I had busted my butt for over a year, saving most of my money from part-time jobs and internships, so that I would have enough to study abroad in Paris and London – after all, the flights alone were ~$1,200. Several family members contributed to my cause, and I was able to secure a scholarship through my college, so in May 2014, I found myself flying by myself for the first time. I went from Tampa to Miami, where I then met up with most of my group, and we flew to Charles de Gaulle Airport.
When we arrived in Paris, France and got our schedules, I learned that we had one free weekend in the city. How would I spend it? I hoped in Disneyland Paris. I had gone to Disney World in Orlando more times than I could count growing up, but this would be my first time in a new Disney park. Would it be worth it?
After talking with my roommate Megan, I found some other girls who were also planning on going, and they were happy for me to join their group. I took some of the fun money my grandma had given me to book my ticket, convinced the hotel concierge to print it – I’m much better now about advanced planning and printing – and headed to the park that first weekend.
Disneyland Park 
Disneyland Park 
Walt Disney Studios Park
Disneyland Paris, formerly known as Euro Disney, is located just outside of Paris, either a quick bus or train ride away from the city. It is composed of two parks: Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park. For those of you more familiar with Disney World, these are comparable to Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. While many of the rides are similar – especially now that Orlando has expanded its Toy Story offering — the parks have their own unique offerings.
With my study abroad group, we spent the first part of our day at Disneyland. We explored the shops on Main Street (and the French food offerings) before posing with the castle and hitting our first ride: Space Mountain, Mission 2 (now known as Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain). Honestly, I thought this was better than the one in Orlando!
Le Pays des Contes de Fées 
Phantom Manor 
La Galerie de la Belle au Bois Dormant
While there, we also rode…
- Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast
- It’s A Small World
- Le Pays des Contes de Fées – a must-do while there for a taste of Disney classics
- Blanche-Neige et les Sept Nains – I found this scarier than the one at Disney World
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Big Thunder Mountain
- Phantom Manor – a French twist on the Haunted Mansion
- La Galerie de la Belle au Bois Dormant – inside the castle
Toy Soldiers Parachute Drop 
Crush’s Coaster
We then headed to Walt Disney Studios Park. There are fewer rides here compared to Disneyland Park, but while we were there, we rode…
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
- Toy Soldiers Parachute Drop – part of their expansive Toy Story area
- Crush’s Coaster – this was my favorite ride of the whole visit; it is a must-do
At the end of the day, we explored the shops there and purchased our souvenirs. Fun fact: after I said “bonjour,” the sales clerk asked me if English would be easier.
Even after having gone to Disney World so many times growing up, I felt that yes, visiting Disneyland Paris was worth it. The tickets aren’t as expensive as in the US, which certainly helps, but the parks offered their own take on Disney, as well as rides I’d never been on before. If you’re on the fence, as long as you have several days to explore the city, I would say go for it.
I actually went back to the park in 2018 with my mom and sister. We took an overnight bus to get to Paris from London (would not recommend) so they didn’t miss both of these parks, and then we took the Chunnel back the next day (would recommend). While Disneyland Paris is currently closed – they are set to reopen on April 2, 2021 – I’m excited to one day go back to the parks with our son, and get to experience them again in a whole new way.