It's time for the Beginner's Guide to Walt Disney Studios. This park can be described as "small but perfectly formed" and is designed to be a smaller version of Florida's Hollywood Studios. That being said, it does pip it's American brother in a few ways. For starters, at the time of writing, there are far more rides open at Walt Disney Studios whilst Hollywood Studios undergoes it's refurbishment. In addition, it is far easier to park hop between Walt Disney Studios and Disneyland Park than it is to park hop between Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom. So with that, sit back, relax and let me walk through this park with you.
Which is where I come in....
Get ready to head into space and try and avoid space prison during this 15 minute show. This show has you meeting a CGI Stitch in a fully interactive experience. The shows alternate between English and French so there's a high chance that you'll catch a show that you'll understand. I can't go into anymore because I really don't want to ruin the experience for you all.
You are about to be cast in a deleted scene of the award winning film, Armageddon. One of the stars of the show will brief you before you enter the scene and then it's action. Expect loud noises, walls and ceilings collapsing around and lots of fire.
1. Let's bust those myths.
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| Picture Source: Disneyland Paris |
Every Disney park has some form of myth that one travel professional decided when they were bored and everybody else took as gospel. Walt Disney Studios' myth is that it is, at best, only a half day venture.
This myth harkens back to the early 2000s when the park first opened (March 16th 2002 if you are wondering when the park officially opened) and it wasn't anywhere near as developed as it is now. However, we now have exciting additions to the park such as Toon Studio and Toy Story Playland and Marvel and Frozen Lands coming in the near future. This means that in 2018, you can very easily do a day here if you plan it correctly.
Which is where I come in....
2. Must dos
There are so many experiences at Walt Disney Studios that are must dos. It's why I love this park. Whether you're a huge adrenaline junkie or a character lover, there's loads for you to do here. Here are some of my personal favourites...
RC Racer:
Location: Toy Story Playland
Ride intensity: Big Thrills
Minimum height: 1.2 metres or around about 4ft.
Handy Hints: This ride is available on Single Rider. If you plan to ride this alone, use this queue to drastically reduce your wait time.
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| Picture Source: Disneyland Paris |
RC Racer is a riot. Sat in a row of 4 on board your own RC Car, you ride Disney's take on a half-pipe roller coaster. Expect lots of moments where you fly out of your seat, heights of up to 25m (this drops by about 2 metres if you're in the middle) and hit a max speed of 50mph. Definitely one for you roller-coaster fans in your tribe.
Ratatouille: The Adventure
Location: Toon Studio
Ride Intensity: Fun for Everyone
Handy Hints: This ride has Fastpass and is part of the extra magic hours. Use these to reduce your wait time as this ride is VERY popular.
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| Picture Source: Disneyland Paris |
A ride so good that Florida wants it for their own parks. Jokes aside, this ride is absolutely beautiful and has so much love crafted into it.
In short, you are a rat wondering the streets of Paris and the kitchens of the restaurant. This is achieved via a combination of 3D films, motion simulation and animatronics to provide an experience that cannot be described without spoiling the magic.
Just make sure you ride it at least once because it really is a ride that mouse be seen to believe (I'll see mice-elf out).
Crush's Coaster
Location: Toon Studio
Ride Intensity: Big Thrills
Minimum Height: 1.07m or about 3 and a half feet.
Handy Hint: This ride is open during extra magic hours. Take advantage of this because otherwise you will be waiting FOREVER!
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| Picture Source: Disneyland Paris |
Crush's Coaster is my favourite ride at Walt Disney Studios. There I said it. Why do I love it so much? Simply put, you don't know what to expect. Are you going to spin lots of times or just a couple. Will you be facing that first drop forwards or backwards? Nobody knows until you get on board that shell.
In addition to the whizzing, there are some beautiful animatronics that depict Marlin and Dory's undersea adventures that break up the pace perfectly. A fantastic ride for those of you who want to try their first roller-coaster during your next Disney trip.
Stitch Live!
Location: Production Courtyard
Ride Intensity: Fun for Everyone
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| Picture Source: Disneyland Paris |
Armageddon: Les Effets Speciaux
Location: Backlot
Ride Intensity: Some light thrill elements may be present.
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| Picture Source: Disneyland Paris |
Fancy seeing what happens when an asteroid hits a random space station? Do you like to see things set on fire? Do you want an attraction with minimal wait time? If you answered yes, then this is for you.
You are about to be cast in a deleted scene of the award winning film, Armageddon. One of the stars of the show will brief you before you enter the scene and then it's action. Expect loud noises, walls and ceilings collapsing around and lots of fire.
3. Where should I go to eat?
Walt Disney Studios is somewhat limited when it comes to food. Something I personally think is a grave shame. If you aren't on any of the meal plans and want something that is on the lower end of the cost scale, my advice would be to leave the park, head to one of the 3 counter-service restaurants in Disney Village that I recommend and then come back in the afternoon. Basically avoid Restaurant en Couliss like the flu.
If you have a meal plan or are willing to pay a little bit extra, then you have two options available to you. Those of you who are on the standard meal plan or identify as buffet fans need to visit Restaurant Des Stars, the first and only restaurant to receive a perfect score from me. It has a really good buffet selection and their desserts are beautiful.
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| Picture Source: Disneyland Paris |
If you are on the Plus or Premium meal plan, then you also have the option to enjoy Chef Remy. Obviously, you are welcome to dine here if you don't have a meal plan but you'll need to budget about 40 euros a head for the basic 3 course set menu (available to plus peeps) and 65 euro for the posh menu (available to premium peeps). I will be visiting this restaurant this month so expect a review between Christmas and the New Year.
So there you have it. A basic guide to all things Walt Disney Studios. If you have any questions specific to Walt Disney Studios or anything else Disneyland Paris feel free to ask them in the comments. Don't forget to follow the blog on Bloglovin and subscribe to the blog.
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Kelly
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