France, Travel

Exploring Sleeping Beauty’s Castle // Disneyland Paris

It is time for another Paris post – more specificaly my first Disneyland Paris post! I cannot put into words how excited I was to visit this magical place. I have been visiting Disney World (in Orlando) for years, and love it so much. To be able to experience Disney in another part of the world was incredible, and I already look forward to going back someday. 🙂

I was most excited to see Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant (translated to The Castle of the Beauty in the Sleeping Wood) or simply Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. It is modeled after the original castle in Disneyland Anaheim but is actually twice the size! Similar to other Disney parks, the castle rests at the end of Main Street USA.

 

The inside of the castle is as impressive as the outside. Throughout my research, I read that designing this particular castle was extremely difficult due to the fact that Europe is already home to the most gorgeous castles – including the ones that inspired the existing Disney castles. It was even in consideration to not include a castle in Disneyland Paris to avoid the risk of disappointing European guests. However, Disneyland would not be Disneyland without a castle! Instead, Disney Imagineers created a beautiful, whimsical castle comparable to illustrations in a fairytale, as to not compete with actual French castles.

I loved walking through the castle and admiring all of the stained-glass windows. These windows tell the story of Sleeping Beauty through gorgeous artwork. They were actually designed with the help of Peter Chapman who assisted with restoring the stained-glass windows in the Notre Dame Cathedral.

 

Along with the stained-glass windows, storybooks help in telling the tale of Sleeping Beauty (in French of course.) Is it not the prettiest book you’ve ever seen?

 

There is even an actual spinning wheel. Disney never fails to make every experience realistic. Walking through the castle was magical and romantic! However, going into the dungeon was another experience.

I kid you not, there is a dragon (perhaps Maleficent) in the dungeon of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. The dragon lies fast asleep until it is woken by trespassers. In all honesty, I was a bit terrified! Nicolas can attest to this, as I gripped his arm extremely tight and stepped on his feet multiple times! The dungeon looks very much like a cave and has an eerie feel to it. It was chilly and dark, with a foggy mist rising from the pool that surrounds the dragon. This was one of the most impressive Disney attractions I have seen.

Have you visited Disneyland Paris? What was your favorite part? Stay tuned for more Disney and Paris posts. 🙂 Have a lovely weekend!
Madison

Previous Post Next Post

You Might Also Like

12 Comments

  • Reply Billie Jo June 10, 2018 at 12:45 am

    Madison,
    This looks amazing!!!
    You know, she is my favorite!
    Love and miss you!

  • Reply mamasmercantile June 10, 2018 at 6:53 am

    My daughter and her little family have just got back from Disneyland, after spending 5 days there and enjoyed every moment. Disney do it so well. Looking forward to more Disney posts.

  • Reply Danielle June 10, 2018 at 1:38 pm

    This is amazing! I love how the castle is an actual attraction that you can walk through. So cool. It looks magical! I’ve heard about that dragon and that’s its a bit scary! LOL I can’t wait to see more of Disneyland Paris! Your photos are awesome! ♥

  • Reply Freja June 10, 2018 at 7:52 pm

    I visited Disneyland Paris when I was younger and I can still remember how magical it was. When I walked through the park I felt like I was inside a fairytale. I think that it is one of those experiences that I will never forget!

    http://whatmakesmesmileblog.com/

  • Reply heather June 11, 2018 at 1:05 pm

    What a dream!!! How exciting. <3

  • Reply Kay June 11, 2018 at 1:26 pm

    I love Disneyland Paris! I can’t wait to take my little girl there in a few years! Beautiful photos and facts

    Kay xx
    http://www.mummywho.com

  • Reply Linda Conley June 12, 2018 at 2:45 pm

    I have never been to Paris. What a lovely adventure, Madison. smiles

  • Reply stacey June 12, 2018 at 8:25 pm

    I want to go here so bad! It just looks like the place of dreams! I’m glad you had a lovely time!

    Mental Health Blog – Fix Me In Forty Five

    xx

  • Reply Danielle Alexa June 13, 2018 at 6:07 pm

    Awww this is so stunning, it looks to die for!

    Danielle xx
    https://www.fashionbeautyblog.co.uk/

  • Reply Madeline June 14, 2018 at 2:12 am

    I am so behind but I adore this post!! I am so happy for you to have had this experience!

  • Reply Kim June 14, 2018 at 4:56 pm

    Such a cool place! I would love visiting any sort of castle – this one definitely didn’t disappoint!

    Kim
    Simply Lovebirds

  • Reply Nicole June 14, 2018 at 10:42 pm

    What fun pictures! I’ve never been to a Disney park, but Disneyland Paris looks so fun! I’ve heard it is much less busy than the American parks, did you find that to be true?

  • Leave a Reply to Freja Cancel Reply