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Friday, March 22, 2013

Castle Courtyard



Disneyland Paris - Fantasyland – Part 1 – Castle Courtyard and Carousel

http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2009/03/
When I visit a Disney park, it’s not always necessary for me to ride on an attraction. Sometimes, simply being immersed in the wonderful atmosphere is pleasure enough. And for me, Fantasyland at Disneyland Paris is near the top of the list when it comes to ambiance. It is truly a magical place that allows you to do absolutely nothing and still enjoy the experience.
Even though “Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant” (Sleeping Beauty Castle) is technically a part of Fantasyland, I discussed it in detail in my blog about The Hub. However, I didn’t present any pictures of the back side of the castle. Here are two.

Disneyland Paris Fantasyland
Disneyland Paris Fantasyland

After passing through the castle you enter a beautiful courtyard. Here you’re surrounded by covered walkways and charming shops. In the middle of the courtyard is a raised area bordered by a low granite wall. Inside this enclosed area is a stone and anvil with the sword Excalibur embedded deep within it.

Disneyland Paris Fantasyland

Here is a picture of me taken in 1993 trying to become the King of England.

Disneyland Paris Fantasyland Excalibur Sword

Perhaps I needed Merlin’s assistance to become a Royal.

Disneyland Paris Fantasyland Merlin

Here are a couple of pictures of the courtyard taken from the balcony ofSleeping Beauty Castle.

Disneyland Paris Fantasyland
Disneyland Paris Fantasyland

Within one of the courtyard shops you’ll find the Seven Dwarf’s cottage and some of Snow White’s animal friends.

Disneyland Paris Fantasyland Seven Dwarf’s cottage
Disneyland Paris Fantasyland Seven Dwarf’s cottage

One of the most delightful restaurants of Disneyland Paris can also be found near the courtyard. Called the “Auberge de Cendrillon” (Inn of Cinderella), this elegant eatery offers an all-you-can-eat buffet featuring classic French countryside cuisine. I have no pictures of the restaurant’s interior, but the outside is stunning. Here you dine in the small courtyard of a French château. In the corner, Cinderella’s coach awaits.

Disneyland Paris Fantasyland Auberge de Cendrillon
Disneyland Paris Fantasyland Auberge de Cendrillon
Disneyland Paris Fantasyland Auberge de Cendrillon
Disneyland Paris Fantasyland Auberge de Cendrillon

The Dark Rides




MARCH 9, 2009

Disneyland Paris - Fantasyland – Part 2 – The Dark Rides

http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2009/03/
The Imagineers did an excellent job when designing Fantasyland. They took the charming aspects found in Disneyland, California and expanded them into a larger space without losing any of its appeal. Now, instead of having a small village, you have a lush countryside. A meandering stream runs through the area and unifies the space. Manicured gardens line its banks and the abundance of greenery has a calming effect on what could have been a frenetic place.
I was so impressed with the beauty of Fantasyland that I took a number of pictures of nothing in particular. The following photos aren’t of any specific attraction; they are of the general area. Take a look for yourself and see of you don’t agree that this is by far the most beautiful of all the Fantasylands.

Disneyland Paris Fantasyland
Disneyland Paris Fantasyland
Disneyland Paris Fantasyland
Disneyland Paris Fantasyland
Disneyland Paris Fantasyland
Disneyland Paris Fantasyland

A “dark ride” is defined as an indoor attraction that uses special lighting to highlight various scenes and sights along the vehicle and passenger’s journey. Although the scenes may be dimly lit and use black lights, they can also be brightly illuminated.
Most people can easily relate that carnival-type attractions such as “Snow White” and “Peter Pan” are dark rides. But “it’s a small world” and “Pirates of the Caribbean” also fall into this category.
Fantasyland has four “dark” rides, Blanche-Neige et les Sept Nains (Snow-White and the Seven Dwarfs), Les Voyages de Pinocchio (Pinocchio’s Fantastic Journey), Peter Pan’s Flight, and “it’s a small world.” In this blog I’ll be discussing the first three.

At Disneyland Paris




Erin's Magical Long Weekend at Disneyland Paris

On the 11th May a very excited family boarded Eurostar to Paris!

They arrived at their hotel and the room looked out onto greenery and they could hear birds singing, which made Erin smile as she loves to hear the birds sing.
  •   » Click to zoom ->
  •   » Click to zoom ->
  •   » Click to zoom ->
    Erin communicates by facial expressions and below is the families story of their magical weekend in Euro Paris.
    "We absolutely loved the parks. We watched the parades and was able get Erin to the front but because we rushed to the front, I left my poor husband behind and he had the camera so although he videoed the parade he was unable to get a video or photo of Erin's face as he was trapped outside the wheelchair area with no pass, but Erin did like it. We were able to take Erin up to the princess castle to have a photo with Snow White and Pluto. Three of the  rides were suitable for Erin, 2 were Erin's favorites. "It's a small world" (which I would recommend for any special needs as it is so sensory stimulating) and "buzz light-year".
    We have never been able to take Erin on rides like this before and she absolutely loved them and it was wonderful to see the expressions on her face.  It was lovely to have her take part in some different fun things and see her enjoy them so much.
    We know Erin thoroughly enjoyed herself because her expressions and mannerisms were very positive over that weekend as she was very smiley and making lots of happy sounds, and the rest of us definitely enjoyed ourselves.
    We could never have had this wonderful experience without you so thank you so much. It certainly was a magical long weekend, and one we will never forget. Thank you.
    Warmest wishes
    Fleur and family, especially the ever beautiful Erin. xx

    Blanche-Neige et les Sept Nains



    Snow-White and the Seven Dwarfs (Blanche-Neige et les Sept Nains)
    http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2009/03/
    Disneyland Paris Fantasyland Snow-White and the Seven Dwarfs

    This attraction has more similarities to its California cousin than toFlorida’s. To begin with, the exteriors are almost identical. The ride is housed in a Black Forrest type castle. From the second story window we can see the Evil Queen peeking out sinisterly at the guests below.

    Disneyland Paris Fantasyland Snow-White and the Seven Dwarfs

    Along the inside queue you pass a portion of the Evil Queen’s dungeon and can see her potion for poison apples.

    Disneyland Paris Fantasyland Snow-White and the Seven Dwarfs

    Although the word “Scary” is not in the attraction’s name, this is virtually the same ride that you experience in Florida and California. So, if your little ones are frightened in the U.S. they’ll be frightened in Paris.

    Disneyland Paris Fantasyland Snow-White and the Seven Dwarfs
    Disneyland Paris Fantasyland Snow-White and the Seven Dwarfs

    Of course, like all Disney movies and attractions, a happy ending is in store.

    Disneyland Paris Fantasyland Snow-White and the Seven Dwarfs

    Magical long weekend

    http://www.whenyouwishuponastar.org.uk/erins-magical-long-weekend-at-disneyland-paris.html


    Erin's Magical Long Weekend at Disneyland Paris

    On the 11th May a very excited family boarded Eurostar to Paris!

    They arrived at their hotel and the room looked out onto greenery and they could hear birds singing, which made Erin smile as she loves to hear the birds sing.
    •   » Click to zoom ->
    •   » Click to zoom ->
    •   » Click to zoom ->
      Erin communicates by facial expressions and below is the families story of their magical weekend in Euro Paris.
      "We absolutely loved the parks. We watched the parades and was able get Erin to the front but because we rushed to the front, I left my poor husband behind and he had the camera so although he videoed the parade he was unable to get a video or photo of Erin's face as he was trapped outside the wheelchair area with no pass, but Erin did like it. We were able to take Erin up to the princess castle to have a photo with Snow White and Pluto. Three of the  rides were suitable for Erin, 2 were Erin's favorites. "It's a small world" (which I would recommend for any special needs as it is so sensory stimulating) and "buzz light-year".
      We have never been able to take Erin on rides like this before and she absolutely loved them and it was wonderful to see the expressions on her face.  It was lovely to have her take part in some different fun things and see her enjoy them so much.
      We know Erin thoroughly enjoyed herself because her expressions and mannerisms were very positive over that weekend as she was very smiley and making lots of happy sounds, and the rest of us definitely enjoyed ourselves.
      We could never have had this wonderful experience without you so thank you so much. It certainly was a magical long weekend, and one we will never forget. Thank you.
      Warmest wishes
      Fleur and family, especially the ever beautiful Erin. xx

      Saturday, March 2, 2013

      Disneyland Paris Under Snow - January 2013



      DLP Update: Disneyland Paris Under Snow !http://disneyandmore.blogspot.com/2013/01/dlp-update-disneyland-paris-under-snow.html


      It's the winter and, as almost each winter in January, Disneyland Paris is covered by snow. DLP under snow is great to shot amazing pictures and thanks to DCP forum members








      Next, Central Plaza and Sleeping Beauty Castle with day or night pictures!










      Adventureland, here we come!



      Let's move to Fantasyland!






      Next stop, Discoveryland!




      Let's see how the Walt Disney Studios look covered by snow!