Disneyland Paris – my best #BAHolidayMoments

Being a Disney girl for most of my life made me see things magical, candour and more delicate. When I was little, we couldn’t afford to go to the beach 3 hours away, let alone to Disneyland. Actually, my mom barely took us to the park, and when she did take us, we weren’t allowed to ask for anything, just eat our packed lunch and “enjoy the sun”, she used to say. Craving for candy floss, sweet popcorn, going on the rides and taking pictures with some sad characters, it was everything I wanted with all my 10-year-old heart. I still remember the day we finally got a new TV and I crowned myself the queen of the remote control. Now all the animated movies could keep my spirit young and away from all the drama happening in my family at the time. Disney characters were a refuge when I was feeling down and due to a heightened imagination, it wasn’t hard to understand why I always believed dreams come true in the end. 

I was 31 when I finally set foot in the magic land called Disneyland. Attending Paris Fashion Week was unbelievable, but I couldn’t wait for it to end so I can embark in what was soon to be remembered as my best holiday moment. British Airways Holidays launched the #HolidaysMoments campaign in association with Huffpost Travel to celebrate those amazing little moments that make your holiday unforgettable. By sharing your favourite holiday moment, you’ll be entered into a draw to win a city break in Rome. Since Rome is on my bucket list, I am entering the competition, and so should you! This blog post is about remembering we’re kids at heart, it’s about forgetting the adulthood theatricals and submerging in laughter, pure joy, and loads of fun.

Is Disneyland a good idea when you’re in your 30s and have no children? The 40% of guests who come to Disneyland by themselves prove just that. If you like to party, eat great food, enjoy the rush of rides, and laugh all day long with Minnie and Mickey, then YES, go ahead and plan that trip with your friends. I got to spend 3 days in the magic land and all moments were exciting. The VIP treatment made the trip memorable, I must say. Enjoying the Disneyland experience to the fullest is how everyone should luxuriate in. Needless to say I’ll be taking Emma in a few years, but I better save up because we can’t downgrade after tasting the best Disneyland has to offer. 

Let me tell you first about the big thrills. If you’re after adrenaline and rush, Disneyland has it covered, from the exhilarating adventure on Indiana Jones (you can see me with a GoPro camera having the best time of my life on the video at the end of the post), riding the tidal wave through Crush’s Coaster, reaching dizzying heights on the Tower of Terror (again captured by a GoPro on one of the most thrilling adventures ever), to the adrenaline-inducing Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and Space Mountain Mission 2… there is something for all levels of thrill seekers. I am a big fan of rides, and Disneyland doesn’t disappoint. The newest adventure is the Walt Disney Studio Park where you can be shrunk down to the size of Remy whilst feasting on French cuisine in Bistrot Chez Remy, or step next door to board a ratmobile in Ratatouille: The Adventure, a multi-sensory attraction like no other.

What I loved the most about Disneyland was that everyone is happy there, and I am quite the optimistic and cheerful person, so I felt like my place was among the Disney characters, wearing my Minnie ears with pride and even humming Disney classics while strolling down Main street U.S.A. But my favourite part was when I recaptured childhood memories and waved at my favourite characters as they passed by in Disney Magic on Parade. Along with children, I was ecstatic when I met Ana and Elsa, Minnie and Mickey, Winnie the Pooh and so much more, while the lively music, bright costumes, and vibrant floats added an extra splash of colour and magic to the streets of Disneyland. Each evening the town is set on fire during the spectacular show, Disney Dreams, in which fireworks light up Sleeping Beauty Castle with timeless Disney stories, ensuring your day is truly #DisneyPerfect. All you have to do is soak up the magical party atmosphere, proving there is no age limit to either of these adventures. I might admit I shed a few tears of joy throughout my magical stay at Disneyland. I might also admit I had the biggest smile while wandering around, feeling childish and ecstatic.

Another favourite was the dining options. Many of you know I am a foodie at heart. This is how I’ve started my blog actually, cooking. My Instagram is invaded by mouthwatering pictures, because yes, I love my food. Disneyland has so many options to choose from, starting with fast food for people with a bucket list to check, or free spirits like us, wanting to dine with Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty. Lunch like a royal amongst prince and princesses at Auberge de Cendrillon, or have dinner at Inventions, Disneyland Hotel, both surrounded by the beloved Disney characters. We made the most of this magical dining experience by taking selfies with the greatest fairy tale heroines. For the ultimate grown-up experience, I am recommending a gourmet dinner at California Grill, Disneyland Hotel, where some of the best chefs in Europe will embark you on a taste trip to heaven. I mean, we had Cinderella’s slipper made of white chocolate for desserts. How inspiring is that?

Regarding accommodation, I stayed at the luxurious Disneyland hotel, where the rooms are so large and depicted from a fairytale, with character dressed housekeepers and valets, to take the experience to the next level. Nothing beats a cocktail party at Cafe Fantasia in a beautiful musical room overlooking the park. One of the most memorable part of this trip was viewing the suite Michael Jackson used to stay in. It was like walking on history. There is also his signature hidden in one of the rooms, but I’ll let you guess where it is as an incentive to book that trip with British Airways.

You might think a visit to Nepal or a climb on Kilimanjaro would’ve been more appropriate for the best holiday moment blog post. For me, it was the emotion of a lost childhood recaptured in 3 days. It was the child in me finally seeing a dream come true.

Don’t forget to sign up for the British Airways Holidays competition. British Airways helps you find the perfect holiday from start to finish!

Post created in partnership with British Airways Holidays.