Experience the Magic of Color and Light: Disneyland Paris’ Spectacular Drone Show and Fireworks
“Nothing can stop us now!” My niece and I were excited to kick off our first full day at Disneyland Paris. After an indulgent breakfast buffet with Mickey waffles, croissants, eggs, and more, we met Woody for photos before heading to the park. While not all attractions were open during Magic Hour, it was the perfect time for castle photos with minimal crowds.
Aurora’s Castle is stunning, with medieval stonework and pink, blue, and gold turrets. Inside, we enjoyed the tale of Sleeping Beauty depicted in gorgeous stained glass, tapestries, and props. The balcony offered breathtaking park views and was an ideal photo spot.
We started with Les Voyages de Pinocchio, a charming dark ride with animatronics and vibrant storytelling. We followed it up with Peter Pan’s Flight and Blanche-Neige et les Sept Nains (Snow White). While not what I had expected, Snow White’s ride was a delightful experience with its beautiful visuals and animatronics.
Next, we took advantage of the minimal wait at Phantom Manor, riding it twice before heading to the parade. Booking the reserved viewing area was worth every penny! From Mary Poppins and Pinocchio to Toy Story and Maleficent, the parade was vibrant and full of Disney magic.
For lunch, we lucked out with last-minute reservations at Auberge de Cendrillon, a princess character lunch. The beautiful restaurant showcased Cinderella-themed art and decor, and we met Snow White, Aurora, Cinderella, and her adorable mice. The meal, from pâté en croûte and scallops to melt-in-your-mouth fish and veal, was extraordinary. Dessert was a highlight—Cinderella’s white chocolate nougat. To commemorate, we purchased lovely Cinderella-themed spoons featuring iconic elements from the story.
After lunch, we hit Star Wars: The Adventures Continue, which ended up being my absolute favorite ride in all of Disneyland Paris and The Walt Disney Studios! Then, yet another magical parade was taking place…The Magic of Color Parade at Disneyland Paris is a vibrant, visually stunning spectacle that celebrates the vivid world of Disney with themed floats, beloved characters, and captivating performances. Each section of the parade showcases a different Disney movie or theme, with dazzling lights and intricate costumes that bring the characters to life. Highlights include steampunk-inspired designs like Maleficent’s dragon float and beloved Disney princesses. The parade is a blend of music, color, and character interactions that create an immersive experience for guests of all ages.
No trip to any Disneyland park is complete without enjoying the nighttime spectacular, and we were fortunate to enjoy TWO! The drone show and fireworks at Disneyland Paris are a magical back-to-back nighttime experience, offering a stunning combination of light, music, and pyrotechnics. Drones create vibrant patterns in the sky, forming shapes and images tied to Disney stories, while fireworks light up the night with synchronized bursts of color. The show often features projections on Sleeping Beauty Castle, transforming the park’s iconic centerpiece. This immersive, state-of-the-art display adds an enchanting finale to any day spent at Disneyland Paris, leaving guests in awe of the spectacle. This is another opportunity to pay for a reserved, VIP-viewing area, which we did. The view was absolutely perfect and unobstructed. Any time you have an opportunity to guarantee the best viewing spot, do so!
My biggest takeaway from the first day: if you want the thrill of Universal with the theming of Disney, head to Disneyland Paris! This park takes the magic and adds a dose of adrenaline! I was exhausted from the first day, but so excited to continue exploring the second day!
