DISNEY IMAGES
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Disneyland Resort
  • Dining
  • Archived Photo Galleries
    • Disneyland Paris >
      • Disneyland Park >
        • Main Street USA
        • Adventureland
        • Discoveryland
        • Fantasyland
        • Frontierland
      • Walt Disney Studios Park >
        • Front Lot
        • Production Courtyard
        • Toon Studio
        • Backlot
      • Characters
      • Disney Village
      • Fantasia Gardens
      • Resort Hotels
    • Disneyland Resort >
      • Disneyland Park
      • Disney California Adventure
      • Downtown Disney
      • Resort Hotels
      • Characters
    • Walt Disney World Resort >
      • Magic Kingdom
      • Epcot
      • Disney's Hollywood Studios
      • Disney's Animal Kingdom
      • Disney's Boardwalk
      • Disney Springs
      • Resort Hotels
      • Characters
    • Disney Dining >
      • Dining - Disneyland Paris
      • Dining - Disneyland Resort
      • Dining - Walt Disney World
  • Photo Gallery Index
  • Videos
  • Disney Parks Seasonal & Special Events
    • Disneyland Resort: Christmas 2019
    • Disneyland Resort: Halloween 2018
    • Disneyland Paris: Marvel Summer of Super Heroes
    • Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2018
    • Disneyland Resort: Christmas 2017
    • Disneyland Paris 25th Anniversary
    • Walt Disney World: Christmas 2016
    • Epcot International Food & Wine Festival 2016
    • Disneyland Paris: Swing into Spring 2016
    • Disneyland Resort: Christmas 2015
    • Disneyland Diamond Celebration
    • Star Wars: Season of the Force
    • Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2015
    • Disneyland Resort: Halloween 2014
    • Disneyland Paris: St Patrick's Day 2014
    • Walt Disney World: Christmas 2013
    • Epcot International Food & Wine Festival 2013
    • Disneyland Paris: Christmas 2012
    • Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2012
    • Disneyland Paris: 20th Anniversary
    • Disneyland Paris: Christmas 2010
    • Stitch's Great Escape! Opening Day
    • Disneyland Paris: 15th Anniversary
    • Disneyland Paris: Halloween 2003
  • Trip Reports
    • Trip Report: Disneyland Resort 2019
    • Trip Report: Disneyland Resort 2018
    • Trip Report: Disneyland Paris 2018
    • Trip Report: Walt Disney World 2018
    • Trip Report: Disneyland Resort 2017
    • Trip Report: Disneyland Paris 2017
    • Trip Report: Walt Disney World 2016
    • Trip Report: Disneyland Paris 2016
    • Trip Report: Disneyland Resort 2015
    • Trip Report: Disneyland Paris July 2015
    • Trip Report: Walt Disney World 2015
    • Trip Report: Disneyland Resort 2014
    • Trip Report: Disneyland Paris July 2014
    • Trip Report: Disneyland Paris March 2014
    • Trip Report: Walt Disney World 2013
    • Trip Report: Disneyland Resort 2013
    • Trip Report: Disneyland Paris November 2012
    • Trip Report: Disneyland Paris July 2012
    • Trip Report Walt Disney World 2012
    • Trip Report: Disneyland Paris 2011
  • Disney Cinderella: The Exhibition
  • The Muppets Take The O2
  • Universal Orlando
  • Walt's Barn/Griffith Park
  • Tumblr
  • About

Disneyland Paris: July 2012

Monday, 16th July

I don't think I've ever gone on a trip to Disneyland Paris feeling so decidedly, well, unDisney. My dad had been seriously ill, which I suppose didn't help my mood but I was just not feeling in the Disney spirit.  On the plus side, I ended up with a seat to myself on the Eurostar!

St Pancras International

Upon arrival, I decided to kill time before check-in by getting some lunch and decided on Annette's Diner in Disney Village. I've had takeout from there before but had never actually eaten in the restaurant. The restaurant was busy, service was slow and my (relatively) gloomy mood wasn't helped when the waitress finally arrived with my drink - and promptly spilled it over the table!  Good food when it finally arrived though!

The Biggie "Salade au Camembert" @ Annette's Diner

I had a quick wander around the new World of Disney Store, which had opened a few days previously - this was my first opportunity to check out the merchandise for the 20th Anniversary and to try and decide what on earth I was going to buy! Then I went to check in at the Hotel New York.

Disney's Hotel New York

This was my second time staying at the New York and I think it may just be my favourite Disneyland Paris hotel. Not that I was in my room enough for the view to matter, but I could actually see Space Mountain and the Castle.

Then it was finally time to head to Disneyland Park to check out the 20th Anniversary celebrations!

Disneyland Park

Disneyland Hotel

Main Street USA

It immediately became apparent that the park was very, very busy. I've been in July a couple of times before but hadn't found it too bad. Fortunately, my focus was on photography as opposed to rides as the queues were long for pretty much everything. However, I did want to check out two of the newest attractions at the park - the Princess Pavilion and Meet Mickey Mouse. The queue for the latter was only around 30 minutes so I headed there. The former Fantasyland Festival Theater has been transformed into an impressive Meet & Greet area - the actual room where you meet Mickey is very similar to that at Walt Disney World's Town Square Theater.

Mickey Mouse

The last time I visited Disneyland Paris, the castle was undergoing a makeover (nearly finished by the time I left but still missing a turret and some paint!) and Captain Hook's Pirate Ship was about to have a long-overdue refurb. Both now looked stunning.

Adventure Isle

Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant

The weather in the UK and France had been pretty wet and gloomy in the run up to my trip but as can be seen from these photos, it was lovely now and I had blue skies for my entire holiday.

Parades are one of my favourite things at the Disney Parks so I was excited to see Disney Magic on Parade! To be honest, however, it was a little underwhelming, with most of the floats remaining from Disney's Once Upon A Dream Parade. And I can't say I liked the final float at all.

The new opening float.

Disney Magic on Parade!

Cinderella, Aurora, Snow White and their princes now enter in carriages.

Disney Magic on Parade!

Now back to those familiar floats, albeit with a different line-up of Disney Royalty (farewell Aladdin, Jasmine, Belle & Beast)!

Disney Magic on Parade!

Disney Magic on Parade!

The final, in my opinion, garish float. There has been a certain amount of discontent in the Disney fan community at Duffy being included here!

Disney Magic on Parade!

Disney Magic on Parade!

Disney Magic on Parade!

As I'd watched the parade by "it's a small world" I decided to head over to the Princess Pavilion in the hope the queue would be quieter whilst people were watching the parade. Character photos aside, I wanted to see those wonderful Disney details inside the building.

Princess Pavilion

Princess Pavilion

Princess Pavilion

At the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, three princess are in a line and you get to meet each one. You also know in advance who you're going to see - and whether you want to stay in line! Whilst I have read reports of some people getting photos with two princesses, my experience was this: when you reach the head of the queue, the Cast Member sends you left or right. Until you turn the corner you don't know which princess will be waiting for you. And you just get to see the one.

Ariel

A wander around a sunny Discoveryland.

Orbitron - Machines Volantes

Space Mountain

Then onto Frontierland, possibly my favourite land to photograph.

Big Thunder Mountain

Thunder Mesa Riverboat Landing

Phantom Manor

Then it was time to wait for Fantillusion. The parade didn't start until 10.00pm but, as you can see, it still wasn't fully dark.

Disney's Fantillusion Parade

Disney's Fantillusion Parade

Finally, at around 11pm, it was time for Disney Dreams, the centrepiece of the 20th Anniversary celebrations.

One last photo from my first day - Duffy has taken over the Storybook Store on Main Street USA, replacing Tigger.The Storybook Store

Tuesday, 17th July

An early breakfast at the hotel before heading off for EMH at Disneyland Park.

Minnie Mouse

Peter Pan's Flight was closed so off to that other popular Fantasyland attraction - and the first ride of my trip!

Dumbo The Flying Elephant

Whilst it had only been in place for a few weeks, the Mad Tea Party photo location had already disappeared by the time of my visit last May but it's back again.

Mad Tea Party Photo Location

I'd bought a (very) cheap fisheye lens and had great fun trying that out. The quality of the photos isn't the greatest, but it gave me an idea of the different shots I'd be able to take and I've now invested in a more expensive lens and can't wait to try it out in November.

La Galerie de la Belle au Bois Dormant

Auberge de Cendrillon

"Auberge de Cendrillon"

Obviously Duffy had a new outfit for the 20th Anniversary celebrations!

20th Anniversary Merchandise

Winnie the Pooh

Waiting for "it's a small world". Clearly I was doing all the hardcore rides first!

Disneyland Railroad

The perfectly themed control room for Disney Dreams! blends right in to Main Street USA.

Disney Dreams! Control Room

Another year, another makeover! The 20th Anniversary Train.

Disney's 20th Anniversary Celebration Train

Disney's 20th Anniversary Celebration Train

Wandering around Adventureland.

Adventureland

Adventureland Photo Location

Adventureland

I'd made a reservation for lunch at Walts, one of the restaurants offering a meal package which gave you access to a reserved area to watch Dreams. Not really necessary (I'd found a good spot at relatively short notice the day before) but I'd planned on visiting the restaurant anyway.

Vegetable Tart @ Walts - An American Restaurant

Dreams! dessert @ Walts - An American Restaurant

Walts - An American Restaurant

Disneyland Hotel

Disneyland Hotel

Heading back to the hotel via Disney Village.

The World of Disney Store

World of Disney

World of Disney

20th Anniversary merchandise.

20th Anniversary Merchandise

World of Disney

World of Disney

Outside Annette's Diner.

Disney Village

Cafe Mickey

Cafe Mickey

A selection of the 20th Anniversary Park Tickets.

Park Tickets

PanoraMagique - grounded but still a great photo opportunity!

PanoraMagique

The newly remodelled Disney Fashion boutique.

Disney Fashion

Disney Fashion

Back to Disneyland Park in time for the parade.

Disney Magic on Parade!

Disney Magic on Parade!

Disney Magic on Parade!

As the day before, decided to chance the Princess Pavilion whilst the parade carried on down Main Street.

Princess Tiana

Sir Mickey's Boutique in Fantasyland.

Sir Mickey's Boutique

I don't usually have much luck spotting Captain Jack but saw him a few times this trip.

Captain Jack Sparrow

Whilst I enjoy watching the parades near "it's a small world" (as it's much quieter there) I decided to brave Main Street for Fantillusion in the hope of seeing one of the stops - better yet, maybe catching a glimpse of the dragon.

I think this may be my all-time favourite float.

Disney's Fantillusion Parade

And as luck would have it...

Disney's Fantillusion Parade

Didn't have the easiest time fighting through the crowd on Main Street to get to the reserved area for Dreams! I have mixed feelings as to whether it was worth it - the view is central but, of course, at the mercy of tall people (or children sat on shoulders) in front of you. On the other hand, at least on this night, the reserved area wasn't crowded so you had room to move about.

Disney Dreams

Wednesday, 18th July

And...(relative) disaster.  I'd set my alarm clock for about 6.30, as usual ready to beat the breakfast crowds.  When I looked at the clock it was 8am...so, no breakfast and a rush to enjoy the peace of Extra Magic Hours at the park.

A wander around playing with my fish-eye lens.

Pizzeria Bella Notte

March Hare Refreshments

Dumbo the Flying Elephant

Les Voyages de Pinocchio

Auberge de Cendrillon

Les Cabane des Robinson

Thunder Mesa Riverboat Landing

Phantom Manor

An early lunch at Restaurant Hakuna Matata before heading off to see Tarzan.

Kebab @ The Restaurant Hakuna Matata

Restaurant Hakuna Matata

First time seeing Tarzan since 2002.

Tarzan, la Rencontre

Tarzan, la Rencontre

Tarzan, la Rencontre

Tarzan, la Rencontre

I knew I wanted to see the show again to video it and whilst I'd planned on going back the next time, by the time I got out the theatre it was nearly time for the next show to start anyway, so figured I'd go straight back and watch it again!

First visit of my trip to Walt Disney Studios Park. I decided to go and see Cinemagique, which I haven't seen the park opened. A few seconds after the curtain lifted, we were told to exit the building. Maybe next time...

Place des Frères Lumière

Backlot

Mickey Mouse

Pluto

Cars Quatre Roues Rallye

Cars Quatre Roues Rallye

Still insanely long queues for Crush's Coaster.

Crush's Coaster

Toon Studio

Every time I see photos of the Partners statues in the US parks, I wish that the Paris version was similarly placed in front of the castle - likewise, the lovely bronze statues (maybe they'd be kept cleaner if they were in a more prominent position). I guess Paris visitors get to have a unique shot of Partners, with the Hollywood Hills in the background, but still...

"Partners"

Fantasia Fountain

Fantasia Fountain

Next up, Disney Stars'n'Cars, which has ditched the "show" and is now simply a parade.  No great loss there in my opinion.

Disney's Stars 'n' Cars Parade

Disney's Stars 'n' Cars Parade

Disney's Stars 'n' Cars Parade

Disney's Stars 'n' Cars Parade

Disney's Stars 'n' Cars Parade

Back to Fantasyland for the parade.

Fantasyland

Jack Sparrow sneaking through Fantasyland!

Captain Jack Sparrow

I'd decided to ditch Fantillusion and Dreams! that night for a visit to the bar instead!

New York City Bar

New York City Bar

Disney's Hotel New York

Disney's Hotel New York

20th Anniversary merchandise in the Hotel's boutique.

20th Anniversary Merchandise

Thursday, 19th July

Fortunately, I woke up on time - the day's first problem came when I was heading to checkout and the lift refused to let anyone out on the ground floor!

Didn't make it to the Earl of Sandwich. Maybe next time...

Disney Village

Town Square

Decided to risk Space Mountain but soon regretted it. I used to love this ride and one time my sister and I stayed on it for five rides in a row but it's just so uncomfortable now. No such problems with Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast!

Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast

Another sighting of Captain Jack!

Captain Jack Sparrow

Can't actually remember when I last went on the Indiana Jones ride. It's been a long time!

<p<Indiana Jones et le Temple du Péril

A quick wander around the Labyrinth but it was pretty busy and I couldn't face trying to work my way all the way to the centre! It is one of my favourite attractions to photograph though.

Alice's Curious Labyrinth

Alice's Curious Labyrinth

Alice's Curious Labyrinth

Time for the anniversary train again! By this point, I knew where the characters headed off to once they disembarked and managed to get a shot of Mickey.

Mickey Mouse

Disney's 20th Anniversary Celebration Train

Disney's 20th Anniversary Celebration Train

Disney's 20th Anniversary Celebration Train

One of those little details that are so easy to miss!

La Confiseries des Trois Fées

I spent my first couple of days debating whether or not to have lunch at Auberge de Cendrillon. It's one of the few restaurants I've never been inside and I wanted to experience it at least once. However, it is very expensive - a set menu coming to around €70 (I realised afterwards that I'd paid €5 for a glass of Sprite!). In the end, I decided to go for it (although when I got to the restaurant, my reservation had actually been made for the following day - thankfully, not a problem).

Was it worth it? Just about. The food was good, although small portions and little choice. The restaurant itself is lovely - I was sat in an end room, which was probably a lot quieter but you did feel as though you were missing out as you heard the activity coming from the main room. I was trying to make those small portions last until at least ONE character made an appearance in our room!

Auberge de Cendrillon

Salmon tartare @ Auberge de Cendrillon

Pan-fried scallops with Champagne sauce @ Auberge de Cendrillon

Finally, Suzy! Who arrived just as most of the children had rushed off into the main room to see what was going on. Perla also put in an appearance.

Suzy

Cinderella's Delight @ Auberge de Cendrillon

Princess Tiana & Prince Naveen

Ariel

Cost aside, I guess my only real regret is not being able to see more of the restaurant. Maybe I'll be tempted to go again...

Wandering back through Fantasyland, I came across the queue for Rapunzel. It didn't look too bad - although a cast member told someone it would probably be about an hour. It was my last day and I had nothing else I absolutely had to do, so I got in the queue.

I think these were taken about two hours later...

Rapunzel & Flynn Rider

Rapunzel & Flynn Rider

A final walk through Frontierland.

Big Thunder Mountain

The Lucky Nugget Saloon

Main Street USA

A quick stop at the Studios to buy a 20th Anniversary tea-towel! A strange choice, perhaps, but whereas the mugs etc only had a small selection of the wonderful vintage designs on them, the tea-towels had the lot!

Sadly, I arrived just as Chip & Dale were leaving.

Chip & Dale

I still had some time before checking in for the Eurostar so headed to the Disneyland Hotel for a drink. As it happened, there were a host of characters in the reception area - a great way to finish my trip.

Minnie Mouse

This shot of Donald took an age to get. Just because you don't have a child with you, it doesn't mean you're not actually waiting to take a photo.

Donald Duck

Disneyland Hotel

It's never so bad leaving when you've already got your next trip planned! I'll be back (and staying at the Disneyland Hotel) in time for the start of the Christmas season in November.

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Disneyland Resort
  • Dining
  • Archived Photo Galleries
    • Disneyland Paris >
      • Disneyland Park >
        • Main Street USA
        • Adventureland
        • Discoveryland
        • Fantasyland
        • Frontierland
      • Walt Disney Studios Park >
        • Front Lot
        • Production Courtyard
        • Toon Studio
        • Backlot
      • Characters
      • Disney Village
      • Fantasia Gardens
      • Resort Hotels
    • Disneyland Resort >
      • Disneyland Park
      • Disney California Adventure
      • Downtown Disney
      • Resort Hotels
      • Characters
    • Walt Disney World Resort >
      • Magic Kingdom
      • Epcot
      • Disney's Hollywood Studios
      • Disney's Animal Kingdom
      • Disney's Boardwalk
      • Disney Springs
      • Resort Hotels
      • Characters
    • Disney Dining >
      • Dining - Disneyland Paris
      • Dining - Disneyland Resort
      • Dining - Walt Disney World
  • Photo Gallery Index
  • Videos
  • Disney Parks Seasonal & Special Events
    • Disneyland Resort: Christmas 2019
    • Disneyland Resort: Halloween 2018
    • Disneyland Paris: Marvel Summer of Super Heroes
    • Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2018
    • Disneyland Resort: Christmas 2017
    • Disneyland Paris 25th Anniversary
    • Walt Disney World: Christmas 2016
    • Epcot International Food & Wine Festival 2016
    • Disneyland Paris: Swing into Spring 2016
    • Disneyland Resort: Christmas 2015
    • Disneyland Diamond Celebration
    • Star Wars: Season of the Force
    • Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2015
    • Disneyland Resort: Halloween 2014
    • Disneyland Paris: St Patrick's Day 2014
    • Walt Disney World: Christmas 2013
    • Epcot International Food & Wine Festival 2013
    • Disneyland Paris: Christmas 2012
    • Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2012
    • Disneyland Paris: 20th Anniversary
    • Disneyland Paris: Christmas 2010
    • Stitch's Great Escape! Opening Day
    • Disneyland Paris: 15th Anniversary
    • Disneyland Paris: Halloween 2003
  • Trip Reports
    • Trip Report: Disneyland Resort 2019
    • Trip Report: Disneyland Resort 2018
    • Trip Report: Disneyland Paris 2018
    • Trip Report: Walt Disney World 2018
    • Trip Report: Disneyland Resort 2017
    • Trip Report: Disneyland Paris 2017
    • Trip Report: Walt Disney World 2016
    • Trip Report: Disneyland Paris 2016
    • Trip Report: Disneyland Resort 2015
    • Trip Report: Disneyland Paris July 2015
    • Trip Report: Walt Disney World 2015
    • Trip Report: Disneyland Resort 2014
    • Trip Report: Disneyland Paris July 2014
    • Trip Report: Disneyland Paris March 2014
    • Trip Report: Walt Disney World 2013
    • Trip Report: Disneyland Resort 2013
    • Trip Report: Disneyland Paris November 2012
    • Trip Report: Disneyland Paris July 2012
    • Trip Report Walt Disney World 2012
    • Trip Report: Disneyland Paris 2011
  • Disney Cinderella: The Exhibition
  • The Muppets Take The O2
  • Universal Orlando
  • Walt's Barn/Griffith Park
  • Tumblr
  • About