Disneyland Paris is a magical way to enjoy the festive season, with an enchanting world of fun-filled action for the whole family. The Christmas season begins 8 November 2009 and continues until 6 January 2010, so why not break away for the holidays this year and treat the kids to a Disney Christmas?

When you enter the land of Disney, it is impossible not to smile, especially during the Christmas season.

A mammoth Christmas tree glitters before your eyes as you enter the park, whilst snowflakes fall gently to the ground.

Christmas carols can be heard as you stroll though Main Street U.S.A, a charming street lined with Victorian style buildings inspired by the era of Walt Disney’s childhood.

The neat gardens of Disneyland are covered over with snow for a truly Christmas-like atmosphere.

Head for the awe-inspiring heart of Disneyland, the enchanting Sleeping Beauty Castle and straight into Fantasyland, where fairytales come true, every day of the year.

This part of Disneyland is inspired by the classic stories of Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, Pinocchio and Dumbo.

Watch Sleeping Beauty perform for the crowds in her signature blue gown, accompanied by Prince Charming. The Mad-Hatters Tea Cups will whisk you around so fast that you will be too dizzy to find your way through the maze that is Alice’s Curious Labyrinth (pictured, left). Discover the world of Peter Pan as you soar high over London and beyond to Never Land in search of Captain Hook.

Fantasyland will have even the biggest of kids beaming with joy.

Discoveryland is where the future comes to life. Space Mountain lunges you through the depths of the universe at terrifying speed, throwing your aiming skills right out of whack for the Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast, which will give your competitive streak a run for its money.

As you progress your way to Frontierland, you suddenly find yourself in the heart of the Wild West with the likes of Pocahontas and the legends of the Wild West. Hop on the ‘Mark Twain’ or ‘Molly Brown’ paddle steamboat for a cruise around the waterways of the Old West, or ride the runaway train on Thunder Mountain. At Phantom Manor (pictured, right), discover the spooky story of a forgotten bride.

Walk through the enchanted city of Agrabah and say hello to Aladdin (pictured, below, with some very excited children) while on the way to Adventureland for a thrilling finale to the Disneyland journey.

The Indiana Jones Roller- Coaster will set your nerves sky high as you whizz around the rickety old rollercoaster, twisting, turning and going upside down. You will fear for your life as you peek nervously out onto the framework of this seemingly decrepit old structure!

Once your legs have stopped shaking, wander on over to climb the Swiss Family Robinson tree house and discover the pirates of the high seas before heading back to Main Street U.S.A. for the enchanting 'Once Upon a Dream Parade', the lighting of the Christmas tree ceremony, 'It’s Party Time with Mickey and Friends' dance performance and finally, the grand 'Fantillusion' finale.

The 'Once Upon a Dream Parade' is a delightful and interactive blend of all of your favourite Disney Characters, including Mickey and Minnie Mouse (Pictured, right), joined by Santa Claus, his Elves and the Christmas Dancers. Magical Christmas music draws the parade from along Main Street U.S.A. while snowflakes dance in the air above. This parade is the first of the evening entertainment, which will enthrall both young and old.

Once the parade is over, the Christmas tree lighting ceremony begins. Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and a host of Disney characters help to light the huge Christmas tree at the end of Main Street U.S.A. A lucky child is selected from the crowd to help with this special task.

A stroll down Main Street U.S.A. takes you to the stage where the 'It’s Party Time with Mickey and Friends' dance performance begins.

The entertaining performance showcases all the moves of Pooh, Tigger, Mickey, Minnie and many others and ends in the lighting of Sleeping Beauty Castle (pictured, below), which is a very special experience. Each tier of the castle is lit up one by one, until finally, the entire castle is glittering with the tiniest of fairy lights.

The grand finale, Disney’s 'Fantillusion', is an enchanting parade that lights the streets of Disneyland as night falls. Disney’s characters are brought together once more in mobile vans decorated with lights in the style of various Disney worlds. The Little Mermaid waves goodnight, along with Aladdin’s Jafar, Goofy and many, many more. Fantillusion is a magical way to end your Disneyland experience!

The parades, entertainment and live shows happen at different times throughout the day, so plan ahead and be sure not to miss any of them. A timetable of the parades can be found here: www.news.disneylandparis.co.uk/UK/EN/Neutral/Images/ShowsAndParades.pdf.

There is so much to be seen and done that it is wise to make a weekend out of it and plan your days beforehand to make the most out of the park. Disneyland has much more to offer than what has been mentioned here, so book one of the excellent hotel deals that are available during this festive season and treat the kids to a family Christmas at Disneyland.

Whether you have been there before, or it's your first time, Disneyland really is loads of fun for the whole family.

Details of Disneyland Paris (how to get there, what to see and do, where to eat, where to stay, ticket prices and more) can be found at www.disneylandparis.com.

For all the Christmas information you might need visit www.disneymagicalchristmas.com

Have a magical Christmas!

Words: Holly Marder

Photography: Holly Marder

                    Euodia Bhe

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