy. There is an RER station outside of Disney Village. Disney Village and both theme parks are easy walking distance from one another. The attendant at the RER information desk is very helpful. They recommend you purchase RER tickets one day in advance.)

When we arrived at the Disneyland Hotel, my jaw dropped. It is beautiful. We chose the Disneyland Hotel because of its proximity to the parks. Everything is within walking distance. I made reservations with AAA, but you can easily make them online through Disney's website or through your preferred travel planner. Our room was not ready, but the concierge service was wonderful. They stowed our luggage, and we went to the park.

Disneyland Park is more like the California version than Walt Disney World. It is amazing to walk a few feet from our hotel and enter the park. Of course, right after you enter, you have to take a map. Maps at Disneyland Paris are printed in numerous languages. Watch when picking one up to make sure you get an English version; you will usually see a British Flag.