Staying at Dream Castle Disneyland Paris is a real treat…
Just a few minutes from the Disneyland Park by free shuttle bus, the 4 Star Dream Castle is a great extension to the whole Disney experience in Paris. And, if you’re intending to enjoy the night time sound and light show and the fantastic fireworks extravaganza (which in my opinion is the best bit of the whole Disneyland Paris offering), being so close to the hotel is brilliant.
If you come by train to Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy station about 45 minutes from Paris, just hop on the bus outside, it’s completely free and does drop offs at several local hotels including Dream Castle. Register at the hotel, drop your luggage off and head on back via the free bus shuttle outside the entrance to the hotel. Buses run every few minutes and drop you back at the station, a 2 minute walk to Disneyland Park.
I stayed in a family room which had a really comfy double bed and cute bunk beds for the kids complete with theatrical long curtains to pull round. Overlooking the pristine gardens of the hotel and surrounding countryside the room was spotlessly clean, quiet, air-conditioned (very welcome in the summer heat) and comfortable. Having L’Occitane products in the bathroom was a little bit of luxury and a welcome touch.
The hotel has a restaurant service and in the morning, fairy tale characters visit the kids at breakfast time which really sets them up for a day of excitement and fun.
A word about breakfast: awesome. Fresh peaches, cooked English style breakfast, croissants, Scandinavian style, great coffee, juices, and yoghurts of all kinds. You can eat your fill, ensure that the kids get a very healthy, wholesome start to the day and be set for several hours of walking and fun in the Disney Park.
If you want to keep the family busy and entertained while at the hotel, then you’ll find plenty to do. There are pretty gardens with a little maze and play park. Snooker tables, young children’s rides and in the summer months free concerts on specific nights. If you feel like a day off from Disney, it’s only a 45 minute drive to Champagne or you can nip into Paris on the train very easily. Or, enjoy the hotel spa and a massage. I was worried that the hotel would be filled with over excited screaming kids, it didn’t happen, except at breakfast when the fairytale characters made an appearance (the hotel has a princess, musketeer and dragon), that got the kids really going. It also made for a great photo opportunity and kids and parents queued to have their photo taken!
The hotel has all sorts of great packages so that you can celebrate a special birthday, anniversary and even a glamorous Honeymoon package.
On previous visits I’ve only ever done a day trip which has meant I’ve never been able to see the fireworks as I’ve always had to drive home or catch the last train. What a difference it made having a hotel close by and one that doesn’t chuck you out early in the morning (noon check out time). Luxury. I’m not sure I’ll be able to do Disney again without it!
TOP TIP: When the firework show ends, everyone heads en masse for the free buses. If you’ve got young kids with you, you might want to make sure you place yourself in a spot where you can make a quick getaway to the bus station. Although the buses are frequent, you may have to wait for several to ferry off the crowds if you’re at the back of the queue.
