| Great escapes: Ile de France 5 |
When you wish upon a star you might just find yourself at the fantasy theme park that makes children's dreams come true…
Whether we adults love it or hate it, the kids, as soon as they set foot on French soil, want to go to Disneyland. It may not come cheaply and the weather may not match their enthusiasm but on the principle 'if they're happy, we're happy', it makes for a great time.
Getting to the park is easy from wherever you find yourself in France, thanks to the inauguration of Marne-la-Vallee/Chessy TGV station in 1994.
This means guests from all over France can arrive directly at the park's entrance. Eurostar makes it easily accessible from London - the journey can be completed in less than three hours. Caravanners have not been forgotten: there is a Davy Crockett Ranch, which is the Disneyland Paris campsite, situated in the heart of a 57-hectare forest. A destination in its own right, the Trapper Village is also open to Disneyland guests. Although you might be momentarily stunned by the site fees, the Ranch does help spread the Disney magic throughout your visit (book early - don't assume that the high cost means vacant pitches).
We travelled to Disneyland from Camping Parc de la Colline, which is a 15km drive away. We could have taken advantage of the minibus service to the metro station at Torcy and the short journey to the theme park. The disadvantage of our mode of transport was the lengthy queue for the car park entrance, and despite our endeavours to arrive early we had to walk a considerable way to the payment booth.
Living the fantasy
In essence, Disneyland is five themed lands, each telling a fabulous story through architecture, interior design, costumes and music. Originally called Euro Disney, it may not have got off to a good start, but today it is jammed with crowds and gone are any doubts that it is here to stay. The truth is, this is a lovingly created magical world of make-believe characters, shows and attractions, all presented and designed to perfection.
In all, there are 43 separate attractions for all ages and tastes. It is also a park with a permanent theatre which presents shows at all hours of the day, as well as parades, with their floats and heroes from the Disney family.
One of the advances of recent years was last December's arrival of the 'Fastpass' on Big Thunder Mountain, one of Disneyland Paris' most popular attractions. This followed the launch of the virtual queuing system in April 2000. 'Fastpass' allows visitors to clock in, then go off and enjoy other attractions. Return at a certain time to gain immediate access to the ride by way of a dedicated Fastpass entrance.
Also, if you're in the mood to splash out and leave the van on-site for a couple of days there are package holidays available, to suit all tastes and budgets, for stays in all seven Disney-themed hotels. |
For Disneyland Paris opening hours, parade and show times, phone 08705 030303 before your visit. Admission Day visit from FF230 per adult; children 3-11 years FF180.
ATTRACTIONS
Main Street, USA All the atmosphere of a small American town.
Frontierland Pioneers and gold diggers on the American frontier.
Adventureland The African savanna, the Caribbean, and the Asian jungle.
Fantasyland Legends come to life in the kingdom of fairytales.
Discoveryland A future world.
Disneyland Paris' themed hotels.
Disney Village A vast entertainment complex which recreates 'downtown' streets and boutiques.
Recommended Road Map
Michelin Yellow No.237.
Tourist Information /Reservation Service
(UK) Tel 08705 030303 for 24-hour information. Website www.disneylandparis.com |
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The Davy Crockett Ranch
This is the Disneyland Paris campsite, laid out in a wild west theme and situated in the heart of a 57-hectare forest. All the pitches, which are hard-standing and separated by shrubs, have electricity, water, drainage and log-style bins. The sanitary facilities are of an excellent quality. There's a leisure pool, with flume and jacuzzi. It's a 10-minute drive to Disneyland, where car parking is free for campers.
How to get there Take the A4 eastward from Paris (direction Metz/Nancy) and leave at exit 13. Then follow signs to the site.
• WE LIKED The indoor swimming-pool complex, the Trapper Village and the quality facilities.
• BE WARNED The Davy Crockett Ranch is 7km from the Disneyland Park.
• WOULD SUIT Families with young children and teenagers.
Address Disneyland Paris SCA, BP 195, 77777, Marne la Vallee Cedex 4.
Tel 00 33 (0)1 60 45 69 00.
Open 1 April-31 October and Christmas.
Charges FF300-450 car, caravan + all persons including electric hook-up.
Facilities 60 touring pitches; 60 electric 16-amp hook-ups; 20 hot showers.
Shopping On site.
Nearest pub On site.
Gas exchange Camping Gaz.
FFCC Grading ***
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