Some travel to Paris for the history, others for the exceptional fashion and cuisine, but for families, there’s one main attraction on the drawcard. The Disneyland Hotel Paris has long been the centrepiece of the Disneyland hotel group, and, after a two-year renovation, it has finally reopened its doors to guests.

A review of Disneyland Hotel Paris after its renovation

A whole new world

Disneyland Hotel Paris review lobby
The opulent lobby sets the scene

Disneyland Paris offers guests seven properties to choose from across its portfolio. At the grand, 5-star Disneyland Hotel property, all 487 rooms including 16 newly themed suites, recently underwent a full redesign and renovation after the hotel closed its doors in early 2020.

Long-standing guests will be pleased to know that the signature pink paint job remains and the renovation itself is quite magical. As the staff welcomed us into the extravagant lobby, the crystal castle chandelier was probably my favourite new feature of the hotel. Looking slightly different as the day progressed, seeing it lit up and sparkling throughout the evening was special.

Disneyland Hotel Paris lobby chandelier in shape of castle
Keep an eye out for the crystal chandelier that features an iconic Disney castle

Inside the property, there are touches of Disney everywhere you look. With each flight of stairs comes a library area overlooking the central room, with layered artwork paying tribute to Disney’s finest animations. The atrium room is sheltered by an ornate blue dome which makes for the perfect setting for drinks or socialising.

The hotel also houses a gift shop with classic park merchandise, but also some hotel exclusives. Away from the typical apparel or pins, the cabinets in the hotel hallways offer larger ornaments for purchase.

For children, there is also a Royal Kids Club, and for an additional charge My Royal Dream, a dress-up experience which includes a true transformation into a Disney Princess with a full costume and makeover. Other facilities include a family-friendly indoor pool and adults-only gym and Spa by Clarins in the basement of the second wing.

Practically perfect in every way

Disneyland Hotel Paris Superior room
Superior rooms are spacious and feature a television cleverly hidden behind a mirror

Alongside the offering of signature themed suites with a park view, there are many types of rooms available including the Superior Room, where I stayed, which also has an interconnecting door option for larger families. Many of the rooms also offer different bed configurations and even a pull out bed. Other practical room features included a roomy wardrobe with a safe, USB A and C charging options and many different lighting features.

I loved the inclusion of the character detailing within the rooms, whether this was reflected by the images hung behind the beds, the special detailing of the carpet which was patterned with key motifs from the princess stories such as Aladdin’s lamp and Cinderella’s glass slipper, and the carving of Snow White and the seven dwarfs around the bathroom mirror. There is a reminder you are staying at Disney with every turn.

Other categories include the Deluxe and Castle Club rooms which provide access to a Private Club Lounge and breakfast. Full board and half board packages are available if you’re planning to eat your meals in the hotel throughout the duration of your stay.

No worries

Your stay also includes park passes that can be used from the day you check-in to the day you check-out. These are connected to your room key for added convenience. You can also leave luggage for collection in your room upon check-out.

Like most of the Disney properties, an exceptional inclusion for hotel residents is the morning “magic hour”, allowing guests to occupy the park an hour prior to the public opening time. With big rides amassing large queues by the beginning of the day, this is a great opportunity to take advantage of being an on-site guest.

An additional highlight is the option of a complimentary character meet-and-greet experience for visitors to meet a mystery character and have exclusive photos. This is perfect for a family who wants the chance to capture a memory with a character, without all the inconvenience of lining up inside the park.

Shining in the starlight

Disneyland Hotel Paris review dining with Disney characters
Children and adults alike will be enchanted by encounters with an array of Disney characters over dinner

The main hotel restaurant, La Table de Lumière is the perfect romantic dining experience, but also welcomes children. Taking its design inspiration from both Versailles’ Hall of Mirrors and Beauty and the Beast, the opulent restaurant serves a five-course feast to ignite the senses. I personally loved the quinoa and broad bean salad which was flavoured well with pomegranate. Iconic Disney Princesses also make an appearance, meeting guests around the dining room. Even though it’s only open to hotel guests, securing a reservation prior to your stay is recommended as bookings are limited. The options catered to all diets and the overall theme of the meal was evident throughout with carefully plated desserts that were fit for Disney Royalty.

Other mealtime options include The Royal Banquet, a classic character buffet experience which runs breakfast, lunch and dinner and it is perfect for the entire family. Key characters such as Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Pluto can be spotted here throughout mealtimes. Breakfast boasts famous French pastries, and at dinner time, a seafood tower. There are also many food options for children at this venue too.

The hotel also includes Fleur de Lys Bar, serving a range of unique cocktails with an alcohol-free menu especially for kids.

Room service breakfast is also available with delivery at an additional charge.

Every mile will be worthwhile

Although the Eurostar no longer stops at Disneyland Paris, many other trains from stations across France provide easy access, with the local station being very close to the park and hotel. Alternatively, it took a mere 45 minutes from the centre of Paris by car. The property has tight security with all bags screened on arrival and room keys checked as you enter the property from the park side.

With local car services such as Uber being unable to collect from the hotel, it can be inconvenient for onward travel when not wanting to have to cart luggage to the local train station by foot. Access is something that the hotel could really improve.

The dream that you wish will come true

Whether it’s because of the characters roaming the hallways or the convenience of only walking 100m to the park entrance, in my opinion, there’s no better place than the Disneyland Hotel Paris for visitors to the park.

The end.

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