Let's be honest, folks. Traveling with kids and toddlers, especially to a magical land like Disneyland Paris, is no walk in the park (pun intended). We've actually been fortunate to go to Disneyworld in Florida and Disneyland Paris before with Oliver due to weddings and birthday surprises, but this was a first as a family of 4!
Between packing enough snacks to feed a small army, deciphering toddler meltdowns in a foreign language, and navigating overflowing diaper bags, it can feel more like an endurance test than a vacation. But here's the secret: amidst the whirlwind, you're creating memories that will last a lifetime.
We recently embarked on this very adventure with our two little ones: a fearless (and sometimes ferocious) 3.5-year-old explorer and a curious but easily overwhelmed 13-month-old adventurer-in-training. Here's the lowdown on our slightly chaotic, utterly enchanting Parisian Disney trip, complete with tips to tame the tantrums and maximize the magic:
Taming the Thrill Meter
Disneyland Paris is a wonderland for all ages, but with a tiny tot in tow, we had to be strategic. The classic "It's a Small World" boat ride and the whimsical Mad Hatter's Tea Cups were a hit with both kids. For the older one, rides like "Pirates of the Caribbean" and "Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast" provided thrills without being too intense. Character meet-and-greets were another highlight, though our little guy wasn't quite sure what to make of Mickey Mouse (cue the bewildered stare!).
Fueling the Fun
Dining with young children at a theme park can be...interesting. We opted to skip fancy restaurants and focused on quick-service options for during the day which were a hit due to the speed but gave us time to regroup and plan ahead. Thankfully, there are plenty of kiosks offering kid-friendly fare like pasta, chicken nuggets, and (of course) endless Mickey Mouse-shaped treats. We also packed plenty of snacks and water bottles to keep meltdowns at bay. Pro-tip: Download the Disneyland Paris app. You can use it to find restaurants and even check wait times! We also used it to prebook a few dinners at peak times so we knew we had somewhere to sit, and click and collect was ideal as food was ready when we walked from one land to another with zero waiting time for the little ones.
BIG DISAPOINTMENT: One point I would say - Charlie is wheat and dairy free and there was basically NOTHING he could eat. Disney is super inclusive but not if you have multiple allergies. If we hadn't packed a whole bunch of food for him he wouldn't have eaten a single thing other than fruit (which is scarce to find) the whole trip. If you have allergies check ahead!! We paid for a character breakfast and he couldn't eat anything - so we will be requesting a refund on that part.
Saving Some Euros
Disneyland Paris isn't exactly budget-friendly, but there are ways to save some euros. We booked our trip well in advance to snag discounted hotel rates. We also packed breakfast with us and used the Starbucks on site rather than paying for the breakfast at the hotel. Refillable water bottles are a must! Consider purchasing a multi-day ticket – it can work out cheaper than buying single-day passes. We originally booked for February and moved the holiday to June - it ended up only being a fraction of the cost more so there are great deals to be had all year round!
Memories Made of Magic
Sure, there were meltdowns, spilled drinks, and moments of pure exhaustion (mainly on mine and Adam's part). But amidst the chaos, there were moments of pure magic. The look on Oliver's face as he met spiderman was priceless. The infectious laughter of both kids on it's a small world boat ride is a memory I'll cherish forever.
Yes, traveling with little ones is challenging, but it's these adventures, big and small, that shape their little worlds. And for us parents? Well, let's just say Meeting Spidey is a story we'll be telling for years to come.
Evlynne
New found Disney Lover and Mum x
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