La Souris Mickey

Today we decided to do something that in a million years we never thought we would do, we went to visit Mickey Mouse at his Paris residence. We really wanted to do something different on this visit to Paris. After our research last night, it just seemed like the best choice. Three things stuck out to us: the food at Paris Disneyland is supposed to hold to French standards, the cost of a one-day ticket is half the price of the U.S. Disney ticket, and we are kids at heart. 

After a better night sleep we started the day as one should when in Paris, an espresso and croissant. We’ve quickly regained our ability to do basic things in French. We think the bakery worker might have thought we were French this morning … well, that’s probably wishful thinking. 😆

Both of us did take French in high school. But, knowing some French and speaking, especially understanding others, are two different things. All in all, we’re doing just fine. The important thing is trying. If you try, they appreciate you much more. Yes, we could use our phones, and we will if necessary, but it really does take the fun out of it. 

Disneyland is located about 25 miles from the center of the city. A metro ride and commuter train — one way only costs €2.50 — gets us directly from our neighborhood to the park in about one hour. 

Our first attraction was a nautical themed walk through — think 1000 Leagues Under the Sea. There was no line. The cast member, Tom,  at the entrance was so nice and we talked a bit. We think he wanted to practice English. When we exited, he gave us a fast pass for Star Tours around the corner.

Believe it or not we are very happy that we came to Disneyland. First of all the crowds were very light. The weather has been quite cool; of course it is December. We still think winter time is an excellent time to come to much of Europe.

At about 1:30 we decided to have lunch at one of the nicest restaurants at the park. It was a French style meal, four courses, that included two glasses of wine and a glass of champagne at dessert. Quite honestly, it’s one of the best meals we’ve had in Paris.

In addition to the fantastic meal, most of the Disney princesses and a few other characters walked around while we dined. It was so cool because they all spoke multiple languages — they went from table to table bouncing between at least French, English, and Spanish. 

Like we said, the highlight was definitely the cuisine:

The crowds were so light most of the day at Disneyland, we got on most of the attractions that we wanted to. If you’ve been to Disneyland or Disney World there isn’t a huge difference at the Disneyland in Paris. The layout is slightly different and a few of the themed areas are different, but any Disney enthusiast would be able to find their way around. Here are a few of the differences we noticed:

There’s no New Orleans Square.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is probably better here; it’s longer and just seems more exciting. 

Indiana Jones is a roller coaster, very different from Disneyland Anaheim. 

The food here is better … no surprise. 

The food prices are similar to anywhere else; there doesn’t seem to be a huge amusement park markup. 

There are more walk-through attractions… The area similar to Tom Sawyer‘s Island is much more extensive, with caves and bridges and things to explore for kids, and adults. 

They have the Swiss Family Robinson tree house (Disneyland Anaheim took it out).

We’re happy we made the decision to do this. As magical as Disney is always… being in France just adds a “je ne sais quoi.” 😁

Kristi thinks we walked about 1000 miles today — 😉 or 8.