Take the Family holiday rating 
It’s a taste of the wonderful world of Disney just over two and half hours from London by train now Eurostar has moved to St Pancras. Whether you have Snow White-hating boys or Captain Hook-hating girls, or vice versa, your kids will love this slightly weird, overly clean but undeniably magical experience.
Unfortunately, the weather is more-or-less the same as England. Therefore, it’s tempting to say ‘Go in the Summer months with Sun Hat in hand’. However, the queues are relatively minuscule in Jan – March. So you could just as easily suffer the rain, wind or snow, grab yourself a ‘fetching’ yellow Disney rain mac and go when others don't want to. Plus that’s when all the free nights and free kids deals are available.
take the train
Having tried Disneyland Paris by plane, coach/ferry and most recently by Eurostar, here at Take the Family we confidently say ‘let le train take le strain’. Direct Eurostars from London St Pancras to the theme park are (a) VERY easy (b) a VERY quick/smooth ride (c) better for the children as they can stand and walk around, which they can’t much when flying. Plus, staff deliver your luggage to your hotel (if you’ve bought a tour-operator inclusive package), so you can get straight to the park upon arrival. Alternatively, you can take a Eurostar to central Paris, if you choose to base yourself there, and then public transport (the RER) out to the park. Read Dea Birkett's Paris article on their family holiday to central Paris twinned with a Disneyland family adventure.
Take lots of lightweight activities and snacks. There’s loads of legroom and a VERY good drop-down tray. Kids are more than happy to chat, draw, read, eat and watch people out of the window, although they’ll get free activity packs and even appearances by Disney cast members with tips to help them plan their visit. The walk to the buffet car is an adventure in itself, rewarded by an interactive French lesson when you get there: Deux croissants, s’il vous plait! Check availability on Eurostar.
take the plane
Getting to Paris from the UK is easy as pie – you can fly from all major, most regional and many smaller airports these days. The flight time from London is a mere 45 minutes, but remember to allow for transfer time. Check with British Airways and Expedia for great deals on flights to Paris.
If you’re staying within the resort, you can get a hotel shuttle (VEA) direct from the airport, for €16 (€13 children 3–11). Tickets can be bought from the drivers or in advance via the website. Or Hertz offers special car-hire deals in conjunction with Disneyland.
If you choose to stay in central Paris rather than at or near the park, the RER line A4 takes you Marne la Vallée/Chessy station 100m from the park gates in 35 minutes.
There are numerous accommodation options in and around Disneyland Paris, some run by Disneyland, where the kids will enjoy being entertained by Disney characters at breakfast. Other options can work out more cost-effective; you might try The Kyriad Hotel, which is just 2km from Disneyland and offers quadruples with a double bed or two singles plus a bunk bed (top bunk for ages 6 and over only) for a bargain €70 at certain times of year. For larger families, take a look at Disney's Davy Crockett Ranch®, which can sleep up to 6 and includes park tickets, plus parking is free. Expedia has some great Disney Resort deals including park entry.
Note that if you stay in a Disney hotel, for the duration (extended but as yet undefined) of the 15th anniversary celebrations, you get access to certain areas of the park two hours before the official opening – a real boon.
For accommodation in central Paris, see our destinations page, or check with Active Hotels for Paris hotel offers.
Although the 15th birthday celebrations are ending, there are new attractions to console you: Crush’s Coaster, inspired by Finding Nemo, Cars Race Rally and, from early 2008, the Tower of Terror thrill ride inspired by The Twilight Zone, and interactive new character encounters such as Stitch Live. Best of all, under-7s ‘play and stay free’ birthday offers are slated to continue, with some operators at least, into 2008. Find out more of the latest news at Disneyland® Resort Paris.
Try to catch all of the parades – kids love them, and they’re genuinely impressive, although you’ll need to grab a hot chocolate to keep you warm in winter.
Check out height restrictions before you queue – it’s a disaster if your screaming three-year-old suddenly isn’t allowed on a ride they’ve got excited about.
Take under-5s to Fantasyland – most of the best stuff for them is there. See also the park website for a day-by-day itinerary for those with babies and smaller kids.
Visit Buzz Lightyear’s Pizza Planet (in DiscoveryLand) with little ones, for its great little playground.
Have dinner with Mickey and mates at Chef Mickey (in Disney Village). The cuisine isn’t the toast of epicurean France but when your little ‘uns are smiling up at Mickey, Goofy, Chip ‘n’ Dale, etc, your food group worries tend to fade away.
Afternoon Tea (Disneyland Park) with the all characters is also available and a relatively cheap option. No meal but does include, buns, rolls and… more cakes.
It’s not cheap, with 1-day passes currently costing £32 (£27 ages 3–11), or 2 day passes £64 (£55 ages 3-11), but it can work out fairly reasonable if you get one of the regular free nights/free kids’ deals. The restaurants are – not surprisingly – overpriced, so if you’re trying to keep the budget down make sure the children stock up on the inclusive hotel breakfast so they aren't really that hungry for lunch (although you will need a rest and a sit-down).
The souvenir shops are vast, plentiful and pricey – and difficult to avoid. You’ll do well to escape without a Mickey Mouse purchase.
by Helen Truszkowski
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Everything you need to ensure a successful family holiday to Paris.
by Helenor Rogers
Helps ensure Disney ends up as exciting for older kids as for younger ones.
by Rebecca Welby
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Offers 7 to 12 year olds hours of fun while on holiday in France.
Expedia
A highly affordable alternative to other options near Disneyland. More
* per room per night
Expedia
New England meets Paris and Disney More
* per adult per two night break inclusive of travel
Attraction World
Adults £76 Children(3-11yrs) £63
* Tickets must be used by 9th November
Attraction World
Adult £60, Children (3-11yrs) £24
* 2 consecutive days, must be used within 1yr
