I’ve seen the Terracotta Warriors and Sydney Opera House. I once met Benedict Cumberbatch. My favourite book has been made into a TV series and is to be screened on Channel 4 THIS WEEK. But I have never, ever been as excited as I was to go to Disneyland, Paris.
I may be 28 years old, but I cherish the memories of my childhood, and that means films like Aladdin, The Little Mermaid and Bedknobs & Broomsticks still captivate and entrance me. With the same delight as visiting the Harry Potter studio tour in Watford, the thought of seeing something made for fiction coming to life had me literally bouncing in my seat as we got on the shuttle from the airport to the park.
The anticipation was intense, but suppressed somewhat by the screaming child kicking my chair. As we stopped at various hotels, it was apparent that I wasn’t going to be disappointed by the lack of a theme, but that didn’t stop me from presuming that once we actually got to the park that I’d be cripplingly let down.
We ditched our bags, I found my sequin Minnie ears and made our way to the park. It took us about 20 minutes to actually get through the entrance, not because of queues, but because I wanted to take it all in. The manicured gardens and topiary, leading to a clocktower with Mickey himself atop it. I thought that this was the true beginning, so I took a thousand photos as I noticed nuances of Disney everywhere; from drain covers to lamp posts.
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| I’m wearing: Custom sequin ears – Made For Mouse / Sunglasses – Accessorize / Top – Topshop (old) / Shorts – Zara / Backpack – Brit Stitch |
But then we actually went inside. I saw Sleeping Beauty’s castle, and I cried. Not wailing ‘I’ve waited so long for this’ sobs, just a tiny little tear from being totally overwhelmed. Chim Chim Cher-ee from Mary Poppins was playing, a 1930s style street car rolled by, there were signs for ice cream and a sunshine that made every colour even brighter. I skipped from the Mad Hatter’s Teacups to Geppetto’s Workshop with sheer glee.
Of course, as an adult, you notice the flaws. But you also don’t really care. Sure, there are crowds and untamed kids and obnoxious adults. The food is limited to burger and chips and some of the rides have probably seen better days. But it is what you make of it, and I was absolutely in my element, repeatedly going on rollercoasters, watching the incredible illuminations, hugging characters and squealing pretty much consistently at every single thing I saw.
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| I’m wearing: Ears – as before / Sunglasses – C&A / Choker – handmade / Jacket – Primark / T-shirt – Abercrombie & Fitch / Jeans – Topshop / Backpack – as before / Sandals – ASOS |
My first trip to Disneyland was worth the wait and it truly was a magical experience.
PIN IT FOR LATER
