PLANNING YOUR DISNEYLAND PARIS TRIP: A MOTHER'S GUIDE TO CREATING MAGICAL MEMORIES

In the soft glow of December lights, when the air hums with Christmas anticipation, Jennifer, her husband Damian, and their daughter Gabrielle make their annual visit to Disneyland Paris. For the family, it's more than a holiday trip, it’s a meaningful tradition. It's a pause in the rush of everyday life, a chance to step into a world where childhood reigns and dreams take center stage.

Jennifer, who has spent her career navigating the complex terrain of international criminal law, understands the weight the world can place on our shoulders. Perhaps that's why she’s so intentional about creating spaces where her daughter can simply be a child: where princesses are real, castles touch the sky, and magic exists.
As she prepares to transition her work toward narrative reparative practices, helping women rewrite the stories that have defined and confined them, Jennifer brings this same philosophy to motherhood: the stories we tell our daughters, the dreams we allow them to dream will shape the women they'll become. Today, she shares not only her family’s tried-and-tested tips for making the most of Disneyland Paris in winter but also her reflections on why preserving the magic of childhood matters.

DISNEY PRACTICAL GUIDE 

PLANNING & LOGISTICS

When do you typically visit Disneyland Paris and why? 

We always visit in December. For us, the holiday season is about family, love, and shared dreams : it's our time to consciously slow down together. As a mother, it gives me the chance to create childhood memories meant to last a lifetime, moments that remind my daughter she will always carry the power to create her own magic.

Disneyland Paris becomes the perfect backdrop for all of this. At Christmas, that spell-like feeling upon entering the park is magnified tenfold. The decorations, the gentle fall of "magic" snow, the music glowing softly at dusk, the parade... Everything becomes all the more enchanting. It's as if the magic we carry inside us finds its mirror in the world around us.

How far in advance do you book? Where and how long do you stay?

We usually book between six and eight months in advance. Disneyland Paris has a very
flexible cancellation policy, which makes it easy to plan ahead with peace of mind.
Our stay usually spans three days, with two nights on site, giving us the freedom to
experience both parks at an unhurried pace. To truly experience both parks and everything they have to offer, I would strongly recommend staying at least one night in a Disney hotel.

Over the years, we have stayed in several of them, each with its own charm.
Since its reopening, we have been fortunate enough to stay at the Disneyland Hotel itself,
which adds an extra layer of magic to the experience, especially for Gabrielle. This year, the Castle Club welcomed us as royalty making the moment truly feel out of time and space.

PACKING AND DRESSING

December in Paris can be quite cold : what are your packing tips for allowing Gabrielle to feel and look like a princess while still enjoying the outdoor attractions?

Inside the hotel, everything is designed to feel warm and cozy. There, Gabrielle can fully
embrace her princess world. She loves wearing her princess dresses, made by Charlotte Sy Dimby of course, especially for character dining or wandering through the hotel.
Staying at a Disney hotel also allows you to book Princess encounters, moments that feel both intimate and magical. They are beautifully staged and professionally photographed, which makes bringing a true princess look well worth it. If you are planning My Royal Dream, the princess makeover experience, and would like to use your own dress or accessories, this is absolutely possible!

For our outdoor adventures, I focus on smart layering. For the whole family, thin yet warm ski clothing makes all the difference. Lightweight thermal tops and leggings worn underneath Gabrielle’s outfits keep her comfortable without adding bulk. This allows her to move freely, enjoy the attractions, and still feel both like a princess and entirely herself.

Any tips on « must haves » for the trip?

The first essential is a stroller. Gabrielle is no longer a toddler, but the parks are vast and days are long. The stroller thus becomes a real ally. It allows her to observe or simply to pause, for example while waiting for the parade to begin. She can enjoy the magic longer, without pushing past her limits.
I also always bring a water bottle. Children often forget to drink, and having it within reach helps keep their energy steady. In December, I like to add a small thermos with a warm drink to create a comforting pause.
Last but not least, a fully charged phone with the Disneyland Paris app downloaded. It helps anticipate rather than rush: knowing waiting times, show schedules, or parade routes allows us to adapt the day to our rhythm, not the other way around. And you need it to capture the best moments!

NAVIGATING THE PARKS

What is your typical daily schedule?

As a hotel guest, you can enjoy the Magic Hour, a special time that allows access to the parks before the official opening. Damian loves using this moment for the more thrilling
attractions, like the Tower of Terror, with almost no waiting time. It gives him a real boost of energy for the rest of the day. Gabrielle and I usually sleep in during that hour, especially as we want to enjoy the late-night fireworks, which now also include an incredible drone show.

The character breakfast is sacred for us, as the magic starts there. Gabrielle is completely enchanted by the princesses, and we let her soak it all in. We savor a truly delicious meal and plan our main activities. That experience sets the tone for the rest of the day and allows us to move at a different pace from most visitors.

A real game changer is identifying a few attractions and shows in advance that truly matter to you. We organize our day around those key moments, focusing on a particular park. It gives the day a sense of direction while still leaving plenty of room for spontaneity.
In winter, we make it a priority to alternate between indoor and outdoor activities. We always leave space for snack time or wandering through the boutiques. Those slower moments are just as important, as they allow everyone to truly absorb the experience, stay warm, and feel relaxed rather than rushed.

Which are your favourite attractions?

I believe favorites evolve and truly depend on the age of your child. When Gabrielle was
younger, she loved gentle rides such as “Peter Pan’s Flight”, “Casey Jr.– le petit train du
Cirque” and the classic “It’s a Small World”. As she grew older, character meets gradually
took over. 

Today, at five years old, she adores everything related to princesses from character encounters to the special Christmas show. At the same time, she has started enjoying a bit more excitement, especially “Pirates of the Caribbean” or “Slinky Dog Zigzag Spin”, two family favorites, and we always have fun on “Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast”, which brings out our competitive spirit. “Ratatouille” is also so special and immersive!

Our favorite show without a doubt is “Together: A Pixar Musical Adventure”. We dance,
sing, and cry all at once, and are left wishing we could see it again and again, which we did during our last trip. It is absolutely worth waiting a little in line for and getting a good seat.

Any insider tips for shorter wait times? 

My first tip is to become familiar with the app before the trip and refresh it every time you are looking for a new adventure. It helps identify where the shorter lines are and often gives new ideas.
We always check it right after finishing an attraction, before heading to another one.
My second tip is to think strategically about timing. If you prioritize rides, head to attractions that usually have longer waiting times during parades, fireworks, or special shows. For example, the Aurora winter show at the Castle is a great opportunity to try Peter Pan’s Flight. During the drone show, you can enjoy attractions in Discoveryland.

MEALS

Where do you eat in the parks? Do you book restaurants in advance or prefer spontaneous meals?

Recently, as hotel guests, we tend to rely much more on the hotel itself, and it has changed our rhythm. We start the day with a generous breakfast, and in the afternoon, around 4:00 p.m., we return to the hotel for the very French goûter (mid afternoon snack). It is an opportunity to recharge and warm up.

In the evening, we love having dinner at The Royal Banquet, where the Mickey crew
comes to greet you, or at La Table de Lumière, inspired by the Château of Versailles. There, royal couples welcome guests and sometimes even share a short dance. For the rest of the day, we keep meals spontaneous and light.

In the past, we would always book at least one character meal inside the parks, for example dinner at Plaza Gardens Restaurant or lunch at Auberge de Cendrillon. These meals are wonderful anchors during the day and are enchanting for children. We also enjoy trying new places on a whim, that is how we stumbled upon the delicious Bistrot Chez Rémy.

And of course, spur-of-the-moment snacking is part of the magic. The Christmas market stalls offer traditional treats like pretzels or pommes d’amour. Near Orbitron, you will find freshly popped popcorn. 

Any particular restaurants or food experiences that have become part of your tradition?

Personally, I always start with Goofy’s corn dog the moment I arrive at Disneyland Park. It is a comforting treat that signals that the holidays have officially begun.
We also love taking a sweet pause at Victoria’s Home-Style Restaurant, where the smell of freshly made treats makes a Mickey waffle or a festive bûche cake feel even more special.
Additionally, we always look forward to discovering the annual Christmas cookies.
Sometimes it’s a Mickey or Minnie gingerbread cookie, other times a Frozen-inspired jam-filled treat. They are fun to hunt for and make the sweetest souvenirs for family and friends.

OTHER

Any specific advice or age recommendations?

For the Charlotte Sy Dimby princesses, I would recommend a lesser-known experience that I personally adore: creating a customized tiara. It can be made at La Chaumière des Sept Nains, located just next to Aurora’s Castle. It is a beautiful and meaningful keepsake.

For families planning to have professional photos taken, which I highly recommend as
meaningful souvenirs, I have one important piece of advice: get the PhotoPass as soon as you arrive. Don’t wait. Once purchased, all photos taken during your whole stay are included, whether on attractions or during character meet. However, photos taken before buying the pass cannot be added later. Once you have the PhotoPass, don’t be shy about asking for a few extra shots as you will receive all pictures. At Disney, everyone wants to make your experience magical, and it is very much part of the service.

MAGIC AND ITS MEANING

Traditions

How did your December Disney tradition begin?

Like most beautiful things in life, this tradition began almost by accident. Damian and I had some unexpected time off and were craving an adventure that felt familiar. France felt like the obvious choice, my home country, the one I miss deeply. So, just after the festive celebration of Saint Nicholas Day in the Netherlands, we decided to go to Disneyland Paris for the very first time as a family. It was an instant love story. We were completely swept away by the sense of stepping outside everyday life.
During that stay, my mother’s heart felt even more attuned to my daughter’s, and to my own inner child. The love, the laughter, and the deep sense of connection we experienced as a family were so strong that Damian and I both knew, without needing to say it out loud, that a Christmas tradition had been born.

How do you create excitement before the trip and how do you create memories from it? 

The excitement is with us all year long, in small, everyday moments. Watching a new Disney movie and daydreaming about how the characters come to life in the park. Playing with a Tinker Bell doll while re-enacting the Peter Pan flight. As our trip gets closer, we talk about new attractions, rides we cannot wait to experience again, and characters we hope to meet.

Choosing our outfits is an important part of the anticipation. This year felt especially
meaningful, as we brought to life, together with Charlotte Sy Dimby, Gabrielle’s dream
Disney princess dress: a royal pink-and-blue gown inspired by Versailles ball.
Having both colors felt essential. They are Gabrielle’s favorites and are deeply rooted in
Disney princess symbolism. Disneyland Paris is home to Aurora’s castle, whose fairy godmothers could never agree on which color was best. Cinderella also has two iconic dresses in these very shades, and Gabrielle loves Belle’s pink Christmas gown just as much as her everyday blue dress. We are endlessly grateful for Monique’s open-mindedness and creativity, which allowed this
shared dream to come to life. That dress has become a lasting reminder of our trip.

At home, the memories continue to live with us. In Gabrielle’s playroom, we have created a small “wall of fame” where photos from her character encounters are displayed. We love flipping through her autograph book, signed by the characters, and retelling our adventures together. This year, Santa Claus was without a doubt the highlight!

What do you hope Gabrielle takes away from these Disney experiences as she grows up?

I truly believe that childhood lays the foundation for the adults we become. I hope to pass on to my daughter the idea that enchantment and beauty live in many simple things. Dancing, singing, dressing up, dreaming, sharing a meal, or laughing with a friend.
I also hope these experiences teach her that when the world feels challenging or unkind, it is important to allow yourself to pause and look for your own sparkle. To remember that joy can be chosen, and that it lives within her.
Above all, I hope she carries with her the certainty that she is deeply loved. That she
remembers how much we value fun, lightness, and being a little silly together. And that her inner child, wherever life takes her, never fades.

CHILDHOOD WONDER

In your work, you encounter some of the heaviest realities of the world. How does that
influence your approach to creating magical experiences for Gabrielle?

My work is part of who I am, and it naturally shapes the way I approach motherhood.
Creating magic around Gabrielle sits at the very core of my intention as a mother, because I deeply believe that facing hardship begins with understanding that simple gestures can carry real meaning. Magic exists in many forms, but it often begins with the way we choose to look at the world.
By offering Gabrielle lived experiences of magic, I hope she will one day pass it on to others through her empathy, curiosity, creativity, and the way she cares for those around her. As we raise the next generation, I hope the magic I try to cultivate around Gabrielle will play a small part in shaping a world where girls can shine, and where women can feel safe, fully themselves, and the heroes of their own stories.

What does “Disney magic” actually mean to you as a mother?

For me, as a mother, Disney magic is a way of learning how to move through the world with gumption, grace, and compassion. It is also a gentle way of learning perseverance and reinvention when facing obstacles, values that Disney stories convey beautifully.
In that sense, princesses hold a very special place for me. I had almost forgotten them until my daughter brought them back into my life. Through her eyes, I am in awe of how brave and pioneering they are, each one unapologetically herself, reclaiming her place in the world. They challenge expectations, lead with vision, and are not afraid to get their hands dirty. Above all, they show us the true meaning of care, how to build unexpected friendships, and how to love wholeheartedly. I hope these values will become part of Gabrielle’s world and aspirations.

Why do you think it is important to preserve spaces of pure childhood wonder in today’s world?

More than ever, in today’s world, preserving spaces of pure childhood wonder is a necessity. It is through wonder that we dare to dream. And it is through stories of dreams that we build a better world. When children are encouraged to marvel before they are taught to judge, they learn to approach others with openness rather than fear. They discover that every story holds many layers, and that understanding does not always require agreement. If children grow up with the ability to see wonder before darkness, they may nurture a quiet superpower: the capacity to listen, to imagine, and to care.
That is my wish for Gabrielle, the one my heart holds while she is sound asleep.