Disneyland Resort Paris

The Walt Disney Company sprinkled its magic over Europe with the opening of Euro Disney on April 12, 1992. After four years of controversy and speculation, Disney, in partnership with several other investors, presented a grand vacation destination. Built on roughly 5,000 acres in rural Marne-La-Vallee, about 20 miles east of Paris, France, the venue now called Disneyland Resort Paris continues to grow. Two Parks (Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney Studios), 14 hotels, three 9-hole golf courses, and an entertainment area (Disney Village) filled with restaurants, boutiques, and nightclubs complete this tourist hot spot.

The Disneyland Paris Park is arranged in the familiar hub-and-spoke layout, similar to its California counterpart. The small town charm and hospitality of the early 1900s Mainstreet, U.S.A., guides Guests to the Central Plaza, where four distinct Lands branch out.

Turn left from the Plaza and mosey through the American Old West in Frontierland. Take a spin on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad for thrills, catch a relaxing ride on the Mark Twain or the Molly Brown paddle steamers at Thunder Mesa Riverboat Landing, or get spooked at the Phantom Manor.

Adventureland is next. Excitement and thrills are unceasing on the runaway wagon of Indiana Jones’ Temple of Peril. If a pirate’s life is more your style, be sure to ride the Pirates of the Caribbean. There’s even a Pirates’ Beach play area for younger mateys.

Continue on to “the happiest of Lands,” Fantasyland, where you can walk through Sleeping Beauty Castle (perhaps meet a Prince or Princess!) and step into fairytales and classic Disney films with attractions like Peter Pan’s Flight, Alice’s Curious Labyrinth, and Dumbo the Flying Elephant.

And finally, Discoveryland, comparable to Tomorrowland in the American Parks, offers futuristic space adventures, like the fan favorite Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear Blast, and Star Tours.

Located right next door is Walt Disney Studios, where the “Action!” starts. Four Lots provide Guests a taste of Hollywood and the film industry. The Front Lot places visitors on a motion picture production set. The Backlot exposes some special effects secrets. This is where one of my favorite Walt Disney World shows began: Lights, Motors, Action! Explore the art of animation at the Toon Studio, and get wise to the world of TV and cinema at the Production Courtyard. Oh, yeah, and don’t miss the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror while you’re there! Here you can also see some toddler-friendly shows, Playhouse Disney and Stitch Live!

This past August, Toy Story Playland opened as the latest addition to Walt Disney Studios’ Toon Studio. Guests virtually shrink to the size of a toy in Andy’s backyard as they venture through over-sized landscaping into three new attractions. Disney Parks Blog describes, “With Toy Soldiers Parachute Drop, Guests are invited to join Andy’s Little Green Army Men in a simulated fall from the sky. Guests of all ages can climb aboard Slinky Dog on Slinky Dog Zigzag Spin as our four legged friend chases his tail. And in Andy’s most dare-deviling set up, RC Racer will give a feel for what it’s like to zoom along a Hot Wheels half-pipe track.” Sounds fun!

Characters meet and greet Guests at various places in both Parks. Check daily schedules for appearance times and locations. Now is a great time to visit Disneyland Resort Paris, as kids under 7 stay & play free!

Today’s Takeaway:
The value of a currency differs around the globe. Play shop today. Have one child man the register and siblings do some shopping. Use this handy conversion calculator at XE Universal Currency Converter to determine how much money is due in EuroDollars.

Here's a sample grocery list in American dollars (at Texas prices):
1 gallon milk                            $  1.99
1 dozen organic eggs               $  3.99
LOL Butter                              $  1.99
1 loaf bread                             $  2.29
Oscar Meyer bologna              $  3.99
Lays Potato Chips                   $  3.00
2.16 lb bananas ($.49/lb)         $  1.06
3 Granny Smith apples (3/$1)   $  1.00

Add your own items to the list. And don't forget to purchase your 1 Day/1 Park Disneyland Resort Paris tickets! Adults (age 12+) $74 and children (age 3-11) $63

SKILL LEVEL: Elementary
SCHOOL SUBJECT: Business

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