Celebrate Disneyland Paris’ 30th anniversary with a fun break for all the family

RECENTLY, my four-year-old daughter Poppy announced: “When I grow up, I want to be Spider-Man.”

Which is one of the reasons why we find ourselves slinging webs alongside a virtual Spidey himself at Disneyland Paris on the Spider-Man Web Adventure, which launched last year.

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As we emerge with huge grins and tired arms – web slinging,  it turns out, is quite the workout – Spider-Man himself is now somersaulting across a rooftop and I don’t think anything can top this morning for my little girl. 

Hip, hip, hooray!

The other reason we’re here is that Disneyland Paris is celebrating its 30th anniversary, so there’s a party vibe throughout (as well as special souvenirs, like Mickey-Mouse-shaped ice creams).

Experiencing it all for the first time with my little ones makes it feel extra-special.

Raffy, who’s 22 months old, may not remember it, but under-threes are free both on the Eurostar to get here and at the two parks (Disneyland and Walt Disney Studios), which helps keep costs down.

Plus, he adores high-fiving all the characters we meet, and I reckon the whole weekend must feel like a mega version of baby sensory to him – particularly Ratatouille: The Adventure, a 4D experience of being a rat scuttling through a Parisian restaurant, smells and all. 

After riding crowd-pleasers like the Slinky Dog Zigzag Spin together, we chance upon the award-winning Mickey And The Magician show, while looking for a chance to rest our feet.

And what a find it is.

With no clue what to expect, we discover it’s packed with illusions and favourites from Aladdin, Beauty And The Beast, The Lion King and Frozen – all performing their greatest hits.

I feel a child-like joy, just as I did arriving this morning to the spectacle of the famous character parade and spotting the candy-coloured castle in real life. 

Disney Land of Nod

During nap time, my husband Andy and I take turns to ride the thrilling Avengers Assemble: Flight Force, an in-the-dark rollercoaster, as well as the iconic Tower Of Terror, before we hit more family favourites like Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast and the colour-popping It’s A Small World boat trip, once the kids wake.

Come the end of the day, it’s a welcome break to hop on the free shuttle bus back to Hôtel L’Elysée Val d’Europe, a sophisticated pad just 10 minutes from the parks, and offering a much-needed spot of calm.

Crayons, balloons and Disney-themed printouts await the kids in the sleek, spacious rooms, but it’s a place for couples just as much as it is for families, with a sun-trap of a terrace to sip cocktails on – we can recommend the moreish whisky and Chambord-based Le Bombardier. 

Meanwhile, relaxed bistro Le George serves treats such as stuffed truffle chicken, £18, and flavoursome steak and chips, from £16, with a summer crumble, £9, to finish.

If you’re exhausted, though, order the best take on a croque monsieur – made with brie – I’ve ever had, £13, alongside a glass of crisp rosé to your room, and you’ll soon feel ready to hit Mickey’s kingdom again… 

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