With over 50 Disneyland Paris rides to contend with, it can be tricky choosing which ones to actually line up for. Here are our top picks
Perhaps you’ve got a 10-year-old who’s exclusively interested in heart-thumping rollercoasters, or maybe a four-year-old who doesn’t have quite that appetite for adrenaline yet. Feeling daunted by the prospect of ushering them around Disney? Our run-down of the best Disneyland Paris rides ranges from the frightful to the easy-going to the just plain magical.
With queues and the frankly overwhelming choice – there are 54 rides overall – it’s evidently not possible to indulge in every single one. So if you need some help making those tough decisions, read on for our pick of 10 attractions you shouldn’t miss. Then book online here.
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Reopened after renovations in July 2014, join Captain Jack Sparrow, Captain Barbossa – a new female hero – and a band of buccaneers on the ever-popular ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ ride. Based on the Disney film franchise of the same name, this waterlog ride is full of thrills and spills and is constantly named one of the most exhilarating Disneyland Paris rides.
Where? Adventureland
Height restrictions? No
Typical wait time? 30 mins approx
Take the ultimate plunge (40 metres, to be exact) in the Hollywood Tower Hotel. Creepy hotel, stormy night, broken service elevator – what could go wrong? Welcome to the darkest Disneyland Paris ride: The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.
Where? Walt Disney Studios® Park, Production Courtyard
Height restrictions? 1.02m
Typical wait time? 30 mins approx
A boat tour that sails to the classic ‘It’s a small world’ anthem, this is a timeless Disneyland Paris attraction for kids of all ages. The 10-minute journey takes you on a tour of the magical water world, where you can spy the all-singing, all-dancing characters from your vessel.
Where? Fantasyland
Height restrictions? No
Typical wait time? 10 mins approx
Kids will love helping Buzz save the world from little green men in the delightfully noisy Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast. Practise your aim and rack up points for all the targets you hit. Beware – you’ll need to have your wits about you for this one!
Where? Discoveryland
Height restrictions? No
Typical wait time? 30 mins approx
The iconic Space Mountain has had a shiny Star Wars makeover. This new ride launches you into hyperspace with the Rebel Alliance, where you’ll be sent on a reconnaissance mission to spy on an Imperial Star Destroyer. As thrilling as ever...
Where? Discoveryland
Height restrictions? 1.20m
Typical wait time? 25 mins approx
It’s an oldie among Disneyland Paris rides, but a goodie. Star Tours, based on none other than ‘Star Wars’, takes you on a stunning 3D voyage to a galaxy far, far away. This simulation ride will see you travelling through space to war-torn worlds like Jakku, Hoth, Tatooine and even the dreaded Death Star.
Where? Discoveryland
Height restrictions? 1.02m
Typical wait time? 25 mins approx
The wildest ride in the West, Big Thunder should be your go-to Disneyland Paris ride if you fancy some rollercoaster action. Hop on board the Big Thunder train as you venture into the Wild West, hurtling through a deserted mining town.
Where? Frontierland
Height restrictions? 1.02m
Typical wait time? +1hr approx
Perfect for all the family, Alice’s Curious Labyrinth is a full-on playground of fantastical things from the wonder-inducing film. Dodge the Queen of Hearts, hunt the Chesire Cat, chase the white rabbit and more. A real-life Wonderland.
Where? Fantasyland
Height restrictions? No
Typical wait time? 5 mins approx
A more recent addition to the park, Ratatouille is already one of the best-loved Disneyland Paris rides. This 4D experience takes you through Gusteau’s kitchen, where you can discover all the sights and smells you’d expect in a typical Parisian restaurant. Bon appétit!
Where? Worlds of Pixar
Height restrictions No
Typical wait time +1 hour approx
Explore the depths of the jungle with Indi, meandering your way past deadly snakes and spectacular temple ruins. This Temple of Peril is full of twists and turns – making it undoubtedly one of the most heart-thumping Disneyland Paris rides.
Where? Adventureland
Height restrictions? 1.40m
Typical wait time? 40 mins approx
With its grandiose parks, idyllic, wide-pavemented boulevards and the ever-scenic Seine, Paris is the perfect destination to explore with kids. Just wandering around and ogling the obvious attractions should provide entertainment aplenty, but there’s lots else worth doing if the weather doesn’t play ball.
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