We have been lucky enough to visit Disneyland Paris twice before, once for Hubby’s 30th birthday back in 2003 and again for Isaac’s 5th birthday in 2013.
Both times were in spring / summer and we have been hoping to return to see the park transformed for either Halloween or Christmas.
During October half term, we spent the week with Al Fresco Holidays at their fabulous park La Croix du Vieux Pont, which is the perfect base for day trips to Paris and Disneyland.
We spent the first couple of days relaxing on the site and exploring Paris and made sure a trip to Disneyland wasn’t on the kids radar before, despite buying tickets before we left the UK. We told them we were off to visit a castle and made the 90 journey without any suspicions.
It was Sebby that spotted the Disney Castle first and the excitement in the car was electric as we headed inside the gates to park.
We have previously stayed at Disney hotels on previous visits, so mistakenly parked at the back of the carpark on the first day of our visit – definitely try to get closer to the entrance as it’s a good 15 minute walk from the car park, although the kids loved riding the travelators.
We purchased 2 day tickets to Disneyland Paris, which allowed us to spend a day in each park and the Magic Kingdom was our first stop.
Disney go all out on Halloween, with decorations throughout the square and along Main Street.
The kids adored being able to pose with various displays, as well as seeing witches hat lights and pumpkin decorations.
In fact, you saw something new every time you walked along it.
Isaac and Eliza were keen to introduce Sebastian to the magic of Disneyland, starting with the castle and its resident dragon.
We were delighted that some of the infamous Disney villains had decided to pay a visit to the park for the Halloween celebrations too.
The cheeky villains couldn’t resist a chance to perform a spectral spectacular in a spooky show at the royal Castle Stage.
I think Donald stole the show though!
The Halloween Cavalcade was also not to be missed with Disney Characters parading along the streets of Disneyland in their eye-popping Halloween attire.
As well as the Halloween parade there was also the 25th Anniversary Parade which is filled to bursting point with characters from all your favourite Disney films.
Some of the characters danced along the street, greeting their adoring fans, whilst others sat and waved from huge, impressive floats.
Maleficent’s dragon even breathed fire!
Ride wise, nothing has really changed since our last visit with the exception of the rebranding of space mountain to Star Wars: Hyperspace Mountain.
The rides the kids loved the most were ‘It’s a Small World’, ‘Star Tours: The Adventure Continues’ and ‘Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast’ and we managed to fit in a good number, despite queues of around 40 minutes each.
We arrived at the park at 10am for opening and stayed right until the firework finale which started at 10pm, so it was a long day, especially for the kids.
It was gone 11pm by the time we made it back to the car, but the kids were still buzzing from everything they had seen.
We did enjoy a very quiet journey back to the campsite as they all slept well on the way back.
We purchased 2-day tickets to Disneyland Paris through Picniq as they had the best deal at the time, plus we earned 5.25% through Top Cashback, which allowed us to spend a day in each park and the Magic Kingdom was our first stop, but it is worth shopping around as these deals change all the time.
Keep your eyes on the blog for our experience at Hollywood Studios soon……..
Have you been to Disneyland Paris?
My hubby and I first visited Disneyland Paris for my 30th birthday too. It wasn’t his first visit though as he spent a year working at Disney as part of the opening crew in 1992. Last December we finally visited as a family and loved it. And I agree, Disney know how to decorate the parks for different seasons/occasions.
I’ve only been once, for one day. My children have never really been into Disney – but they love fast rides. They really enjoyed our visit … but we didn’t have time to do the Hollywood Studios. We will factor in a stopover on our next Europe roadtrip to do this.
I really enjoyed reading your post. I have never been to a Disney before! The Paris one must just be lovely. Great photos!
We were here just before half term and agree the Halloween celebrations were fantastic! What a great way of doing it rather than stay at a Disney hotel. Love your pictures they are great!
I have only ever been to Disneyland Paris at Christmas time, it looks amazing for Halloween. We are thinking of revisiting next year and were planning on visiting for Christmas again but I might see if we can visit at Halloween instead x
That looks like so much fun! I’ve always wanted to see the different Disneys all over the world. I think it would be amazing to experience all the differences.
Disney is such a great place to go and have fun. The pictures look very cute and seems that you had a great time!
Disney for Halloween?! What wonderful memories you’re making for your kids! We always spend Christmas at Disney in LA growing up and I loved it.
This looks like an absolutely incredible experience! I’ve only ever been to the Christmas party!
I have always wanted to go to Disney at Halloween or Christmas – it just looks even more magical!
I have never been to Disneyland Paris. I am wishing to be there to see how magical and wonderful this place is and I am sure my kids will definitely love this place.
We have been to Disneyland Paris 10+ times in our younger years. However, I must say Halloween is my all time fav season on the park xx
To be honest, this is the first time I heard about Disneyland Paris! Disneyland has always been my long time dream because that’s where I want to take my son when we travel abroad for the first time. Hopefully I can make it come true one day <3
We have been 4 times as we live in Vienna and it is such an easy flight to get there. I love anything Disney and this would be so much fun to do.
OH my gosh, I am dreaming of taking the family to Disney Paris! We have been to disneyworld many times, but this looks amazing!
The display during Halloween period are really lovely, I too love them so much. I can see plenty of happy and fun vibes in Disneyland Paris. I have been to Paris many years ago but it was a rushed trip so we didnt make it to the Disneyland Paris.
Wow! The shows, parade and fireworks display all look absolutely incredible! I’m sure your kids will remember the magic from those days forever.
I have never been there but it sounds like a nice destination getaway during this Holidays.
How fun is this? We love Disney and took our niece and nephew there a few years ago – the one down in Orlando.
You’ve really captured the magic of Disney in this post! It looks like you had an incredible time! What an experience.
That looks amazing! I went to Disneyland Paris many years ago but to be honest, I don’t remember much. It looks like you all had a lot of fun!
What a lovely idea to surprise the kids – You did very well keeping it from them! I’ve never thought of spending Halloween at a theme park – Now my kids are older, I think they’d like it more.