20th Highlights: Meet Mickey Mouse

Once upon a time, a theatre at the back of Fantasyland put on magical shows with Mickey, Minnie and other Disney friends. However, this eventually became unused, but Disneyland Paris had a unique solution, a meet and greet location with the most popular character. By using a large area of space, guests could be entertained and be immersed in a story during a Meet and Greet opportunity, a concept unique in Disneyland Paris. The story goes that Mickey is preparing for his next show on stage, but has made some time to meet his very special friends in his dressing room. Guests get a private one on one and photo opportunity with the most in demand character.
As guests approach the building guests see posters of the Disney gang wearing some familiar, yet unusual outfits giving an almost theatre poster aesthetic to the exterior of the building, as we enter we walk towards the main queueing area to find a stage with a screen showing a 45 minute loop of classic Mickey Mouse shorts in both French and English. As guests move closer and closer to the meeting location, they turn towards a backstage passageway where the walls are adorned with gorgeous posters for the classic shorts guests have just watched. As they enter the dressing room, many Disney references are cleverly hidden for Disney fans to spot.

Image: Disney

The main experience is short and sweet, yet incredibly enjoyable. Guests have very cleverly been 'tricked' into thinking this is a one on one experience. Meeting Disney's most popular character suddenly got so much easier, and yet much more personal. Gone are the scrums of people huddling around Mickey, and enters a relaxed experience allowing for special family memories to be created.

Image: Disney

Meet Mickey Mouse is just one addition during this 20th Anniversary celebration period which we feel has drastically changed an experience in the park for the better. Whilst the queue may be long at times, guests are entertained throughout thanks to the short cartoons, Disney fans will find contentment in the spotting of references to Disney history. On top of that, the experience feels private and as such, Mickey spends a good amount of time with all his friends making many guests days unforgettable.
This attraction has made great use of available space, and should be discovered by all Disneyland Paris fans.


Our 20th Anniversary highlights week runs from 23rd September until the 30th September 2013 and celebrates the best moments of the anniversary year, from special events to new attractions. Check back everyday for a new article. 

2: Disney's 20th Anniversary Celebration Train 
3: Disney Magic on Parade! 
4: Magical Seasons 
5: Disney Dreams! 
6: 12th April 2012 
7: Light'Ears 
8: Memories  

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Top 5 things I've never done

Disneyland Paris fans, we've done the entire resort multiple times right? Wrong. It's quite possible that a few things are missing off on our checklist. Perhaps it is important to have these gaping holes? It gives us reason to return, it gives us 'targets' to work towards beyond the hypothetical 'Wouldn't it be cool if...'. We each have our own personal lists, here is mine.

5: Character Dining
We start off with character dining, and a confession. I have done this before. But I was very young, and to be quite honest I do not remember it. Therefore I'm including it on the list; I am a fan of characters and meet and greets but the (relative) high cost of a character meal and often a long wait to get into them just hasn't managed to grab me at this moment. But perhaps another time, I really like the Café Mickey menu and that of Inventions. Regrettably it won't be happening on this trip, however maybe next time?

4: Walt's: An American Restaurant
Often cited by Disneyland Paris fans as Disneyland Paris's flagship and most beautiful restaurant, Walt's features rooms based on each land featured in Disneyland Park with beautiful artwork, and aerial views of Main Street U.S.A.. I once tried to go to this restaurant, but, unfortunately, it was booked weeks in advance and so I missed out. It has a menu that just sounds wonderful mixing the best of French and American cuisine. I really hope eventually I get into this fantastic restaurant.

3: PanoraMagique
This one is a totally unique experience in Disneyland Paris, the ability to fly above the resort and experience a new dimension to Disneyland Paris. Being outside the parks and at the back end of the Village means this attraction can be easily missed. The walk from the park on day trips (which is what I often do) is just too far for me to justify. However, the current Annual Passport discount means there is a very high chance I finally take flight very soon!

  2: Disneyland Hotel
I imagine that this appears on a the list of more than just me. I, like many, have roamed through the corridors of this hotel, enjoyed the 'Descente sur les marches' and sipped a cocktail in Café Fantasia, but being that close to Disneyland Park, in that magical atmosphere in beautiful rooms. That really is a dream. I'd love to enjoy a night in the Castle Club, but any room here would be one of my Disney dreams come true. 

  1: Space Mountain, Rock 'n' Rollercoaster & Indiana Jones et le temple du péril
What do these three attractions have in common? Loops. I'm quite simply petrified of them and despite the fact that they are seen as the major attractions in the parks, I've still never wanted to ride them. It took me until November 2012 to ride the Tower of Terror (an attraction which I now love). I still remember when riding Pirates of the Caribbean scared the life out of me as we went up that lift (but I obviously overcame that fear as now, this is my ultimate favourite attraction which I will ride multiple times a day). What makes this even more confusing is that my favourite film series is Indiana Jones and the idea of riding a mine cart fills me with all sorts of excitement, much like my Star Wars fan side loves the idea of going to Endor. One day I'll conquer this fear, just like the fear of the Tower of Terror. Until then, there will always be attractions on my list in the two Disney parks I'll never be able to tick off.

What about you? Do you have things you have never done at Disneyland Paris? Perhaps you are local to another Disney Parks resort and haven't done things in your local park(s)? Whatever it is, I'd love to hear from you either as a comment below, or on twitter @dlptownsquare

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