My Magical Visit to Disneyland Park in Paris: A Must-Read for Every Nigerian Tourist

Let me gist you something that will scatter your bucket list and tickle your wanderlust. If you have ever dreamt of stepping into a world where fairy tales come alive, dreams grow legs, and Mickey Mouse becomes your real-life paddy, then this story is for you.

Recently, I packed my bags (stuffed with chin chin and garri, just in case), dusted my passport, and finally checked Disneyland Park in Paris off my bucket list. And my people, it did not disappoint.

Before I dive into the experience, let me say this: Disneyland Park is not only for children o! Even if you are a full-grown adult with responsibilities like NEPA bills and fuel prices, the moment you step into this magical land, you will become a child again. I was running up and down like someone who just got pounded yam after one year in the abroad.

Getting There: The Journey to Fantasy Land

Disneyland Park is located in Chessy, a town about 32 km east of the heart of Paris, at this exact address:
Boulevard de Parc, 77700 Coupvray, France.

If you are staying in central Paris, the best and cheapest way to reach there is by train. Hop on the RER A train going towards Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy, and in about 40-45 minutes, you will land right at the gates of the park. No stress. No drama. Just make sure you don’t miss your stop like I did the first time and end up in another village where French cows don’t speak English.

First Impressions: Stepping into a Cartoon

As I entered the park, the first thing that hit me wasn’t even the castle. It was the smell – sweet popcorn, roasted nuts, and sugar dancing in the air like Nigerian jollof at a wedding. Then I saw it – Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, also known as Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant.

My people, this castle is not just fine, it is Instagram-fine. No filter needed. It stands tall with pink and blue towers, delicate golden touches, and dragons hidden inside (literal dragons – One big animatronic one is breathing smoke inside the dungeon). Don’t just snap and waka pass o; take time to enter inside the castle and explore. You will feel like royalty, minus the aso-ebi drama.

Attractions that Will Blow Your Slippers Off

Disneyland Park in Paris is divided into five magical lands, each with its own theme. Let me break it down small-small, so you know where to carry your excitement.

1. Main Street, U.S.A.

Think of this as the welcome mat. It is a beautiful street inspired by old-school American towns. You’ll find gift shops, food, and fancy old cars. Take time here to grab a snack and maybe even wave at Mickey and his friends during the parades. The shops here are like Okrika with jazz, everything looks shiny, tempting, and expensive, but you will still buy something. I did.

2. Adventureland

Now this place? Wahala for who no like action. Here, you can explore pirate ships and spooky caves and ride the famous Pirates of the Caribbean (no, Jack Sparrow didn’t show, but his robot cousin did). Adventureland will make you feel like Indiana Jones, only with less dust and more fun.

3. Frontierland

Wild Wild West vibes. If you have ever wanted to be a cowboy or cowgirl, this is the land for you. The Big Thunder Mountain roller coaster is not for the faint-hearted. I screamed like someone who saw NEPA people carrying a ladder in front of their house. But after screaming, I came down smiling like a thief who made it. Worth it!

4. Fantasyland

This is where fairy tales live. If you are a Disney movie lover, think Cinderella, Snow White, Pinocchio, then this place will make your heart do backflips. There are slow rides here that are perfect for children or adults with weak hearts (like me after Thunder Mountain). The Peter Pan’s Flight ride was so smooth and dreamy that I almost asked the attendant if I could sleep there.

5. Discoveryland

Science fiction lovers, gather here. This is the future, the Disney version. Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain is here, and this ride almost rearranged my intestines. Fast, furious, dark, and full of light effects. If you survive this ride, you can survive Lagos traffic without blinking.

Don’t miss visiting the Eiffel Tower 

Don’t Miss the Parades and Fireworks

If you go to Disneyland Park and miss the parade, it is like going to a Nigerian wedding and missing the jollof. Every day, characters like Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and even Elsa from Frozen come out dancing and waving. It is colorful, dramatic, and pure magic. Stay till the evening and you will witness the fireworks show over Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. My friends, this one no be ordinary fireworks o. It is lights, music, projections, and boom-boom everywhere. Even hard men will shed one tear.

What to Eat: From Burgers to Baguettes

Let me be honest, food at Disneyland Park is not exactly suya price-friendly. But it is tasty. You can get things like burgers, fries, pizza, and even some healthy options (but why bother when calories don’t count on vacation?). I spent almost €20 on one meal, and I did not cry because the burger was so big it looked like two Agege bread hugging a chicken.

Hot tip: You can bring your snacks in a backpack. I saw one family pulling out jollof rice and turkey like it was Sunday in Surulere. No shame in that game.

Shopping: Where Wallets Go to Die

There are shops everywhere. Want a Mickey Mouse hat? €15. Want a lightsaber? €35. Want to remain broke after your vacation? Keep shopping. I told myself I wouldn’t buy anything, but the moment I saw Minnie Mouse ears with sequins, I knew it was all over. Just budget extra cash because you will be tempted.

Tips for Nigerian First-Timers

• Dress for the weather. Paris can be cold, hot, or confusing. Wear layers.
• Arrive early. The earlier you arrive, the more you will enjoy yourself before the crowd comes in like rice at a naming ceremony.
• Download the Disneyland Paris app. It shows ride wait times and maps. It saved me from walking in circles like someone looking for an MTN signal in the village.
• Use the FastPass/Lightning Lane. Pay a little extra, but jump the queue. Worth it.
• Language barrier? No wahala. Most staff members speak English and smile like they mean it.

Other Places to Visit Around Disneyland Paris

If you have an extra day or two, check out:

• La Vallée Village (3 Cours de la Garonne, 77700 Serris): an outlet shopping village just 10 minutes from the park with big brands and smaller prices.
• SEA LIFE Aquarium Paris (14 Cours du Danube, 77700 Serris): This is perfect for families or people who like fish (the live ones, not fried tilapia).
• Val d’Europe Shopping Mall (14 Cours du Danube, 77700 Serris): From fashion to groceries, this place is big enough to get lost in.

Final Thoughts: Should Every Nigerian Visit Disneyland Park in Paris?

In one word: YES. In many words: If you have ever watched a Disney movie and smiled, if you have ever wanted to live inside a fairy tale, or if you are just tired of seeing only traffic and potholes, pack your bag and go. Disneyland Park is more than just rides. It is an experience. It’s laughter, wonder, nostalgia, and joy wrapped in magic dust.

And no, you are not too old. You are just right.

If you have been there before, I’d love to hear your funniest moment. If you are planning to go, let me know so I can hide inside your luggage. If you don’t plan to go, why na? Come and enjoy this magic while the dollar is still manageable.