A Beginner's Guide to Disney Village

Welcome to a brand new series. A Beginner's Guide. This is designed to break down each part of a particular area in Disneyland Paris and will tell you where to go, when to go there and what you can expect. It will also have some of my hand hints and tips to ensure you have the best time ever.

I deliberately decided to start with Disney Village. This is because it is a giant treasure trove of great places to dine, fantastic shops and little hidden gems that you can't help but smile at. Now I know village is seen as a little "outdated" especially compared to the awe-inspiring Disney Springs, however it does have some new things to bring to the table and things that I just LOVE.

1. What are the must dos?

Despite the common conception that you have to spend lots of money to enjoy Disney Village (and you're more than welcome to spend lots of euros), these 2 must dos are free of charge. 

Must do number 1. See the pictures and sculptures at the Lego Store

The Lego store is one of the newer kids on the block. In addition to being able to buy pretty much any available Disney Lego model, there are tables full of bricks (ideal for tiddlywinks) and multiple pictures and statues made of Lego. Many of these statues also come with little fact-files about how long it took to make them and it makes for a fantastic factual spectacle that you must see at least once during your Disney trip. 

Must do number 2. Check out the murals on the ceiling of World Of Disney

Picture Source: Disneyland Paris

The World Of Disney is one of, if not the best, Disney Gift Shop at Disneyland Paris. It has a variety of different Disney products from plushies to pins to costumes and everything in between. What makes it stand out, however, is it's beautiful murals that are on the domed celing of the story. Each mural is dedicated to a certain part of the world that houses an iconic Disney film, for example you might see Remy in Paris. You can very easily spend a good 15 minutes on their comfy chairs spotting all of the films. 

2. Where are the best places to eat?

Disney Village has a HUGE range of food and drink options to suit every one in your family. There are also numerous restaurants that are part of the Disney meal plans as well. Here are some of my personal favourites...

For the best burgers....

If you are watching your pennies then I would recommend either McDonalds or 5 Guys for all things thick and greasy. McDonalds offers a classic take-away option with your McChicken Sandwhiches and Big Macs (don't panic, their ordering machines are multi-lingual). Whilst 5 Guys offers a slightly more expensive array of burgers in exchange for their amazing skin-on fries and milkshakes. 

Picture Source: Disneyland Paris

If you fancy a slightly more healthier option...

I highly recommend Earl of Sandwich. I fell in love with this place when I went to one of their American branches over the summer and I cannot wait to try the French version, VERY soon.

Picture Source: Disneyland Paris

For those of you who don't know, Earl of Sandwich is an American chain that specialises in hot sandwiches, wraps and salads. An adult's meal cost about 15 euro and features a hot sandwich of your choice, the choice of either a packet of crisps or brownie and a fizzy drink of your choice. If you fancy a salad then you can swap this for your sandwich for an additional 1-2 euro

You are looking about 10 euro for a child's meal and that gives you choice of a ham and cheese sandwich, pizza, chicken and cheese pasta or a hot dog. This is then served with either a fizzy drink, a bottle of water or a Capri Sun and the choice between a chocolate moose pudding or fruit salad. 

If you want to push the boat out...

If you want to push the boat out (and why wouldn't you. It's Disneyland Paris), I would recommend two places. Firstly there's King Ludwig's Castle. Themed to a medieval German Castle, this restaurant scored a whopping 9.5 when I reviewed it in November 2018  with the main points of praise being it's amazing theming, mouthwatering desserts and their fantastic value for money. 

If you prefer elephants to knights then Rainforest Cafe is the place to go. It's the more expensive option with 2 course on a set menu and a cocktail coming to the 35 euro mark however, the theming is worth the euros. 

Whether it's the giant elephants hiding in the bushes. The insects and birds hidden in the trees or the gorgeous variety of real-life fish that swim around the restaurant. You can very easily sit and watch the world around you come to life whilst you wait for your dinner.

Just note that there is a frequent "thunderstorm" that may scare younger tiddlywinks or people with sensory issues. If either of these people are in your party, I would personally recommend King Ludwig's Castle over Rainforest Cafe. 

If you have a meal plan...

There are currently 4 restaurants in Disney Village on the Disney meal plan. These are: 

• Billy Bob's Country and Western Saloon (standard).
• Annette's Diner (Plus).
• Cafe Mickey (Premium)
• Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show with Mickey and Friends (2nd category seating for Premium meal plan holders). 

Picture Source: Disneyland Paris

Out of these 4 restaurants I have to give the nod to Annette's for their 1950s diner theming, servers on roller-skates and their family friendly fare and Cafe Mickey for a slightly lower cost option if you want to do a character dining experience. 

3. When are the best time to go to Disney Village?

Most of the shops in Disney Village don't tend to open to about 11am. Therefore I personally would advise that you visit Disney Village between 3 and 6 pm if you haven't reserved a table. This is where the Village, whilst being open, tends to be at its quietest due to people visiting the parks. This means that it will be easier to find a table for your favourite restaurant. 

Picture Source: Disneyland Paris

Alternatively, you could visit after 9pm. This tends to be the time where many of the guest will have retreated back to their hotels/cars for and therefore tends to be a quieter time to catch dinner. Don't forget that most of the shops don't tend to close until midnight so if you're a night owl, take advantage of the longer nights sans tiddlywinks. 

So there you have it, a short guide to Disney Village. Do you have a place at Disney Village that you must visit without fail? Tell me about it in the comments. Don't forget to like the official Facebook page, subscribe to this blog and follow the blog on BlogLovin. 

Whilst you're doing all of that, dial up your favourite take-away because it's Saturday and the weather is awful,  make a wish and lick your lips.

Kelly