Disneyland Paris – Fantasyland — Part 2 — The Dark Rides

The Imagineers did an excellent job when designing Fantasyland. They took the charming aspects found in Disneyland, California and expanded them into a larger space without losing any of its appeal. Now, instead of having a small village, you have a lush countryside. A meandering stream runs through the area and unifies the space. Manicured gardens line its banks and the abundance of greenery has a calming effect on what could have been a frenetic place.

I was so impressed with the beauty of Fantasyland that I took a number of pictures of nothing in particular. The following photos aren’t of any specific attraction; they are of the general area. Take a look for yourself and see of you don’t agree that this is by far the most beautiful of all the Fantasylands.

Disneyland Paris Fantasyland

Disneyland Paris Fantasyland

Disneyland Paris Fantasyland

Disneyland Paris Fantasyland

Disneyland Paris Fantasyland

Disneyland Paris Fantasyland

A “dark ride” is defined as an indoor attraction that uses special lighting to highlight various scenes and sights along the vehicle and passenger’s journey. Although the scenes may be dimly lit and use black lights, they can also be brightly illuminated.

Most people can easily relate that carnival-type attractions such as “Snow White“ and “Peter Pan“ are dark rides. But “it’s a small world“ and “Pirates of the Caribbean“ also fall into this category.

Fantasyland has four “dark” rides, Blanche-Neige et les Sept Nains (Snow-White and the Seven Dwarfs), Les Voyages de Pinocchio (Pinocchio’s Fantastic Journey), Peter Pan’s Flight, and “it’s a small world.” In this blog I’ll be discussing the first three.

Snow-White and the Seven Dwarfs (Blanche-Neige et les Sept Nains)

Disneyland Paris Fantasyland Snow-White and the Seven Dwarfs

This attraction has more similarities to its California cousin than to Florida’s. To begin with, the exteriors are almost identical. The ride is housed in a Black Forrest type castle. From the second story window we can see the Evil Queen peeking out sinisterly at the guests below.

Disneyland Paris Fantasyland Snow-White and the Seven Dwarfs

Along the inside queue you pass a portion of the Evil Queen’s dungeon and can see her potion for poison apples.

Disneyland Paris Fantasyland Snow-White and the Seven Dwarfs

Although the word “Scary” is not in the attraction’s name, this is virtually the same ride that you experience in Florida and California. So, if your little ones are frightened in the U.S. they’ll be frightened in Paris.

Disneyland Paris Fantasyland Snow-White and the Seven Dwarfs

Disneyland Paris Fantasyland Snow-White and the Seven Dwarfs

Of course, like all Disney movies and attractions, a happy ending is in store.

Disneyland Paris Fantasyland Snow-White and the Seven Dwarfs

Pinocchio’s Fantastic Journey

The French name for this attraction is “Les Voyages de Pinocchio“ which translates into “The Voyages of Pinocchio.” However, the English guide maps call this attraction “Pinocchio’s Fantastic Journey” — which is interesting because the California and Tokyo versions of this ride call it “Pinocchio’s DARING Journey.” Go figure.

Disneyland Paris Fantasyland Pinocchio's Fantastic Journey

The exterior of this attraction is also very similar to California’s, however the indoor queue is larger.

Disneyland Paris Fantasyland Pinocchio's Fantastic Journey

Other than that, this ride is almost identical to its overseas cousins. Pinocchio is lured by the cunning Honest John and Gideon to join Stromboli’s puppet show. He escapes to Pleasure Island and is partially turned into a donkey. With the help of Pinocchio’s conscience, Jiminy Cricket, he locates Geppetto and saves him from Monstro. In the end, the Blue Fairy turns Pinocchio into a real boy. Like all Disney dark rides, it helps a lot if you know the story before experiencing the attraction.

Disneyland Paris Fantasyland Pinocchio's Fantastic Journey

Just outside Pinocchio’s Fantastic Journey you’ll find Stromboli’s wagon. It serves as a concessions cart and sells snack foods.

Disneyland Paris Fantasyland Stromboli's Wagon

Next door to Pinocchio’s Fantastic Journey is Au Chalet de la Marionnette (literal translation: With the Country Cottage of the Puppet). This is a counter service restaurant that serves hamburgers, chicken, and salads. Its atmosphere is very similar to the Village Haus Restaurant in California and the Pinocchio Village Haus in Florida. Indoor and outdoor seating is available. There is also access to this restaurant via Adventureland.

Disneyland Paris Fantasyland Au Chalet de la Marionnette

Disneyland Paris Fantasyland Au Chalet de la Marionnette

Peter Pan’s Flight

Disneyland Paris Fantasyland Peter Pan's Flight

Across the river from Au Chalet de la Marionnette we find Peter Pan’s Flight and a trip to Neverland. Just like its U.S. and Japanese cousins, this ride is a perennial favorite. This is the only attraction in Fantasyland that uses Fastpass and it is strongly suggested that you take advantage of it.

The exterior of Peter Pan’s Flight is reminiscent of the California version, but on a larger scale. English Tudor is the architectural style used to set the mood before your flight to Neverland.

Disneyland Paris Fantasyland Peter Pan's Flight

Disneyland Paris Fantasyland Peter Pan's Flight

Disneyland Paris Fantasyland Peter Pan's Flight

All of the Peter Pan attractions worldwide are very similar. You start your journey in the nursery of the Darling home then fly above the skies of London. Then it’s off to Neverland to meet mermaids, Indians, Mr. Smee and Captain Hook.

An interesting note, the ride vehicles in Paris hold four guests (in a front and back seat) instead of two as they do in Florida, California, and Japan. This helps with ride capacity, but you should still Fastpass this attraction.

Disneyland Paris Fantasyland Peter Pan's Flightpg

Disneyland Paris Fantasyland Peter Pan's Flight

Toad Hall Restaurant

Just around the corner from Peter Pan we find the country mansion of Mr. Toad. This stately manor houses a counter service restaurant. As you might guess, Fish & Chips are the featured menu item here.

Disneyland Paris Fantasyland Toad Hall Restaurant

Disneyland Paris Fantasyland Toad Hall Restaurant

Disneyland Paris Fantasyland Toad Hall Restaurant

This is a fun place to eat. The theming is exceptional and everywhere you look you can find references to the egotistical Mr. Toad. Even the wallpaper pays homage to this crazy character. Since this restaurant is at the back of Disneyland Paris, it is often less crowded than other eateries.

Disneyland Paris Fantasyland Toad Hall Restaurant

Disneyland Paris Fantasyland Toad Hall Restaurant

Disneyland Paris Fantasyland Toad Hall Restaurant

Disneyland Paris Fantasyland Toad Hall Restaurant

Disneyland Paris Fantasyland Toad Hall Restaurant

In my next blog I’ll discuss Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Mad Hatter’s Tea Cups, and Alice’s Curious Labyrinth.

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6 Replies to “Disneyland Paris – Fantasyland — Part 2 — The Dark Rides”

  1. Hi Jack, I was wondering if they use single rider lines at Disneyland Paris?

    Jack’s Answer:

    You’re in luck. Some of the more popular rides, like Space Mountain, have singer rider lines.

  2. Just keep scrolling these blogs time after time. Even we live only a 4 hours drive from the Disney magic in Paris I love reading as much as possible.

    And only know it struck me: the fourth picture from below (the knight standing) is not inside Toad Hall Restaurant but actually in the Snow White shop (La Chamière des Sept Nains, The Seven Dwarfs mine).

    Furthermore the painting in your second picture from below is an alternating picture of Toad in three different outfits. Just be patient and keep looking.

  3. I just got back from DLRP and had a fantastic time! I think it is the most beautiful of the three Magic-Kingdom parks (CA, FL, and now Paris) that I have been to, and Fantasyland is probably the most attractive area — although I was quite taken with Adventure Isle and Pirates of the Caribbean.

    Thank you for the restaurant recs. I wound up eating at Walt’s and had a fantastic dinner there.

  4. I love the pictures of Fantasyland!!! Just a little over a month until my family goes to Paris . I am so excited, thanks (again) in part to you and your blog!!!

  5. Your review and description of Disneyland Paris continue to be by far the best of ANYWHERE I can find, and because of this I have added you to my favourites and continue to read other blogs of yours from the past!

    Dave

    p.s. Voyage(s) translated from French to English actually means travel(s) meaning the correct translation is The Travels of Pinocchio.