First time to Disneyland Paris - what things are a must to do with a 6 and 4 year old

[tracy021083]

Thinking of taking our children to disney next June and wanted to make a list of all the must see's and do's so we can try and put a proper budge together for the trip.

At the minute we are looking at going the first week of June for 4 nights / 5 days

We have a girl who will be almost 4 and a boy who will be 6

Our daughter is princess mad - think I have read something about being able to have dinner where the princesses are? This sounds fab, but would my son and hubby come to or would it not be for them at all and perhaps they should do something else while we go there?

Thanks in advance for any help x

 

[Mum to Belle]

Yes you can have lunch at the Auberge de Cendrillion with some princesses which may not appeal to your boys!

I would say that you would want to do everything with the exception of the thrill rides which have height restrictions and maybe some of the things in Studios. When it comes to rides a lot of it depends on your children (some just don't like rides!) and their heights.

I would recommed at least one character meal. Cafe Mickey is good fun, Cowboy Cookout had some great reviews this year - I'm not sure if it's on next year? We love Inventions too but it is £££££!!

Enjoy exploring the parks, there is so much to see just wandering around, so many lovely details that you can miss easily.

Have fun reading the restaurant reviews to make a list of where you would like to eat - that's my favourite part!

Do you know where you want to stay yet?

Have fun planning!!

 

[tracy021083]

Yes you can have lunch at the Auberge de Cendrillion with some princesses which may not appeal to your boys!

I would say that you would want to do everything with the exception of the thrill rides which have height restrictions and maybe some of the things in Studios. When it comes to rides a lot of it depends on your children (some just don't like rides!) and their heights.

I would recommed at least one character meal. Cafe Mickey is good fun, Cowboy Cookout had some great reviews this year - I'm not sure if it's on next year? We love Inventions too but it is £££££!!

Enjoy exploring the parks, there is so much to see just wandering around, so many lovely details that you can miss easily.

Have fun reading the restaurant reviews to make a list of where you would like to eat - that's my favourite part!

Do you know where you want to stay yet?

Have fun planning!!

Thank you for your help! The planning seems so overwhelming at the moment but that's because I don't know enough about Disneyland so feel out of my depth!
Have been to disney world Florida with my hubby and son when he was 18 months before we had our daughter and loved it there but too many ££££'s to re visit at the mo.

Will my 6 year old son be impressed with disney? I'm a bit worried its all geared up for girls and want to make his trip special too.
Will have a look at the suggestions you made re the things to do.
In general they aren't ones for fast roller coasters etc. but do love most other rides.
I'm hoping they will meet the minimum height requirements but yes I'm sure you're right and its lovely to walk around taking it all in.

So far hotel wise I've narrowed it down to 2 disney hotels - the Cheyenne (although a 2 star seems to get good reviews?) or the sequoia lodge.
Do you have any experience of either?
There's about £100 difference between the 2 so want to make sure I pick the right one for us.

 

[figaro2]

Must dos for me personally that we do everytime (suitable for children anyway!) are

Attractions - Disney land park

Peter pan
Buzz light year
Pirates of the caribbean
Phantom manor
BTM
Parades

Attractions - studios
Toy story playland
Animagique
Tower of tower (depends how appropriate for your children)

Must eats -
We LOVE Annette's diner in Disney village we do this our first evening and as outlast farewell meal
Hot dogs from Caseys - another favourite
Cow boy cookout is great too last time we went it wasn't a character meal and the atmosphere was still great.
Cafe mickey is good for children we are taking our boys to dlp for the first time in 12 days (the oldest is 3 and the baby 6 months) and planning to eat here with them though we didnt as a couple.
We also get churros from frontier land at least twice a day as we just love the dlp ones!


We are staying at the Cheyenne as oldest loves cowboys but if you're staying for more than 2 or 3 nights may be worth staying somewhere with a pool, we always used it at least once when I went as a child!
The main thing is take it slow and let them discover stuff they like and enjoy it, planning too military can in my opinion make it abit too much like hard work lol x

 

[DLPDreams]

If you have a look at the stickies at the top they'll give you some info on the different lands etc.

I'm guessing that due to their ages you'll spend most of your time in Fantasyland (Peter Pan, teacups, dumbo etc) & Discoveryland (Buzz laser blast probably!).

I agree that Auberge isn't really for boys (although some do go). Why don't you and your DD go and let the boys go somewhere else for lunch?

Cowboy Cookout has been brilliant but is no longer a character meal venue which is a huge shame. No idea if it is coming back next spring/summer but there is no talk of it at the moment.

If your DS likes pirates he might like lunch at the Blue Lagoon - ship setting within the Pirates of the Carribean ride. You see the boats going past etc. Again, have a look at the stickies for photos & reviews.

Agree you should do Cafe Mickey & if budget stretches Inventions too but it will be expensive for 4 of you (we are a family of 4 too and honestly, 2 children do make a huge difference to budget - not that I would have it any other way if you see what I mean ).

Enjoy planning!

Oh, I'd recommend buying the Brit Guide to DLP book - it's great for a first time visit.

 

[tracy021083]

Must dos for me personally that we do everytime (suitable for children anyway!) are

Attractions - Disney land park

Peter pan
Buzz light year
Pirates of the caribbean
Phantom manor
BTM
Parades

Attractions - studios
Toy story playland
Animagique
Tower of tower (depends how appropriate for your children)

Must eats -
We LOVE Annette's diner in Disney village we do this our first evening and as outlast farewell meal
Hot dogs from Caseys - another favourite
Cow boy cookout is great too last time we went it wasn't a character meal and the atmosphere was still great.
Cafe mickey is good for children we are taking our boys to dlp for the first time in 12 days (the oldest is 3 and the baby 6 months) and planning to eat here with them though we didnt as a couple.
We also get churros from frontier land at least twice a day as we just love the dlp ones!


We are staying at the Cheyenne as oldest loves cowboys but if you're staying for more than 2 or 3 nights may be worth staying somewhere with a pool, we always used it at least once when I went as a child!
The main thing is take it slow and let them discover stuff they like and enjoy it, planning too military can in my opinion make it abit too much like hard work lol x

Thank you for your reply and helpful suggestions, I will definately have a look into those. I haven't even had a look at park maps or attractions yet so have no idea what's there as such.
Thought this website would be a good place to start and everyone has been great already : )

I totally know what you mean re not making it to planned! It's hard because I like to have everything planned and structured but usually just because I don't want to miss anything, but at the same time I want the kids to just enjoy being there.
We will have 3 full days to explore - will that be enough for doing the basics and a couple of things like the shows / princess meal etc.?
We spent 2 weeks in Florida but only 1 in Orlando at the parks so it was stressful cramming it all in!

 

[figaro2]

Just read your last post, I think there is lots for little boys to do and im so excited to take mine, my 3yr old is action mad and into power rangers batman spiderman etc, he is very excited to meet buzz and woody, sully from monsters inc, he loves stitch too and there is stitch live in the studios which I'm excited to try as not done it before,
There is a cars ride in studios and toy story playland too, buzz light year ride in Disneyland park which is one of my favourites and as its a laser shooting game/ride I know my boy will love it! We are planning to go to pizza planet too if it's open this time for him. There are lots of fun things to explore in adventure land too, the treehouse, pirate caves and captain hooks ship, rope bridge etc and the fort in the entrance to frontier land is great too I loved exploring it as a kid and still like it, lots of play areas dotted around for them to run off some steam too x

 

[tracy021083]

Must dos for me personally that we do everytime (suitable for children anyway!) are

Attractions - Disney land park

Peter pan
Buzz light year
Pirates of the caribbean
Phantom manor
BTM
Parades

Attractions - studios
Toy story playland
Animagique
Tower of tower (depends how appropriate for your children)

Must eats -
We LOVE Annette's diner in Disney village we do this our first evening and as outlast farewell meal
Hot dogs from Caseys - another favourite
Cow boy cookout is great too last time we went it wasn't a character meal and the atmosphere was still great.
Cafe mickey is good for children we are taking our boys to dlp for the first time in 12 days (the oldest is 3 and the baby 6 months) and planning to eat here with them though we didnt as a couple.
We also get churros from frontier land at least twice a day as we just love the dlp ones!


We are staying at the Cheyenne as oldest loves cowboys but if you're staying for more than 2 or 3 nights may be worth staying somewhere with a pool, we always used it at least once when I went as a child!
The main thing is take it slow and let them discover stuff they like and enjoy it, planning too military can in my opinion make it abit too much like hard work lol x

I didn't realise the Cheyenne doesn't have a pool - that might tip the balance towards the sequoia slightly as my kids love swimming. We would be there for 4 nights / 5 days but wondering if we would have the time to go swimming with so much to see and do I suspect we will be exhausted!

 

[Tink'sMum]

Your DS will love Buzz, Pirates, Big Thunder Mountain, Phantom Manor, Peter Pan, Orbitron, Autopia and Star Tours. My DS was 6 last time we went and loved all these, he was also just starting to get into the thrill rides so we did Crush too. Oh and Toy Story Playland.
Then there's the shows in the Studios aswell.

I'd go for the Sequoia Lodge as it's nearer the parks, I've stayed there twice and loved it. It has a lovely pool.

 

[tracy021083]

If you have a look at the stickies at the top they'll give you some info on the different lands etc.

I'm guessing that due to their ages you'll spend most of your time in Fantasyland (Peter Pan, teacups, dumbo etc) & Discoveryland (Buzz laser blast probably!).

I agree that Auberge isn't really for boys (although some do go). Why don't you and your DD go and let the boys go somewhere else for lunch?

Cowboy Cookout has been brilliant but is no longer a character meal venue which is a huge shame. No idea if it is coming back next spring/summer but there is no talk of it at the moment.

If your DS likes pirates he might like lunch at the Blue Lagoon - ship setting within the Pirates of the Carribean ride. You see the boats going past etc. Again, have a look at the stickies for photos & reviews.

Agree you should do Cafe Mickey & if budget stretches Inventions too but it will be expensive for 4 of you (we are a family of 4 too and honestly, 2 children do make a huge difference to budget - not that I would have it any other way if you see what I mean ).

Enjoy planning!

Oh, I'd recommend buying the Brit Guide to DLP book - it's great for a first time visit.

Aww thank you for your help, I will buy a copy of that book for some bedtime reading : )
Do I need to book the character meals/shows etc before we go? If so how long before? Would just need to decide when to do these and what times etc.

With the disney offer currently on that includes park tickets - if we go for 5 days do we just get the park passes for the 3 full days we are there (not including the travelling days)

 

[figaro2]

Thank you for your reply and helpful suggestions, I will definately have a look into those. I haven't even had a look at park maps or attractions yet so have no idea what's there as such.
Thought this website would be a good place to start and everyone has been great already : )

I totally know what you mean re not making it to planned! It's hard because I like to have everything planned and structured but usually just because I don't want to miss anything, but at the same time I want the kids to just enjoy being there.
We will have 3 full days to explore - will that be enough for doing the basics and a couple of things like the shows / princess meal etc.?
We spent 2 weeks in Florida but only 1 in Orlando at the parks so it was stressful cramming it all in!

What I seem to do is plan meticulously and then completely throw it out the window when we arrive lol! I love to plan but I get there I just go as the mood takes us, for example if you were planning to go in a certain ride or attraction but it has a huge queue you might as well do something else and come back when it's quiter, I think you will have plenty of time, we're doing 4 nights 5 days and will get an afternoon, 3 full days and then leaving tea time on the last day. Iv been for shorter and longer trips than that but for the boys first time I think this is an ideal middle ground. You don't want to get 'bored' but you don't want to feel rushed either, for us I've basically planned the first afternoon for my 3yr old to have free reign and do whatever he likes, Friday will be spent with everyone in our group (my mum sisters, family friend etc quite a few of us lol!) and then it will be weekend which I'm expecting to be busier so will take it slowly, then Monday as we're leaving will be our chance to redo the favourites so to speak! When we're home in a couple of weeks I can let you exactly what my LO enjoyed and the things that went over his head (he's quite mature in his tastes in things and is more on parr with kids abit older like your sons age rather than the toddler stuff aimed at him lol) x

 

[tracy021083]

Just read your last post, I think there is lots for little boys to do and im so excited to take mine, my 3yr old is action mad and into power rangers batman spiderman etc, he is very excited to meet buzz and woody, sully from monsters inc, he loves stitch too and there is stitch live in the studios which I'm excited to try as not done it before,
There is a cars ride in studios and toy story playland too, buzz light year ride in Disneyland park which is one of my favourites and as its a laser shooting game/ride I know my boy will love it! We are planning to go to pizza planet too if it's open this time for him. There are lots of fun things to explore in adventure land too, the treehouse, pirate caves and captain hooks ship, rope bridge etc and the fort in the entrance to frontier land is great too I loved exploring it as a kid and still like it, lots of play areas dotted around for them to run off some steam too x

Thank you that's great to know my son will love it too! I didn't want him feeling left out or it was all about his sister.
Today we have been on a family day out at a theme park and he loved it, so I'm sure he'll love it even more with the disney magic over there!

 

[tracy021083]

What I seem to do is plan meticulously and then completely throw it out the window when we arrive lol! I love to plan but I get there I just go as the mood takes us, for example if you were planning to go in a certain ride or attraction but it has a huge queue you might as well do something else and come back when it's quiter, I think you will have plenty of time, we're doing 4 nights 5 days and will get an afternoon, 3 full days and then leaving tea time on the last day. Iv been for shorter and longer trips than that but for the boys first time I think this is an ideal middle ground. You don't want to get 'bored' but you don't want to feel rushed either, for us I've basically planned the first afternoon for my 3yr old to have free reign and do whatever he likes, Friday will be spent with everyone in our group (my mum sisters, family friend etc quite a few of us lol!) and then it will be weekend which I'm expecting to be busier so will take it slowly, then Monday as we're leaving will be our chance to redo the favourites so to speak! When we're home in a couple of weeks I can let you exactly what my LO enjoyed and the things that went over his head (he's quite mature in his tastes in things and is more on parr with kids abit older like your sons age rather than the toddler stuff aimed at him lol) x

Aww you must be so excited only having a couple of weeks to wait!! Can't wait to hear all about your trip when you get back.

We are the same as you going for 4 nights / 5 days but our flight doesn't leave here (if I book the cheapest airline) until midday on the Sunday, so won't have much free time Sunday afternoon. Then will have mon-wed for the attractions and flying home 5pm ish on the Thursday.
I'm wondering if its best to pay more for the flights and go early morning on our first day, but its £100 more so not sure yet.

 

[figaro2]

Aww thank you for your help, I will buy a copy of that book for some bedtime reading : )
Do I need to book the character meals/shows etc before we go? If so how long before? Would just need to decide when to do these and what times etc.

With the disney offer currently on that includes park tickets - if we go for 5 days do we just get the park passes for the 3 full days we are there (not including the travelling days)

The Brits guide is great I have the last 2 versions and they are great for first timers! You'll find some great info in there

Sequoia pool is lovely and if like you say it's about £100 difference I would definitely go for that, it really is a lovely hotel and I'm keen to stay there next time as I haven't been since the refurb, it's one of my favourites

You'll get passes for all 5 days,
We try to go off peak so don't book everything in advance, though we have booked cafe mickey in advance as its a birthday meal and there are 9 of us all together. You can book upto 60 days in advance by calling the booking line but what we usually do is book when we arrive at concierge in the hotel or at city hall in the Disneyland park x

 

[tracy021083]

Your DS will love Buzz, Pirates, Big Thunder Mountain, Phantom Manor, Peter Pan, Orbitron, Autopia and Star Tours. My DS was 6 last time we went and loved all these, he was also just starting to get into the thrill rides so we did Crush too. Oh and Toy Story Playland.
Then there's the shows in the Studios aswell.

I'd go for the Sequoia Lodge as it's nearer the parks, I've stayed there twice and loved it. It has a lovely pool.

Thanks for your response : )
Sequoia is looking like the favourite at the mo, not really heard anything bad about it. I looked into the other disney hotels and always found fault with them (except the amazing 5 star one that we can't afford!)

 

[figaro2]

Aww you must be so excited only having a couple of weeks to wait!! Can't wait to hear all about your trip when you get back.

We are the same as you going for 4 nights / 5 days but our flight doesn't leave here (if I book the cheapest airline) until midday on the Sunday, so won't have much free time Sunday afternoon. Then will have mon-wed for the attractions and flying home 5pm ish on the Thursday.
I'm wondering if its best to pay more for the flights and go early morning on our first day, but its £100 more so not sure yet.

I can't stop talking about it lol, I'm soooo excited! Forcing the kids into watching a Disney film every day and writing hundreds of lists of what to pack etc, we are driving because the thought of carting everything I'd need for a 6 month old (nappies, bottles, steriliser, pram, baby food etc) on a plane or train fills me with terror! You would still have a nice few hours in the park on Sunday, would be nice to just have that to get your bearings, nice relaxing tea and early night to make the most of your first day!

 

[tracy021083]

The Brits guide is great I have the last 2 versions and they are great for first timers! You'll find some great info in there

Sequoia pool is lovely and if like you say it's about £100 difference I would definitely go for that, it really is a lovely hotel and I'm keen to stay there next time as I haven't been since the refurb, it's one of my favourites

You'll get passes for all 5 days,
We try to go off peak so don't book everything in advance, though we have booked cafe mickey in advance as its a birthday meal and there are 9 of us all together. You can book upto 60 days in advance by calling the booking line but what we usually do is book when we arrive at concierge in the hotel or at city hall in the Disneyland park x

Oh that's good about getting passes for all 5 days, seems a brill deal then teamed with the extra 2 nights stay. When we went to Florida he passes were the main bulk of the expense!
I'm wondering if we did get an earlier flight on the first day to be in Paris around 9am would we feel upto going round a park. Will have a look into the flights again I think and weigh up the cost.

That's good to know we could possibly book the shows just before we go or when there, at least I don't have to worry about that now.
We are planning to go June now - was originally October but people told it would be ridiculously busy then and June would be best. It will be kids half term from school then too so that's good and will be a nice treat.
Haven't decided whether to keep it a surprise or tell them in advance : )

 

[tracy021083]

I can't stop talking about it lol, I'm soooo excited! Forcing the kids into watching a Disney film every day and writing hundreds of lists of what to pack etc, we are driving because the thought of carting everything I'd need for a 6 month old (nappies, bottles, steriliser, pram, baby food etc) on a plane or train fills me with terror! You would still have a nice few hours in the park on Sunday, would be nice to just have that to get your bearings, nice relaxing tea and early night to make the most of your first day!

Lol I will be the same come next year - nothing on tv but disney!
All my daughters Christmas presents so far involve disney princesses! I'm a bit obsessed I think - just bought her some of the animator dolls, they are soooo cute.
Quite like the idea of a relaxing first afternoon/evening so might stick to the midday flight, least we wouldn't have to be at the airport at the crack of dawn either. Could always go for a swim in the hotel too : )

 

[figaro2]

I'd check the school holidays for the rest of Europe (someone here may have a link or you could google) that will be a good guide to figure out how busy the parks will be! As my LO is at part time nursery I don't kind taking him out for a few days, I know lots of people don't like to take kids out of school for holidays but personally I think a few days is here nor there and the difference in price and business of the parks is ridiculous! x

 

[Tinkjon]

I always take my kids out of school to go to Disney - half-term will be very busy, not to mention expensive.

Personally, I LOVE the Cheyenne. We've never had time to use a pool anyway so that doesn't bother us. The themeing at the Cheyenne is wonderful and I think it's the only on-site hotel with bunk beds, which is very important to my kids The only fault with it is that it's a 15-20 minute walk back to the hotel at night if it's very cold or you have very little ones (oh, and you will need to take a buggy even if your 4yo is out of one at home!) But it's a lovely walk back along the river so when the weather is warmer that wouldn't bother me at all.

It definitely won't be all girly - I'd say the appeal is exactly 50/50 for boys and girls. The princess lunch is really nice but very expensive so I'd say it's a waste of money if your son isn't bothered - get Dad to take him elsewhere and save yourself 80 Euros or so!