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It might sound a little strange to visit somewhere like Disneyland if you don’t like rides, considering it is effectively a theme park, but during my visit I discovered that it is actually really easy to enjoy Disneyland Paris without the rides and that there is plenty to do without the thrills and spills.
I hates rides of all kinds. Anything that moves quickly, spins, flips upsides or drops from great heights, so I was actually looking forward to seeing whether or not there would be enough for me to enjoy Disneyland Paris without the rides that usually provide such an attraction.
How to Enjoy Disneyland Paris Without the Rides
Find the Characters
Character meets are great for absolutely anyone, not just those avoiding rides. With so many characters dotted around the parks every day in various locations you’re never short of someone to meet. If you’re staying in one of the Disney Hotels you might even be lucky enough to find a character hanging around at breakfast.Â
I visited in November during the Christmas celebrations so many of the characters were dressed in more festive costumes ready to help to get into the holiday spirit.
Wander the Parks
If you’re looking to enjoy Disneyland Paris without the rides then wandering and exploring the parks is a pretty obvious way to spend your time.
Disney Village
Disney Village is just before the entrance to the two main parks, it isn’t huge but is crammed with things to do, shops and places to eat so you could spend plenty of time in this area alone.
One of the first things you’ll spot when you first arrive is PanoraMagique which is one of the world’s largest hot air balloons which can offer incredible views of the whole of Disneyland (additional charges apply) – it was far too windy during my visit to experience this, but hopefully next time.
Disney Park
Surely the biggest highlight for anyone visiting Disneyland Paris is seeing Sleeping Beauty’s Castle for the first time. It’s huge, and beautiful and can be explored for as long as you like. Head upstairs to see stained glass windows and some other wonderful features. Don’t forget to go down into the dungeons and enter the dragon’s lair – if you’re brave enough!
Main Street USA – Inspired by small town America during the early 20th Century, you’ll love the intricate details of shops fronts and beautiful decadence in the arcades.Â
Enjoy a twenty minute tour of the Park on an authentic steam-powered train with Disneyland Railroad which runs periodically throughout the day.
Fantasyland – An enchanted world where your favourite Disney fairy tales come to life.
Get lost in Alice’s Curious Labyrinth, a maze with no scares or surprises just lots of twists and turns and dead ends. Reach the castle in the middle for views over the area.
Hop into a mine cart and discover the story of Snow White. It’s a ride, in the dark and it’s a little rickety but it’s perfectly enjoyable.
If there’s one ride you do choose to go on during your time at Disneyland Paris, then make pick It’s a Small World – cute, mildly annoying, with one of the catchiest tunes EVER, but it is also compulsory.
Discoveryland – Travel through time and space, to infinity and beyond.
This was actually the area I spent the least amount of time due to the amount of rides and attractions.
Adventureland – Explore incredible far away places and discover hidden treasures.
Adventure Island will keep you entertained as you wander through narrow pathways, hidden caves and across suspended bridges.
Explore Agrabah as you make your way along winding stone passageways, you may even meet Aladdin and some of his magical friends.
Frontierland – Visit the Wild West and come face to face with some legendary characters.
Most people visiting this part of the Park will be heading to Big Thunder Mountain expecting big thrills, for me though this area is all about the brilliant design details or the Old West.
Step on board a stunning old paddle steamer (either Mark Twain or Molly Brown) and head on a riverboat cruise, taking you around Big Thunder Mountain and Wilderness Island.
Walt Disney Studio’s Park
Step behind the scenes of some of your favourite films, with a variety of brilliant attractions, shows and encounters with characters to remember for a lifetime.
Front Lot
Inspired by the water tower in the Wald Disney Studios in California, you see set pieces and props.
Production Courtyard
Take the Studio Tram Tour around a variety of full scale movie sets, props and vehicles as you also take a detour through Catastrophe Cannon and view some impressive visual effects.
Toon Studio
See your favourite animations come to life as you enter an incredible visual and creative world.
Backlot
This area is full of special effects, stunts, action and excitement. These are thrills and spills but without you being the one thrown around.
If you find stunt involving cars, motorcycles and explosions thrilling then Moteurs! Action! Stunt Show Spectacular! will keep you entertained for forty-five minutes.
Catch the Fireworks Displays
Thrill your inner child as you watch the world famous fireworks explode in the night’s sky over Sleeping Beauty’s Castle in time to some of your favourite Disney songs as scenes are projected onto the towering castle walls and turrets.
The illuminations occur every night but times may change depending on the day and season so check for details so you can grab yourself a great vantage point. I would recommend as close to the front as possible, either side of the bridge.
Watch the Parades
Disney Stars on Parade is a daily occurrence (unless there is horrendous weather) where your favourite characters sing and dance their way along Main Street, entertaining the crowds of all ages.
Depending on the time of year you may also be treated to a seasonal parade. Visit during the Christmas period and enjoy a variety of characters dressed in festive costume, beautiful dancers and a catchy festive song that will have you singing along in no time.
See a Show
Buffalo Bills Wild West Show…with Mickey and Friends
A great way to spend an evening at Disneyland Paris is to visit Buffalo Bills Wild West Show…With Mickey and Friends!. This show is extremely popular and is perfect for combining evening entertainment with dinner. Before the show begins, you can enjoy live country music in Colonel Cody’s Saloon with Sheriff Goofy. Then take your seat and enjoy a series of competitions which take place in the arena just in front of you. Sit back and watch how the West was won while tucking into an authentic Texan BBQ.
The food isn’t amazing but if you’ve purchased a meal plan you can use this to buy a ticket (food and show included) so is worth it.
Depending on the time of year there may also be some seasonal shows available to keep you entertained as well, these are the perfect way to enjoy Disneyland Paris without the rides and will even provide some shelter on days when the weather is a bit dismal.
Stuff Yourself With Food and Drink
If you’ve purchased a meal plan then you should definitely make the most of the food and drink on offer. If you’re looking to enjoy Disneyland Paris without the rides you’ll find you do a lot of walking, this means you’ll be hungry and so will end up visiting a few of the restaurants and cafes available.
Always make sure you have breakfast to start your day, pack some snacks to keep you going during the day but then take time to enjoy a meal later on.
The food at Disneyland Paris is not cheap (or award winning) but the portions are pretty substantial so in order to get your money worth I would recommend the buffet services and also just taking your time. For me, the thing that makes the eating experiences so memorable is actually the décor and furnishings of the restaurants themselves. Take the time to enjoy your surroundings.
Avoid the busiest times to eat and you won’t be rushed in and out, this will allow you to actually take a break from the walking and standing and will give you the opportunity to relax a little.
Go Shopping
The more you walk around Disneyland Paris, the more you notice the sheer number of shops that are available. Obviously these aren’t the cheapest places to buy yourself some Disney treats, but you won’t be able to resist and you can actually get some really decent stuff.
One thing you should know is that buying and wearing a pair of mouse ears is compulsory so don’t try to resist them, just find a pair you like and wear them with pride. Other fashion accessories make great purchases to take home – I bought a comfy scarf that I have worn almost every day since my trip.
Don’t be surprised if you find yourself behaving like a small child and want everything in every shop you enter, but remember you also need to get it home after your trip. Instead of struggling to stuff everything into you suitcase, why not treat yourself to something smaller like an ornament or a nice piece of jewellery. Your bank balance will thank you for it later.
I really hope this post has helped to show you that it is actually possible to enjoy Disneyland Paris without the rides and that it is perfectly ok for you to create your own entertainment and experience all of the magic on offer.
How did you enjoy Disneyland Paris without the rides?
Let me know in the comments.
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