Have you always dreamed of being your best Belle self in far-off places? Learn what’s beyond that provincial life by exploring Fantasyland at Disneyland Paris Park. With this in-depth look at the land, you can start soaking up the magic before your next trip. It’s the perfect way to learn the most important things you need to know if it’s your first visit and to learn some fun facts you might not know if you’re a DLP expert.
Here we go!
Nestled within the heart of Disneyland Paris, Fantasyland is a realm where fairy tales come to life and dreams take flight. As you step through the majestic archway of Sleeping Beauty Castle, you’re transported into a world of wonder and imagination.
THE CASTLE
Our journey begins at the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle (Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant). Unlike its Anaheim counterpart, this castle draws inspiration from the enchanting book Les Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry and Mont Saint-Michel. The surrounding square trees, on the other hand, were directly taken from the animated film. Towering at an impressive 50 meters (160 ft) tall, it’s twice the height of Disneyland’s original version of the castle. Within its walls, you’ll find three distinct areas to explore:
–Sleeping Beauty Gallery: (La Galerie de la Belle au Bois Dormant), a balcony walkthrough with breathtaking views of Main Street and Fantasyland. It displays stained glass windows and tapestries that tell the story of Sleeping Beauty.
Fun Fact: if you take a picture of the two knights with flash, you can see that one is slightly tinted blue and the other somewhat pink.
Another Fun Fact: the medallion-shaped stained glass at the top of the balcony magically transforms from a (Briar) Rose into two doves.
–The Dragon’s Lair: Venture into the depths of the castle to encounter a magnificent 7-meter-long (89 ft) Audio-Animatronic dragon. One of the most special things about the dragon is that it was the largest ever-built animatronic when the park opened. Keep in mind that the dungeon is dimly lit and when the dragon wakes up, it growls and puffs smoke so it might be a bit scary for your little ones.
Fun Fact: while you may think that the dragon references Maleficent due to its location (and confusing entrance sign), it is meant to represent the mystical dragon guardian of Merlin’s lair rather than the mistress of all evil herself who’s black in her dragon form instead of green.
–Whatsits Galore: Descend to the ground floor, where you can indulge in some retail therapy at La Boutique du Château, a shop selling Christmas ornaments year-round, and Merlin l’Enchanteur, a shop specializing in handmade glass figures. At Merlin’s, you can also find beautiful tiaras, Disney-themed jewelry, and limited-edition collectibles.
Magical Rides
The great thing about Fantasyland at Disneyland Paris is that it’s not short of rides. There are 9 magical Disney movie-inspired rides you can go on: 3 spinning rides, 3 dark rides, 2 boat rides, and a train ride. This is the perfect land for people who prefer gentle rides and families since there are no age or height requirements for any of the rides.
SPINNING RIDES
–Lancelot’s Carousel: (Le Carrousel de Lancelot), a merry-go-round ride with beautiful hand-sculpted horses, right across from the castle. If the line is 25+ minutes, you should wait and ride it later in the day.
–Dumbo the Flying Elephant: an aerial spinning ride inspired by the 1941 classic. Direct Dumbo to soar high or fly low by moving the handle inside the gondola and enjoy the ride at your preferred height. The lines are usually long so try to ride it as early as possible.
–Mad Hatter’s Tea Cups: a classical spinning ride where you can celebrate your unbirthday with your friends and family. You don’t have to worry about getting too dizzy because there’s a wheel in the center that lets you control the direction and speed at which you spin. If the line is 25+ minutes, you should wait and ride it later in the day.
DARK RIDES
–Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: (Blanche-Neige et les Sept Nains). A dark ride aboard a mine cart through the story of Snow White and how the 7 dwarfs helped her defeat the Evil Queen. If the line is 25+ minutes you should wait and ride it later in the day.
–Peter Pan’s Flight: ride aboard a colorful galleon that takes you on a flying adventure with scenes made famous in the animated film from above. This ride tends to have very long lines of 70 min+, you should ride it as early as possible or immediately after the parade if you’re watching it from Fastasyland.
Fun Fact: just like in Anaheim, Disneyland Paris’s Captain Hook is depicted as left-handed, with his hook on his right hand like in the book and the live-action film. In Walt Disney World’s Peter Pan’s Flight, he is depicted as right-handed, with his hook on his left hand like in the animated movie.
–Pinocchio’s Daring Journey: (Les Voyages de Pinocchio). A fun dark ride aboard a wooden car where you can join Pinocchio, and his friend Jiminy Cricket, on his incredible quest to become a real boy. If the line is 30+ minutes, you should wait and ride it later in the day.
MORE FUN
–It’s a Small World: an enclosed boat ride where you can see dolls from all over the globe sing and dance to the tune of ‘it’s a small world’. Disneyland Paris version is different from the other because it has a completely different clock tower and redesigned landmarks. If the line is 15+ minutes, you should wait and ride it later in the day.
Fun Fact: this version of the ride uses a completely different soundtrack and it’s the first version to include a scene for North America and a Middle Eastern section with dolls singing in Arabic and Hebrew.
–Storybook Land Canal Boats: (Le Pays des Contes de Fées), an open-air gentle cruise through the enchanting stories of Disney classics on a miniature scale. You can see Rapunzel’s tower, Prince Eric’s seaside castle, The Cave of Wonders, the Beast’s castle, and a new upcoming Frozen area. If the line is 20+ minutes you should wait and ride it later in the day.
–Alice’s Curious Labyrinth: a whimsical maze where you can follow in the footsteps of the White Rabbit and get lost around Wonderland by trying doors of various sizes. You can find many characters and fun photo ops during your adventure and even explore the Queen of Hearts Castle, where you can enjoy stunning views of Sleeping Beauty Castle.
Fun Fact: when the attraction first opened, visitors could climb to the top of the Queen of Hearts’ Castle and then descend down a winding slide. Unfortunately, it’s been closed due to safety reasons.
–Casey Jr. Circus Train: (Casey Jr. Le Petit Train du Cirque) is a gentle but quick trip up, down, and around the miniature marvels of Storybook Land. You can get great views of the miniature Beast castle from there. If the line is 25+ minutes you should wait and ride it later in the day.
MEET AND GREETS
Keep an eye out for beloved Disney characters wandering the streets of Fantasyland, ready to greet eager fans and pose for magical photo ops. From Mickey and Minnie to Princesses and Pooh Bear, you never know who you might encounter on your adventures.
At Meet Mickey you can meet the Mouse himself. While at the Princess Pavilion, you can chat with a royal. Disney Princesses change often so the meet is a surprise and the lines tend to be 60+ min.
You can usually find Pinocchio and Gepetto by the It’s a Small World gate, the Wonderland gang can be found by Mad Hatter’s Tea Cups, Piglet or Rabbit are often by The Enchanted Tree, other 100 Acre friends are usually by Casey Jr., and sometimes other princesses stroll around The Old Mill area and by the towers.
There are tons of character opportunities at Disneyland Paris, especially at Fantasyland, so make sure to take your time to enjoy the atmosphere and stroll around, you never know who you might find.
Feasting Fit for Royalty
After all that excitement, refuel by exploring Fantasyland’s charming options. You can find a couple on-the-go kiosks where you can get ice creams, slushies, and special season snacks: L’Arbre Enchanté (The Enchanted Tree), March Hare Refreshments and The Old Mill.
quick-service restaurant
–Au Chalet de la Marionnette: a Pinocchio inspired restaurant where you can enjoy a variety of German-inspired cuisine such as sausages, pretzels, schnitzel, and star shaped chicken nuggets.
–Pizzeria Bella Notte: an Italian restaurant inspired by Lady and the Tramp and Luca that serves Mickey shaped pizzas, lasagna, and… you know it, meatball spaghetti!
–Toad Hall: a picturesque restaurant set in the classic story “The Wind in the Willows.” Its English-inspired menu typically includes fish and chips, vegetarian and vegan options, pies, and sandwiches.
Tip: the biggest and cleanest bathrooms around Fantasyland can be found right next to Toad Hall at the top of the ramp.
L’Auberge de Cendrillon
L’Auberge de Cendrillon, located in Fantasyland at Disneyland Paris, is a charming table-service restaurant inspired by the classic fairy tale of Cinderella where you can enjoy French style fine dinning and meet the royals.
Get ready to meet Cinders herself alongside Suzy, Perla and 3 more royals. The princesses visit every table for a chat, to sign some autographs and to take pictures. Unfortunately, there’s no PhotoPass service so don’t forget your camera!
The fixed menu at L’Auberge de Cendrillon features classic French cuisine with a touch of fairy-tale flair. You can have a choice of an entreé, a main dish, a dessert, and even wine. It’s a very popular restaurant so we recommend that you book in advance to make sure you can get a table.
It doesn’t get any more magical than Exploring Fantasyland at Disneyland Paris. From the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle to the whimsical rides, charming meet and greets, and delicious dining options, Fantasyland will leave you spellbound. So next time you visit Disneyland Paris, be sure to venture into this fairy tale realm and let your imagination soar! And if you’re planning a trip to DLP, make sure to check out these Tips for First-Timers
“Fantasy is hardly an escape from reality. It’s a way of understanding it.”
-Lloyd Alexander
I envy you those pizzas looks deliciousAwesome
Very indepth unfirmation
I love the Princess Pavilion. I like all the information you share us. I didn’t know much tipo. Thanks.