Xmas Holidays at Disneyland Paris & Walt Disney Studios 30th Anniversary
Amidst the festive buzz of Paris during the holiday season, my boyfriend and I decided to take a break from the city’s hustle and bustle for a day trip to a realm of magic and wonder: Disneyland Paris. And what better time to visit than during its 30th-anniversary celebration, when the park was adorned with extra sparkle and joy? Oh, and champagne.
The journey from our hotel was a breeze, thanks to the convenient direct train that dropped us off right at the entrance of the park. Stepping through the gates early in the morning, we were greeted by Main Street’s charm, where we had a quick breakfast and some much-needed caffeine before embarking into the park.
Visiting Disneyland Paris during the Christmas holiday added an extra layer of magic to our experience. The park was decked out in festive decor, with twinkling lights, towering Christmas trees, and even a sprinkle of snow during the parade, adding to the enchantment. Also, everywhere we turned, we encountered special 30th-anniversary touches, from commemorative merchandise to themed food and drinks, like the delightful toasting glasses of champagne.
From Mickey-shaped Treats to Fine Dining, one of the highlights of any Disneyland visit is undoubtedly the food, and Disneyland Paris did not disappoint. For a taste of adventure, Captain Jack’s Restaurant des Pirates beckoned and enjoyed the Island Style Fish Soup, although it fell a bit short of my expectations. Dinner, we savored every bite at Bistrot Chez Remy Disney, where the Remy Menu offered steak frites and ratatouille. The atmosphere was definitely what you are paying for. At Jack’s we were seated front and center to the actual ride, and Bistrot Chez Remy transported you into the world of Ratatouille. Both restaurants were walk-up reservations, though the reservations at Chez Remy were more challenging and a little frustrating to get since Disneyland Paris does not have the digital integration in their app for walk-ups.
But it wasn’t just the sit-down restaurants that delighted our taste buds. Throughout the park, we discovered an array of tempting treats at food stalls and shops. From hot mulled wine to sweet Nutella crepes, to a champagne toast of Champagne Pierre Mignonin in front of the castle and Mickey’s Noelement Bon shortbread cookies, there was something to satisfy every craving and keep us fueled all day. I didn’t even miss the churros with the abundance of excellent food carts and of course the crepes.
Highlight of food carts was definitely the hot mulled wine – it was quite a cool, overcast day and it rained pretty hard for a couple of spells. Having hot mulled wine really helped warm us right up while walking between parks and rides. Also, the stalls with French cuisine of savory buckwheat crepes, macarons and cheesy raclette…délicieux!!
With our appetites satiated, we dove into the heart of Disneyland Paris, eager to explore its iconic attractions. From the thrilling twists and turns of Big Thunder Mountain to the immersive experience of Ratatouille: The Adventure, every ride and show brought its own unique blend of excitement and enchantment.
As fans of both Marvel and Star Wars, we were particularly thrilled by the array of superhero and galactic adventures awaiting us. Whether it was swinging through the streets with Spiderman or hurtling through space on Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain, we felt like kids again, caught up in the magic of it all. Compared to Disneyland, we also felt the park rides were more adult geared – featuring more thrills and faster coasters. I did miss having the Star Wars Land, but the Avengers Campus had a lot more to explore here. Plus, they had the OG Tower of Tower still – and boy was that so much fun. I’m pretty sure it’s still my boyfriend’s least favorite right, but he’s such a good sport about it. The ride times we also were able to time well, with the use of the online crowd calendar, the rides were no longer than 15 min waits and we utilized single rider lines for even shorter wait times, still getting to sit next to each other.
As the day drew to a close and we made our way back to Paris, we couldn’t help but reflect on the unforgettable experience we had at Disneyland Paris. While we only enjoyed a day of all the park has to offer, we left with hearts full of joy and memories to last a lifetime.
Would we go back? Absolutely, without a doubt. And next time, we’ll be sure to explore more of the park’s higher end sit-down restaurants and perhaps catch a few shows we missed. But one thing’s for sure: no matter how many times we visit, the magic of Disneyland Paris during the Christmas holiday will always remain special.
THOUGHTS / IMPRESSION / TIPS
Check the online Google Calendar crowd tracking – Is it Packed? – it is quite accurate, and even works for Disney Paris!
Disney during the holidays is something special, from the extra decor to the gussied up food, as well as the 30th anniversary, if you can plan around these events.
Use single rider when available and skip the Genie purchase ($$$).
Check for walk-up reservations and waitlist for restaurants on the Disney app or talk with a cast member, we got into two with this method day-of (same as Disneyland).
Use the Disney app for fairly accurate details of ride closures and wait times., other third party apps work well too (only have tried for iphone).
Staying in Paris still makes it convenient to get to Disneyland Paris. PLUS CHEAPER accommodations, and you can explore Paris on a day you aren’t at Disneyland and take a comfortable train directly to the gates of Disneyland and back.
Food/Drink Stops: Bistrot Chez Remy Disney (Remy Menu : steak frites & ratatouille prix fix)(4★)($$$$), Captain Jack’s Restaurant des Pirates Disney (Island Style Fish Soup) (2★)($$$$), Disneyland Paris Food Stalls/Shops (Hot Mulled Wine, Sweet Nutella Crepes, Champagne Pierre Mignon, Macaroons, Shortbread Mickey Cookie with Raspberry Jam “Mickey’s Noelement Bon”, Mickey Shaped Chocolate Chip Cookie & Cocoa, Savory Crepe, cheesy raclette) [Gourmand L’Hiver and Les Saveurs de Saison food stalls by Alice and Wonderland & Ratatouille] (4★)($-$$)
Places to Stay: Hotel Marais Home (3★)($$$$)
Points of Interest: Big Thunder Mountain, Indiana Jones, Phantom Manor, Ratatouille, Pirates of the Caribbean, Tower of Terror, Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain, Adventure Isle, Spiderman W.E.B. Adventure, Avengers Assemble: Flight Force, Star Wars Star Tours, Alice and Wonderland Walk Through, Finding Nemo
SKIP : Captain Jack’s Restaurant des Pirates (the experience was cool being in the restaurant in front of the ride, but the food was meh)
Want to See: I would go here again 100000% and try some of the other sit down restaurants, I loved going in the winter and it was so cool to see all the 30th anniversary speciality food items around (like the toasting glasses of champagne!)
The Peace Traveler 