Our kids love watching films, and they're big fans of Disney movies. Every Saturday we all sit down to watch a film with a huge bowl of popcorn; it's one of the family's favourite things to do. Alas, there's only so much magic and wonder a film can bring to life, so we decided to take the kids to Disneyland Paris, where they could have fun on the rides inspired by some of their favourite characters! Here are some of the rides our family enjoyed the most.
Toy Story Playland
The Toy Story films are personal favourites of our kids, so the Toy Story Playland theme park adventure was the first on our list. This exciting park takes you onto a journey into the world and lives of toys. Giant green army men, a huge hot wheels racetrack and benches made from a wooden railway track will make you feel as if you've shrunk!
The main attraction in this area of the park is the Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast. Your kids will be recruited onto an exciting and interactive quest to help Star Command defeat the evil Zurg. After saving the world your kids can enjoy even more rides; they can jump to the ground on the Toy Soldiers Parachute Drop, and whizz through the air on the Slinky Dog ZigZag Spin ride.
The George Lucas Influence
I've got to admit it; I'm a huge George Lucas fan. When I heard that Disneyland Paris had both Star Wars and Indiana Jones themed rides, I couldn't wait to check them out with my kids.
The Star Wars themed ride, Star Tours, is one of the oldest rides at Disneyland Paris. You're taken on a space adventure within the Star Wars universe in a frighteningly realistic motion simulator. While flying on the x-wing spaceship you'll be instructed to attack countless enemy tie-fighters, which will finish with your climatic attack on the Death Star space station. Saving the universe is pretty fun.
The Indiana Jones ride is just like a runaway train, and with its terrifying drops and swerving curves it's really exciting! The track will take you and your kids on a mini adventure in the Temple of Peril, where you'll really believe you're in the film.
Fantasyland
Fantasyland has plenty of film references, from Alice in Wonderland to Dumbo the Flying Elephant. Perfect for younger kids, this part of Disneyland Paris includes Mad Hatter's Tea Cups and a chance to fly with Peter Pan. Fantasyland's main attraction is the Alice in Wonderland Curious Labyrinth. It's a wonderfully magical maze, filled with all of the colourful characters from the film. It's great fun to explore as a family, just try not to get lost!
Time to head home
We all had such a magical time in Disneyland Paris, and the kids couldn't wait to go back. France is only a quick journey on Le Shuttle, so they'll be able to see their movie heroes sooner than they thought.