Disney dreams

Three weeks ago we had our annual family holiday. The venue this year was Disneyland Paris and it was amazing. To say that it was unforgettable would be an understatement. Noah’s face when we went up Main Street, USA for the first time, was full of wonder and innocence. I want Noah to never lose that. I know it’s pretty clichéd of me to say, but there’s just something so magical about any Disney resort, and Disneyland Paris does not fail to live up to that!

This isn’t a diary or a review as such, it’s more of a tribute! A tribute to all things DLP, to all things wonderful and beautiful.

Why Disney?

I’ve been a lover of Disney for my entire life, like many people my age! There’s something magical about anything Disney related, and the films and stories also add an element of realism in amongst the magic. I went to Disneyworld Florida a few times as a child and loved it. Andy had never been to Disney until he went to Paris with Sixth Form, and he’s been 11 or 12 times since!

We’re definitely Disney fans in this household. When we became parents, we knew we would take Noah to Disney at some point. We visited DLP in 2014 when Noah was around 18 months old. He appreciated, but it was more a trip for Mam and Dad!

When we decided to return, it made sense to go when it was Disneyland Paris’ 25th Anniversary celebrations; this was spectacular and I’m so pleased we did go then, rather than wait for the Summer Holidays.

Disney… Why Paris is ideal

A few people assumed we’d just go to Florida, and I’m not sure why! We will go to Florida at some point, but for us it will be a once in a lifetime kind of holiday so we’re going to wait until Noah’s older (and for the Star Wars park to open). Also, Noah’s still young and Disneyland Paris is fantastic for little (and big) kids. DLP is not the poor relation to Florida. I have to say! It’s phenomenally good. It’s absolutely ideal for our little family right now- short flight, slightly smaller parks and hotels on the doorstep of the park. Perfect for us and Noah! All of the spectacle you’d expect from Disneyworld Florida you get at DLP.

If anyone is torn between the two holidays, and you’ve got younger children, I’d definitely say to go with Paris. It was just perfect for us and our 5 days felt like much longer, in the best possible way.

My favourite Disney moment?

This is tricky… we had an amazing time! There was so much that we loved: Disney Illuminations, Star Tours, meeting the characters and seeing how happy it made Noah. The best part was, however, the Disneyland Paris Anniversary celebrations. There was a parade with ALL of the Disney characters, music, dancing and so much joy. It was broadcast live online too, so we’ve managed to watch it back since, much to Noah’s pleasure. It was fabulous and I’m so grateful that we got to see this momentous parade as a family.

Disney dreams

Will we go back to Disneyland Paris? Oh yes! That was decided before we’d even left for home. Andy and I celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary next summer, so we’re going to go back then. We’ve stayed in the Hotel Cheyenne and Sequoia Lodge, so I think it’s time for Newport Bay Club Hotel to make it different for us. If you have a little one and fancy going to Disney, but the flights to Florida are off putting, then don’t dismiss Disneyland Paris. It really is everything you would expect from a Disney resort, and so much more. It exceeded my own expectations both times we visited, and personally, I cannot wait to return!

Disney is definitely in our hearts!