Shortly before most borders (and theme parks) closed, Alex and I traveled to Disneyland Paris for a few days at one of our favorite parks. At the time we did not realize we’d cancel our next several international trips. This summer we finally were able to leave the US again, and the first park we visited was Disneyland Paris of course. Let’s take a look at the French Disney destination, without the usual crowd!
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After a quick vaccine card check and some strange looks at our US CDC vaccine cards, we were allowed into the Disneyland Paris resort complex. The feeling was amazing. We very much missed the park and our international travels. What made things even better was the lack of crowds and beautiful weather.
Parc Disneyland has arguably the nicest entrance of all the castle parks, with the giant Disneyland Hotel towering overhead and there being an additional plaza between the Disneyland Paris Railroad station and Main Street USA. Being a European park in the summer, the landscaping and flowers are out of this World too.
It’s all about flowers and topiaries here! 
The castle is undergoing some renovations, but even the boxy version looks cute.
Of course, the first place we headed to was Discoveryland. Disneyland’s uniquely French approach to classic Tomorrowland is a classic visionary approach, featuring lots of Jules Verne and steampunk inspired touches. Like every land in the park, there is a distinct dedication to the flowers and landscaping.
The unique rockwork is also a water feature, these rocks can be found throughout the land. 
We’re always ready for some Discoveryland! 
Currently Orbitron has been temporarily removed for maintenance purposes, allowing an unobstructed view of Hyperspace Mountain. Cool mural too! 
I love that after nearly 30 years Discoveryland still has a very distinct feel to it. From the branding to theming and colors used. 
I want some of these flags in our house.
From one beautiful topiary to the next, France’s Fantasyland is truly a giant garden. Especially in the summer months this part of the park looks gorgeous.
Let’s pop into the resort’s second gate real quick. Walt Disney Studios is on its own journey and has been for a while. However, even in the past few years, having seen changes slowly come to the troubled Disney park has made me so happy. Seeing Avengers Campus under construction, seeing Arendale (Frozen) under construction and the addition of Cars Roadtrip to make for the new Worlds of Pixar land, it’s slowly coming together finally.
Since the pandemic started, cavalcades have been all the hype. It was cute seeing Remy make his way around the park. 
Special shoutout to Tower of Terror being the best tower in the chain. The ‘New Dimension of Chills’ is simply genius. 
The ride is much more intense, features three different storylines with the little girl, and is actually haunting.
Speaking of a best-in-class, of all the classic Pirates of the Caribbean dark rides at Disney parks around the World, Paris’ is the best. The unique series of events, station, and overall attention to detail is awe-inspiring. With the minimal crowds, we were able to hop on several times, it was a walk-on all day!
Another walk-on was the guiltiest of pleasures: Indiana Jones et le Temple du Peril. This Intamin looping coaster is tucked away in a far corner of Adventureland and is quite small compared to the rest of the coasters at the resort. However, the ride is quite intense and offers a fun alternative experience to the big box coasters around the resort. It’s always a must for us.
The ride’s theming was temporary, but the ride never closed… so in 2018 they rebuilt all the theming in rock formation. 
When the weather is nice, this coaster really looks good.
Continuing around the park counter clockwise, let’s visit Frontierland! We’re always down for a ride on the spectacular Phantom Manor. The nice thing about this Frontierland is that all rides and attractions are incorporated into the same storyline, hence why this version of Haunted Mansion takes place in the wild west.
Most Frontierlands only have one focal point: Big Thunder Mountain. In Paris there’s also Phantom Manor. 
Our favorite installation looks amazing from the outside… 
But even more amazing from within. The ride’s finale is a journey through Thunder Mesa ghost town, with Big Thunder included!
Speaking of which, let’s talk about Big Thunder Mountain Railroad! It’s unusual for this particular installation to have a short queue, however, it was practically a walk-on all day. The unique positioning of this installation in the middle of Rivers of America is to thank for the initial drop below the river and the high-speed finale under the river.
Is there anything more beautiful than a short wait for BTMR? 
The sheer size and positioning of this installation is awe-inspiring. 
It also happens to be quite detailed all around and on the ride. Much like the Anaheim installation. 
Again, shoutout to the nice weather we had!
Saving the best for last: Discovery Mountain! Or currently known as Hyperspace Mountain. From aesthetic to coaster layout and ride experience, this coaster just does everything right. The queue could be a little nicer, but it’s all about that uphill launch into the mountain. Thanks to the ride’s MK1212 trains, the coaster’s onboard audio is impeccable and the ride experience smooth as can be. Of course we spent most of this visit riding this magnificent coaster.
All the Jules Verne vibes. 
It’s the little cannons on the marquee, for me. 
I don’t care what anyone says, Hyperspace Mountain is an awesome mission. Great story telling and with the ride’s unique layout, there’s time for scenes and an *actual* jump to hyperspeed! (Oh and it’s in French!) 
Aesthetic. Aesthetic. Aesthetic. 
There’s a reason these trains got our Best Looking Rolling Stock award last year! 
It’s tough choosing between TRON: Lightcycle Power Run and Hyperspace Mountain for best Disney coaster. 
One final glamour shot <3
That wraps up our most recent visit to Disneyland Paris. It felt amazing to have such nice weather and such minimal crowds. In addition, we figured there was no better park to hit internationally than Disneyland Paris, the final park before the pandemic for us, as well as the park we so obliviously bought annual passes to just days before borders closed due to COVID-19. We’re proud to be passholders and look forward to our return trip later this year (travel restrictions not withstanding, of course).