Taking an infant or toddler to Disneyland Resort Paris
February 17th, 2009 . by MKParents shouldn’t be put off from taking their infant or toddler on a visit to Disneyland Resort Paris. Kids are never too young to enjoy the experience, and although they won’t remember it, you’ll have lots of precious memories and photos to share with them once they’re older. The Resort is also very geared up for visits from the youngest of Disney fans.
Hotels
If you stay at one of Disney’s hotels, there are a number of facilities available for youngsters. Cots, bed rails and bottle warmers are available free of charge. When you book the hotel, get your travel agent to make a note of your request, and also remind the Cast Member when you check-in at the hotel. Nappies, and a limited selection of baby foods are available in all Disney hotel shops, although they are more expensive than you’d pay at home, or at a French supermarket.
A baby sitting service is available when staying at a Disney hotel, but it’s run by an outside company and not by Disney.
The Disney Channel in English is available on all in-room TVs which will help to keep the kids entertained whilst in your room.
Each hotel has a special children’s corner set up, with TV showing Disney programmes, and colouring activities. Disney characters also visit the hotels each morning for “meet and greets.”
Dining
I’d strongly recommend taking your own baby food into the parks, unless your child is old enough to eat from a regular kid’s menu. Although bear in mind that the portions are aimed more at older children, and are quite expensive compared to kid’s meals back home. All Disney restaurants have high chairs available, and can warm bottles on request.
Restaurants at the Disney hotels offer special “Nestle p’tit Menu” meals for children aged 6 months to 3 years, complete with a cup, bib and spoon.
Children aged 3 and under eat free at any Disney buffet restaurant, in or out of the parks.
Parks
Pushchairs are available to rent in both parks, costing €6.50 per day, and can be taken out of the parks if you leave a €150 deposit. They don’t look to be the most comfortable of pushchairs and are quite old-fashioned looking, resembling something more akin to an airport luggage trolley than a pushchair. Add that to the limited availability of them and you may prefer to take your own with you.
Baby changing tables are available in all public restrooms, including men’s.
There is a baby care centre located in each of the two parks - next to Plaza Gardens Restaurant in Disneyland Park and behind Studio Services in Walt Disney Studios Park. A quiet haven for parents of little ones, they provide a place to change nappies, rocking chairs, a microwave oven and bottle warmers. They also sell a small selection of baby food and nappies, again at inflated prices.
Although there are many attractions that aren’t suitable for younger children, you’ll still find plenty to keep them occupied in the Parks. Fantasyland is probably the best place to start in Disneyland Park, with most attractions there being suitable for even the youngest of visitors. Each of our attraction pages gives advice on which attractions are most suitable for each age group, and lists any appropriate warnings. Mums and Dads can still experience the attractions that aren’t suitable for the kids by utilising the “rider switch” option – everyone gets in line, then one parent rides whilst the other stays with the child, then the other parent swaps and looks after baby, giving both the chance to ride.
Meeting characters in the parks can be a bit of an ordeal, as more often than not there are no queues and it ends up more like a scrum. If your toddler really wants to meet the characters, either be prepared to fight your way to them or book a character meal which is a much easier and more civilised way of seeing Mickey and pals.
Visit our Kid’s Tips page for more tips.
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